Advise Me Plz T40 vs. D600 (before deal expires)

[babisjhu]

Hi everybody,

As most of the other users I've narrowed down my choices to IBM T40 or a Dell D600. I've read both good/bad reviews on both systems and I keep telling myself that the IBM is well worth it due to "reputation and more reliable". However, I still read about all the noise problems form the IBM. Anyhow, let me show you what specs/prices I found and perhaps you can give me better guidance. Thanks in advance.

IBM T40
1. P-M 1.5GHZ
2. 40GB (5400 rpm)
3. CDRW/DVD Combo
4. RADEON 7500
5. 256 Ram (1 dimm)
6. 4.5-4.9lbs
7. 14.1 XGA
8. intel 802.111b
9. 6-cell battery
10. gigabit ethernet
included FREE promotion of a rolling leather case, retractable phone cord, and a mini mouse ($125 value)
Price: $1911.65




Dell D600
1. P-M 1.4GHZ
2. 40GB (5400 rpm)
3. CDRW/DVD Combo
4. RADEON 9000
5. 256 Ram (1 dimm)
6. starting at 4.7lbs
7. 14.1 XGA
8. Dell true mobile 802.111b/g
9. 6-cell battery
Price: $1699.99 (if I changed the processor to 1.6GHz, the price becomes $1849.99)


I'm curious,
+ if anybody used both, which one felt lighter?
+ is the difference between 1.4 and 1.5 minimal compared to a 1.5 and a 1.6 P-M processor?
+ I'm still worried about the noise problems, any new results?
+ just to verify some of the posts I read ealier, the crucial memory works fine when adding them to either system?
+ Do you recommend I purchase a laptop screen protector?
+ Do you recommend that I'll be needing any of those cooling laptop pads?


Thank you for taking the time to help. I appreciate all your comments. (as of right now I'll probably go with IBM unless something else comes up from here that changes that)

 

[OldSpooky]

Got your PM Here are the answers to your questions:

The T40 feels much lighter. I noticed this right away.

I don't know about 1.4->1.5 vs. 1.5->1.6 GHz, but I should say that I noticed no difference between 1.3 and 1.4 GHz Pentium-Ms.

My T40 made noise with an AC adapter with a FRU # begining with 08K. The FRU 02K model is the same, but slightly bigger, and does not cause the T40 to make buzzing sounds as far as I can tell. However, my T40 still buzzes when it goes into standby mode under battery power.

Don't know about crucial memory, but Dell Certified memory worked fine in both the T40 and D600. It looks like rebadged Crucial, based on the stickers.

I have not noticed any key markings on my LCD (I just checked). I dont' think the screen protector is necessary unless you are really rough with your notebook.

Laptop cooling pads are in my view unecessary with Pentium-M based notebooks. I ran Prime95 for 25 hours (100% CPU usage) on my T40 and the machine only got warm.

Overall, I like my T40 better than the D600 I had before. The D600 had a better screen, but the keyboard was completely awful to type on. I type a lot, so I wanted to have the best keyboard possible. In this respect, the T40 is second to none against other Pentium-M notebooks.

Even given the $200 price difference, I would pick the T40 The build quality is better than the D600 (thought the D600 is itself a mostly solid machine), and although my T40 is slower than the D600 I had, I find it easier to tote around and use. The only significant advantage the D600 has over the T40 IMO is gaming power (radeon 9k vs 7.5k on the T40)

 

[babisjhu]

Thanks a lot for all your help!

 

[mocca]

I vote for T40 The built quality of the T40 is really good and it come with 3 years warranty (i don't know if the config of the D600 is with 3yr warranty or not).

Mocca

 

[syncmaster108]

My friend told the the T40 (2373 72U, extra 6 cell battery, extea AC adapter and a carrying bag) is on sale on Canadian EPP site: CAD $2499, I think it is a good deal - cheaper than US$1911.

 

[babisjhu]

tha's a good deal. I also found one at kaanza for ~$1820 (if you wire the cash)

that canadian deal seems really nice!

 

[UltraWide]

get the IBM T40 58U model with 1400x1050+Radeon 9000.

 

[sentinel2000]

UltraWide why do you suggest getting the 58U model? Disk is smaller, slower processor, no burner, no wireless built in. It would cost a lot to bring it up the 72U spec. I know the 58U has the SXGA+ screen and M9 graphics but is it really worth it? Would the 58U be better for MS Office, email and web browsing? Would it be that much better for light gaming? I am asking because I am going to order one of these configurations during the current sale. Interested in the opinion of people who have been using T40s.

Thanks.

 

[chin311]

youd probably be bannd for recommending the dell over the ibm, so i say T40 :beer:

 

[syncmaster108]

 

[Nagrim]

I've never heard/seen anything about laptop screen protectors (most likely as i just purchased my first laptop about a week ago). Could anybody give me a link to where i might find one? Just curious to see whats out there.

 

[babisjhu]

here are some links i found within anandtech (btw this is also my first time buying a laptop)

laptop cooling pad

screen protector


By the way, for battery use, do you guys pull the battery out when you using the ac adapter? (or do you just keep the battery inside?) and how much does this really affect it?