T-Series Thinkpads

[imported_PCO]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if someone could outline the differences between the T40, T41, and T42 model thinkpads. They all seem to have similar specifications, is there one model that is superior to the others? Or are the higher numbers just updates of the older versions? If so, has one model been seen to be more stable?

Thanks so much for your help...

PCO

 

[Yomicron]

The T41 and T42 were updates to previous models.

The T40 was IBM's first Pentium M based machine. It had a Banias Pentium M, PC2100 RAM and Radeon 7500 or 9000 graphics.
The T41 was the same as the T40 but with IBM's active harddrive protection system (shuts down the hard drive to protect it durring a fall) and some T41s had PC2700 RAM.
The T42 is similar to the T41, but it uses the Dothan based Pentium Ms and is available with a 15" screen. Also, the T42 is available with Radeon 7500 or 9600 graphics.

All of the T series have a 'p' model that is the same as the regular one but with ATI FireGL graphics. (64MB FireGL 9000 for the T40p, 128MB FireGL T2 for the T41p and T42p)

 

[imported_PCO]

This is an open question for everyone...

If you had the choice between a T41 and a T42 (very similar specs., very similar prices) which one would you choose, and why?

Thanks for your help....

 

[aphex]

If prices/specs were equal i would go for the T42 (i bought the T41 2 weeks before the T42 came out)

Apparently they fixed a few "small" issues with the T41. Like a non-reflective plate near the top of the keyboard, less flex under the arrow keys, etc...

Also, the Dothan is a newer CPU although it seems to be up in the air as if the benefits are substantial.
It seems the Dothan is faster, yet less power conservative.

That being said, i can guarantee you will LOVE the T40/41/42.

Mine is my baby, best laptop EVAR!

 

[WackyDan]

I take delivery of my T42P tomorrow.

 

[DaWhim]

t42 has flexview and a beautiful screen.

 

[EvanAdams]

what is flexview?

 

[sswany]

Flexview is the new 15" screen on the T42s. I just got a 14.1" T42 last week (so no Flexview), but I love it.

 

[eriqesque]

It gives a higher viewing angle and better contrast and brightness.
Similar to sony's Xbrite and fujitsu's crystal view if you are familiar with those.

 

[EvanAdams]

how do you tell if something has flexview?

 

[Frightcrawler]

You notice the increased image quality.
That, and the specs say "Flexview."
It's not the type of information the retailers would want to keep from consumers.

 

[EvanAdams]

It's not the type of information the retailers would want to keep from consumers.

Where can I see an IBM in retail

 

[paranoidandroid]

unfortunately, you can't. you just gotta order it and see it for yourself =) sort of like the matrix i suppose. =\

 

[SKC]

ditto on the t4x admiration. This is a fantastic laptop and will last you years to come.

One thing to remember (this information was current as of a month ago, when I was researching t41 vs. t42).. t41s come standard with a 3-year warranty, while t42s do not. Warranties on laptops tend to be much more important than desktop components, as self-repair on laptops is much more difficult.

 

[EvanAdams]

how the heck do you tell which ones have the flexview display on ibm.com?

should I not be looking at ibm.com for my ibm?

 

[Droosh]

go to thinkpads.com forums and search for the tabook. it has all the specs.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: EvanAdams
how the heck do you tell which ones have the flexview display on ibm.com?

should I not be looking at ibm.com for my ibm?

To the best of my knowlege the only flexview screens are on some of the R50's and some of the
15" T42's the 14" T42's do not have flexview
And it should state on the IBM site when you are looking at the specs if it has flexview or not.
All of the 15" with radeon 9600 have Flexview.

 

[ianbergman]

OK... so I absolutely adore the T41s, and have been talking/bullying/slapping my company into buying only them for the past 6 months or so. I haven't had a chance to play with any of the T42s yet.

But now I need a personal machine; an opportunity to snatch up a T40p (2373G5U) for a ridiculously low price (I think -- $1600) has come up, and I need to know if I should jump on it, or should hold out for a decent T41. I do like the T41's slightly smaller form; it just seems more compact. That does seem to be the only big difference here though.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: ianbergman
OK... so I absolutely adore the T41s, and have been talking/bullying/slapping my company into buying only them for the past 6 months or so. I haven't had a chance to play with any of the T42s yet.

But now I need a personal machine; an opportunity to snatch up a T40p (2373G5U) for a ridiculously low price (I think -- $1600) has come up, and I need to know if I should jump on it, or should hold out for a decent T41. I do like the T41's slightly smaller form; it just seems more compact. That does seem to be the only big difference here though.

Any advice is appreciated.

That is an excellent deal on that T40p. There is no size difference in that model and a T41 the only difference in size would be if you were to use a 6 cell battery instead of the 9 cell, but that applies to both of the models. The only other difference in the 2 would be that the T41 has the HDD active protection and could have PC 2700 RAM. Other than that they are identical.

 

[EvanAdams]

I have learned that the only T42s with flexview are the 15" ones.

Sucks

 

[wifi4lyfe]

I heard that the flexview has much slower response timing than the 14", is this true? sucks for games and such

 

[ianbergman]

Originally posted by: wifi4lyfe
I heard that the flexview has much slower response timing than the 14", is this true? sucks for games and such

I've read the same thing; but it should still work for most movies.

 

[EvanAdams]

dont get an ibm for games

 

[wifi4lyfe]

Originally posted by: EvanAdams
dont get an ibm for games

only the occasional game, the 9600 64mb should work great i hear.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: wifi4lyfe

Originally posted by: EvanAdams
dont get an ibm for games

only the occasional game, the 9600 64mb should work great i hear.

I have no problems with my radeon 9000 32MB
so the 9600 64Mb should be great