Help me pick a laptop..... :-)

[aphex]

Ok, im starting off law school in a little over a month and just recently sold my baby (Dell 8100) to go for a lighter lappy....

What laptops do you reccomend that meet my requirements:

• Light (less than 6lbs, preferably around 4-5)
• Nice Screen (12.1" or larger, awesome quality)
• Long Battery Life (at LEAST 3 hours is a must)
• CDRW/DVD (must be internal)
• Integrated Wireless (at least 802.11b, bluetooth would be awesome)
• Sturdy
• Graphics (games arent too important, but once in a while. Its not my primary concern)
• Under $2000

Now, from what i can tell, it seems the IBM T41 (Model 2379DJU) would be the best fit for my needs. But before i plunk down $1800, i wanted to see if anyone had any other reccomendations...

 

[lisantica]

I use a ThinkPad myself and highly recommend them. My friend uses a Fujitsu Lifebook, P5010, and loves it, but I think the screen might be too small for you on that particular P5010 model. Certainly worth looking at the Fujitsu site though. Perhaps others will have different recommendations.
Lisa

 

[FuzzyBee]

Might get a better response if you post here.

 

[aphex]

whoops, looks like i fergot to change forums before posting... my bad

 

[biostud]

I'm looking at the ASUS M6000 or ASUS M2000 series. But I've no experience with any notebooks though.

Asus Notebooks

 

[Frightcrawler]

You'll want an IBM. Since gaming isnt a huge priority, an IBM thinkpad is great for you.
But in the event that you do try to game on a thinkpad (exceptions are T41p and R50p).....don't.

 

[Abhi]

IBM T41...

 

[Corporate Thug]

apple powerbook

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: shady06
apple powerbook

Many law schools (including the one I will be attending) do not allow apple's to be used for exams. Unfortunately, apple's dont support DHCP over multiple subnets.

 

[MuffD]

I vote for Thinkpad T40 or T41

 

[Wuzup101]

Another vote for the Thinkpad T41... make sure to get the discounts from your school if they are there!

 

[stingygrrl]

I got the T41, 23731FU thru the discover card site. Just link thu from there. It was $1499, $1600 incl tax. It had a 3 yr warranty adnd 2d battery but I think they ended that promo. I'm really happy with it. I use it for biz apps, no gaming. It has the CDRW, but for larger files (like restore images) I send them over to the desktop thru the WiFi and burn them to DVD.

I had gotten a Compaq x1050 and after comparing them side by side, I sent the Compaq back. There wasn't anything really wrong with it. It tested out faster, but I liked the size, looks and weight of the T41 better.

I'm very happy with it, and although I might like the T42, the cost is an issue too, and I suspect they'd be 1/3 more or MORE, so I think this model was in the sweet spot.

I picked up an extra 256 MB ram from Best Buy back in Feb I think for $25 and added that.

The other thing I like about it is that the repair depot for by appointment/walkin service is about 10 min away. I like that they can diagnose/order what they need while it's still with me, not in transit to some service center.

So I guess if you can afford it, go with the IBM, whatver is the best you can afford.

Start at discovercard.com and link thru from their shopping center for some discounts.

 

[aphex]

Thanks for all your responces, i really appreciate all the help.

Right now im 98% sure im going to get a T41 2379DJU since it comes with a 1.6 and SXGA. I just REALLY wish it came with bluetooth, but unfortunately the only ones that do are $500 more expensive.

Since the current free 512mb promo dosent include Think Express Models (the only ones really worth considering), im gonna hold off till the 19th when the current promo ends and hopefully a new one begins.

Unless, does anyone know a way to configure specs simular to the 2379DJU w/o going with a Think Express? It seems that when you try to configure, the 1.6 cpu wont match up with the SXGA.... Hmmm....

 

[stingygrrl]

some T4xs come with the bluetooth antenna in it (even though you didn't configure it that way), although the modem card doesn't support it.

it's a pretty minor swap of he modem card and voila! you have free bluetooth! I don't know how to tell before buying. Probably SXGA is a good start because I think that those are the 'p' models and more likely to have BT.

 

[Hellblast]

In these threads I usually throw a vote in for Acer. Check out the new Acer 6000 and 8000 line of things, they're awesome. Good vid-card, high-speed wireless and bluetooth.

Hellblast

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: stingygrrl
some T4xs come with the bluetooth antenna in it (even though you didn't configure it that way), although the modem card doesn't support it.

it's a pretty minor swap of he modem card and voila! you have free bluetooth! I don't know how to tell before buying. Probably SXGA is a good start because I think that those are the 'p' models and more likely to have BT.

Well i think the one im looking at is the highest you can go without being a 'p' model. Dont all the p models have the 128mb Radeon?