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Best Thin & Light

J

jacksonian

Junior Member
I've been reading tons of reviews at PCMag and CNet and I've narrowed my choices for a new laptop down to these four "thin and lights" as they classify them. Can anyone give me some feedback on these? They all price out roughly between $2000-$2300. I'd go with the 1.7 or 1.8Ghz Dothan M chips and 512mb and a 60gb 7200rpm hdd.

IBM T42

Fujitsu S7010D

Toshiba Tecra M2

HP Compaq nc6000


The HP Compaq got top votes with the IBM close behind in a couple of roundups (of course, leading in customer service). The Fujitsu got decent reviews, and I couldn't really find much on the Toshiba. Any input is greatly appreciated.
 
The IBM T-series laptops are very nice but very expensive. If you're going for the best and money isn't a problem, then the T42 would be the way to go. If you're looking for the best value / bang for the buck, then I'd suggest the Fujitsu.

I have an old Toshiba Portege (ultraport class) that has served me pretty well. Still chugging along after four years. I can't speak for their current line of laptops, but the build quality of mine was very nice.

I'm not a fan of HP Compaq laptops.
 
As a former Compaq service rep - I also am not a big fan. It seems that when Compaq negotiated their deal with Tandy Corp (Radio Shack) their QC went downhill - we nicknamed them "ComeBacks" because they were always coming back into the store, however on the same token my HP zd7010 is an excellent machine - though 9.3lbs is not light nor portable.

My fav's are the IBM and Fujitsu having owned multiples of each manufacturer. I would check both of them out and recommend checking the laptops for heat - the fujitsu gets kinda hot.
 
Originally posted by: EvanAdams
why are you not a fan of hp?
Click to expand...

Of the ones I've handled, their build quality seems kind of shoddy. If I'm spending a couple of grand, I want something that will feel sturdy in my hands and not have worries about cracking or breaking it.
 
Originally posted by: karmasalad
Originally posted by: EvanAdams
why are you not a fan of hp?
Click to expand...

Of the ones I've handled, their build quality seems kind of shoddy. If I'm spending a couple of grand, I want something that will feel sturdy in my hands and not have worries about cracking or breaking it.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that the nc6000 series is HP's business line, it will probably be constructed better than their consumer models (i.e. zt3000)
Also, I would say that you will have more problems with the other brands than with the IBM (or possibly the Fujitsu, have heard good things about them). Now, by problems I mean mainly tiny little annoyances. A volume button sticking. Action on the screen hinges becoming a little loose. Overall, IBM's are some of the best built laptops around. I sell computers, so I have handled dozens of different laptops from different manufacturers. On the consumer level, they are mostly equal in build quality/reliability. I haven't experienced HP/Compaq's business line or Fujitsu laptops, but I can tell you that IBM will still probably pwn them. If you want the BEST laptop without having to compromise quality or reliability, go with IBM. If you want the best bang for the buck, I would check out the HP. See if you can see one in person somewhere. Toshiba seems to be a good brand if you get their high end models. Fujitsu I've heard good things about, but again I haven't experienced one first hand.
Overall, my vote is for the T42. Love mine 😀
 
Originally posted by: jacksonian
IBM T42

Fujitsu S7010D

Toshiba Tecra M2

HP Compaq nc6000
Click to expand...
None? Depends greatly on how one defines "thin and lights". Perhaps think of Compal. The CL56 comes to mind.
 
I think I'm going to go with an Acer Travelmate 3200.
4.8lbs with drive, 14" screen, 1.5MHz Dothan, 512MB, 60GB, and best of all Radeon 9700 & Bluetooth.
I can get a discount through my company, but even suggested retail of $1499 is great.

Also, for those not familiar with Acer, they are a huge company that used to be the largest notebook mfg. They made the notebooks for the then famous Texas Intruments Travelmate series. They then bought out the notebook business from TI and sell them under the Acer name now.
 
never had any luck with Acer's. always a lot of trouble with anything acer. i have an IBM T30 that
i am well satisfied with. and the 41's are really nice. but are pricey. i also like the toshiba's but i dont
like the intake fan on the bottom. has anyone had trouble with this?
 
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