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    Any IBM Advice Please

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Cat81, Jul 17, 2004.

  1. Cat81

    Cat81 Newbie

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    Hi all,

    I am going to college in NY and I intend on buying an IBM Thinkpad (based on internet reviews I've read about reliablity) The IBM website is offering 3 deals for NYS students. Can y'all tell me if they are good deals and which one you'd go for? Mainly it's for general use (email, internet, typing) I do have to take it to class sometimes but weight under 7-8 lbs is cool with me. My school is wireless and it has 802 b something, so i need to be compatible with that. I am kind of clueless about specifics of laptops but I have been researching and I am interested in hearing from real people with knowledge about what option they'd pick. All 3 are in my price range but I obviously would rather spend less than more.

    EDU R51 INTEL PENTIUM M1.5 14 XGA 512 40 CMBO SPP INTEL11BG
    IBM 1831AHU $2,149.00 $1,549.00

    Product Description IBM ThinkPad R51 1831 - Pentium M 1.5 GHz - 14.1" TFT
    Dimensions (WxDxH) 3 12.4 in x 10.2 in x 1.5 in
    Weight 2 6 lbs
    Localization English / United States
    Mobile Technology Intel Centrino
    System Type Notebook
    Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, ThinkLight
    Processor 1 Intel Pentium M 1.5 GHz
    Cache Memory 1 MB - L2 cache
    RAM 512 MB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR SDRAM - PC2700 - 333 MHz
    Hard Drive 1 x 40 GB - 4200 rpm
    Optical Storage CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - plug-in module
    Display 14.1" TFT active matrix - 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
    Graphics Controller ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000 - 32 MB
    Audio Output Sound card
    Telecom 4 Fax / modem - CDC - 56 Kbps
    Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
    Wireless NIC Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
    Input Device Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
    Battery Lithium ion
    Average Run Time 4.7 hour(s)
    Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
    Manufacturer Warranty 3 years warranty

    R51 INTEL PENTIUM M1.5 14XGA 256 40 COMBO XPP 80211BG
    IBM 28892WU $1,949.00 $1,325.00

    Product Description IBM ThinkPad R51 2889 - Pentium M 1.5 GHz - 14.1" TFT
    Weight2 6.0 lbs
    Processor1 Intel Pentium M 1.5 GHz
    Graphics Controller Integrated Intel Extreme Graphics 2
    RAM 256 MB (installed) / 2GB (max) (one slot open)
    Hard Drive 1 x 40 GB
    Display 14.1" XGA (1024x768) TFT (16.7M colors)
    Communications 56K V.90 Modem
    UltraConnect antenna built into the display cover
    10/100 ethernet
    11b/g Wi-Fi wireless, Mini PCI, Intel PRO/Wireless
    Battery Lithium-Ion 6 cell battery
    Average Run Time 4.7 hours
    Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
    Manufacturer Warranty 3 years/1 yr battery - EasyServ onsite pickup and delivery


    EDU T42 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.7 2M L2 14.1"XGA 512MB 40GB DVDCDRW
    IBM 23746VU $2,649.00 $1,755.00

    Product Description IBM ThinkPad T42 2374 - Pentium M 1.7 GHz - 14.1" TFT
    Processor1 Intel Pentium M 1.7 GHz
    RAM 512 MB
    Hard Drive 1 x 40G HD 5400RPM
    Optical Device DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
    Display 14.1" TFT (1024x768) - 24-bit (16.7M colors)
    Networking Gigabit Ethernet
    Modem
    Centrino b/g
    Battery Li-Ion 6 cell battery
    Average Run Time 7 hours
    Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
    Manufacturer Warranty 3 Year Onsite NBD


    THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!





     
  2. Run1track

    Run1track Notebook Deity

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    I think most people would recommend the T42 over the R51, but as you know it does come at a price. Actually though, for your needs, you could probably go with the R51. You should check out the IBM Forum on this site for more information.

