Need a new laptop to replace my T42 - ideas?

[manlymatt83]

I've been struggling along with my T42 for many years now and absolutely love it - it's a 15", it's light-weight, the screen is crisp, and up until a month ago nothing was breaking on it. Now; however, I've had a dead fan, dead motherboard, and bad CDROM drive all in the past few months.... so I think it's starting to get to that point where I need a new laptop.

I'm 99% sure I want to go with IBM (now Lenovo). Perhaps getting a new model Thinkpad would be great. The thing I'm not looking forward to is the wide screen, though I'll probably get used to it after a while.

Can anyone recommend a good model #? I'll use this computer mostly for business - RARELY for games and multimedia, and if I do, it'll be a DVD or something, or listening to an mp3. Solid power, stability, reliability, and durability are probably most important.

[arvo]

It is always a good idea to look for a T60p if you want 4:3 screen ratio. And the flexview screen is also something this model offers. I have not seen a better screen, yet.

You can find it for around 400-550 dollars, flexviews are hard to find but you can get some from ebay.

If you combine it with SSD, it still is bloody fast and will do all you need. The only negative side with it is the hot graphics which makes the fan to spin. I tried but never managed to get the fan to stop working at all. It kicks in half of the time. If the running fan does not bother you, that is the model you want to go for.

Arvo

[Colonel O'Neill]

A T60[p] is a pretty good idea if you're absolutely needing that 4:3 ratio. The slightly outdated hardware might be an issue if you require computational power. As for a hot ATI chip, you can try using AMD GPU Clock tool to downclock the GPU (I've done it on the X100e).

I'd personally get a T410 (especially now that they have Optimus and have a base i5-560M); the 16:10 is an okay compromise if the 4:3 aspect isn't critical. As for the screen, a FlexView isn't too necessary if you're not doing photo editing or need those extreme viewing angles. Speaking as a student, my T400's Samsung WXGA+ LED screen (http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 61#p589261 HNRRGH) is prefectly fine for games, an occasional movie, some mild Photoshopping (non-photo though) and text.

[manlymatt83]

Thanks for the replies everyone.... I just quoted this out. Is it a good deal?

THINKPAD T510 - 1 YEAR DEPOT
SBB INCR I7-620M 2.66GHZ,4MBL3
SBB 15.6HD+ANTI-GLW/LEDBKLIGH
VBB 4GBPC3-10600DDR3 1333SODMM
SBB CAMERA(2.0 MP)
SBB 500GB HDISK DRIVE7200RPM
SBB MULT.RECORD.OPTDRIVE12.7MM
SBB 6CELLLI-ION BATTERY
SBB INT WRLSSWDAREANTWRK UPGR
SBB INTELCENTRINOWIRELESSN1000
$1,104.15

I also noticed the T61p comments. I agree that a 4:3 ratio is ideal for me, but you know what? At some point, I'm going to have to get used to the widescreen. Now is probably better than waiting many more years. The 4:3 ratio is gone, never to return, so I need to get used to not having it.

[pianowizard]

SBB 15.6HD+ANTI-GLW/LEDBKLIGH.....At some point, I'm going to have to get used to the widescreen.

Thinkpads have used two kinds of widescreens: one was 16:10 (which is being phased out), and the other is 16:9. The 16:10 is reasonably wide, but I find 16:9 too wide and many other forum members feel the same too. The T510 that you found is 16:9, and the HD+ resolution is only 1600x900, which is kind of short for viewing documents comfortably. I recommend you to find a T500 or T60 with a 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) screen. The quality of this panel is good, nearly as good as Flexview. 15.4" WSXGA+ was available for the T61 and T61p as well but avoid those because they use NVIDIA graphics, which has proved to have an extremely high failure rate.

