Choosing between Sony Z1 and IBM T40

[Neecola]

Hi! I'm trying to decide between the Sony Vaio Z1(VA or RAP1) and the IBM T40/41, but having trouble deciding between the two.
It seems like taking tax, shipping etc. into account it seems like the IBM will be a bit more expensive (making the IBM having similar configs to the sony, i.e. wireless, 512 ram, etc.) I've seen the Sony in stores and it seems rather solid and really has great design. I wish I could see a Thinkpad in person, but it sounds like an awesome computer.

Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks (from a new poster!)
N.


IBM T40/41

Sony Vaio Z1

 

[eriqesque]

Well I lean more to the IBM having a T40 I can tell you It's and awesome piece of machinery
here is anoter option to bring the price down on both of them order them from Newegg links below.
Now as for the IBM you will lose the ability if orderd through newegg to simply return the product within 30 days,
dont know about Sony and their return policy
But you also get them a little cheaper.

IBM T40 Exact same model you listed

Sony very similar config to the IBM

click the images button to the left of the price for some more and better pics of them.

 

[OfficerNoGun]

This IBM appears to be better than the one you configured, for about 300 less, all you have to do is add a 256 stick of ram (or however much you want), 256 sticks are about 50 bucks, and 512 's are about 100. It's an amazing machine (I own one), and anyone can install ram, it wont do anythign to your waranty, and it really doesn't matter how much computer experience you have, you can install the ram.

 

[shoman94]

Originally posted by: OfficerNoGun
This IBM appears to be better than the one you configured, for about 300 less, all you have to do is add a 256 stick of ram (or however much you want), 256 sticks are about 50 bucks, and 512 's are about 100. It's an amazing machine (I own one), and anyone can install ram, it wont do anythign to your waranty, and it really doesn't matter how much computer experience you have, you can install the ram.

There is no doubt that it is a better lappy. I purchased one also and I couldn't say enough about it. Definately go for this one for price per performance....3 year warranty.......those 2 should be enough to weigh your decision over the Sony......

The t41 that was link by the first poster only uses 1024x768 display.....

 

[UltraWide]

The sony is nice, but the reliability is what worries me the most. They are not known for good support nor ruggedness. I can personally say IBM's support is second to none from having owned 3 thinkpads, currently using an X24, but have had T40p and T30 as well.

 

[DaWhim]

T40+ should be all SVGA!
I wouldn't recommend sony. sure they look nice, but don't look they can last. sony customer service is notorious for being a sony clie user. I don't think their laptop will be any better.

 

[Neecola]

Thanks for the feedback!

Wow IBMs are popular. One thing that makes me skeptical about getting the IBM is that I've never actually seen a Thinkpad in person, so I have no idea what the computer is like besides the animated walkthrough. For instance, I'm interested in what the keyboard is like (I do a lot of writing/typing). Any ideas where to find one in a store or something? (I've contemplated to just start walking around my office building to find someone who has one...)

I've heard people also comment that their boxy design is unwieldy... but I have a hard time believing that anything that thin and lightweight could be unwieldy...

Oh, and one more Q. One reply said I could just add more RAM later... is it easy to access the slots for this on the IBM? I've put more RAM in my current laptop, but wasn't sure if all lappies made this easily accessible.

Okay, that's all. Thanks, thanks, thanks!
Nicole

 

[shoman94]

Unwieldy...I doubt it...IMHO

The keyboard is a little different but the keystroke is firm and smooth.....

The spot for adding ram on the t40/41 is easy thru a little access door on the bottom of the machine...

 

[Neecola]

Sorry, one more quick question. What's the difference between a T40 and T41?

Thanks!

 

[shoman94]

Nothing.....just the model year......

 

[Yomicron]

Originally posted by: Neecola
Sorry, one more quick question. What's the difference between a T40 and T41?

Thanks!

The T41 has the Active Protection System that helps to protect the hard drive in the event of a fall. Also, the T41 is listed as supporting PC2700, but I think I remember hearing that IBM was shipping them with PC2100.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Neecola
Sorry, one more quick question. What's the difference between a T40 and T41?

Thanks!

Some T41's have PC2700 Ram not all but some you need to check each model on the website