a choosing dilemma

[eri7154798]

I have two systems to choose from. There are standard features that come with both computers:

WinXP Pro
512mb RAM (DDR for T42 and DDR2 for T43)
60 GB 7200 RPM HD
Fingerprint reader+CSS
CD-RW/DVD
15" screen
9cell batteries

And the computers...

2373HBU - T42 - UXGA+
1.8 ghz
128mb FIREGL T2 AGP
a/b/g + Bluetooth
$2059

2687DTU - T43 - SXGA+
1.86 ghz
64mb Radeon x300 PCIe
b/g + Bluetooth
$1929

The biggest deal is the video card, which is an obvious pick for the T42, but the screens, one is UXGA, which I've heard is horrible, and the other is SXGA. Then the T43 has DDR2 ram, and T42 has DDR ram. Because of the drawbacks on the T42, I'm not sure if those drawbacks are worth the video card. What are your opinions?

 

[WackyDan]

I've had both the T42P (The one you spec is a T42P by the way) and now the plain T43. (T43P's are hard to come by).

The video card in that T42P wil make a nice difference - You should check and make sure that the T43 truly has the 7200RPM drive. The memory difference.... well makes for no difference in performance. The other core differences... T43 has PCI-e graphics... again no biggy...., nad the T43 has the express card slot- which if you keep the unit for three years, you might not ever need to use the express card slot anyway as there will still be PCMCIA adapters put out during that period. (t42 is PCMCIA only, -Express card is new standard that will replace PCMCIA down the road some.)

The 1600x1200 screen on the T42P was quite nice, not sure what you've heard about it that's bad....I'm now at 1024x768 on my new T43, and I miss the higher res only for the desktop space it gave me, though at 1600x1200, on my 35 year old very near sited eyes - it could be tiring.... I've found the 14" screen with 1400x1050 to be perfect for me.... so everyone is different.

I'd lean towards the p model myself, I think it's a better value, and the differences between the two don't make much of a difference. Check the warranties on both.... They offer T models in both 1 year and 3 year warranties, and that is where you might find difference in these two... that could be a decision maker for you as well.

Good luck--tell us what you decide.

 

[RichieZ]

I'd suggest you find find someone with EPP as this model is availabie:
faster CPU, more memory, but 5400RPM HD, same sceen as T42P

ThinkPad T43p (Think Express Program)
2687D5U
Customize & buy
Your price
$2,099.25*
Web Price
$2,799.00*
Within 2 weeks**
Intel Centrino Mobile Technology
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
1 GB
80 GB
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 760 2GHz
15.0" 1600x1200
128MB ATI Mobility FireGL V3200
5.9-6.24
UltraNav
Ultrabay Slim
DVD Recordable
None
Three years parts and labor (system battery: one year)
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
56K V.92 designed modem
Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG, Bluetooth
Fingerprint Reader Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: WackyDan
I've had both the T42P (The one you spec is a T42P by the way) and now the plain T43. (T43P's are hard to come by).

The video card in that T42P wil make a nice difference - You should check and make sure that the T43 truly has the 7200RPM drive. The memory difference.... well makes for no difference in performance. The other core differences... T43 has PCI-e graphics... again no biggy...., nad the T43 has the express card slot- which if you keep the unit for three years, you might not ever need to use the express card slot anyway as there will still be PCMCIA adapters put out during that period. (t42 is PCMCIA only, -Express card is new standard that will replace PCMCIA down the road some.)

The 1600x1200 screen on the T42P was quite nice, not sure what you've heard about it that's bad....I'm now at 1024x768 on my new T43, and I miss the higher res only for the desktop space it gave me, though at 1600x1200, on my 35 year old very near sited eyes - it could be tiring.... I've found the 14" screen with 1400x1050 to be perfect for me.... so everyone is different.

I'd lean towards the p model myself, I think it's a better value, and the differences between the two don't make much of a difference. Check the warranties on both.... They offer T models in both 1 year and 3 year warranties, and that is where you might find difference in these two... that could be a decision maker for you as well.

Good luck--tell us what you decide.

:thumbsup: Dan is the man