Are IBM T41s worth the $$$$

[spanner]

I am in the market for a laptop and I am considereing forking out $1850 for the IBMT41 with the sxga+ screen and the 40gig hard drive. My question is could my money be better spent. I need a tough (this is a must considering the fate of my last laptop)and reliable laptop. This is a tad out of my price range but considering how much time I am going to spend with this thing I am willing to spend the money. I just don't want to spend the money if all I am doing is paying for the IBM name or for looks. Also are these things scratch resistant.

 

[macwinlin]

Based upon what I read in reviews and on this site, the T41s have better build quality than most. Of course, with the price you are paying for the IBMs, other laptops from Dell or HP/Compaq may have better value in terms of features.

Have you looked at one at a store to see how it looks and feels? I'll probably take a final look before deciding whether or not to get one.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: macwinlin
Based upon what I read in reviews and on this site, the T41s have better build quality than most. Of course, with the price you are paying for the IBMs, other laptops from Dell or HP/Compaq may have better value in terms of features.

Have you looked at one at a store to see how it looks and feels? I'll probably take a final look before deciding whether or not to get one.

You can get IBM's in stores?

 

[ShellGuy]

Last time i knew of you couldn't buy them in stores and i have never seen an IBM store. But then again I haven't seen alot of things in my life time. I have heard great things about IBM lappys in reguards to them shutting down the platters of the drive when the book is droped. What are you asking about "are these things scratch resistant?". Are you refering to the screen or the case it self?

Will

 

[Abhi]

If u are clumsy....a dell with 3 yr complete care warranty might be a better idea...

 

[macwinlin]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: macwinlin
Based upon what I read in reviews and on this site, the T41s have better build quality than most. Of course, with the price you are paying for the IBMs, other laptops from Dell or HP/Compaq may have better value in terms of features.

Have you looked at one at a store to see how it looks and feels? I'll probably take a final look before deciding whether or not to get one.

You can get IBM's in stores?

I guess I should explain myself a little better. I was recommending at least going to a university bookstore (or any store) that sells ThinkPads on location so that they may have a display out for people to see what they are getting.

I know at UCLA sells T41s and have one out for people to look at. For the OP, this is good so that he/she has an idea of what the T41 offers instead of just having internet and personal reviews.

Unfortunately, I don't know as many retail stores that have ThinkPads in stock for purchase on location, much less have them on display. I tried calling a few large stores that sell ThinkPads to see if they have them on display. One didn't have them on display and another kept me on hold for a long time.

Unless I can find a retail store, I guess I have to go to UCLA's bookstore if I want to take a final look at the T41s before deciding whether or not to purchase one.

 

[DogbertFuz]

Originally posted by: Abhi
If u are clumsy....a dell with 3 yr complete care warranty might be a better idea...

IBM's 3 yr warranty is absolutely wonderful. I'd take their warranty over dell's any day. Honestly, I've used their service 3 times already and with wonderful results. I suggest you stick with IBM.

Build Quality / Scratch Resistant (not plastic like the dell's) / Superior Support


I would also suggest getting the cheapest t41 or t40 you can find with all the features you need. I find the prices don't justify the performance increase. But I would plan on upgrading in 2-3 years as that's the lifespan of a good laptop. Plastic ones usually last 1-2 years.

Nick

 

[benz]

im looking to do about the same thing as spanner.....ive been doing a lot of research and it seems the T41's might be about my best choice. Anyone know of a place in Raleigh that has them on display? like an IBM warehouse/outlet or something?

also, is there a new model coming out soon....T50 or the like?

 

[Frightcrawler]

Well...Refurb stores usually have IBMs (as well as a ton of other ones). Perhaps you could look for a refurb outlet?

 

[benz]

you mean like tigerdirect or something? any place more...legit? i have heard some things about tigerdirect....

 

[Abhi]

Originally posted by: DogbertFuz

Originally posted by: Abhi
If u are clumsy....a dell with 3 yr complete care warranty might be a better idea...

IBM's 3 yr warranty is absolutely wonderful. I'd take their warranty over dell's any day. Honestly, I've used their service 3 times already and with wonderful results. I suggest you stick with IBM.

CompleteCare warranty from dell means that they change your laptop, even if you break it! This is not the "normal" limited warranty. They charge extra for it.

I know IBM service is good, but will they give you a free replacement if u drop your laptop and break it?

 

[Abhi]

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/top...ces/en/completecare_svc?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

What is covered with CompleteCare .....

 

[macwinlin]

Originally posted by: benz
im looking to do about the same thing as spanner.....ive been doing a lot of research and it seems the T41's might be about my best choice. Anyone know of a place in Raleigh that has them on display? like an IBM warehouse/outlet or something?

also, is there a new model coming out soon....T50 or the like?

I did some research and according to this page (scroll down to the THINKPAD section) on IBM's site, the ThinkPad T42s are coming out soon.

 

[dcdomain]

Oh wow, the T42's aren't going to cost that much more as well (in terms of .EDU pricing):
http://laptop.clemson.edu/purchasing/recommended_descriptions.html

 

[stingygrrl]

I need to stay under $1500. Think I should return my T41 and wait till mid may?? I don't have any particular NEED to have one right now if the new 2 MB L2 centrinos are coming out. Those also have the b/g card and the larger HD

Probably so, huh??

 

[MuffD]

Stingygrrl, I think if you can wait, then I would get one in May. I'm thinking of selling the T40 I just bought a few weeks ago and go for the T42 or a T41.
I like how the T42's have a 15" screen now and only weigh about 5.5 lbs.

 

[stingygrrl]

do you think they'll have them for under $1500? I'm already blowing the budget by going that high

i was thinking i'd ditch the T41 but now I'm thinking that any new model will be using the PM 1.7 and up and out of range for me, while the old models won't drop that much.
I paid $1499 for the 23731FU with free 2d battery (a gift but I selected it - I think they expected to be givingme a < $1000 laptop but they said get what you want) I just can't (morally) go much higher.

 

[BuckNaked]

Originally posted by: dcdomain
Oh wow, the T42's aren't going to cost that much more as well (in terms of .EDU pricing):
http://laptop.clemson.edu/purchasing/recommended_descriptions.html

The 15" SXGA T42 specs look sweet.....

 

[shoman94]

I like the 14" screen myself.....That's my limit for portability at the moment.

 

[dcdomain]

I'd like a widescreen please!!! PLEASE IBM I BEG OF YOU!

 

[MuffD]

Originally posted by: Buck_Naked

Originally posted by: dcdomain
Oh wow, the T42's aren't going to cost that much more as well (in terms of .EDU pricing):
http://laptop.clemson.edu/purchasing/recommended_descriptions.html

The 15" SXGA T42 specs look sweet.....

If I can sell my T40 and get around 2000 or more, I would for sure go for the T42 with the 15" display.

 

[Soopaced]

is everyone happy with the screen quality on the t41....my four year old dell laptop has a clearer lcd then the t41...i dont get it...do i have to get sxga to get a better screen even though the resolution is so small? ive gone through about four laptops recently and none of them had real clear screens..i have real bad eyes and need something on par with a desktop lcd..anyone have any suggestions or comments?