Thinkpad T41 vs. Tecra M2

I need to replace my thinkpad T21 and have been researching laptops.

I had ordered a Dell Inspiron 8600 and then cancelled. I am now leaning towards a smaller laptop with a 14" screen. I think 1400X1050 will be enough for software development. 1400X1050 on a 14" screen has a lower dpi (124) than 1680X1050 on a 15.4 wide screen (128.6). (1400X1050 on a 15" screen is 116 dpi). I can always get a $200 19" CRT for home use.

All in all people are happy with their Dell's but there is no doubt
that they are not the highest quality. They also get a lot of returns
for service which makes no sense if it is my primary PC. Dell are very
good value, give you many configuration choices with the latest
technologies and bundle some good software. IBM and Toshiba have
better reliability but take longer to use new technologies and do not
bundle much software since they are targeted at business users.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1186140,00.asp
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/...ooks_SurveyRes
ults.pdf

IBM Thinkpad T41
I have found one good deal. It is a pre-configured laptop that meets
my needs.
http://tinyurl.com/qebu
1" X 10" X 12.2", 5 lbs
I would change the hard drive for a 7200rpm, 60GB one.

Pros.
- Quality
- Great keyboard
- Slightly smaller than Tecra M2
- Has hard drive 'air bag' technology (puts hard drive in park is laptop is dropped)

Cons.
- It only has 32MB of video memory. This would only be an issue for
games. I never play games and yet I would not mind trying a few of the
new ones and it bothers me that I may not be able to.
- Bluetooth cannot be added later if needed
- No firewire port
- Cannot get a DVD burner for it later if needed
- Only software bundled is Norton AntiVirus

Toshiba Tecra M2
http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/cont.../detailed_spec
s/tecra_M2.pdf
1.2"/1.4" X 10.1" X 12.3", 4.98 lbs

Pros.
- Can add bluetooth and DVD burner later if needed
- Comes with 802.11G
- 64MB video card that supports DirectX 9
- Switch to turn wireless off
- SD card slot
- For $180 can get SystemGuard (no-fault accidental damage protection)

Cons.
- Only been out a month and no reviews anywhere. No idea of general
quality and keyboard quality. (Tecra M1 keyboard was rated as not as good as the IBM but good enough).
- Build your own systems do not come with any bundled software

My guess is that the IBM is the best quality but all in all the
Toshiba seems the better deal. If money was no option I would get a Thinkpad 41p and be done with it.

Does anyone have Tecra M2? What is the quality like? Is the keyboard comparable to a Thinkpad? Anyone have one with a 1400 X 1050 screen and if so how does it look?

Thanks
Limey

Dell desktops

I have owned Dell desktops and have recommended them to many people.
It is the quality of the cases/buttons that has put me off their laptops. But perhaps this is more an aesthetic thing than a functional one?
Limey

Both the T41 and Tecra M2 can be configured with either a 1024 X 768 screen or 1400 X 1050 screen. Laptop screens only look good at there natural resolution.

XGA is 1024 X 768
SXGA is 1400 X 1050

This is a screen specification not a video card one. If you want 1024 X 768 just make sure you order a laptop with an XGA screen

The Radeon Mobility 9000 supports DirectX 8.1 (but not 9)

Hope that helps
Limey

The T41 you have seen must be an SXGA. If you set an XGA to 1400 X 1050 you will have a virtual screen that you can scroll around.