Thinkpad configuration from school

Hi guys, i'd appreciate some opinions on the configuration my school is offering.


Thinkpad T43

$1,967.00

Specifications

Processor: Intel Mobile M 2.0 GHz
Memory: 1GB (1024MB) DDR2 533MHz
Display: 15.1" SXGA+ TFT Display
Disk Drives:
80GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
24x10x24/2x/DVD ±R/RW
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X300
64MB/PCI Express Graphics
Audio: 16-bit Audio with integrated speaker and microphone
Communication Devices:
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
Internal 56K Modem
Integrated IBM wireless 802.11 a/b/g
Expansion Ports:
Expansion Ports USB 2.0 (2)
PCMCIA Type II (1)
Type II ExpressCard/54 Slot (1)
Battery:
Li-Ion Battery (average life 3.9 hours)
Weight: 5.9 lbs.
Pointing Devices:
UltraNav Trackpoint with Touchpad
Warranty:
3-Year Parts & Labor
1-Year Battery
Security: Notebook security cable
Software:
MS Windows XP Pro
MS Office 2003 Pro


The website does not give any more specific information as far as I can tell. I assume the hard drive is 5400 rpm, and that the screen is Flexview, because they seem standard from the t43 models at the ibm/lenovo site.

They allow you to buy a laptop elsewhere, but this is the laptop offered through the university. The configuration looks great to me, except that the video card is probably weak - I haven't been able to find any reviews on it however, every review i've gone to ends up reviewing the x600 or x700 and merely mentioning the x300. I've seen other laptops with similar specs and price range but 128mb x600-700's, but all from companies with less of a reputation.

I normally build my own desktops, and never have to worry much about them being reliable because I know what I purchase, and can manage to fix any problems that arise... laptops are different though, it takes a different level of skill to work on laptops, and a lot of things cant be changed anyway.


I do plan on doing a fair amount of gaming, but not on incredibly demanding games; currently, i'm mostly playing World of Warcraft, which im sure the thinkpad would be able to run, though low settings seem likely.

As far as other options for a laptop, Dell and Acer offer similar configurations with higher video cards, but Dell has so many complaints, i'm reluctant to buy a laptop from them. The Dell forums are smothered by posts of problems.

Acer, I've not heard much about... I checked out their site, and apparently you have to order from other stores like Newegg.

The advantage from other companies is that you can trade out some specs, upgrading from 1.8 to 2.0 ghz on the Dell site is ridiculous, that would save a lot of money, which can be put toward a video card.

If you guys were in my situation, would you go with this thinkpad?

 

that's a really good price for that configuration, I think it is a good choice. The X300 is the only gpu the IBM T43 is shipping with right now, so you won't get better than that. Those specs are really top knotch though, it'd make for a powerful and well built machine. I give the purchase a thumbs up.

DigitalCameraReview.com | BargainPDA.com | TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

The configuration and price from your school seems top notch and a very good value. My T42 2373M3U also came with an Ultra hard drive -- 60GB 7200 rpm. Are there 80GB 7200 rpm harddrives available now?

IBM T42 2373M3U

 

Thank you for your replies.

I tried looking on the IBM website to find out exactly what Ultra ATA meant, and could not really figure anything out - however, there were both 5400 and 7200 rpm drives listed as ATA 100.

They have this "The Ultra ATA/100 interface capability enables your drive to run as fast as the system interface it's installed in." listed under features and benefits, but not sure exactly what it means.

Anyway, still dont know, but maybe this will help someone else figure it out.