EPP T43 - good deal?

For 1440 bucks American, is this a good deal? I'm going to be starting school in the fall. Think the price will drop furthur by then?

Couple questions though:

No mention of the graphics card. What is it? Is it any good for this model? I see some other models have ATI 9600s, but there are no details for this one.

What is the difference between the T43 and T42? Cause I saw the T42 before with similar specs and don't really know the difference now.

Thanks in advance!


THINKPAD T43


Part Number: 2686DFU

Price: $1,440.10
Product Availability:
Available
Processor Operating
System RAM
(std) Hard Drive Media Wireless
Intel Pentium M Processor 750 - 1860MHz Microsoft Windows XP Professional 512 40 CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Screen: 15.0 TFT FlexView display 1400x1050 Onboard Audio: SoundMAX Included Modem: 56Kbps data/14.4Kbps fax Onboard Network Contoller: Gigabit Ethernet- Integrated 1000Mbps,100Mbps,10M Battery Type: 6 Cell Lithium-Ion PCMCIA Support: 2 Type II or I Type III External Speakers: 2 (Internal Speakers) Warranty: One year (system battery ne year) parts and labour Wireless:Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG

 

That's a very nice deal, though I'd get the IBM wireless card if you can. EPP pricing is nearly impossible to beat, so I doubt you'll find any better deal.

 

ThinkPad T43 2686-DFU

Original description: P M 740, 512MB RAM, 60GB 5400rpm HDD, 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 64MB ATI Radeon X300, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11b/g wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint reader, 6 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

Those are the specs from IBM website. Also, the model is no longer on EPP site, but you can call in and ask for it. However, you should pick other model which has better specs with a lower price.

 

Thanks for the tips. That model is actually still on the EPP site for me (maybe cause it is the canadian version).

I'm not sure what the difference between the T42 and the T43 is though. Because I see a T42 model on the ibm website (below) and it seems better than the T43.

I'm just looking for the thinnest, 15inch, 1400x1050 notebook.

Thanks again.

ThinkPad T42 (IBM Express Selection)


Part Number: 2378REU

Price: $2,309.00
Business Lease:
$89/mo (36 mos)
Product Availability:
CALL
Processor Operating
System RAM
(std) Hard Drive Media Wireless
Intel Pentium M Processor 745 - 1800MHz Microsoft Windows XP Professional 512 60 CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Screen: 15.0 TFT FlexView display 1400x1050 Onboard Graphic Chipset: ATI Mobility RADEON 9600

 

I don't have accessed to the Canadian EPP site; therefore, I can't tell which is the best model (price/performance). If I have to choose between the T42 and T43, I will choose the T43. Over here on the US EPP site, the T43 will give you more bang for the bucks. It has the faster Pentium M and PCI express video card.

I am only interested in the 14.1 SXGA models and the 2687DRU : $1371 (the one I ordered) and the 2687D3U : $1459 will give you about 25% off web prices. The 2687D3U costs about $90 more but it has the DVD recordable and 9-cell battery. I didn't pick that model because the DVD recordable is too slow and I don't like to have the 9-cell battery sticking out on the back.

You can find out their specs by searching on Lenovo web site. You can also call and ask the Rep about those model if they are not listed in the Canadian EPP site.

Edit: I just realize that you are interested in the 15.0 SXGA. Here is one which costs about the same as the T42 you were asking about but has a lot of goodies

2687DTU : $1,446.75
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
512 MB 60 GB
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 750 1.86GHz
15.0" 1400x1050
64MB ATI Mobility RADEON x300
Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG
Bluetooth
Fingerprint Reader
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo
Three years parts and labor (system battery: one year)

 

What is the Canadian EPP site? Do I need some login info to check out the models?

 

your friend needs to give you the username/password

 

I do have the user name and password and I used to check out the Canadain deals at www.ibm.ca/eppsales .But this site is no longer available after the IBM-Lenvo Merger.

Does anyone have the link to the new Canadian EPP site.

 

www.can.ibm.com/eppsales


^^ That's the new URL for the Canadian site...I'm not sure why they changed it, but I had to google it when a relative recently gave me their info and the old URL that no longer worked...

Anyway, when you go to that link you have to make sure you select the employee one, or the friend/family one (depending on which access code you have), because the access code is different for each one, although the employee number is the same, and it just won't let you log in unless youre on the right page...The links to the different logins are on the bottom left...

Good luck...

 

Thanks very much clevercassius. The EPP price is about $ 50 less plus you get free shipping

 

This is all very interesting... so then, anyone want to give me their EPP information?

 

Canadian or US EPP? The canadian EPP is not as streamlined as US. Where all normal models are I think 30% off and express are 10 or 15 I forget. Whereas on Canadian EPP, it's just random.


:buyIBM:

 

Well, luckily since then I've been able to get both EPPs from relatives and friends of mine. The Canadian EPP is remarkably random, and the deals don't seem quite as good, but considering I live in Canada it's still a lot easier for me to buy it that way. Saves 15% on customs, which makes up for the deals not being quite as good.

 

the best deal on canadian epp if you want a 14'' inch is the t43 offered with the back to school bundle. dvd urner, 1gig ram, 1.83 ghz. nice stuff

 

new ibm/lenovo canada epp website?

can.ibm.com/eppsales and such no longer work