[manlymatt83]

Thinkpads have used two kinds of widescreens: one was 16:10 (which is being phased out), and the other is 16:9. The 16:10 is reasonably wide, but I find 16:9 too wide and many other forum members feel the same too. The T510 that you found is 16:9, and the HD+ resolution is only 1600x900, which is kind of short for viewing documents comfortably. I recommend you to find a T500 or T60 with a 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) screen. The quality of this panel is good, nearly as good as Flexview. 15.4" WSXGA+ was available for the T61 and T61p as well but avoid those because they use NVIDIA graphics, which has proved to have an extremely high failure rate.

Makes sense, but if 16:10 is being phased out in place of 16:9, then isn't that just something I should get used to? I'd like a newer laptop. My T42 is really old, and having something new (especially since I'm at the point right now where it is deductible, as I'm doing independent consulting) would really be a good idea.

[killer]

I've been really pleased with the T510 I bought to replace my 15" T43. Harryc's advice was to get the HD+ screen. It was only a few quid extra, and well worth the money as it displays my photos brilliantly. (I often use 16:9 for photos as landscapes are amazing in that format.)

A mate of mine from Australia was here for a short stay. He saw the T510 and said that he would get one for himself when he returns home.

[pianowizard]

Makes sense, but if 16:10 is being phased out in place of 16:9, then isn't that just something I should get used to? I'd like a newer laptop. My T42 is really old, and having something new...

I think it makes more sense to get used to widescreens in two steps, i.e. 16:10 first, and then 16:9. I started using 16:9 only about two months ago (a 10" netbook and a 27" external monitor), and I am still not fully adjusted to it even though I had been using 16:10 for over four years. Migrating to 16:9 straight from 4:3 would have been even more difficult for me, and that may be true for you as well.

The T500 is fairly new, certainly much newer than your T42. It was discontinued only like half a year ago.

[manlymatt83]

I've been really pleased with the T510 I bought to replace my 15" T43. Harryc's advice was to get the HD+ screen. It was only a few quid extra, and well worth the money as it displays my photos brilliantly. (I often use 16:9 for photos as landscapes are amazing in that format.)

A mate of mine from Australia was here for a short stay. He saw the T510 and said that he would get one for himself when he returns home.

How have you dealt with the 16:9 screen? Has it worked out okay for you?

[manlymatt83]

I think it makes more sense to get used to widescreens in two steps, i.e. 16:10 first, and then 16:9. I started using 16:9 only about two months ago (a 10" netbook and a 27" external monitor), and I am still not fully adjusted to it even though I had been using 16:10 for over four years. Migrating to 16:9 straight from 4:3 would have been even more difficult for me, and that may be true for you as well.

The T500 is fairly new, certainly much newer than your T42. It was discontinued only like half a year ago.

Makes sense. If I do decide to go with the T510 though, does the quote above look competitive?

[manlymatt83]

Thinkpads have used two kinds of widescreens: one was 16:10 (which is being phased out), and the other is 16:9. The 16:10 is reasonably wide, but I find 16:9 too wide and many other forum members feel the same too. The T510 that you found is 16:9, and the HD+ resolution is only 1600x900, which is kind of short for viewing documents comfortably. I recommend you to find a T500 or T60 with a 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) screen. The quality of this panel is good, nearly as good as Flexview. 15.4" WSXGA+ was available for the T61 and T61p as well but avoid those because they use NVIDIA graphics, which has proved to have an extremely high failure rate.

Do you mean something like this:

http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/thinkp ... dey03.html

[pianowizard]

Do you mean something like this:

http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/thinkp ... dey03.html

Yes, although I was thinking about eBay, which has many more to choose from and probably much better prices.

[manlymatt83]

Yes, although I was thinking about eBay, which has many more to choose from and probably much better prices.

16:10 versus 16:9 aside, what would you recommend if I'm used to the T42 15" 4:3 screen - the T4xx or the T5xx? The only differences is screen size right? If so, would adjusting down to the 14" be an option?

