Travel Technology - Thinkpad T series

I am going to be buying a Thinkpad T series later in the year and have just started researching and pricing it.

Can anyone explain to me the difference (eg) between T41 and T42?? Each seems to have numerous configs of hardware.

Is there a site which has all the variations of thinkpad T configs ( each seems to have a code - eg 2379DWU).

What I am basically looking for is (minimum) 512 Kb RAM, 60Gb HD, 802.11 a/b, CD-RW/DVD combo, 1.7 GHz

First off I think your selection of the T series is a very good one. I've configured and supported systems and portables for years and I've come to the conclusion that the IBM T series is top of the line, and reasonable when you factor in the feel of the keyboard, reliability, etc.

The T42 is a minor upgrade to the T41, not a major one. If you can find a T41 with the specs you want and it's cheaper I'd not hesitate to get it.

Here's a link to the complete line of current T systems:

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=2049168&storeId=1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1

Bruce

I believe the T42 uses Dothan based Pentium-M's, and also has access to the 15" Flexview screen.

Other than that, minor tweaks here and there. But like BruceWG said, go with a T41 if you can find a good price on them - they'll be a better value vs. T42.

I will also second the vouch for the T series - in my mind, without a doubt, best in class. I've used a T21 and T22, and currently have an X40. Probably won't buy anything but an IBM either.

Bruce WG thank you for the link - exactly what I needed.

Have to plead ignorance here but what is the Dothan based Pentium-M and what are its advantages?

After being dyed in the wool Dell and then Toshiba for years, I bought a T41 about 4 months ago after comparing Inspirons, Lattitudes and a few of the newer Toshibas. I absolutely love it; I wish I'd have ponied up the money years ago instead of suffering through numerous heavy and unreliable "other brand" products. This has been a great unit so far.

Have to plead ignorance here but what is the Dothan based Pentium-M and what are its advantages?

Lower power consumption and more performance - when combined with the new Inter B/G version of the wireless it is actually a very good combination. Might be worth a small price premium, but not a significant one if another model meets your need - just be *sure* to get wireless with "G" in addition to "B" (don't sweat "A" - hardly in use anywhere).

Here's a link to a story when Intel released the chip:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/05/10/intel_dothan_launch/

Bruce

Yet another plug for the IBM T-series. I bought a refurbished T23 from IBM about two years ago and have been extremely happy. Great build quality, excellent keyboard. I would like it to be a little thinner and lighter, with better battery life, but I believe all have been addressed in newer series!

I also have a laptop sleeve by Roadwired (I bought it at ebags), which is very light, making it very easy to carry around. I purchased an extra power cord for work, so I did not have to carry it back and forth. Probably would need a bigger bag if I were to travel all the time, though.

Another thumbs up for your choice of hardware. By the way, IBM's website often has decent deals..and they auction off new and pre-owned Thinkpads on Ebay.

I am going to be buying a Thinkpad T series later in the year and have just started researching and pricing it.

Can anyone explain to me the difference (eg) between T41 and T42?? Each seems to have numerous configs of hardware.

Is there a site which has all the variations of thinkpad T configs ( each seems to have a code - eg 2379DWU).

What I am basically looking for is (minimum) 512 Kb RAM, 60Gb HD, 802.11 a/b, CD-RW/DVD combo, 1.7 GHz
If you really want to get into the detailed specs of this stuff (be forewarned, it can get overwhelming), IBM publishes a document called the TABOOK. It's updated every month, ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pcinstitute/psref/tabook.pdf

There's also a website named Thinkpads (http://forum.thinkpads.com/) with some interesting forums. Look at the T Series forum, there's always someone there asking 'what's the difference between model X and model Y, I'm planning to buy one of these...?'. Some very helpful folks will answer questions there.

In my opinion, is the BEST forum for this type of information. Head to the NEW forum there are many real user tests now and compairssons.

And, once you buy a T, any T, this is the best place for further information about getting help, usage and configuration.

Im a die hard loyalist of ThinkPads. To be fair, my current T30 has been a lemon of sorts, but all in all I think that IBM's service and support (if you are USA based) are hard to beat. It is expensive (nothing comes cheap from big blue), but their black portables are just tooooo cool for me to resist. I hope to be able to buy the next major upgrade of the T series (perhaps T43 or even 50 series) sometime next year.

Anybody have any scoops on the next products coming online to best the current T40's lineups....?

Finally getting close to buying my new laptop (I CANNOT stand this DELL for much longer!). . :mad:

Looking at the T-41. Just thought I'd let everybody know that J&R Music will match a bit to Invaxo's price (not the whole thing, but about $50 savings).

Anybody finding the T-41 under $1750?

Also, for those that have purchased one, are there any of the "accessories" you would recommend as "MUST haves?" Thanks.

Also, for those that have purchased one, are there any of the "accessories" you would recommend as "MUST haves?" Thanks.

The T41p is a worthwhile investment if you do much with graphics. It's an excellent machine.

