I need a new Thinkpad

But I am unsure as to if I want a Z series or a T-60. I now have a t-42 with flexview (that is 2 years old). The battery is slowly losing charge and I think I will buy a new computer instead of a new battery (unless 2 hours on a charge is typical for a t-42 w/ 9 cell battery).

I am assuming the T-60 is a lot like my T-42 but the z series looks a little more modern. ANy thoughts????

Also where is the cheapest place to get this unit. I have a child in college (for 4 more months) so if there are educational discounts I am in. My spouse works at a very large utility company in MA, CT and NH so if they offer discounts I am in for that too.

I appreciate any help you can give me.

 

will you fillout the form so we know what you need it for? gaming? what???

 

What form??

I do not game, but I am in a technical field so probably would like a dedicated graphics card but at this point probably not an issue. I need a DVD-RW and most likely a 14" screen. I would use mostly for email, office apps and some photos. Basically a travel toy.

I have MC, Visa, Discover, Strudent discount and large corp discount.

I appreicate the help.

 

Please fill out the FAQ.

 

If you want a 14.1" 4:3 aspect ratio screen with dedicated graphics, then the t60 is your only choice. If you want a widescreen model without discrete graphics, you can look into the Z-series.

You may want to check out lenovo's educational pricing, or have your child speak with the computer sellers on campus to see what deals they can wrangle. I got a great deal on my t60 months ago from www.universitycomputers.com That was before C2D and 1300 bucks for a T60 was quite a deal.

 

If you know someone who works there is always good.

 

You wrote that your new notebook would be a "travel toy." In that case, have you looked at the X60 or X60s? It's perfect for travel and even if the 12.1" screen seems small initially you will get used to it.

 

Since your T42 is only two years old, and it sounds ample for your existing use, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me to buy a T60. I would think about getting an X60, which has a smaller form factor, rather than essentially buying the same computer as what you already have, but faster.

 

I have a 15" amd am am thinking about a 14". I don't think the 12 would work for me.

 

The T-42 is almost 3 years old (July). The battery is losing it charge (9 cell only gets 2 hours on a good day), and it only has 768 ram and no DVD burner (although I have an external one). It needs upgrading and I thought I would put the money into a new one instead of parts for the old one.

I really want something with good battery life.

I also wanted in before Vista but guess that isn't going to happen now. I am happy with XP and wanna stay there.

 

XP is still an option for ThinkPads. Business users are much less likely to upgrade right away.

 

General Questions

1) What is your budget? up to 1400

2) What size notebook would you prefer? 14

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? general email, office apps, travel.

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? different places

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? NO

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? compaq, hp, averatec

7) How many hours of battery life do you need? 4-7

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? No

9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in. USA

Screen Specifics

10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? either

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? SXGA



12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? No glossy screens

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Somewhat, but I also like classic styling

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? 3+ years

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB? 100

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? DVD-RW

 

sounds like a 14inch T60 to me. but my left ear is debating about a cheaper 14inch R60