t43 / z60m? for work and movies

Hi,
I'm looking for a new laptop to replace my dissapointing R52 (1400x1050) ! The screen really sucks, no contrast bad viewing angle and is NO match to my old (now stolen) Inspiron 8600

I need a laptop with a proper screen for work (email/word etc) and some movie watching.

Any thoughts of how a T43 with 1400x1050 flexview will do movies? Is flexview really that better than the R52 non-flexview option?
Or should I go for a z60m ?

Thanks a lot,
Mikkel

 

On a matte laptop screen, as you turn off center, the screen darkens. The FlexView does this as well, but not nearly as much. Movies like fine on my FlexView. They are brighter and have better contrast. Perhaps if you want to view movies, a glossy screen would be a good option. Glossy screens have a coating on them that makes them brighter and colors much more vibrant. They do produce more glare. It doesn't bother some people, but others like myself do not like it. ThinkPads do not have any glossy screens. The Z series does have one MaxBright screen that is a brighter version of the regular screen, but not glossy. Perhaps you could go to BestBuy/CircuitCity to check some out of each type. Glossy screens are better for media things like watching movies. Fujitsus have the best glossy screens in my opinion, but they aren't sold at many major retailers. Frys is the only one I know of. Something like the E8020 would be comparable to the R52 size wise. Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the comments

I have read something about flexview having slow response time, is that true - and does that not influence movie playback?

I really like the build quality of ThinkPad and would like to stick with this brand - would just like to know the best one to get regarding movie playback...
I prefer a higher res like 1400x1050 but they seem to have lower specs regarding contrast / nis etc.

/Mikkel

 

Matte/Glossy has nothing to do with this. It all has to do with the type of LCD panel used for the actual screen, not the coating.

The most commonly used el-cheapo TN panels have this awful effect of first darkening, then complete color inversion when you look from below, and the opposite effect when viewed from above (i.e. it gets bright then completely discolored).

FlexView is an IPS panel, and as such exhibits no such effects. It does darken a slight bit when looking off center, but colors remain true and everything is 100% recognizable even at extreme angles: as long as you can see the screen, you can read it. Not to mention that the colors look better on an IPS screen to begin with.

Probably true, as the Flexview, while being an IPS screen, isn't one of the new-generation S-IPS panels which give excellent colors and good response time too. It shouldn't affect movie playback at all, but it may affect some fast-paced games. With that said, I've been playing GTA San Andreas on my laptop (T42+Flexview) and wasn't bothered by it most of the time (except when I had a headache to begin with).

If I haven't made it clear enough - Much, much better. Make sure that it's the 15" model, since only they have the Flexview.

With this I agree. Unfortunately I haven't had any contacts with glossy screens to be able to add my own judgement into this, but in general, they will be brighter and more colorful than what matte screens may offer. It is commonly believed that the soft colors and lack of glare of matte screens make them the better option for long periods of work, but glossy screens give you more eye candy for movies, presentations, perhaps games.

A T42/T43 with a 15" SXGA+ 1400x1050 Flexview monitor. ATM it is your only option, because all other screens (14" SXGA+ or 15" XGA) on the T/R series are non-Flexview.

Regarding the Z-series... It seems that most of them, just like most of the other Thinkpads will feature standard, mostly dull screens. This "Maxbright" screen is rumored to be the next generation of the Flexview, probably being built on IPS as well and offering even bigger brightness/contrast enhancement. But so far it's just a rumour, as we haven't seen anyone actually owning such a unit to be able to testify. So far it also seems that the Maxbright is going to be offered on a very small number of models.

 

Never said it did.

 

lol i agree. but then after using this screen for a mth, i feel more comfortable with my lcd than my crt and becoming a pro in picking up good viewing angle