T42 vs. T43

I'm looking at two similar models and so far, I can only tell that they're identical except for the Sonoma chipset? So PCI Express, dual channel DDR2, and the 533MHz FSB are the only differences? I haven't seen any T42/T43 comparisons performance wise but from what I hear, there's not too much of a difference from the upgraded parts.

For me, the only reason I'm considering spending an extra $200 on a T43 instead of a T42, would be the option for the x300. The x300 is the only cheap DX9 chip available right? A T42 with a 9600 costs a good $500 more than the laptop I was looking at. I'm not looking at gaming performance but will I NEED a DX9 compatible card for future applications (Longhorn etc)? Thanks in advance!

 

T42 Review:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2121

T43 Review:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2285

The T43 was about 10 - 20% faster in my experience. The T43 also has an ExpressCard slot, the T42 does not. I think the T43 upgrade is worth it IMHO, it is faster, and you will get the latest chipset that gives the graphics performance a kick. Longhorn wouldn't have a problem running on the T42, but it will likely run better on the T43...but only time (a year and a half plus) will tell!

DigitalCameraReview.com | BargainPDA.com | TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

I would not be suprised in the least if Longhorn runs on a non DX9 compliant card. By the way, were are you seeing a T43 for $500 less than a T42?






I was robbed by a sweet little old lady on a motorized cart and I didn't even see it coming.

-Lloyd Christmas


Thinkpad T42:
* 1.8Ghz Pentium M * 1.5GB Memory * 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM * 15" SXGA+ Flexview * CDRW/DVD Combo *

 

Thanks Zaz, I just remember seeing somewhere that the pretty Aero effects in Longhorn might need a DX9 card but I guess I can do without.

As for the T43, the laptop I was looking at was actually a $1300 T42 with a 7500. The T43 with an x300 is about $1500 and a T42 with a 9600 is like $1800. These prices are all from the Visa discount.

 

You may want to look to look on ebay. I was able to pick my T42(2379-R9U) there with the 9600 card for $1600. That was about $250 less than on Pricegrabber. IBM's has some good Visa and Educational discounts on their webiste, but you have to pay tax if you buy from IBM. I had a beta version of Longhorn up and running on my old Persario, it ran fine on the integrated card, but the beta version may be a lot differnent than the final version.






I was robbed by a sweet little old lady on a motorized cart and I didn't even see it coming.

-Lloyd Christmas


Thinkpad T42:
* 1.8Ghz Pentium M * 1.5GB Memory * 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM * 15" SXGA+ Flexview * MultiBurner * Win 2k *

 

I am intrested in ThinkPad T43 (IBM Think Express Program)
2687D3U. Do they come with Bluetooth. If not which T43 model features it.

If you feel like doing something, Sit down untill that feeling goes away ...

 

I'll keep ebay in mind Zaz, but would the 3-yr warranty carry over to the next owner? Otherwise, the Visa discount is a pretty good deal for us.

Longhorn was a pretty minor concern, but I just heard that the new Aero effects would require DX9 for the full effect. I guess she can do without if it means saving a bit of money. Anyway, thanks everyone for the help, time to go spend money!

 

The warranty follows the notebook. I just called IBM on this cause I sold my T41 to a friend and I wanted to make sure they would be protected.






I was robbed by a sweet little old lady on a motorized cart and I didn't even see it coming.

-Lloyd Christmas


Thinkpad T42:
* 1.8Ghz Pentium M * 1.5GB Memory * 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM * 15" SXGA+ Flexview * MultiBurner * Win 2k *