IBM Thinkpad T40 2373 - thoughts?

[sathyan]

I'm thinking of getting a laptop (to this point I've done strictly DIY desktops) to be used in addition to my desktop. Portability is a key concern (but I don't want to spend a huge amount of money). I found a Thinkpad listed below that I think would fit my needs. Tell me your thoughts. Thanks.

IBM ThinkPad T40 2373
- Pentium M 1.5 GHz
- RAM 256 MB
- HD 40 GB
- CD-RW / DVD
- Mdm
- LAN EN, Fast EN, Gigabit EN, 802.11b
- Win XP Pro
- 14.1" TFT active 24 bit
- 3 yr warranty
Price: $1,484.34

Dimensions (WxDxH): 12.2 in x 10 in x 1.2 in
Weight: 4.9 lbs
Cache Memory 1 MB - L2 cache
RAM 256 MB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR SDRAM - PC2100 - 266 MHz
Graphics Controller ATI MOBILITY RADEON 7500 - 32 MB
Battery Lithium ion
Average Run Time 5.5 hour(s)
Manufacturer Warranty 3 years warranty

 

[saintnick]

Love mine. Third thinkpad, and have had great luck with all of them. They are so worth the price, especially if you consider the keyboard.

 

[preslove]

Looks nice. How are you getting that particular deal?

 

[sathyan]

1.

How are you getting that particular deal?

My school (Ohio State University) signed a "preferred vendor" contract with IBM wich gives all students/faculty/staff/alumni discounted prices. There were a bunch of Thinkpads included in the deal. I'm not sure how X, R, and T series differ but am willing to pay a bit more for longevity.

R50P INTEL PENTIUM M 1.7GHZ 15.0" UXGA IPS GB,BT CTO $1,463.22
R40 INTEL PENTIUM 1.3G 1MB 256/40 15 PC UNIVERSE $1,319.34
T40 INTEL PENTIUM 1.5 256DDR 40 COMBO 14.1GIG CENT SC XPP $1,484.34
T40 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.5 256 40 14.1 COMBO GIGA CISCO XPP $1,504.14
T40P INTEL PENTIUM M 1.6GHZ 60 14.1 SEC COMBO WI FI XPP $2,032.14
X31 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.4 $1,306.14

I'm also getting a 19" .22mm ThinkVision CRT for $150 through this deal.


2. Is the replicator necessary? (what ports does it add that aren't on the notebook itself)

3. In your "real world" experience how long does the battery last?

4. Since built in sound generally sucks and there is no line in, I need to buy an external audio interface. Can you recommend any? (I only need 2 channel in/out) Do any use USB2?

thanks,
sathyan

 

[Flats]

i returned a t41 i had for a week. why don't you call their tech support before you buy and find out if you can live with it. ibm used to have great support. i called 3 times with a simple question about their wireless connection - no one could answer it - all i heard was pack it up and ship it back and we will fix it. there was nothing broken i just had a simple software question. i did pack it up and ship it back to them for a refund. from now on i will call tech support before i buy a laptop.

flats

 

[Viper0329]

I have a 2373-72U (sounds like the model you are describing), and I love it. The best laptop I've ever handled. Their tech support has been great for me too. If nothing else, their return policy and parts department is amazing.

 

[Pandaren]

I've had my T40 for about 9 months. It was probably one of the first T40s ever made, and it did have some of the commonly reported problems of the T40 at the time (buzzing AC adapter, loose battery, slight flex on right hand side of keyboard).

I managed to fix all these problems with some help here on the forums and elsewhere. IBM replaced the AC adapter, and I used very thin foam strips to make the keyboard perfect and to prevent the battery from rattling.

As far as IBM's service goes, I have been satisfied so far. If I needed replacement parts (well, just the AC adapter), IBM sent them out promptly. If you hate service through lousy VoIP (Internet phone) to Indians in Bangalore reading scripts like drones, IBM service should be a nice change from DELL.

I would guess that most of the T40's initial problems have been worked out. The size, layout, and build quality are much better than Dell 600m or D600 units.

 

[Tweakmeister]

Have a 2373G1U (T40p) I picked up refurbished...it seems brand new. Everything is perfect. Was $1999.99

You'll definately pay a "premium" for the IBM's but they are WELL worth it.

Get one, you'll never go to anything else!


Of note: My concern was portability, performance, and build quality. Coming from a 15" Titanium Powerbook this T-series was the only one that fit the bill.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: sathyan
1.

How are you getting that particular deal?

My school (Ohio State University) signed a "preferred vendor" contract with IBM wich gives all students/faculty/staff/alumni discounted prices. There were a bunch of Thinkpads included in the deal. I'm not sure how X, R, and T series differ but am willing to pay a bit more for longevity.

R50P INTEL PENTIUM M 1.7GHZ 15.0" UXGA IPS GB,BT CTO $1,463.22
R40 INTEL PENTIUM 1.3G 1MB 256/40 15 PC UNIVERSE $1,319.34
T40 INTEL PENTIUM 1.5 256DDR 40 COMBO 14.1GIG CENT SC XPP $1,484.34
T40 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.5 256 40 14.1 COMBO GIGA CISCO XPP $1,504.14
T40P INTEL PENTIUM M 1.6GHZ 60 14.1 SEC COMBO WI FI XPP $2,032.14
X31 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.4 $1,306.14

I'm also getting a 19" .22mm ThinkVision CRT for $150 through this deal.


2. Is the replicator necessary? (what ports does it add that aren't on the notebook itself)

3. In your "real world" experience how long does the battery last?

4. Since built in sound generally sucks and there is no line in, I need to buy an external audio interface. Can you recommend any? (I only need 2 channel in/out) Do any use USB2?

thanks,
sathyan

The replicator merely enbles you to drop the TP on it and be working instead of hooking up external keyboards, mice, printers, network, monitors, etc. every time you hit your desk. If you are not going to be using it in a "docked" fashion then you can probably avoid the cost.

However-remember that the Port replicator DOES NOT come with a power adapter- you need to use the one that comes with your thinkpad..... They do sell extras but by time you buy both the port rep and extra supply/brick -you are better off buying IBM's "Mini Dock". It' cheaper and comes with it's own power brick, a key lock, 4 USB ports instead of the 1 USB that comes on the port rep.

I used to get about 5 hours of battery life on my T40. That was with the standard battery. I have the 9 cel (big) battery on my T41p and I get 6.5 hours now.

Honestly.... If I were to weigh out my weight requirement and screen size and so forth, I might recommend you look at the R50P - for the price you are getting it may be the better value. THe T is in a different class/user - but the R50P has a better video chipset (128 meg fire GL T2) than the T40 you are quoting.... however- the price for the R50P is low--so double check that and make sure it is indeed a R50P. That R50P also has bluetooth. It's a real sweet display on that R as well....