    All of the computers you listed will work with your campus wireless internet.

    It does not look like the $1325 machines comes with a cd burner/dvd player optical drive like the other two do. You will most likely want one of these. Maybe it does have one, and it is just not listed. You should look into this.

    Here is a little bit of reading for you:

    R51
    http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=23822
    http://compreviews.about.com/od/thinandlight/gr/IBMThinkPadR51.htm

    T42
    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1589831,00.asp
    http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/IBM_ThinkPad_T42/4505-3121_16-30871787.html

    Any more questions?

    *******************************************************
    Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
    *******************************************************</b?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2015
  3. Run1track

    Run1track Notebook Deity

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    You can buy memory at:
    www.crucial.com
    www.oempcworld.com

    They all look like good deals. Did you look into the $1325 system not haveing a CD Burner? Are you still considering all three, or have you eliminated one?

    Any more questions?

    *******************************************************
    Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
    *******************************************************</b?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2015
  4. Cat81

    Cat81 Newbie

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    thanks for the info! If I want, can I buy more memory and install it myself? B/c 256 isnt that much...otherwise, just a general impression...do you think that either deal is worth it, or is there another that is better? Thanks so much

    C
     
  5. bootleg2go

    bootleg2go Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Hi Cat81,
    Since it sounds like your not a hardcore gamer any of the systems will more than fill your needs. This T42 is not really going to be any better than the R51's for what you need to do and in some ways is not as good. This T42 has the Radeon 7500 graphics chip and is a two year old graphics chip (it does not really matter unless your a gamer or do 3D modeling, this T42 model does not have the 9 cell battery that has the longer batttery life so the run time is only 4.7 hours not 7 as described. The R51 (1831AHU) has the radeon 9000 a much better graphica chip/ I would recommend either of the R51 models over the T42 for your needs as the cash saved can be used for better things no doubt.
    BTW both R51 models do have a CD writer.
    You may be even able to save more money by looking over at www.newegg.com and checkout the IBM notebooks there, many times they are cheaper than from IBM. I bought the R40 (2897GAU) from newegg and am very happy with it. One of the best features is it's long battery life 6.2 hours and 60GB drive. It's price is about $1580.

    Good Luck
    Jack

    The color of justice in america is green.
    http://pbase.com/joneill
     
  6. Cat81

    Cat81 Newbie

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    Hey guys...thanks so much for all the advice! About the one for 1300 and the cd burner...i am still not sure. This is the website for when I click to buy it and it asks me to customize the computer if I want to. Could someone take a look at tell me what the deal is with all the ultrabays/standard bays and cd burners etc. Maybe once I understand it, I can better compare it with the other 2 models. Thanks so much!!

    http://d02xms014.southbury.ibm.com/ibm_us/ConfigFrames2.jsp?configpage=ConfigFrames.jsp&merchant_rn=1&shoprfnbr=1&masthead_url=https://www-1.ibm.com/shop/pc/personalpages/public/public/nav/inc_ecim_topnav.cfm&cntry=840&lang=en_US&shoptype=D&base=28892WU&cntrfnbr=TQHU&baseqty=1&return_url=https://www-1.ibm.com/shop/pc/personalpages/public/public/cart/dsp_cart.cfm%3Fcntrfnbr%3D1%26shoprfnbr%3D1%26cntry%3D840%26lang%3Den_US%26sgnbr%3D%26in_shipto%3Dn%26shipto_rn%3D%26update_type%3Dparse_ecim%26&session_id=-1261768640

    Cat
     
  7. Run1track

    Run1track Notebook Deity

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    It says:
    (Std) ThinkPad 24X/24X/24X/8X Max CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo V Ultrabay Enhanced Drive

    This means that it comes with one drive that came burn CD's as well as play DVD's. It will not burn DVD's. Dont worry about the 24x as it is pretty much standard for laptops.

    *******************************************************
    Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
    *******************************************************</b?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2015