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Ibm T43 vs Sony S

post #1 of 14
6/19/05 at 11:47pm
Thread Starter 
I'm in the market for a laptop, not neccessarily to play anything super powerful. I have a preference for sony and its xbrite displays, but I get a heavy IBM discount through my school. The discount is about $1000 off normal price.

So it's kind of narrowed down to an S series Sony or a T43/X41 (those are the only two that get the larger discount). A comprable set up in the S and T get the same price with the discount. I don't really understand why IBM is $1000 more in general.

So the real question is, how are IBM's laptops nowadays. I haven't heard much about them and not many people I know have them. Suggestions between these two?

Thanks
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post #2 of 14
6/20/05 at 2:23am
Don't have any experience with Sonys, but IBM ThinkPads are tough, durable computers. Not quite as 'feature rich' as most consumer oriented models, but likely to last you a lot longer and keep your data safer.

... and the IBM keyboard are the BEST in the business. Very comfortable. I'd say Apple PowerBooks the next best keyboards in a portable (a close second).

Personally, some of the Sony designs are great, but they're maddening at the same time too - what's with the narrow, rounded mouse bar buttons on some models.
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post #3 of 14
6/21/05 at 6:37am
Generally, Sony notebooks are stylish, yet slim in desgin. While IBM notebooks are tough, very conservative design....they still retain same design since IBM 240X..very old type
If you get big discount to buy an IBM notebook, just do it. $1000 discount is considerably big for buying a notebook
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post #4 of 14
6/21/05 at 1:17pm
Well, personally, I love IBM's design... the fact that its retained its design so long is a plus for me. And just to reiterate what Ozone said, they are regarded as being the keyboard king. Another feature, however, is the UXGA FlexView screen used in the 15" models. All 15" models use this screen, provided is UXGA, and it features 1600x1200 resolution with very crisp graphics. Plus, DVDs are apparently amazing to watch on it...

Also keep in mind that there are a lot of little things in IBM's design. The hard drive protection system, embedded security, magnesium alloy case... plus, they are a premium designer. The higher prices aren't bad, considering there are so many ways to get discounts now (Lenovo's new EPP, education).
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post #5 of 14
6/30/05 at 2:07am
I just sold my s260 as my work provided me with both a t42 and a 15" powerbook. The s260 is a "nicer" computer. The form factor is more pleasing and the screen is MUCH better. I also feel it is a bit faster (maybe mb differences - who knows) but that diff is negligible. The thinkpad is certainly tougher but I have to say - we have had a 34% failure rate on our t series laptops at my work. 34% is MASSIVE failure - and are switching now to another manufacturer becuase of IBM's lack of ability to sort it out. I LOVE IBM machines and their support is great - but it's becoming a running joke that we all better back up at the end of each day since our HD may be gone tomorrow. That said we are buying default configs with 40 gig drives - a lot of our failures are drive failures. I would certainly make sure you are not getting their 40 gig drive. For home use I hate to say it - i'd go with the sony.. but bear in mind their support is HORRID.
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post #6 of 14
6/30/05 at 2:41am
Thread Starter 
It's for college (class/library/dorm) use, not sure if that makes a difference.
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post #7 of 14
6/30/05 at 9:32pm
Both are good choices. I have both a Sony (T250) and IBM (T41p). If it weren't for the T41p I would've looked more closely at the Sony S. (T4x series all have the same bodies.)

I really like IBM's active shock protection system.
I really hate how IBM doesn't have a Windows key (I know I can remap keys) and that the FN key is where CTRL ought to be.

If you move your laptop all the time in class, the active shock protection system is probably a good bet. Since you can get such a good discount I'd go with the IBM.
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post #8 of 14
7/1/05 at 1:54am
Thread Starter 
I checked again, it's a $1400 discount. I'll probably be ordering the IBM. 30 days to send it back if I really don't like it.
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post #9 of 14
8/10/05 at 5:36am
Since I found the way to remap one of my keys to the windows key I find it hard to complain about the keyboard on my T41p. I am so happy with it that I am planning to replace my other M60 with a R50p.

One of the reasons is that I bought a modular bay battery for it, but since I had to remove the drive I also bought an external D/Bay. But since the T41p can have a very long lasting extended batery, the external bay solution seems rahter crude.

Also, the picture quality on this machine is nothing short of amazing. I never saw such good screen before.

Renolin: Wich price do they offer to you for a 'p' model? A T41/2p can be a great bargain with such discounts.
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post #10 of 14
8/14/05 at 5:32pm
Thread Starter 
In fact I bought a T43p that I am using right now. I like it very much.
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post #11 of 14
8/24/05 at 2:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renolin
I checked again, it's a $1400 discount. I'll probably be ordering the IBM. 30 days to send it back if I really don't like it.
Man, I wouldnt care if the notebook were pink and had barney painted on it if it were 1400 dollars cheaper.
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post #12 of 14
9/13/05 at 11:30am
Would you be able to share the name of your 'school' / university ? Feel free to PM me.
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post #13 of 14
9/13/05 at 12:38pm
This sounds similar to the deal my fiancee got on her thinkpad when she started med school last month. They weren't given a choice in what to get and were all given a T42. But hey, they're only paying $1000 for it... If I could get one, I most assuredly would, but alas it's not possible for me to do so under this deal.

Anyway, if I could get a Thinkpad for $1000... I'm with the guy who said he'd get it if it were pink and had Barney painted on it
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post #14 of 14
9/15/05 at 11:38am
Thread Starter 
Sorry I haven't checked this lately.

It's Harvard University. MIT and Stanford actually give the same deals but with better computers.
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