I am sooo confused...T43/X41T/.....

hi all,

After coming so close to ordering a T43 i have had second thoughts...again....

I contemplated posting this in the 'Hardware' forum, but as imm comparing IBM's.....

General Usage

What will you be using the notebook mainly for? Will you be using it to play games? Will you be using it for word processing / general productivity? etc.

School, most likely E-Mail, Powerpoint, lots of Word Documents (essays, projects), firefox (multiple tabs), occasional I-tunes, and note taking

Are you looking more at a very small notebook, a standard notebook, or a large desktop replacement?

Tough question. Probably small>standard. I will be moving around classrooms all day, catching the tram (eqv. of bus) to and from school daily.

I currently have a fujitsu S6120, that is not heavy.
Friends have the T42, they seem fine.

Will you be carrying the notebook around a lot or be keeping it stationary most of the time?

See above.

How important is battery life to you?

As long as I can get at least 2hrs with near max brightness.

How long do you intend on using this laptop?

2.5~3.5 years

Features

Do you need lots of hard drive space?

have a 30gb in my fujitsu, near full.
60gb at least would be preferable.

Will you be burning DVD's or just CD's?

Not needed (ext. DVD Burner at the moment)

Do you tend to work with a lot of applications at once?

Word, firefox outlook etc...

Graphics & Display

How big would you like your screen to be? Do you care if it's widescreen or not?

Will have a desktop at home as well as this new laptop. Depending on whether I choose an X41T or T43, the specs will differ. If I purchase the X41T the desktop will upgrade to X600/700 and 1.5gb RAM.

Are you willing to pay more for premium screens enhanced by XBRITE, Crystal View, or Bright View? (Go to the bottom of this post for an explanation)

Not really a fan of these (IBM thread)

(If applicable) Will you be playing casual games or the latest games?

Again depending on the laptop.
T43- (casual-sims etc...) Not HL, DOOM etc..
X41T- (No only desktop)

(If applicable) Will you be doing work in a 3D modeling program like 3D Studio Max or Maya?

NO

Miscellaneous

Do you care if your notebook looks good or not?

Love the 'down to business' black IBM look

Are there particular brands you prefer or won't buy from?

obselete question

How much are you willing to pay for this notebook?

<$2250

Are there particular models you have already looked at?

T43:

{2668-75U}

2.0GHZ PM (533)
512RAM (upgrd later)
80gb 5400rpm
14.1" SXGA
DVD Recorder (4x)
A-B-G
Bluetooth
Fingerprint Reader

X41 Tablet:

{1866-6TU}

1.5GHZ PM (533)
512RAM (Upgrd later)
60gb 4200rpm
12" XGA
N/A
A-B-G
Bluetooth
Fingerprint Reader


My current Fujitsu's specs are:

PM (1st Gen) 1.4ghz
512mb RAM
30gb (4200rpm)
A-B-G Wireless
Intergrated gfx

I am still fascinated with the tablet.
I would greatly improve my organization, ease of work etc...
All my notes on my HDD, tabbed....a dream

That is the only reason I am considering the X41, I wouln't buy a standard X41.

Thanks for any help

 

I'd take a look at the x32. It is almost as small and light as the x41, but you get the regular Dothan M CPU and faster 5400RPM hard drive for much better performance.

 

Thanks ZAZONZ,

I would check it out, but the only reason I would get an X41 would be for the tablet funcionality- taking notes...AND NOT LOOSING THEM! (which I am notorious for!)

If not I would buy the T43 for the larger screen, HDD, gfx, and CPU.

I'm going away for a couple of days, sorry if I dont reply for about 3days.

 

If you really want a tablet, why not head over to our sister site TabletPCReview.com. I'm sure there are some good reviews and opinions over there. I know there are some here in the reviews section as well. I have only played with a few tablets, so I am not as familar with them. Good Luck.

 

I don't think anyone can decide for you what's more important to you - portability and tablet functionality (X laptop) or performance and comfort (you'll get these with a T laptop).

For what it's worth, I have a 15" T42 and move it around a bit. It's not the most convenient companion, but if you get a 14" laptop and a good backpack to move it around in (I use a somewhat bulky briefcase), you will probably not be bothered at all by the size and weight.

 

An X series owner chiming in...

I find myself taking more notes on my X21 than I did on my Inspiron 1100... simply because it's THAT portable. I can really take it everywhere, and when I want to use it, I just use it (assuming the battery's not flat - happens with old batteries... )

Also, it's kinda slow for data entry, but fine for mousing - I often brace the laptop with my left arm, and use my right hand to use the laptop. I've tried it with a Dell D610 (same class as a 14.1" T43) and my old Inspiron, and it was NOT comfortable. I could do that all day on my X21. Something to think about.

Also, to whoever suggested the X32 over the X41/T: Seconded.