Need to replace T43p, TONIGHT!!!

Message

kduniverse · #1 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:19 pm

Due to some coupons I have found, I'd like to purchase tonight. I'm replacing my dead T43p. I'm torn between the X series and the T's. I really like the size of the X30x, but I'm used to my T43p size.

I'm using this for internet, real estate purposes, presentations, etc. It will be used to travel a lot. The size of my old laptop never stopped me from traveling, so that's not a concern really. Any advice? It's a real pain not being able to see them before hand.

My main concern is not being happy with the size screen on the X series. Someone tell me it's ok!

kduniverse · #2 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:52 pm

How does this look? I noticed from reading the boards that a lot of people here have opinions on what graphics cards, wifi cards, etc to use or to stay away from. I don't know much about this kind of stuff, I just want a solid system that is very respectable......and won't be totally obsolete in a week.

Remove 2081CTO ThinkPad T500 - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
Edit
Ships within 9 bus. days**

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W1
Genuine Windows Vista Business with Windows XP Professional Downgrade****12
15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)5
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)10
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable65
6 cell Li-Ion Battery60
2081: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller7
Processor1 Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
Operating system 12 Genuine Windows Vista Business with Windows XP Professional Downgrade****
Operating system language Genuine Windows Vista Business with Windows XP Professional Downgrade US English
Display type 15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
System graphics ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB
Total memory8 2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboards Keyboard US English
Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Hard Drive4 160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device 5 DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
Card Reader 7 in 1 Media Card Reader
System expansion slots Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Bluetooth Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Wireless card10 Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)
Battery60 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Country Pack Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter
Language pack Language Pack US English

41C9170 3 year depot 9x5 Next Business Day

kduniverse · #3 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:15 pm

Processor is considerably different. But, how much of a difference will it be?

Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

Remove 6476CTO ThinkPad X300 - 1 Year Depot Warranty

Intel Core 2 Duo SL7100 (1.2GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)1
Genuine Windows Vista Business12
13.3 WXGA+ TFT (1440x900 LED backlight) 3x3 UltraConnect II
Intel® Graphics Media Adapter X3100
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
64 GB Solid State Drive4
ThinkPad X300 Series 3 Cell LiPolymer Bay Battery5
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)10
None65
ThinkPad X300 Series 3 Cell LiPolymer Battery60
6476: Topseller - 1 Yr Depot Warranty7
Processor1 Intel Core 2 Duo SL7100 (1.2GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
Operating system12 Genuine Windows Vista Business
Operating system language Genuine Windows Vista Business US English
Display type 13.3 WXGA+ TFT (1440x900 LED backlight) 3x3 UltraConnect II
System graphics Intel® Graphics Media Adapter X3100
Total memory8 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
Keyboards Keyboard US English
Pointing device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera 1.3 Megapixel Integrated Camera
Hard Drive4 64 GB Solid State Drive
Fixed Bay Device5 ThinkPad X300 Series 3 Cell LiPolymer Bay Battery
Bluetooth Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Wireless Card10 Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
Battery60 ThinkPad X300 Series 3 Cell LiPolymer Battery
Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Language Pack Language Pack US English

#4 Post by **GomJabbar** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:03 pm

I did not do a lot of research, but when I looked recently, the T300 would be my likely choice to replace my T42.

I still have just over a year left on my warranty, so I don't plan to replace my T42 just yet.

kduniverse · #5 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:58 pm

I'm not seeing the T300 on the site.

Should I stay away or look for LED backlit? Any specific processors to look for? Is it "find the fastest one" type of thing or what?

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

#6 Post by **GomJabbar** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:20 pm

My bad.

It was the X300: Customize ThinkPad X300 with DVD Burner

kduniverse · #7 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:25 pm

aaah! Ok.

And you don't see a problem with the processor, display type, etc?

#8 Post by **GomJabbar** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:29 pm

Well, they don't make 'em like they used to. I'm still partial to my T42 with it's 14.1" SXGA+ 1400x1050 4:3 display.

Like I said, I have not done much research on this, but the X300 seems closest to what I have now in a newer model.

kduniverse · #9 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:31 pm

I hate decisions like these.

sparta.rising · #10 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:49 pm

If you are traveling a lot, go with the X300, you will be very happy with it. But you might want to consider the following:

I think you'll fine the T500 to be a bit of a beast. The difference in size and weight between the T500 and X300 is considerable, and there is a compromise, the T400. If you are going from a 14" T43, you'll find the T500 significantly heftier.

