IBM T42 question

Hi All..After reading recommendations here I'm interested in getting a t42(2378FVU). I'm not looking for a desktop replacement. But more of a machine I can compile a few programs on at times and take with me to clients offices. Also use as a wireless client test machine.
Couple questions:
1.) Would it be wise to pay a little extra and get a longer warranty. Or should the IBM warranty be good enough. I was looking at getting the 4 year extend for ~224(or 5 year for 314). Wasn't sure which or if it was needed. I'm a software guy..and will be taking it w/ me all over at times. We had them at our last shop. And I don't really remember any problems. (Although..as I type this. I'm kinda selling myself on the 4 year since I'm starting up my own biz, and I don't have the corporate NetTech to call and come replace it for me.)

2.) I was planning on ordering w/ stock ram and getting 2 new sticks of 512. Opinions on brands and stores is what I'm looking for. Or would it work out if I got it with 512 and just ordered one stick. *trying to save a little.

3.) Are all notebooks pretty much the same when it comes to WiFi(decent reception..etc). Or is it the cards(and/or builtin's) that matter most. I'm kinda new to the wireless game.

Thanks....

 

Hi jonny,
I would skip the warranty, because if the notebook lasts the 1st it will usually last for several and the extended warranties are in general the biggest money maker for the seller. If you really think you need a longer warranty, instead of buying one from a 3rd party, just go for a T42 model that has a 3yr warranty standard. These are the closest models to the 2378FVU that has a 3yr. 2373-8XU and 2373-8ZU, these have 512MB of memory, but only a 40GB HS(high speed) 7200 or 5400 I would think.

Go to crucial.com for the memory, they have the best prices.
Don't worry about the wifi card, all the ones in the thinkpads are very good...no worries.

One thing though, I've been thinking of getting the 2373-FVU as I've been wanting a 14" display, but the more I've been reading about it I think 14 inches is going to be too small for a 1400x1050 display, so I'm leaning toward staying with a 15" and getting the 2378-DXU.

Jack

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

 

Where to buy RAM:

www.crucial.com
www.oempcworld.com
www.newegg.com

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Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
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Thanks for the tips on RAM, Display Size and warranty.

One of my buddies is working for big blue and can get it for me a bit cheaper. I'll look into the 15" display. It may have been one of your posts that got me thinking I just needed a 14" instead of a 15". I am looking for mobility over real estate. But if there is not a noticible difference in size of the machine. Than 15 wouild be better I agree. I'll have to look into it closer. I didnt' find anything on IBM's site about models 2373-8XU and 2373-8ZU though.

One more question about RAM...Is it any different than desktop. I mean that in a compatibility way. I read on a post about "matching sticks together". But if I get it with 512 and then get another stick of 512(crucial etc..), it would be the same as getting 1GB from IBM..except it'd be a lot cheaper. Is that true? (I'm not aware of any differences in notebook memory compared to desktop. Just gotta fill the slots w/ the proper type, speed...etc of ram. Same as desktop.)

-Jonny