T43 vs. T60 Cost/Benefit tradeoff?

Hi all,

I'm trying to decide whether to get a T43 or a T60. I will be using the machine exclusively for internet research (so a lot of PDF reading) and writing (I'm a graduate student). I am currently comparing two system builds:

T43:

Processor: Intel Pentium M Processor 760 (2GHz, 2MB L2, 533MHz FSB) (Standard)
Operating system: Genuine Windows XP Professional (Standard) Display type: 14.1 inch SXGA+ TFT (1400x1050) (Standard) Memory: 512MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM (Standard) This will be upgraded to 1GB
Hard drive: 60GB 5400rpm EIDE (Standard)
Optical device: 2.4X Max DVD Recordable EIDE Ultrabay Slim Drive (Standard) Integrated communication: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and 56K V.92 designed modem (Standard)
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN: Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (Standard) Keyboard: ThinkPad Full Size keyboard (Standard)
Battery: 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (Standard)
USB ports: 2 USB 2.0 (Standard)

Price as configured (w/o shipping): $1,099.00

T60:
Processor: Intel Core Duo T2500 (2.00GHz 2MB L2, 667MHz fsb)
OS: Win XP Pro
Display: 14.1-inch SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 resolution) TFT display
Memory: 512MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM (1x512) Will be upgraded to 1GB
Hard Drive: 80 GB Serial ATA Hard Drive with Active Protection System, 5400 RPM
Optical Device: Multi-burner DVD recordable Ultrabay slim optical drive (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
Networking:
* 1Gb Ethernet (10/100/1000)
* Intel 802.11a/b/g Mini PCI Express wireless adapter
* Bluetooth
* 56K Modem
Keyboard/battery/USB: Same as above

Price as Configured: $1,299.00

Here's the relevant information: I don't care about the extra hard drive space or DVD burner on the T60--my desktop can take care of my storage and burning needs. Also, I don't care about graphics options (even if it means I can't use the Vista eye candy, as I'm not that enthused about Vista anyway). My real quandry is in comparing the processors: the older single threaded Pentium M in the T43, vs. the core duo in the T60. Is this difference in processors worth the $200 difference? Is there any other difference (say, in build quality, display quality etc.) between the T43 and T60 that I should know about?

Thanks.

 

It has been said the T60 is better built, however, you won't be dissapointed with either in that respect. If you can afford the $200 leap, i'd say take, as there is about a 50% increase in performance between the single threaded processor, and the Duo Core. With the way future programs are going, i'd say you might as well put in the extra investment and grab the T60. It also has an extra USB 2.0 port, for what it's worth.

Your needs are minor, but you said internet research. Note the difference in the two wireless cards (if in fact the machine will be used wirelessly). The Intel ABG vs Intel BG in T43. The T60 has the newer technology, so in that respect, it has my vote.

 

As a fellow grad student, I understand that $200 can be a big jump. If you really just want to do web research (and presumably take notes in Word or whatever), you don't need to spend the money. But if you've got it, why not get the latest?

Chris

 

I suggested the bump, as, at $1099, I mean, you're already spending quite a bit of money, $200 for such upgrades isn't going from one extreme to the other, by any means. Technology is obsolete the week after you purchase it. Why not buy technology that is less absolete than the alternative? Will keep you working longer into the future.

 

if I may suggest the third option in regard to the purpose for the laptop you specified.
the third option would be the one I selected and it is used certified T30 still under IBM warranty.
Pros:
-price $425US for 2.2GHz machine
-integrated Thinkpad wireless
-can handle all specified tasks
-can be boost with two 1GB sticks to total 2G memory
-sturdy
-6-12mth remaining warranty through IBM as these machines are returned from lease or display

Cons
- 1 processor only
- old video card Radeon

Considering the purpose for this laptop it seems this option is viable. You'll be able to do you work with three times less money invested and that will remove the pressure of thinking about leveraging and future needs. you will be able to wait for more exciting things on horizont, christmass deals, IPS screen etc.

 

That doesn't sound all too bad. I wouldn't mind keeping 75% in my pocket, but i'd be weary about the exact condition of the machine. It has been said that with such electronics, including tvs, monitors, speakers ect, your best bet is to go with new if you can.

 

You could consider the R60. It is well built though to quite so yummy as the T, but you'd get the Core Duo and same keyboard, screen, etc.

 

Between that t43 and t60, I think you should get the t60. I love my t43, but it runs on the warm side and the fan can get annoying (both at least related to the sonoma chipset it uses). The t60 runs cooler and seems sturdier to me. Combined with the faster processor, which is always nice, I think it is the better choice.

The R60 might be a good option. It will be a bit thicker, heavier, and less solid, but that will only make a difference in certain uses. I carry mine around a lot, which makes me appreciate the t43's unobtrusiveness.