Is your T43p a 14.1" or 15"? SXGA+ or UXGA? If it was a 14.1" SXGA+ you will find the X300 to have a very similar pixel density. If you had a UXGA 15", the T500 will have a similar pixel density.

With the T500 you are getting a lot more performance for your dollar, but at the sacrifice of weight. If the most intensive thing you are doing is powerpoint presentations you should find the X300 more than adequate.

The T500 CCFL display will be inferior to the X300 LED display in terms of brightness. If your T43p had a flexview display, you'll find they might both be inferior in terms of color and viewing angle, but someone with more X300 experience could verify that better than me.

kduniverse · #11 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:08 pm

Ok, my T43 has a 15" SXGA.

Mostly being used for preparing contracts, viewing MLS, internet, etc. Some powerpoint, but a lot of Office docs.

That's my concern. The difference in processor speed looks huge to me, but then again, i know nothing.

kduniverse · #12 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:07 pm

Any last minute advice or suggestions? I'm getting ready to push the button.

sparta.rising · #13 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:45 pm

Here is a benchmark of the Core Duo U2500 1.2GHz CPU, which is an older CPU with same same clock frequency but smaller cache and FSB.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup. ... 40+1.20GHz

You'll note that it scores better than the Pentium M 2.26GHz CPU. Your T43p probably had at max that processor. So if you were happy with the performance of the T43p, you should be happy with the performance of the X300.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong in this comparison.

kduniverse · #14 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:47 pm

Thank you,

Also, I'm confused about the led vs. ccfl argument. Any suggestions?

ajkula66 · #15 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:51 pm

My suggestion would be a T400 with a WXGA+ LED-lit LCD.

Much better CPU than what you get with X300, and closer in size to what you're used to...

Also, the ability to have a regular, large hard drive.

My $0.02 only...

sparta.rising · #16 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:51 pm

LED is brighter, lower power, newer technology. Some users have reported that that screen is "washed out" but the screen I've seen was better than the CCFL screens surrounding it.

sparta.rising · #17 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:54 pm

I'd agree that a T400 with LED screen is pretty nice and more affordable.

A second comment on LED vs CCFL. LED lights are similar to whats in the keychain flashlights and CCFL tubes are a small version of the industrial tube lights you see overhead in businesses.

kduniverse · #18 Post by **kduniverse** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:00 pm

Fantastic, thank you for the recommendations.

mattbiernat · #19 Post by **mattbiernat** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 7:02 am

T400 doesn't have as good reviews as X300

ajkula66 · #20 Post by **ajkula66** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:20 pm

I wasn't going by reviews (which are worthless most of the time) but with my experiences with these two machines, when compared to OP's needs...

kduniverse · #21 Post by **kduniverse** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:46 pm

Well, I still didn't purchase anything. I'm just not convinced I'll appreciate the T400 over the X300. I'm just worried if I buy the X series, i'll be dissapointed with the size, performance, and lcd...

mattbiernat · #22 Post by **mattbiernat** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:28 pm

i've been wondering whether to buy X300 and T400 myself. here is how I see things from what i've researched in this forum and other place.
X300:
- screen quality sucks but it is comparable to T60 and so I can live with it.
- only 64GB SSD
- processor is only 1.2GB but if you are mostly using it for office and occasional movies you will be fine
- overall the build quality seems to be much better than T400
T400
- keyboard flex (which is fixable)
- palm rest flex
- LCD is better than that of X300
- screen is bigger by .8 of an inch
- bigger hard drive

kduniverse · #23 Post by **kduniverse** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:55 pm

Ok, this is where i'm stopping myself from pulling the trigger. The processor speed. Will I regret not getting the most for my dollar? I don't think I ever watched a movie on my T43. The most use it will get is internet, and multiple .pdf, docs, and other files open at once. Will I have an issue?

mattbiernat · #24 Post by **mattbiernat** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:23 pm

from what i've read no. we won't have an issue (im getting X300 myself).
there are several factors that determine computer speed:
- graphic card (if you are doing graphic intensive tasks)
- amount of RAM
- processor speed
- hard drive
the biggest bottle neck in computer speed is the hard drive. unless you put into T400 an SSD your X300 should as fast as T400 or even faster at opening docs/pdfs and everyday windows operations.

here is a good post: read it before you buy and see what others have said about X300.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... board+flex
you can do similar search for T400 or T500 and see what people have to say.

kduniverse · #25 Post by **kduniverse** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:30 pm

Sounds great then!

Need to replace T43p, TONIGHT!!!

Need to replace T43p, TONIGHT!!!

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