OK - so I'm a girl - it takes me awhile to make a major tech decision :) (please - this is a JOKE - no sexist flames needed. .. ). Anyway - thought I'd bump this up to see if anybody has anything else to add before I plunk down my $2K for the T41. . .

Heard last week that IBM recalled these notebooks? Thanks guys. Although I've read all of the "geek forums" this is the one where real people who are really using the machines give information that is understandable. I appreciate it. I saw the new Sony VAIO over the weekend - fell in love with the display, but the keyboard felt like it was made out of total plastic. But. . .it is a lovely machine.

IBM recalled some power adapters for older notebooks (I believe the last of them rolled off the line in 2000).

I echo the sentiments here for the T41. It's a great notebook. The best Thinkpad I have had since the 600X of yesteryear. The T41 is the current corp std at my company. No complaints of significance to date. I have standardized every company I've been with since '96 on Thinkpads. I have never regretted the decisions.

(...) I think that IBM's service and support (if you are USA based) are hard to beat. (...)

Only today have I stumbled on this thread...

In fact one can buy a Thinkpad with extended warranty and, regardless of where one might be in the world either travelling or based on, as long as IBM has an office there (with support) - you're covered. It's a worldwide coverage, pretty useful.

I've had a T40 (for personal/school use) since June or so, and have been impressed with the fit and finish compared to 2 of my 3 previous work laptops. (A Toshiba Tecra and Compaq Armada - we got Dells at the beginnign of the year and I really didn't have it long enough to evaluate)

No problems so far (knocking on wood...)

Of course, the real test is how it's holding up after a year+...

Over the past 4 years or so, I've had a T21 and currently am using a T30 and am planning on getting the latest T model when I arrive at the end of the 3 year warranty period for my T30. The reliablility, performance, quality, warranty, support, have all been great.

With respect to warranty support, just a few weeks ago, a couple of days before I was to leave on a two month international trip, the 2 year old hard drive in my T30 started making some funny sounds. On Thurs afternoon at 3:00 p.m., I called IBM technical support explained the problem and advised them although the drive had passed their "DFT" (Drive Fitness Test), I was nevertheless concerned about leaving on the trip with it making those unusual sounds. Under the warranty, IBM over-nighted a replacement drive that arrived before 10:00 a.m. on Fri. (the next day). Doubtful one would get such warranty service and support out of IBM's competition.

Also, for those that have purchased one, are there any of the "accessories" you would recommend as "MUST haves?" Thanks.
One accessory I really like is a "Port Replicator" which enables you to just snap your laptop into and out of a sort of base station without having to connect and disconect all your cables each time (except for the power adapter, unless you have an extra one). Also, earphones, an external optical mouse and a decent sized compact flash card with a pc card adapter (for very inexpensive removable storage for backing up important files on the go), are all nice to have.

Just thought of one more IBM accessory I really find indispensible and that is the "IBM second hard drive adapter" plus an extra hard drive. This enables one to install an extra hard drive in the ultra bay where the DVD drive usually resides. The adapter comes from IBM with software that enables you to easily and quickly clone your entire main hard drive over to the second hard drive which can then be removed and stored in a safe place. I sleep a lot more soundly knowing that if my laptop is lost or stolen or the hard drive crashes or whatever, I have a recent back up of my entire installation ready to go. It has saved me more than once.

OK - so I'm a girl - it takes me awhile to make a major tech decision :) (please - this is a JOKE - no sexist flames needed. .. ). Anyway - thought I'd bump this up to see if anybody has anything else to add before I plunk down my $2K for the T41. . .

Heard last week that IBM recalled these notebooks? Thanks guys. Although I've read all of the "geek forums" this is the one where real people who are really using the machines give information that is understandable. I appreciate it. I saw the new Sony VAIO over the weekend - fell in love with the display, but the keyboard felt like it was made out of total plastic. But. . .it is a lovely machine.


I hope you are getting a P model, you should not have to pay that much for a well equiped T41 now.

You should be able to get a very nice T41 or T42 in the 1650 to 1850 $US price range.

Look into whether you can qualify for any of the following, because each discount is well worth it: Educational Discount (sometimes includes alumni, almost always have to order through school's website or campus bookstore), EPP (employee purchase plan, -- any friends, etc.?), SPP (share holder purchase plan, own any shares of big blue?).

And lastly, occasionally IBM offers 5% discounts when you pay using a certain credit card, someone's MasterCard was a recent promotion.

You should be able to get a very nice T41 or T42 in the 1650 to 1850 $US price range.

Look into whether you can qualify for any of the following, because each discount is well worth it: Educational Discount (sometimes includes alumni, almost always have to order through school's website or campus bookstore), EPP (employee purchase plan, -- any friends, etc.?), SPP (share holder purchase plan, own any shares of big blue?).

And lastly, occasionally IBM offers 5% discounts when you pay using a certain credit card, someone's MasterCard was a recent promotion.

except AMEX, so 5% can be had through the IBM.com site, there is a linke somewhere on thinkpads.com

here's the link:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=440&highlight=discount

the main site also has good discounts and deals, usually bout 10% less than IBM and newegg has good pricing on T41, T42 as does pcconnection.

