purchase decision T42 2379R9U vs. 2373HVU

Greetings.

I had pretty much decided to buy the IBM T42 model # 2379R9U at the listed IBM.Com web price of $2,349.00......when I noticed that the same T42 machine, Model # 2373HVU..(with a listed web price of $3,379.00) is on sale for $2,299.00.

Based on price alone, it seems on the surface that I should buy the better/more expensive laptop whose on sale price actually makes it cheaper than my original choice.

Is there something I'm missing here? Is there older technology involved or some other reason that this seemingly better (based on price) laptop is actually cheaper than a lesser machine?

I'd love some imput before IBM changes their mind !! Thanks.

 

yeah, that happens sometimes...

they sometimes forget to update prices on older models...the result being that some T40 models with ****ty specs are priced higher than their more performant T42 counterparts...

 

The differences are:

The 2373HVU has 1GB of RAM, a UXGA monitor, a 128MB video card, and the a/b/g wireless card.

The 2379r9u has 512MB of RAM, an SXGA+ monitor, a 64MB video card, the b/g wireless card, and the integrated fingerprint reader.

I purchased the R9U not too long ago and absolutely love it. You should consider a couple of things:
1) In my opinion, the UXGA monitor has too high of a native resolution for my tastes (1600x1200). I have good eyesight and still think the fonts are too small. I much prefer the SXGA+ (1400x1050). This would be a deal breaker for me, but to each his own.
2) The 128MB video card would probably not affect you much unless you are an intense gamer or do a lot of heavy duty graphics work. Still, it is a better card.
3) The 1 GB of RAM is nice to have, as it will cost you about $100-$125 to get another 512MB added to the R9U off a third party like www.crucial.com.
4) If you don't know the difference between the a/b/g wireless card and the b/g one, you probably don't need the wireless a. At least right now, b/g is the norm and most personal computers have just b/g. Probably not a big deal in your decision.
5) The fingerprint reader is a cool addition, but not necessary. I love that I have it, but I would not switch laptop models just for it (unless potentially in a corporate environment).

Bottom line, both computers are great. I would really think about the monitor situation - you will look at that monitor whenever the computer is not docked and it can be frustrating if you are not satisfied with it. If you like the UXGA, go with the 2373hvu. If not, you will be happy with the 2379r9u.

BTW - you can get the 2379r9u from IBM's shareholder program for $2114.10 if you own any amount of IBM stock. Might be worth picking up at least one share...

 

Hello DJAC5700,

I'm sold on the T42 2379r9u...but I'm not sure whether to go with the 14" SXGA or the 15" SXGA - can you (or anyone) help?

thanks!



<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by djac5700

 

Hi kobepm,

If you are going to get the R9U, it comes with the 15" SXGA+. I can't speak to the 14.1" SXGA+ as I've never seen it, but I can tell you that I love the 15" screen. The 15" adds a tiny bit of weight and makes the overall dimensions of the notebook bigger, but not by much. From all that I've read, it is a better screen, with better viewing angles and, obviously, more real estate. I've always been a firm believer in investing more money into a better screen - as I mentioned before, since you look at it all the time, you'll want to be comfortable with what you see.

 

i'm getting an r9u. it's called reu in canada. the specs seem identical i'm convinced i'm getting a r9u

 

If the REU is the same as the R9U, you won't be disappointed. I'm typing on it right now and I absolutely love it...

Also, I picked up the mini-dock on sale with the computer. That, a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, some decent speakers and a flat screen LCD make great additions for the home office. I've got all of the above right now and I'm in heaven... Like a true desktop at home, but an incredible laptop on the move.

 

djac5700,

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>
Also, I picked up the mini-dock on sale with the computer. That, a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, some decent speakers and a flat screen LCD make great additions for the home office. I've got all of the above right now and I'm in heaven... Like a true desktop at home, but an incredible laptop on the move.
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

I think you made a great choice. I have been thinking about getting the 2379R9U third day in a row and just noticed this discussion. It seems like IBM Flatscreen L170p (17", DVI version, 1280x1024), Mini Dock (because of 4-port USB 2.0 hub) and a wireless keyboard/mouse combo are a good selection of accessories the T42.

Are you happy with the keyb/mouse combo? Can you take the mouse alone and use it on the go?

I'm also thinking about 512MB mem upgrade. Do you know if I can easily install the memory chip on my own? Wouldn't it cause any warranty problems?

It seems like I can save a few hundreds when buying it from a trusted eretailer. That's why I'm asking about the possibility of upgrading it on my own...

I appreciate your help!

 

Hi tdzido,

Yeah, if you're willing to pay for it, buying those accessories is a great idea. First off, I would suggest that you shop around for the monitor. I'll bet IBM will make a large margin off the flat panel - you can probably save a bunch going with a third party brand/retailer, much like the memory.

As for the memory, I did the same thing - I picked up an extra 512MB from www.crucial.com for a little over $100 and installed it myself. It takes about 30 seconds and is fine for the warranty as far as I know, as long as you buy the right type of memory. That's something else I like about crucial.com (I sound like I make a commision off these guys - I promise, no affiliation , it has a very simple selection process for choosing the right memory based on the computer type. The IBM manual and crucial will both have instructions for how to install it. Again, it's really easy.

I love the keyboard/mouse combo, no problems with the signal, although bluetooth would be nice. As for taking the mouse with me, can't do that with mine and I'm not sure about the bluetooth models. I have a seperate mini wireless mouse I picked up a while ago for my company laptop and I take that with me.

Anyway, as I've mentioned before, I definitely recommend the R9U. I've been really happy with it. Pick up some IBM stock and you can get a good deal too!