poll: which laptop to keep? go by tests or repuation?

[stingygrrl]

this concerns ONLY the IBM T41 23731FU (PM 1.4, 256MB @2700, 32 MB Radeon 7500, 30 GB @4200) and the Compaq X1000 (PM 1.4, 256MB @2700, 32 MB Radeon 9000, 40 GB @4200) . I already have both in my possession and have to return one. Please don't add another one to the mix. I was thinking of holding out for a T42 but I have a feeling they won't be < $1500 as my T41 is.

these are my unofficial tests as I try to decide which one to keep. please vote in the poll

I note that the T41 has more of a bluish cast to the screen, while the X1000 is more of a pure white. I could fix it I guess.

Certainly, if the X1000 had the same warranty adn reputation for reliabilty, it would be a no-brainer! Am I getting caught up in Thinkpad hype??
I think some touchpad features (like tapping) are disabled in the X1000 which I would like..

The x1000 has outperformed the T41 in all the tests. However, it's not a clear winner, as I have lingering concerns about build quality and customer care over the next 3 years. Also the T41 is smaller and better looking.

Do I look at specs adn tests or the intangibles of IBM care and reputation?



sizes
x1000: 14 x 10 x 1.3, 6.6 lbs
T41: 12 x 10 x 1 , 4.9 lbs


all these are done at factory settings.

PCMARK x1000
overall 2288
CPU 2962
memory 2066
graphics 345 (32 MB radeon 9000, labeled as 9200)
HDD 2167

PCMARK IBM T41
overall 2192
CPU 2905
memory 2049
graphics 209 (32 MB radeon 7500)
HDD 2057

Boot speed - again factory settings - Compaq X1000 boots XP Home faster than IBM boots Pro. I know it could be due to more prinstalled IBM junk. However, I won't invest teh time to set both to clean installs. I will only do it on the one I keep.

Sandra burn in wizard to test battery life, looping.
Both laptops on max performance (sweedswitchxp) and brightness. Both have blank screensaver after 2 min

began sandra at 10:50 am

X1000 battery @ 97%
T41 battery @ 93%
------------------------
11:45 am

X1000 battery @ 60%, run 17 on sandra
T41 battery @ 49%, run 10 on sandra :Q

------------------------

12:30 stopped test

X1000 battery @ 28%, run 29 on sandra
T41 battery @ 14%, run 18 on sandra :brokenheart: <--- wow, a lot slower!!
--------------

battery differential 3% at start, 14% at end.


the problem is the X1000 has my brain and the T41 has my heart.

I guess I should have disabled all extraneous services before running the tests to make them more even ..

 

[sharq]

I would take an IBM thinkpad any day.

 

[WackyDan]

IBM T41.... can't go wrong and I think the battery numbers are somewhat misleading... What did you do to even the consumption? Too many factors at play there... I get 5 1/4 hrs with my 6 cel battery on my T41 and nearly 6 1/2 on my 9 cel... that's at near factory settings surfing the web. -no optical access.

 

[stingygrrl]

when I set up teh tests I told it not to test the optical drive. as for the rest, I chose max performance for both in speedswitchxp.

what do you recommend to test the battery life? sounds like even IF the battery is less powerful, you say to go IBM anyway.

interesting.

what a dilemna!

 

[WackyDan]

I prefer using real world habit then a tool.

IBm has better support then HPQ these days and your t-41 has a hard drive shock absorber and the active hard drive protection system.... Over the life of the lappy it will remain more durable than the Compaq.

 

[Corporate Thug]

stingygrrl, i'm looking into the x1000. is the 6.5 pounds too heavy to carry?

 

[stingygrrl]

thanks guys for the input

no 6.5 is not too heavy to carry. hey man, I go to the GYM!! seriously though, there is a noticeable difference in the 2 lbs and I think it all depends on the features and brand, more than the weight. I would love a 2-3 pound one, but I can't stand to look at a12" with no optical drive. so that puts me in the 5 pound group. if you like the 15.4" screen, and I have to say, the compaq screen LOOKS better, then you are stuck in the 6.5 pound group.


best buy sells a similar model, the 1040 or something. I suggest you go over there and look it over before you order. once you place the order with hp, you CANNOT cancel or change it. They bill you immediately and you are tied into doing an RMA after you receive it.

check out the forums at x1000forums.com

 

[RossMAN]

So which did you end up keeping?

I can't decide between the Compaq X1000 and HP ZT3000. I know they're both identical except for casing.

 

[stingygrrl]

I kept the thinkpad. The x1000 was picked up on Tues. Although the specs on the compaq were a touch better, I just smiled everytime I saw/used the thinkpad. So I had to go with that.
I also kept in mind the quote 'you can't go wrong with IBM'. I feel that's true and although the compaq may have worked out perfectly, it may not have too.

 

[zodder]

There's a certain status in having a ThinkPad, too.