I do use this for my primary machine - it's my only computer. My apartment is small and I have no room for a PC. So I stare at this thing 8 hours+ a day. It's why I've been hesitant to switch away from the T42 for so long.

[pianowizard]

So I stare at this thing 8 hours+ a day.

So it's really important that you get something with a very good screen. It's still not clear what kind of LCD your dying T42 uses. Would you give us the 7-character product code that's printed on the bottom of the laptop? This code should look something like "2373-CWC".

[manlymatt83]

So it's really important that you get something with a very good screen. It's still not clear what kind of LCD your dying T42 uses. Would you give us the 7-character product code that's printed on the bottom of the laptop? This code should look something like "2373-CWC".

All it says is 2378

P/N is 13R2971

[Bruce Guttman]

What we're looking for is the number from the bottom of the laptop. It will say something like 2373-G4W.

That model number will can be checked to find out what kind of screen you are using now (XGA, SXGA+, or UXGA).

If you can't find a sticker on the bottom of the laptop (or it's been rubbed clear over the years), press F1 when the IBM splash screen comes up during boot. There will be a screen with a lot of information on the machine, including the Part number and serial number. Often they will show as a single number with no spacings so it might look like 2373G4Wxxxxxxx.

Good luck.

[killer]

How have you dealt with the 16:9 screen? Has it worked out okay for you?

16:9 screens are not a problem for me. My TV is 16:9 and I shoot 16:9 photos for landscape.

There seems to be a fixation among people who dislike change that 16:9 is a plot by insurgents to upset the status quo. Far from it ... 16:9 is demanded by people who wish to view DVDs without cropping. I don't watch films on my laptop and the format for cinema is wider than 16:9, and has been since panavision was introduced decades ago.

It took me under a minute to adjust from 4:3 to 16:9.

In summary, I don't understand the fuss. Change is good if you adapt to it. Stand in its way and it will demolish you.

[manlymatt83]

16:9 screens are not a problem for me. My TV is 16:9 and I shoot 16:9 photos for landscape.

There seems to be a fixation among people who dislike change that 16:9 is a plot by insurgents to upset the status quo. Far from it ... 16:9 is demanded by people who wish to view DVDs without cropping. I don't watch films on my laptop and the format for cinema is wider than 16:9, and has been since panavision was introduced decades ago.

It took me under a minute to adjust from 4:3 to 16:9.

In summary, I don't understand the fuss. Change is good if you adapt to it. Stand in its way and it will demolish you.

I actually agree with this statement. If I stick to my 4:3 for much longer, it'll kill me

Do you have the 14" or 15" 16:9? I know this sounds awkward, but could you take a picture of your T42 and 16:9 next to each other so I can see what they look like? I'd even throw you a few cool points via paypal. It'd be good for me to see the comparison.

[manlymatt83]

What we're looking for is the number from the bottom of the laptop. It will say something like 2373-G4W.

That model number will can be checked to find out what kind of screen you are using now (XGA, SXGA+, or UXGA).

If you can't find a sticker on the bottom of the laptop (or it's been rubbed clear over the years), press F1 when the IBM splash screen comes up during boot. There will be a screen with a lot of information on the machine, including the Part number and serial number. Often they will show as a single number with no spacings so it might look like 2373G4Wxxxxxxx.

Good luck.

Looks like 2378FZUL3ABG32

[killer]

@manlymatt83: I had a T43 not a T42. My T43 was 15". The T510 is also 15". I can't take a photo of the T43 next to my T510 without a visit to my mother-in-law. Nevertheless, it is easy to get images from google and compare, or go to a computer shop and take your T42 with you to compare.

If you PM your email address to me then I'll take photos of the T510 on its own and forward them to you.

P.S. It was only a recommendation and not a sales pitch!

[manlymatt83]

@manlymatt83: I had a T43 not a T42. My T43 was 15". The T510 is also 15". I can't take a photo of the T43 next to my T510 without a visit to my mother-in-law. Nevertheless, it is easy to get images from google and compare, or go to a computer shop and take your T42 with you to compare.

