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    T42 Specs - Need help - please?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by jayk, Aug 29, 2004.

  1. jayk

    jayk Newbie

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    Hello. I'm narrowing down my laptop search and am in the midst of setting up an excel spreadsheet with all the prices + specs. When it occurred to me that I'm not even 100% sure I have the right specs. Thought I would ask some of the experts first.

    Here is what I need to use the laptop for:

    General Usage/Criteria
    Laptop will be used for creating picture intensive powerpoint presentations, looking at xrays/CAT scans (big screen, high res, brightness and contrast important), vpn'ing into work. Will be extensively using excel and general word processing and the internet (for research) Will have many applications open at once. No gaming at all. Durability and longevity is very important. I want to be able to keep the laptop for at least 3-4 years.
    (Please also note that I'm not computer techie + I just pulled an allnighter looking into laptops, so if I don't make any sense, well, lets just blame it on that!)

    Here are the Specs that I'm thinking about getting.
    Processor - 1.7 GHZ (at least, thinking about 1.8GHZ)
    Memory - 256MB (at least, or 512MB)
    Hard Drive - 40 vs. 60?

    Display Size - 15 inches Flexible
    Resolution - 1400 by 1050 (wondering if I should step this up to 1600 by 1200)
    Graphics -64MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 (vs. 128MB ATI Mobility FIREGL T2)

    Pointing Device - Ultra Nav
    Bay Type - UltraBay Slim
    Optical - Combo (I think this is really all I need, don't think I will be recording DVDs)

    Ethernet -Integrated Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
    Modem- 56K V.92 designed modem
    Wireless- Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (how is this different from IBM 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless?)

    Warranty - Thinking about the three year (because I operate in worst case scenarios, but also read that one year is all you really need because if it breaks its going to do it in the first couple of months)

    I'm wondering if I should step up to the higher level? And pay $$$$. Is it necessary for what I plan to use the computer for and how long I plan to use it?

    Thanks for help in advance!
     
    jayk, Aug 29, 2004
    #1
  2. bootleg2go

    bootleg2go Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Hi jayk,
    I think your pretty much on target. The 1.7Ghz would be more than enough for your needs. I would skip the 128MB firegl, it really is overkill and 1600x1200 on a 15" lcd is a little too much and the text would be very small. I would get something with the 1400x1050 as that is just perfect. The ATI 9600 would be great, but for your needs, the ATI 9000 or 7500 radeon will more than do the job you need. Order one with 512MB and buy another 512MB to add in yourself, it is very simple to do, IBM even has a video to step you through it. Just remove the memory panel with one screw and it just snaps in, this is much cheaper than ordering a system with 1GB of memory. If your going to be backing up and putting the images onto CD tehn 40GB will work for, like memory the hard dirve is just as easy to upgrade.

    good luck
    Jack

    "They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" (Ben Franklin)
    http://pbase.com/joneill
     
    bootleg2go, Sep 1, 2004
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