IBM X40 or Sony TR3A?00

[daba]

I need to pick between these two:

IBM X40 ~$1600
Processor Pentium M LV 1.2 GHz
Display / Resolution 12" TFT XGA
Hard Drive 40GB
Memory 512MB
Ethernet Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
Modem 56 K V.90 modem
Wireless Centrino b/g
Ports Infrared, two USB 2.0, Parallel, VGA, S-Video ports
Video graphics Intel Extreme Graphics 2 / 2048x1536
Secure Chip Yes
Optical Drive Sold separately
LiIon Battery 4 cell
Warranty 3 Yr-Depot / 1 year battery
Weight 2.7 lbs
OS Preload Windows XP Pro

Or

Sony TR3A ~$1600
# Processor: Ultra Low Voltage Intel Pentium M processor 1GHz
# Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
# Cache Memory:
L1: 64KByte Integrated On-Die
L2: 1M Byte Integrated On-Die
# Bus Speed: 400 MHz
# Display: LCD 10.6 Wide (1280x768) TFT display with XBRITETM technology
# Graphics: Intel 855GM Chipset Integrated Graphics 64MB (shared)
# Memory: 512 MB DDR SDRAM (512MB x 1), maximum 1024 MB
# Hard Drive:40 GB hard drive
# Optical Drive:Internal CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive (24x10x24x8x)
# Interfaces: 1X PCMCIA TYPE II, FAX/MODEM, 10/100LAN, 1X 1394, MEMORY STICK READER, 2 USB2.0
# Battery Life: Lithium-ion battery 6.0-11.0 hours with large capacity battery
# Integrated Camera: CMOS 370,000 pixels (VGA 640x480) MotionJPEG
# Audio:
Dolby Headphone & Dolby Virtual Speaker
Built-in stereo speakers; monaural mini-jack microphone,
Internal microphone
# Integrated Wireless LAN:
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
Bus/Interface: mini PCI
Radio frequency band: 2.4GHz (ISM band)
# Weight: 3.11lbs.with a standard battery
# Size: (H x W x D) 1.37-1.44 X 10.6 X 7.4
# Supplied Accessories: Lithium-ion battery, power cord, and AC adapter
# Manufacturer Warranty: one year

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

If you haven't noticed already, I'm aiming for an ultraportable desktop complement.

I like the IBM X40 because of its industrial look, but what is unattractive is its somewhat short battery life and lack of an optical drive. I can get the highest end system for only $1600, which is also a plus.

The Sony TR3A is appealing because it is small and ultraportable, and looks pretty neat. It's a lot of features packed into a tightly knit package, and I like that. It costs a little more, but I'm attracted mainly to the size and styling.

Please help me choose! Thanks in advance.

Edit: I can get the TR3A for $1625.

 

[dannybek]

They are both good computers. And for ~$175 more the Sony seems more attractive. IBM's warranty is far superior than Sony's warranty. Also their build quality is a tad higher than the Sony.

 

If you value support and service, even the slightest bit, get the IBM.

 

[iamme]

i'd get the X40, purely based on how much more i trust IBM Thinkpads to Sony computers.

 

[daba]

I had a Sony Z1RA which I had to RMA many times. From there, I had been fishy about Sony's quality.

Regardless, I had a chance to play with an IBM X40, but the lack of the optical drive and low battery is very unattractive. I don't need a powerhouse -- just something to tag along with me.

 

[karmasalad]

Of those two choices, I'd pick the IBM X40. Sony's have a terrible record of service and reliability.

If you're looking for something that has the form factor and features of that Sony, you should consider the Fujitsu P7000 series. I was recently looking for a desktop complement that had portability as its highest priority, and the P7 fit the bill perfectly.

 

[geewilakers]

Go with the X40. There are certain things you can't substitute.

 

[MrCraphead]

IBM gets another vote here.

Sony just makes shoddy computers and their tech support is pure hell to deal with. Save yourself the trouble and go Big Blue.

 

[DaFinn]

IBM... all the way.

 

[daba]

Thanks everyone for their inputs.

What will be the deciding factor is portability and of course, looks. I have seen both, though, and that's the problem.

 

[daba]

I've decided to get the IBM X40.

 

[LoudTIGER]

x40

 

[disastar]

Can you tell me where you're getting that deal for the IBM x40?

 

[daba]

Educational discount.

 

[Corporate Thug]

x40 for warrenty and support

 

[dcdomain]

Good choice! Welcome fellow Thinkpad owner! http://forum.thinkpads.com (join us =D )

 

[daba]

Neat. Signed up!

 

[imported_theEman]

Good choice on going with the X40.

 

[daba]

Thanks. I'm actually waiting out for my University Store to get the 1.4GHz Dothan's, which may come by the end of this week. Hopefully they'll retain their low price tag .

 

[cheesehead]

I think you can get a 6-cell for that thing somewhere....
I would also keep an eye out on Woot.com. They recenly had a FireWire DVD burner for 90$, and a CD burner for 30! Ethernet can also do a pretty good job of transferring files, though.
The sony looks better, but I do NOT trust Sony one little bit. I have seen too many people who have had VIAO's that crapped out, and I do'nt think you want to be one of them. Admittedly, the internal combo drive is dandy, and the video camera is nice too, but a 10" screen is admittedly a bit on the small side.

 

[daba]

Now that the 1.4GHz Dothan is out, getting the IBM is a no brainer.

 

[jdiddy]

Originally posted by: daba
Now that the 1.4GHz Dothan is out, getting the IBM is a no brainer.

Bingo can't go wrong with an IBM. I have a x31 its a tank. For your uses its perfect.

 

[AG73]

daba, now that you have the x40, how do you like it?

 

[fintheman]

Sony TR3A -

I got it, I'm not disappointed with it at all, support can be a bitch, but if you know how to work the channels, you should be alright. Been over that Sony TR world and I have more than enough advice to get anything/everything fixed.

I have a one year warranty, and +1 one more year with my American Express, so that is why I was able to want to jump on it.

Oh yea, I also picked it up for a smooth 1k, sooooo, that is what made me decide to get it. If you haven't got it yet. I'd take a look again the nwe x-505 is even smaller, thinner, and has a dvd-rw drive on it, plus 1.1

 

[funggorgor]

you cant go wrong if you choose IBM