If you PM your email address to me then I'll take photos of the T510 on its own and forward them to you.

P.S. It was only a recommendation and not a sales pitch!

Awesome, thank you very much! Sent you my email.

[LegendaryKA8]

I'll put in another vote for a T400 or a T500, whichever you'd prefer to suit your fancy.

The reason I suggest the T400/500 is mainly price, feature set, and temperature. Since you say you don't game one with the Intel X4500 would be just fine; even if you had an MR9600 in your T42 the X4500 will be significantly better. If gaming is something you want to do, the T500 offers a GPU that's significantly stronger than the one in the T410/510. Since these machines are used you can get pretty good deals on them if you're patient; I picked up my T400 for $600 back in February. I also just picked up a T500 a couple of days ago(waiting for it to arrive) for $500. Both of them had high-res screens(1440x900 for the T400, 1680x1050 for the T500) and switchable graphics. Just keep in mind with the 16:10 format the machines are significantly wider. For example, the X200(12.1" wide) takes up almost the same footprint as a 14" 4:3 T-series; the T400 is about as wide as your 15" T42. The T500's about a full inch wider.

Personally I don't like 16:9, especially at lower resolutions. Perhaps I'm one of those people who doesn't take change that well, but I do prefer 16:10 to 4:3. At most resolutions it offers as much(and sometimes more) vertical resolution as a 4:3, and the added width gives me the ability to view two documents side by side. That's one of the main reasons I picked the T500 up; I wanted some more GPU punch without having to go for the wider display.

[manlymatt83]

I'll put in another vote for a T400 or a T500, whichever you'd prefer to suit your fancy.

The reason I suggest the T400/500 is mainly price, feature set, and temperature. Since you say you don't game one with the Intel X4500 would be just fine; even if you had an MR9600 in your T42 the X4500 will be significantly better. If gaming is something you want to do, the T500 offers a GPU that's significantly stronger than the one in the T410/510. Since these machines are used you can get pretty good deals on them if you're patient; I picked up my T400 for $600 back in February. I also just picked up a T500 a couple of days ago(waiting for it to arrive) for $500. Both of them had high-res screens(1440x900 for the T400, 1680x1050 for the T500) and switchable graphics. Just keep in mind with the 16:10 format the machines are significantly wider. For example, the X200(12.1" wide) takes up almost the same footprint as a 14" 4:3 T-series; the T400 is about as wide as your 15" T42. The T500's about a full inch wider.

Personally I don't like 16:9, especially at lower resolutions. Perhaps I'm one of those people who doesn't take change that well, but I do prefer 16:10 to 4:3. At most resolutions it offers as much(and sometimes more) vertical resolution as a 4:3, and the added width gives me the ability to view two documents side by side. That's one of the main reasons I picked the T500 up; I wanted some more GPU punch without having to go for the wider display.

Thanks for the great reply! Since this is my main machine, I don't think a 14" display would cut it for me, but maybe that's because I'm being picky. But it sounds like the T500 would be great.

How do these look to you?

http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/thinkp ... dey03.html
http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/thinkp ... 55xg7.html

Both are nice and cheap, have a one year warranty + free shipping, and have the better display (1680 x 1050). One of those has 4 GB RAM and the other a better CPU, so I'd have to make my decision on which is best ... maybe I'd get the one with the better CPU (more cache) and just upgrade the RAM at a later date if needed.

So what do you think of those two? I'd like to order tonight before their sale ends if possible. Thanks!

-Matt

[Colonel O'Neill]

The 4GB RAM has a 250GB 5400RPM HDD whereas the 2GB one has a 160GB 5400RPM HDD. That said, however, it's a lot easier to upgrade RAM and HDD than it is to update the CPU.