That's the info I was thinking of, but forgot where it was posted. I thought I read recently on tp forums that all the credit card discounts are now 5%, no more 10 or 15?

OK - so yesterday I placed my order based on what you guys all told me (THANKS again!). Here is the configuration and the final price with all in:

T41
512 MB RAM
40 GB Hard Drive
integrated wi-fi (a,b,g)
ethernet port
docking replicator
carrying case (leather)
extra battery with AC charger
CDRW/DVD drive
3 year next-day onsite service policy

with shipping (free) and taxes it came to $2100 (no software since I have the software). What do you all think? Good system? Good deal? Again, I appreciate everybody's help - ya'll continue to amaze me :)

OK - so yesterday I placed my order based on what you guys all told me (THANKS again!). Here is the configuration and the final price with all in:

T41
512 MB RAM
40 GB Hard Drive
integrated wi-fi (a,b,g)
ethernet port
docking replicator
carrying case (leather)
extra battery with AC charger
CDRW/DVD drive
3 year next-day onsite service policy

with shipping (free) and taxes it came to $2100 (no software since I have the software). What do you all think? Good system? Good deal? Again, I appreciate everybody's help - ya'll continue to amaze me :)


with all those extras, what CPU did you get?

with all those extras, what CPU did you get?
*gasp* I didn't order one of those. . . :D

It's 1.6Mhz

*gasp* I didn't order one of those. . . :D

It's 1.6Mhz

Ya done good!

Remember, once you buy it, never again look at the price for the same model. As Len Bosack, founder of Cisco Systems, was fond of saying, "It's never a good day to buy a computer." :)

*gasp* I didn't order one of those. . . :D

It's 1.6Mhz

After having banged around the world for the last 8 years carrying a TP770, TP600x, and now a TP T30, with nary a problem I can honestly say...

Ya done good!

Hopefully the standard work issue in Melbourne is a T41 or T42.






ps. I love my Apple 15" AluBook too ;)

The AC chargers you can't have enough of. Especially when using wireless all around the house.

Ya'll are the best!!!!!! ^

As a friend of mine emailed me this morning, he said it was as if I had had a baby. . .everybody now wants to congratulate me, see it, and it only took me 9 months to get one :D

Seriously - thanks to all of you - you have made me feel MUCH better . . .now - who wants to come "see it" and configure it for me?! lol. . .

As I’ve stated on this same thread a couple of months back, I am a crazy IBM ThinkPad fan. And when I say crazy, I mean it. If you don’t believe me, read on….

Those of you that follow the saga of Gaucho’s tech support dilemmas posted on various boards of this IBB know what I’m referring to. After using a great number of IBM laptops in my life as a corporate slave, I purchased a fully loaded T30 in 2002 for my personal use in my new life as an Entrepreneur. I guess destiny wanted it that this one would be a special type of lemon (now that I don’t have the corporate IT department to throw my problems at). Apart from the aches and pains applicable to software and drivers issues, one specific pain has been especially troubling.

Among the long list of original IBM accessories and upgrades that I purchased, I bought a second 512mb DRAM chip to boost my total RAM to the maximum permitted amount. Now, it appears that the early T30 system boards had some sort of design flaw that made DRAM chips loosen up shortly after installation. Since I also bought the international extended warranty/service plan from IBM, I reported the problem once I caught it (the problem is not immediately apparent, the computer just ceases to recognize the second memory chip and works on half the physical RAM), and IBM honored the warranty and had my system board replaced. They sent a technician to where I was located and did the entire repair at no cost to me. Also, they specifically explained that the design flaw had been solved in the new system-board that I was receiving.

This was some 4 months ago, and I’ve just now realized that I’m having the exact same problem once again. So much for the system board fix….. :rolleyes: To further complicate things, I now spend most of the time of the year in a country that is especially troublesome when it comes to servicing computers that have been purchased abroad (ie. Argentina). This means that for me to get the local IBM authorized service center to give me support and/or service, I have to go through the equivalent of a Grand Jury investigation combined with a CIA ‘off the record’ interrogation. It’s a long and cumbersome process… so I will probably have to arrange for service in a major US city and travel up to the States especially to get this machine serviced. As you can all imagine, I’m not very happy about this….

However, call me stupid, but, despite these problems and a long list of other issues I’ve suffered, I’m still looking forward to the new T50 series that I assume will be out in 2005. I guess I’m influenced by the fact that I have a Dock II and a bunch of other IBM hardware around the house – but I sincerely can’t think of buying anything else. And I still whole heartedly recommend that others looking for a new laptop seriously consider a ThinkPad.

To close out this big blue Purgatory story of mine….. I wonder if anybody has a contact name, title and snail or email address I can use to write a little letter? Please note that I am not looking for a grand compensation…. I love the IBM brand, design, looks, and that incredible feel of the keyboard and will continue to buy their stuff. I would just appreciate getting a little pampering considering my hardships with this T30 of mine.

I suggest you start looking around on the thinkpad.com forums (http://forum.thinkpads.com/index.php), someone there will likely be able to help.