Is my T40 worth keeping?

[atct86]

I am thinking about doing a processor upgrade to my T40. However the overall is questionable.

Im trying to determine the wekpoints of my system wor the future compared to the newer T42 and T43's

My specs can be found in my profile.

[AlphaKilo470]

Unless oyu are into hardcore gaming, which is not what the ThinkPads are intended for, or if you are into something else that is extremely taxing on the systemj resources and you absolutely need what's latest, there really is no reason to upgrade for the time being. Since we have had such a slowdown in technology advancement over the past 3 or 4 years, I'd say anyone with a 1.5ghz processor really haven't any real reason or need for upgrading to a new system until Longhorn is released from Microsoft.

[K. Eng]

Whether you will benefit from an upgrade depends on the tasks you are doing on your ThinkPad. A faster processor will net you gains in compiling, scientific computing, and multimedia content creation (3D, animation, video editing, audio/video encoding), but won't benefit you much anywhere else.

You have 1GB of RAM and a 7200RPM hard disk. The only advantage a T42 might offer would be the Active Protection System and a Dothan Pentium M, and the T43 offers IMO no advantage over the T42 at this time.

I would hazard a guess that you probably don't need to upgrade for some time unless your video card (I presume you meant Radeon 7500 as there is no Mobility 9500 model) is inadequate for your games.

[atct86]

I mainly use my laptop for internet, email, and for using MS office applications. I will occasionally use Photoshop for minor editing.

However I just purchased a mini-DV camera, and have done some experimenting with video editing.

[etherealtml]

If you're serious about video editing, you're much better off investing in a desktop system. Much easier to upgrade, much more powerful than any laptop, and parts are much cheaper. Plus, a CRT monitor is superior to any LCD when it comes to graphics, any professional would agree.

[ehd]

i do graphic design and i think just in general now that everyone uses lcds you might as well design in lcd so you'll know how it looks =P sometimes pics look messed up on lcds that were made on crt... and crt i think is gonna die.. too much power consumption, too much space... arent they making some organic lcd now too.. yea... anyways im using the 12" powerbook right now and this things pretty good at the whole video editing thing if ur into that.

[Paul Unger]

Gee, based on the subject heading I thought you were trying to give your T40 away Cuz, you know, I'd be happy to relieve you of it! Doing work in the Solomons (hot, humid, salt air), one can always use a spare . . .

Paul

[AlphaKilo470]

i do graphic design and i think just in general now that everyone uses lcds you might as well design in lcd so you'll know how it looks =P sometimes pics look messed up on lcds that were made on crt... and crt i think is gonna die.. too much power consumption, too much space... arent they making some organic lcd now too.. yea... anyways im using the 12" powerbook right now and this things pretty good at the whole video editing thing if ur into that.

For video editing, CRT is the only way to go. Most people still have CRT televisions, not to mention that the standard in the news industry and video industry is still CRT's. Graphics, however, while you're best off with a CRT, the industry in the past two years has been opening up to LCD's. If you really want to get serious about graphics, take a look at some of Apples new wide screen cinema displays, they are sweet.

Now, for organic displays, while OLED's are developing rapidly and probably will take the place of CRT's and LCD's, that probably won't happen for another 5 or so years, which is plenty of time for your CRT to pay itself off. For now, not only do CRT's have a clearer picture, they also go at higher resolutions and cost less money. Oh, and OLED's (Organic Light Emmiting Diode) are not the same thing as an LCD, for the individual OLED in the OLED screens emmits light in the color being displayed, thus eliminating lots of power consumption, the visibility issue in daylight, te viewing angle issue and the need for a backlight. Also, unlike LCD's, OLED displays can be printed on sheets, which will eliminate high prices, hopefully.