Problems with the new IBM T40

[mocca]

The 14" SXGA+ of the T40 is the best for its class. I used Dell I4xxx, Compaq n610c, n620c, Sony Z1 (all of them have 14"SXGA+ LCD). T40 SXGA+ LCD is simply the best. All of the 14"SXGA+ LCD have limited viewing angle (this is because of the LCD mfg, not laptop OEM). The differences come from the clarity and color saturation. The clarity of the T40 SXGA+ LCD is the best (i.e., no noise, or crystal-like pattern on the LCD, and display white color correctly). I would rate the LCD from best to worse as follow:

IBM T40 > Sony Z1 > Compaq n620c, n610c, Dell I4xxx

Compaq and Dell apparently use the same LCD (or they come from the same LCD mfg) and they exhibit grainy and doesn't display white color correctly (more like grayish). Many users don't notice this since they don't know what a quality LCD look like from the beginning. Try go to BestBuy or Circuitcity and look at the Sony GRX series LCD (16"UXGA) at its native resolution. The LCD is simply the BEST (better than the UltraSharp of Dell and 17" PB LCD). For its class (14" SXGA+), T40 have the best LCD. The viewing angle is limited and more or less the same with every other 14"SXGA+ LCD.

Mocca

 

[OldSpooky]

I think that everyone has problems with their T40 should go to the IBM website forums and complain. I love the T40 design and features, but I think there are things that IBM should fix for customers:

- minor noise problems
- loose battery
- lousy XGA viewing angle

I have submitted my comments and complaints to IBM regarding those.

 

[Viper0329]

Does anyone else have a 5400 RPM HD in their T40? Mine is fairly loud and surprised me. It sounds like a fan when it is on all the time. It's not a high pitched whine, but a whirring sound like that of a fan.

Also, my electrical noise is pretty bad. When plugged in, set to High System Performance or Always On, and high activity, such as copying files across the network, it is very loud. I can hear it with mp3s playing at low volume. It's enough to annoy fairly greatly.

 

[sentinel2000]

I suggest complaining on the IBM forum site as Old Spooky has proposed. I just posted saying I was not buying a T40 because of all the problems but especially the limited vertical viewing angles.

I am VERY disappointed.

 

[CaseyJames]

I just got a T40 (Model 2372-19U) last week and it seems fine...SO FAR. No noise, and the viewing angles seem fine. It is my first laptop, so I am no expert by anymeans....but everything seems ok. If I do have any problems, I'll post them...here and at the IBM site.

 

[xm0nkey]

I just wanted to report that my T40p I recieved on Friday does indeed have the annoying buzzing noise noticeable on AC power. Its most prevalent whenever I scroll in a menu window. My dad has an older T23 so I'll see if I can borrow his AC adapter to see if it helps.