Because you're rarely gaming/'multimediaing', and using it primarily for business, I'd say go for the T9400 (higher power consumption on paper, but has a lot more undervolting potential with RMClock) and the 2GB of RAM. I was okay with 2GB of RAM on my T400 for most of a year, even able to play Crysis. I ended upgrading to 4GB for STALKER Shadow of Chernobyl (the huge environments proved to be a bit too much for 2GB).

If you do go with the faster CPU (and thus smaller HDD), I'd consider buying a larger HDD to replace the 160GB with. Preferably a Scorpio Blue; those things are fast! (I have two in USB enclosures.)

[manlymatt83]

The 4GB RAM has a 250GB 5400RPM HDD whereas the 2GB one has a 160GB 5400RPM HDD. That said, however, it's a lot easier to upgrade RAM and HDD than it is to update the CPU.

Because you're rarely gaming/'multimediaing', and using it primarily for business, I'd say go for the T9400 (higher power consumption on paper, but has a lot more undervolting potential with RMClock) and the 2GB of RAM. I was okay with 2GB of RAM on my T400 for most of a year, even able to play Crysis. I ended upgrading to 4GB for STALKER Shadow of Chernobyl (the huge environments proved to be a bit too much for 2GB).

If you do go with the faster CPU (and thus smaller HDD), I'd consider buying a larger HDD to replace the 160GB with. Preferably a Scorpio Blue; those things are fast! (I have two in USB enclosures.)

I don't use much storage as is - I have maybe 10 GB of stuff. So the smaller hard drive is fine. Furthermore, I want as long of battery life as possible, so wouldn't the 4 GB RAM machine be better?

[LegendaryKA8]

Either one would do pretty well, although if you wanted to upgrade later the CPU would be more expensive(and harder to do) than a 4GB RAM upgrade. That said, 4GB is a good, inexpensive sweet spot; my T400 with 4GB is a little quicker on heavier tasks than my X200 with 2GB; the X200 even has a slightly faster CPU.

I'm running a worse processor(P8400) on my T400 and have absolutely no problems with it in normal use. The T9400 will be a little bit more of a drain on the battery(35W versus the P8700's 25W), so if battery life is a critical factor you might want to go for the P8700. However, the battery life on the T500 is pretty good and batteries are widely available; they use the same ones as the T60.

Both systems you mentioned have hybrid graphics; the HD3650 is actually somewhat more powerful than the NVS3100M the T510 has. You'd be able to do light CAD work and light to medium gaming on this system if you so desire. Hybrid graphics only really work under Vista and Win7; you have to toggle discrete or integrated in the BIOS if you want to use XP. Also, the T500 has a Displayport outlet on the side, making it pretty easy to hook it to an HDTV if you wanted to do that. It'll only output video, though.

If you're willing to look outside the Lenovo outlet and are willing to eBay, there's one more T500 listed in the same auction I got mine from: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWNX:IT

At $500 shipped and about ten months of factory warranty left it's a pretty good deal. I bought it on Monday and it's already being shipped; should reach me on Friday. The processor is the base P8400, though.

To edit: I didn't really take a good look at the HDDs, but the good Colonel is right. HDDs are pretty inexpensive and a good 7200RPM, 500GB drive will set you back less than $100. I used a Hitachi 7K500 in my T400 to very good effect; I only pulled it because I'll be using it in the T500.

[Colonel O'Neill]

The T9400 will be a little bit more of a drain on the battery(35W versus the P8700's 25W), so if battery life is a critical factor you might want to go for the P8700.

My P8700 has been undervolted so that the SuperLFM, 6.0x and 7.0x are all 0.8750V (the minimum permitted). This seems to imply that I can go lower with SuperLFM and 6.0x and potentially 7.0x if the CPU allowed it, but the Pxxxx sets a 0.8750V minimum. I somewhat remember that the Txxxx sets a lower voltage base than the Pxxxx, but I'm not certain on that; but that would imply that the T9400 could potentially be less power hungry than the P8700 after undervolting.

