Does this sound good for a freshman college laptop?

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Stunt101 · #1 Post by **Stunt101** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:03 pm

For about $1580, I can get the following from my college:

X40 PM1.2 512MB 40GB CDRWDVD XGA XP
IBM '2371HU1'
CLOSE WINDOW

- IBM ThinkPad X40 2371
- Pentium M 1.2 GHz
- L2 1 MB
- RAM 512 MB
- HD 40 GB
- CD-RW/DVD
- Mdm 56 Kbps
- LAN EN, Fast EN, Gigabit EN, IBM 802.11b/g wireless and Bluetooth
- X4 Ultrabase
- Win XP Pro
- 12.1" TFT XGA

Technical Specifications
Product Description IBM ThinkPad X40 2371 - Pentium M 1.2 GHz - 12.1" TFT
Recommended Use Small business
Dimensions (WxDxH) 3 10.5 in x 9.3 in x 1.06 in
Weight 2 2.7 lbs
Localization United States
Processor 1 Intel Pentium M 1.2 GHz
Cache Memory 1 MB - L2 cache - Advanced Transfer Cache
RAM 512 MB (installed) / 1 GB (max) - DDR SDRAM - DDR266/PC2100 - 133 MHz
Storage Hard Drive 1 x 40 GB - internal
Optical CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Ultrabay Slim Drive.
Ultrabase ThinkPad X4 Ultrabase Dock ThinkPad
Display 12.1" TFT active matrix - 24-bit (16.7M colors)
Video Output Intel Extreme 64MB max
Audio Output Sound card - stereo
Telecom 4 Network / modem combo - CDC - 56 Kbps
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, IBM 802.11b/g wireless, Security Chip
Input Device Keyboard, TrackPoint with "Press-to-Select"
Power AC 100/240 V ( 50/60 Hz ) 56W
Battery 8 cell lithium ion, battery life 7.5hours
Operating System Microsoft Win XP Pro / preinstalled
Manufacturer Warranty Three years parts and labor (system battery: one year) Customer Carry-in Repair or ThinkPad EasyServ

I am not a gamer, and I will likely use this laptop for browsing the web, watching dvds, and using MSOFFICE. In my dorm, I will either get a 17" Widescreen LCD TV or a 19" regular lcd (which one is better?). Also, because in the technical information it says the base is an x4 ultrabase and that the machine comes with a cdrw/dvd combo, does that mean that the ultrabase/media slice is included?

Thanks in advance for the help.

P.S., I am also considering buying a t42p instead.

pat · #2 Post by **pat** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:08 pm

You should get the lowest RAM possible then buy some from somewhere else and upgrade. It's a lot cheaper.

Stunt101 · #3 Post by **Stunt101** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:17 pm

The laptops are preconfigured, and 512 is the only option I have.

If I buy ram from a separate retailer, does it void my warranty?

I can buy additional ram through the college arrangement:

512 PC2700 CL2.5 NP DDR SDRAM SODIMM
IBM 31P9832 $169.00 regular $118.00 my price

Is this a good deal? In addition, is the factory RAM in one or two slots? I mean, will I have to remove a 256 mb piece to install the 512?

Txiasaeia · #4 Post by **Txiasaeia** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:32 pm

I'm pretty sure the X40 has only one slot total; the X31 has two.

dmccart · #5 Post by **dmccart** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:53 pm

The X40 only has one memory slot so you won't be able to upgrade it without throwing out what comes with it

rbmartin · #6 Post by **rbmartin** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:56 pm

I think the preconfigured memory is soldered to the motherboard. There is one slot but it comes empty.

pat · #7 Post by **pat** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:34 pm

rbmartin wrote:I think the preconfigured memory is soldered to the motherboard. There is one slot but it comes empty.

Agreed. I originally had 256, and I popped in a 512 stick into the empty slot.

cynic · #8 Post by **cynic** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:11 pm

rbmartin wrote:I think the preconfigured memory is soldered to the motherboard. There is one slot but it comes empty.

Agreed too. In order to be able to have the max RAM in there on an X40 you need to order a model with 512MB (since this is soldered to the board) That way you have an open slot to fill later with 3rd party RAM and you can hit the max of 1.5GB. Otherwise the max is 1.25GB.

Obviously, the soldered RAM is unremovable and it sits out of access to the end user.

Also, no, 3rd party RAM does not effect the warranty at all.

Guest · #9 Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:46 pm

What does the T41 or T42 come with two slots? Also does it void the warranty if you upgrade. I also have college options.

cynic · #10 Post by **cynic** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:41 pm

The T4x series has 2 slots, both user configurable (the X40 also has 2 slots technically, just one isn't user configurable and is soldered in place permanently)

Changing RAM or hard drives does not affect the warranty in anyway.

Stunt101 · #11 Post by **Stunt101** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 2:08 am

So, if I have 512 in the base configuration:

will having 1.5 gigs be significantly superior to 1 gig of ram? Also, does more ram = less battery time? I am not a computer specialist, so I appologize for any stupid questions.

ldbobby · #12 Post by **ldbobby** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 3:52 am

Forget about how much cheaper it is with less ram...... do you guys see the price he's getting this thing for? O_O

#13 Post by **erik** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:05 am

Stunt101 wrote:So, if I have 512 in the base configuration:

will having 1.5 gigs be significantly superior to 1 gig of ram? Also, does more ram = less battery time?

honestly, 512 is going to be more than enough to surf the web and use office -- my s30 does that flawlessly with only 256mb. on my R50p, i run very ram-intensive cad apps like solidworks and autocad on 1gb without a hiccup.

remember, you can always upgrade later.

-erik

Does this sound good for a freshman college laptop?

Does this sound good for a freshman college laptop?

only one slot

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