T41p 2373GGU vs. T42 2378FVU

[davidlg16]

Please help me choose between the T41p 2373GGU and T42 2378FVU

T41p 2373GGU
Processor : P M 1.7GHz (1MB L2 cache) <----1M cache
Hard Drive : 60GB HDD (7200 RPM) <----------bigger, faster
RAM : 512MB RAM <-----------------------more ram
CD/RW/DVD: 16x10x24/8x CD-RW/DVD
Wireless : 802.11/b Wireless(MPCI) <----dont really need g
BlueTooth : Bluetooth/Modem(CDC) <-----dont care about bluetooth, but nice to have
LCD : 14.1SXGA+(1400x1050)
AGP : 128MB FireGL T2 <--------------better card
OS : Windows XP Pro
Battery: 9 Cell Li-Ion Battery <----------last longer
Warranty: 1 yr <-------------------cannot renew
about $1400 + no tax = $1400
Will buy from a reputable eBay seller with 100+ positive feedback from similar TP sales, product listed as recertified/refurbished i guess.

T42 2378FVU
Processor : P M 1.7GHz (2MB L2 cache) <--------2M cache
Hard Drive : 40GB HDD (5400 RPM) <-------------slower, smaller
RAM : 256MB RAM <---------------------------less ram
CD/RW/DVD: 16x10x24/8x CD-RW/DVD
Wireless : Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
BlueTooth : no bluetooth
LCD : 14.1SXGA+(1400x1050)
AGP : ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 - 64 MB <---good enuf
OS : Windows XP Pro
Battery: 6 Cell Li-Ion Battery <---neat look
Warranty: 1 yr <-------------------can renew
$1484 + $120tax = $1604
Will buy from IBM direct with student discount
If I can get EPP, it'll be $1402 + tax = $1514, but not counting on it.

*I think both have about the same speed, 1mb cache on the T41p can be compensated with faster hd and more ram?

*dont care about bluetooth.

*battery choice is a draw for me

*T41p does have a better graphics card, but 9600 is good enuf for me

*T41p is about $200 bucks cheaper, but not direct from IBM and refurbished, and no renewal of warranty after 1 yr

*wireless b is good enuf for me, no need for network transfer, plus my home router is b anyway.

*purpose of the laptop is to be used at home/school library.

*mostly used for word processing, websurfing, watching dvds, and photoshop.

Does the T41p and T42 look different physically?

[Leon]

they physically look the same, but if you can get the New T42 from IBM for $114 more than a Refurb from Ebay, its a "no brainer".... go for the new machine,you will also have 30 day return option if there are any issues...

[dfumento]

...issues like "dead" or "stuck" pixels which you can find by running IBM's PCDoctor video test.

[davidlg16]

Just ordered the 2378FVU thru IBM w/student discount...
I think I read somewhere on this forum that you can call IBM before delivery and ask them to make sure that i have a Thai keyboard?
and if not, they might be able to swap in one?

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks
David

[Leon]

you might be able to check, bu they will NOT swap parts prior to delivery.....