Purchase T42 or T41p

Forum members,
When it comes to computers I am technologically challenged. I decided upon the purchase of the T series ThinkPad because despite its price it appears to be one of the best laptops. [My primary use is word processing, {I do quiet a bit of research and writing} then surfing the web + email. I am waiting for the release of the T42 before buying my first laptop. In the past I have only used desktop computers.
Some T42 specifications have already been posted for incoming students at several universities (e.g., UNC, NYU etc) Are the specs for the T42 significantly better than those of the T41p? The NYU computerstore does have any listing for a T42p. So, that model may not be released until fall or winter of 2004. Other than getting a newest model laptop what is the real advantage of the T42 over the T41p? Are the new bells and whistles (the dothan, graphics chipset etc) worth it?
Additionally, what is it the advantage of purchasing a ThinkPad directly from IBM? The IBM direct price is higher than any other website. IBM, however, does provide a thirty day return policy. On the other hand, we can purchase a brand new ThinkPad from a third-party with the standard IBM three year warranty on parts and labor - system battery 1 year - for a significantly reduced purchase price. These third parties retailers, however, will not permit any return of the laptop.
Please excuse the long dialogue, but is it better value to purchase the T42 or the T41? And where is the best place to purchase your new ThinkPad - from IBM or from third-parties? Your advise will be greatly appreciated.
Paco

 

I was thinking about getting the t41 for the longest time too, but then came along the t42 out of the blue. Anyhow, looking at the specs of the two, there isn't much different. Of course there are upgrades like a 15" screen, flexview display, and a faster more and efficient dothan processor. The new dothan processor are faster and more energy efficient, albeit, not by much. Considering the new features, the t42 isn't a huge update and you're basically getting the same features that the t41 offers. I guess you have to figure out if those extras are worth it, but if you notice, the prices between the t41 and t42 isn't that great, maybe a couple of hundred. As to best place to buy a t42 or t41, I'd say go through IBM's shareholders program. You save an additional 300 bucks against their web price and you can also customize the system to your liking. Also, if you are really budget conscience, you can get an express model barebones system and add your own memory and harddrive, that's what I'm doing. Though the express models only have a one year warranty.

 

Sorry I can't find the links, but I thought the Dothan is more efficient at high loads and less efficient everywhere else (low loads and sleep mode).

And some express models have a 3 year warranty, my T41 does anyway.

 

Yeah, I mentioned that is was faster and more energy efficient as the benchmarks do indicate, but measuring by regular human perception, I don't think you will notice much of a difference. Anyhow, the upgrade to the new t42 is only a couple of hundred dollars above a comparable t41. I went with a t42 primarily for the flexview display and larger screen, but the extra speed and efficiency is nice too

 

I too am in the same perdicament. I was pretty much set on a T41 maybe T41p,
and then T42 is announced. The 15" UXGA and maybe the multiburner are what I am really
interested in.

Anyway as of now I am leaning toward waiting for the T42 since the price difference isn't
that great.

I have configured a T42 on there site but have to do all kinds of stuff to get to it.
I am having a hard time navigating the IBM site sometimes.

Harryhermit, I noticed you posted the shareholders program info. I followed the link
and have not been able to find a way to configure or even find a t42 via that link.
Is that offer applicable to the T42 cause is knocks off about $200. Also can that
code be used by anyone, ie. myself, even though I am not a shareholder of IBM?

Any comments and answers are welcome and encouraged. TIA.

 

Hmm, yeah that's strange. All the t42s seem to have been taken off even off the regular IBM pages. Maybe too much demand? I know my laptop is going to take 4 weeks to get to me and I ordered on the same day it was released.

 

HarryHermit
Thanks for the advise. The t41p appears to be the best for me.[8D] Flexview is not that big of a concern. In fact, I prefer the 14" screen which is slightly smaller and therefore more portable. Isn't the reason for getting a lightweight notebook? Can you think of being is some cramped quarters e.g., a plane and the person in front of you sets their seat back all the way. Your 15" screen may now be directly in your chest. [V] Frankly, the recent modifications on the T42 do not significantly differ from those on the T41p. Most folks wouldn't see the difference in using either machine. Moreover, I am not one who needs to have the most recent model. . . don't forget the T50 will be released soon and it will shortly be followed by even newer models each with more improvements. And so it goes [ ]
You also made a good point regarding IBM's shareholders' program. There are several websites that offer ThinkPads for about $300+ less than the shareholders' program. However, those who purchase from IBM can return their ThinkPads for any reason whatsoever w/i 30 days. Those who receive their specified ThankPads from other sources do not have that privilege but they can have their problems (fan noise, dead pixels etc.,) addressed under IBM's three year warranty (one year on the battery). The ability to reject the product is is yet another factor to be considered when your are spending nearly four grand for a computer which depreciates more rapidly than a new car. At any rate, each one of us potential purchasers must make their own individual decision.

 

Hallo,
I'm currently considering the purchase of an t42 (2378FVU) and was wondering if it's possible for me as a dutch citizen (living in the Netherlands) to use the PSS and are there risks in terms of the warranty using the PSS.
thanks in advance.

 

hi, i'm interested in this shareholder program. harryhermit, how does this work? i'm from the philippines and i'm thinking of getting a t42 from the states and my uncle's gonna bring it home.

 

hmm you sure? i think i might just buy $500 of IBM stock and sell it to get the discount if not

 

I believe you have to hold a bit more than 500USD worth of stock to take advantage of the ShareHolder discount program.



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Wow! A one-year thread bump!

 

bump another year
lol