Thinkpad recommendations

[Molloch]

I'm contemplating getting a new Thinkpad and was wondering if I could get some recommendations. In particular, I'd like at a 14"+ SXGA display (1400x1050) on a Centrino platform. T40 looks nice, but I'm hesitant to shell out $3k for a notebook. I ran across an R40 at cdw.com that sounds pretty comparable (a little heavier/bigger, Radeon 7500 instead of 9000/FireGL, but a $1k cheaper). Strangely enough, I can't find this model on IBM's site (found R40, but not with those specs). Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Soybomb]

I haven neither of those models, but centrino certainly does have some enormous advantages, you need to consider if they're want you want from a laptop.....

 

[GizmoFreak]

If you can afford it, definitely go with the th T40. I don't think you'll regret it. However, if money will be a factor, and you won't be carrying around that much, I think the R40 is a pretty good alternative. Keep in mind that the R40 is fairly hefty at 1.5in thick and 6.5lbs.

 

[bharok]

About a week ago I noticed that IBM removed several configurations from their website.

 

[nicowju]

they did remove several configurations; a while back I was thinking of getting the T30 2366JBU which had the fastest mobile P4-M (2.4GHz) and lots of other stuff (60GB 5400RPM HD). But for some reason they removed it; I guess I'm happy that I didn't get it, since I now have a T40. Guess waiting does pay off sometimes

Anyway, I'd say try to find a cheaper T23 or something. The R40's from what I hear are pretty good anyway, so you definitely couldn't go wrong with it.

 

[Molloch]

Hmmm. Checked out some of the Thinkpads at work and have to say I really liked the T-series form factor. We've got an A20p (which I'm guessing the R40 is comparable to size/weight-wise) and a T23. Anyone know of some good places to get Thinkpads for a good price? My big constraint is a high-res display (14.1" SXGA), but decent battery life and a halfway decent video chip would be nice too. I'm considering the T23, T30, and of course the T40 (all of which appear to be available with SXGA displays). Anyone have battery life experience with these? Numbers I've seen on the web are 3.5 hrs, 3 hrs, and 5+ respectively. Are these all available with built-in WiFi? Any T-series owners have any recommendations?

 

[geoffkin]

Time to buy the T23! - PIII-M 1.2, 40GB@5400, 256RAM, 8XDVD, 3-year IBM warranty all for $999 DELIVERED. SEARCH the HOT DEALS forum!

 

[MWink]

I'm also looking at the T40 and I really like the one that has the SXGA+ screen and the Radeon 9000. It's only ~$2000. I just can't decide whether I want a new laptop or if I should just keep my Inspiron 8200.

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: nicowju
they did remove several configurations; a while back I was thinking of getting the T30 2366JBU which had the fastest mobile P4-M (2.4GHz) and lots of other stuff (60GB 5400RPM HD). But for some reason they removed it; I guess I'm happy that I didn't get it, since I now have a T40. Guess waiting does pay off sometimes

Anyway, I'd say try to find a cheaper T23 or something. The R40's from what I hear are pretty good anyway, so you definitely couldn't go wrong with it.

Keep an eye on ebay. You will see these models on auction, usually they come with a warranty.