difference betwen R40 or T40

[replicator]

Hi there, I'm looking to buy a new laptop. I need it mainly for school and work, which includes some programming, but also a bit of gaming on the side. I am not a guy that needs 60+ fps for everything, but something good enough for the mainstream.

More important is durability, which is why I am thinking IBM thinkpads, since I read that they are so good in that regard.

However, the T40 strikes me as being a bit costly, considering a similar configuration on an R40 is significantly cheaper. I know that the T40 is a bit thinner and lighter, but that isn't so much of an issue.

So, since there are some people more knowledgeable about this than me, what do you say?

I am leaning towards the R40. I live in Canada, where the configuration options aren't so great, and I don't see any local resellers, meaning I gotta pay a decent dollar to get either machine.

Any guidance appreciated. Hoping to place an order within a week or two.


Thanks

 

[oaaltone]

If thin and light is not an issue, the R40 is an excellent notebook. I've used one that was a display model, and it seemed as sturdy as the T40. In fact, it seems like almost the same notebook, just a bit bigger...

 

[LuDaCriS66]

I was in the same situation and the only difference I saw was that the R40 was bulkier. I went with the T40 simply because it was smaller and I'm using it while travelling and around school.

 

[Pandaren]

The R40 is heavier and bulkier than the T40, but it's a good workhorse machine. If you can wait a bit, the R50 just came out (much less bulky than the R40).

 

[replicator]

Thanks for the replies.

I did some searching for info on the R50, didn't find much, except that it has the new safety feature for the HD. Not on IBM Canada site yet. Any idea when it will be out? I wonder if the release of the new models will drop the price of the R40 and T40, but by looking at the old models still on sale on the IBM site, doesn't seem to be much of a reduction on them.

 

[Pandaren]

You might find this helpful:

CNET first look at R50

The last time I checked, there is only one type of R50 on the U.S. IBM website, and it costs over $2,000 (might as well get a T series at that price point).

I am sure that cheaper R50 models will come out as IBM phases out the R40.

 

[replicator]

Does anybody have experience buying refurbished IBM products, direct from IBM of course.

I am thinking of going that path, because then i can get a configuration I want, rather then to settle for a low-end configuration.

Let me know what you guys think!

thanks for all your help

 

[replicator]

Damn, I just ordered it.. I've been fretting all week like a nutcase and had to get it over with. Just hope I don't regret it.

The model i purchased is this one. (2722GCU)

P M 1.5GHz, 256MB RAM, 60GB HDD, 15 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 24x10x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel Pro 802.11b wireless(MPCI), Modem/Bluetooth combo(CDC), Ethernet(LOM), Secure Chip(TCPA), 8 cell battery, WinXP Pro

Wish me luck

 

[LuDaCriS66]

The 2722GCU is actually quite a bit bigger than other R40's I've seen.... hope the size doesn't bother you too much. Especially compared to the T40, it's much bigger.

 

[replicator]

Though size of course counts, as long as it isn't much bigger I won't mind too much. It does have 15 day satisfaction guarantee, so i can return it if it is a bit too much to carry around.

Seems to be almost a pound heavier than the 14 inch screen models, it is 3.1kg. I hope that it isn't too bad. Anyhow, I am a bit larger than most other guys (muscle not fat ).

But yeah.. Unfortunately i have a tight budget, and so this was the only way to get this type of config. Nice big 15 inch screen with SXGA+, and 60 Gb. I will have to upgrade the ram a bit though..

Is the videocard component modular? Possible to upgrade?
I think it will suffice, but would consider for the future if possible.


Thanks!

 

[replicator]

Just another update, I received the system today and it is great. It is mint, and i've been working on it for the past 4 hours straight installing programs and playing around, and I still have 28% battery left. For me, the weight is not heavy at all. The screen is sharp and crisp at 1400x1050, audio is great, keyboard solid, and the option to turn off any devices like serial, parallel, touchpad, etc, to save battery is great too.........

For the configuration, I got a decent price, approx 1900US including taxes and shipping.