WTB: T41 or R51

[user303]

Hi, first post for me

Im in the process of getting my first new laptop. I have had the honour with an IBM 600 and it still amazes me with its quality and ruggedness.

my budget for the laptop is max 1300Euro. The main reason for buying the laptop is to replace my rather large setup of audio equipment (drumcomputer, syntheseizers and effects etc).

Ive had everything narrowed down to this R51 model for 1130Euros:
R51 1829-K6G
... but then I found a T41 with these specs for a mere 100 Euros more.

But there are several things that the T41 does not include compared to the R51.

Ive compiled some pro's and cons but I really cant make up my mind:

T41
+ better build, metal frame
+ 3 year warranty
+ I get a good deal
+ lighter in kg's

- only Banias chip
- only 256mb ram
- only 802.11b wireless


R51
+ Dothan processor
+ 100 Euro/$ cheaper
+ 802.11g
+ 512mb ram as one module
+ 5400rpm harddrive

- "only" plastic
- 1 year warranty ( additional 3 years cost 200 Euros/$ )

The things that bug me most with the T41 is that it only has the banias processor, I'll have to upgrade the Ram (extra $$$) and it only has b-wireless function. ( I have a G-network at home, which I plan to use extensivley)
The real pros for the T41 are the 3 year warranty and the better build quality.

Are these reason enough to invest more money and have the "slower" and older machine or should I just stick with the R51?

Id be thankful for any kind of advice.

[cchsiao]

I tried a R50p before. I would say the build quality of R50p is better than T42p (14" version). Well... I can say so because I have one T42p and I bought that R50p for my sister. Don't expect too much on T41's build quality if you wanna compare it to 600 series.

If I really have to choose between these two, I would take R51 because mobility doesn't look like your main concern and R51 has better hardwares than this T41. As for the warranty, you can choose to upgrade it at any date before the original warranty expired, and that should save you some money at least for now.

[user303]

Thank you for your reply and thanks for pointing out that the T series build quality is not the same as the 600 series. I was assuming it was almost the same.

Concerning the warranty. I was the opinion that you had to buy the warranty extension within 30 days of purchase, is this not true?

[BillMorrow]

you do not say which T41 or R51 model you are considering..
there are large differences within each line..

how about a T42 model 2373K9U for 1300 euro's ($1722) plus shipping.. ?

(Pentium M 735, 512MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HDD, 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, IBM 802.11a/b/g wireless(MPCI), Bluetooth/Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint Reader, 6c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro)

[user303]

Hello Bill,

Im refering to the T41 2373-2GG and for the R51 1829-K6G.

That t42 sounds very interresting. Can you tell me where this one can be bought, because its sounds like a terrific deal.

The thing is that I need a german version of this laptop (2373-K9G). So if I can get this laptop in Europe for that price, it would be great.

[BillMorrow]

i had one in stock but its gone now..
can't get them in europe for that price..
only in the USA..
while i DO ship to europe, the shipping and VAT will raise the cost..
though a customer in belgium told me that students importing computers do not pay VAT or customs..

[user303]

Hi Bill,

well thanks

Then I'll go with the R51. Not much else which is compareable in that pricerange.

[BillMorrow]

i have a bunch of 2373GVU's on sale at $2299..
might toss in free shipping..

MUCH better than the R51..

[thePCxp]

What do you mean that the 2373GVU is better than the R51?
I have an R51 and I am proud to have it!
I don't care if the T is better than the R. I think that both th R and T are good because I think that all of the ThinkPad series are good.

[BillMorrow]

my goodness..
i hit a nerve there..
sorry, did not mean to do so..

but the 2373GVU IS a superior thinkpad model to the R51 that you mention..

but then too the cost for yours was less than the original cost for the 2373GVU..

specs on the R51:
P M 725, 256MB RAM, 80GB 4200rpm HDD, 15 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 9000, CD/DVD Multi-Burner, IBM 802.11a/b/g wireless(MPCI), Bluetooth/Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, IEEE 1394, 6 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

specs on the T42p (GVU):
P M 745, 512MB RAM, 60GB 7200rpm HDD, 14.1 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, 128MB ATI FireGL T2, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD(slim), IBM 802.11a/b/g wireless(MPCI), Bluetooth/Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, 9 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

while i do not know how any of these features present on the GVU you would actually want, it IS a faster and lighter thinkpad model..

sorry to offend, but facts are facts..
or, in this case, specs are specs..

i gave my wife (my love) an old and dusty 760ED for her email..
it is perfect for her since thats all she does and she is still learning how to use a computer..
i could have given her a new T42 or one of these T42p GVU's but it would be wasted on her at this time and i would just wind up selling it to a customer sooner or later..

so, all i am trying to illustrate is to each his own..
for you an R51, for my wife an old 760ED and for others T42's or even T42p's..

[user303]

oh my,

I'd be saving an arm and a leg if I lived in the states. Bills's deal is great.
In mainland Europe these machines cost 1000Euros / 1300US$ more!!!!

Only if I werent on such a tight budget. Time to finish college and get a job