thinkpad T42, T41, or R51 which to get?

hello,


I am looking at the IBM line of Thinkpad laptops. Not sure which one would be good for me. I will be using this laptop for work, spreadsheet, word processing, little gaming, internet, and moderate video editing. I would prefer the centrino chip for mobility and battery life. looking to spend around $1700. Is there a big difference between the R series and the T series and is the T series worth the extra $$$? I would like to keep the price in that range but can go alittle higher if need be.

I receieved at price quote from dell inspiron 8600 for $1535
1.6 centrino, wuxga, 256mb ddr ram, 32mb graphics, dvd+r, intel 2100 wirless, 2 yr at home.

so if I can get a comparable Ibm around $1700 then I would by the thinkpad.

Please help. Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Outside of the gaming you want to do, I think the IBM R50/R51 would be a fine fit for your needs. The T40 series is a little lighter and can be configured with a more powerful and up to date processor, but there's no need to have a Dothan Pentium M 2.0GHz for what you need. The graphics card on the R50 is not all that superb, so doing 3D gaming or any intense games that use Z-buffering and heavy texturing might be kind of slow, but outside of high-end games you'd be okay. The R50 could be configured in your price range as well, I would buy the R50 over the Dell 8600...but that's not a bad machine if you find it is just a better overall deal.

Good luck!

 

thanks for the advice, abaxter.

Anybody else with thoughts on this? Need advice for thinkpad users on what to get. I am thinking of purchasing a thinkpad but the deal I can get from dell is tempting.
Any Thoughts.. thanks

 

I have also been shopping for a notebook. After several weeks of reading and researching, I decided on a Thinkpad R51. The combination of power, wireless b/g access, and reputation helped me choose IBM. I'm buying an R51 #1836bau. The only negative for me is the low amount of RAM (256mb). For now, I'm going to add a 512mb SODIMM and call it a day. Is there anything I should be aware of before I buy the RAM?

I plan on using it for email, web, MapSource navigation, and perhaps to learn Linux. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, but I think I'll like it. The price was also decent: $1479 from PCConnection. There are cheaper prices on the web, but I have had decent dealings with them in the past and expect this one to be no different.

look twice : save a life : motorcycles are everywhere

 

I also have been looking for a notebook to use in place of my desktop. The choices are overwhelming but I've narrowed it down to the R51 or perhaps the T41. I want to free myself from sitting at this desk.
Any suggestions appreciated. [ ]


Trudy in CT

 

I'm typing this on my new R51. It's a great notebook. The keyboard is decent, no weird keys like some I looked at, and the UltraNav is a great way to go: touchpad or eraser mouse. It has a decent 40 gb hard drive, CDRW/DVD combo drive, built-in wireless b/g antennae, plus a good size 15 inch screen. I plan on using it for basic productivity apps, some web design, and also for web/email communications. It is also our Mapsource PC, so that we can plan road trips and choose cool roads. It also fits in a saddle bag so I can travel with it on my bike.

I wouldn't choose this notebook if you're into gaming. Other posters say the video card isn't all that. Look for an ATI 9xxx video card. Also with the new Intel Dothan and AMD 64 bit CPUs, higher speeds and better battery life is just around the corner.

look twice : save a life : motorcycles are everywhere

 

UDATE 11/2004:

The pulsating fan problem is reduced to acceptable levels
by Embedded Controller Programm V3.03.

More info on my R51 1829 fan mod to reduce noise even further:
http://lophiomys.gmxhome.de/Thinkpad_R50_Periodic_Fan_Noise.html

---
I can recommend the R50. It's a wonderful notbook.

The only problem I had with it, is the pulsating fan noise
every 5 seconds when the fan is running.

This is percieved as very disturbing when the fan is running
in quiet environments, e.g. programming on the sofa at night.

IBM knows about the the noise emission since Jan 2004,
but IBM did not offer a solution so far! [ !]

Question to Snorty:
Does your R51 also have the pulsating fan problem?

Regards,
Lophiomys,
---
IBM Thinkpad R50, 1829 7RG, Made in China 3/2004

Audio sample of the pulsating fan noise problem:
http://lophiomys.gmxhome.de/Thinkpad_R50_Periodic_Fan_Noise.html
---

 

I have the R40 (2897gau) and it's fan is very quiet and rarely runs at all. It could be they went with a different fan for the R50. Also another thing that determines how often the fan works besides cpu intensive applications is the temperature of the room the notebook is most of the time[ ]

Jack

 

Is the fan noise a problem in all R51s or is it specific to models? I ask because I'm considering getting a R51.

Thanks.

 

As tempting as the price for the Dell may be, I would go with the IBM. I had an inspiron for four years and had to use super glue to keep it together. I have had an IBM T42 for four months now and there is a noticeable difference right away in the sturdiness of this notebook. Not only that but you get the active protection system on the hard drive (parks the hard drive within 500 miliseconds when it senses a fall).

An IBM is more expensive but spread out over three years the cost is nominal.

 

I'm still baffled over which to get(T42, R51) or is there something better? The only thing I've decided upon is I get a ThinkPad. I want to free myself from sitting at this Dell desktop all the time and do some roaming inside and out.[ ]

Trudy in CT

 

Hold on!

If your thinking ThinkPad - think T43. They are on pre-order (I also have one ordered for myself) and are based on the new Sonoma Platform. I've done alot of research on Sonoma and can't wait to het my hands on this notebook from IBM.

If your buying 'new', don't get stuck with 'old' technology.

Good Luck!

 

One of the best buys in the IBM T42 line is the T42 2378fvu, currently $1,484.10 with a student or Visa credit card discount. Shop at one of the links to IBM below and you can find a number of notebooks to fit your needs and budget.

http://www.ibm.com.education/us or http://www.ibm.com/businesscenter/visa

 

ooops the education discount link should have been http://www.ibm.com/education/us

 

Hello,
What is exactly/mainly the difference between the T42 and the T41 (which they still sell in Germany with very similar specs)?
Greetings and thanks beforehand, Gnap.

 

I believe it is the processor. And the difference between processors is 1MB L2 (t41) vs 2MB L2 (t42).

That is my understanding (but my understanding is usually generally very low...)

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by tjmix2000

 

I have a new T42.

The fan is always on.

Impossible to work at night.

IBM tech support guy came and said it was "normal".

I will now plan to return it.

I have friends who love it. But they do not work with it at home. That's why.

 

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

 

found this thread from the pile. anybody solve the fan problem?

 

Is it all T42's, or just this one that had the fan problem?

 

I have a T42. No fan problem. Maybe it's always on, but it's very silent. I can work at night. I often leave it on at night, while sleeping in the same room, and I don't even notice it's on.