[manlymatt83]

Either one would do pretty well, although if you wanted to upgrade later the CPU would be more expensive(and harder to do) than a 4GB RAM upgrade. That said, 4GB is a good, inexpensive sweet spot; my T400 with 4GB is a little quicker on heavier tasks than my X200 with 2GB; the X200 even has a slightly faster CPU.

I'm running a worse processor(P8400) on my T400 and have absolutely no problems with it in normal use. The T9400 will be a little bit more of a drain on the battery(35W versus the P8700's 25W), so if battery life is a critical factor you might want to go for the P8700. However, the battery life on the T500 is pretty good and batteries are widely available; they use the same ones as the T60.

Both systems you mentioned have hybrid graphics; the HD3650 is actually somewhat more powerful than the NVS3100M the T510 has. You'd be able to do light CAD work and light to medium gaming on this system if you so desire. Hybrid graphics only really work under Vista and Win7; you have to toggle discrete or integrated in the BIOS if you want to use XP. Also, the T500 has a Displayport outlet on the side, making it pretty easy to hook it to an HDTV if you wanted to do that. It'll only output video, though.

If you're willing to look outside the Lenovo outlet and are willing to eBay, there's one more T500 listed in the same auction I got mine from: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWNX:IT

At $500 shipped and about ten months of factory warranty left it's a pretty good deal. I bought it on Monday and it's already being shipped; should reach me on Friday. The processor is the base P8400, though.

To edit: I didn't really take a good look at the HDDs, but the good Colonel is right. HDDs are pretty inexpensive and a good 7200RPM, 500GB drive will set you back less than $100. I used a Hitachi 7K500 in my T400 to very good effect; I only pulled it because I'll be using it in the T500.

Thanks for the reply.

Honestly, I want as much battery life as possible. I'm QUITE happy with the speed of my T42 except that things keep breaking on it =( The motherboard went, so I had it replaced with a used one. The fan went, so I had it replaced. Then the CDRW went, so I had that replaced. Frankly, they are all used parts, so the replacements could all go anytime anyway.

My priorities are long battery life. So if you think the one on eBay will do the trick, and will extend the battery life, I should probably get that. If you think one of the Lenovo outlet ones are better, I should probably grab one of those.

[LegendaryKA8]

You most likely won't notice a difference between a P8400 and a P8700 in terms of either speed or battery life. However, when you buy from the Outlet you're locked into a one-year warranty that can't be extended later if you want to do so. The one I linked you to on eBay is able to have its warranty upgraded if you wished, and is a little over $200 less than the Outlet system. Even spending to upgrade to 4GB of RAM it'll still be less than the Outlet T500. Also, sometimes the Outlet can take a while to ship to you, while this eBay seller sent mine out the next day.

[manlymatt83]

You most likely won't notice a difference between a P8400 and a P8700 in terms of either speed or battery life. However, when you buy from the Outlet you're locked into a one-year warranty that can't be extended later if you want to do so. The one I linked you to on eBay is able to have its warranty upgraded if you wished, and is a little over $200 less than the Outlet system. Even spending to upgrade to 4GB of RAM it'll still be less than the Outlet T500. Also, sometimes the Outlet can take a while to ship to you, while this eBay seller sent mine out the next day.

Good to know.

I'm still tempted to get the new T510. I don't get new computers often, and that guy is only $1100 w/ free shipping. It includes an LCD backlit display (which I don't think this T500 does) and a bunch of other new features that are supposed to increase battery performance (the site says up to 11 hours battery time, but even if that's reduced significantly, I could probably still get 6).

Such a hard decision. I want a new laptop, something that I'm going to easily be able to get used to from my T42. Are there any benefits to the T510 I posted in the original thread that the T500 on eBay won't have? Granted, the quote I got was for 4 GB RAM, so I understand that the eBay T500 only has 2GB.