What to buy...t42/3 or x40

[scase]

I am going to be doing a lot of traveling in the next few months. I currently have a Dell 8200 brick that I am happy to say is going to be put to rest. I have never had a DVD player on a notebook and am curious if after the first few cross country flights, people actually watch movies on their computer.

Also, since I have never seen one in person, is the X40 really that much more portable than the T series?

[aamsel]

I don't travel, but I also have debated (with myself) the X vs T series thing for some time.
I suggest that you download TABOOK.PDF at:
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pcinstitute/psref/
and look at the weight and dimensions of each model. Then take your current Dell 8200 and tape off the X and T dimensions on the cover with masking tape and compare. The T series is a very light, thin 14.1" notebook, and the X40 is a very light 12". Each series has a lighter shorter-life battery, and a heavier longer-life battery. Depending on which you get, the X40 can be close to 1/2 the weight of the T42. If you have an accurate scale, grab some books and try to equate the weight of each tucked under your arm. TABOOK will give you all the specs.
Good luck!

YES, the X40 is much more portable, but the T42 is very portable also. It all comes down to the screen size and your need for a CD-RW/DVD drive. Also, you can get a Lacie or other portable DVD drive that weighs less than a pound, but it might be a PITA to whip out your portable drive on a plane.

People I see on airplanes are usually working on Word documents or Excel spreadsheets, although I am sure that there are some that watch movies.

Andrew
Austin, TX

I am going to be doing a lot of traveling in the next few months. I currently have a Dell 8200 brick that I am happy to say is going to be put to rest. I have never had a DVD player on a notebook and am curious if after the first few cross country flights, people actually watch movies on their computer.

Also, since I have never seen one in person, is the X40 really that much more portable than the T series?

[plucky duck]

Why choose? Get both! heh

I was at the same cross-road before. Got the X31 with the media slice and it felt very bulky with it. Alone, it was very light and portable. Returned it for a T42p. Amazingly, the T42p was very slim and light as well, especially compared to my previous dinosaur Inspiron 8100 9lb monster.

Having a CDROM/DVD-R is very useful for me. Yet there are times when I don't need it and just want to surf the internet. It's those times when I long for the smaller X31/X40.

I see a X40 in my future as well, hopefully not too distant.

Travelling with the T42p on the plan wasn't very comfortable. Yes it was light, but it's physical size puts the screen in an awkward angle since the space between myself and the seat infront of me was cramped. I couldn't open it fully 90* without bringing the laptop closer to my chest. With the X31/X40 that would not be an issue at all.

[jolou]

If you travel don't hesitate, go for the X40. I just said goodbye to my Dell Inspiron 8000, after 4 years of loyal service. When the X40 1.4 LV arrived I put both next to each other and the difference in size and weight is just unbelievable. And it's not just the laptop, but also consider the much smaller and lighter power brick + a short power cord (don't worry, the thin cord from the power brick to the laptop is long enough). I could also dump my pcmcia wireless card, my bluetooth stick, my usb-light, a pcmcia with USB2 ports. All of which is built into the X40.

On the other hand I did buy several X40 accessories (Ultrabase, Extra HDD in Ultrabay, DVD writer in Ultrabay). On longer trips I take the Ultrabase with me. Even then it's still useable on a flight in coach class (using the Dell 8000 was just impossible).

[ThinkPadX40]

Choose T42p and enjoy!!!


I bought X40 but I heard T42 after buying and I am so regretful

X40 has no CD rom drv.

its so small no need like size

T42 (especially T42p) 14.1'' is very good choose

[middle14]

I have used an X20 (basically same size as X31) for 18 months and bought an X31 which will arrive tomorrow. I am on at least 2 planes each week. The weight and size difference make this form factor a must, the larger T series is just too hard to work on in a plane seat. I have no problem with the 12" screen, I'm so used to it. I rarely miss an optical drive, I have one at home but rarely need it when traveling, I'm not the sort that would watch movies anyway.

For lots of travel the X series is the way to go.

[htorres]

just got an x40...wow..that thing is small! When i first pulled it out of the box i was simply amazed at how tiny it looked. I was actually happy to add the 8 cell battery because it finally gave it some heft....overall just a great form factor if you want portability..and after all that is why people get the x40 now isnt it? I went back and watched the cnet video and [censored] the one on the video looked bigger to me.....I bought an external dvd writer...some extra ram from good old crucial....a wireless optical mouse..and now we are good to go....and...my daughters think Dad is a hero again......i am in tall cotton kids........

[LumberJack]

I agree... X series is great if you want a laptop for protability. Personally I decided to get the X31 over X40. It'a bit bigger but it has a sturdier feel to it. plus it's faster.

Personally I only use cd media when installing stuff. and there are enough regular computers anywhere you go to plug into and use their cd so that's not a big deal. plus you get all kinds of awesome features. Really my only bit of complaint is the resolution, which could stand to get a bit bigger.

I think a T series is for for like a "this is my main computer" notebook.

LJ

[ThinkPadX40]

yes scase !!!!

are you live ? say something

you say planning travel but you vill come someday


so my x40 weight is about 1.2 Kg and T42p is 2.2 Kg

believe me 2.2 Kg is nothing

so I seen T42p after buying x40 my head went to wall !!!!

so 2.1Ghz CPU 14.1'' SXGA Display7K60 HDD 2 Gb RAM will be amazing machine

so in the last decision is yours!!!!!!!!