Hi Folks...great forums here and thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
I'm looking for a desktop replacement type laptop that isn't too heavy. For now I have narrowed the options down to the IBM T42 or T43 and Dell Inspiron 6000 (the 9300 at 11 lbs is too big but I want a 15" screen). What I quickly realized is that with similar configurations, Dell is much less expensive (a good plus). I've only owned dell desktops and they are fantastic, but I have also heard horror stories about their laptops which is a different area of expertise. So my question is this (simple but probably repeated many many times)..which is better?
The laptop will primarily be used for classes (computair aided drafting and finite element programs- I'm an engineering student). I dont want to spend too much and am capping it to the low 2000 dollar range (~2300 dollars).
This is what I have heard about the respective laptops:
Dell: Medium cost and medium build. They get the job done but are flimsy and have heard many stories of screens breaking and keyboards breaking.
IBM: Great machines all around but quite expensive. Thats about all I have heard...no computing problems, only simple and expected perference problems people have.
But the true dilema is that this is my first laptop...do you (more experienced people) replace laptops often? Because if you do (say 2 to 3 years), wouldn't it be wiser to go with a cheaper one than something like IBM. This assuming the dell can make it for that long . I really would like the IBM but when I start maxing out memory, speed, and graphics (this is the big problem), the price gets closer to $3000!
For those of you familiar with CAD, Finite element programs, is a 64 mb graphics card ok? If I need more, then IBM will simply exceed my price range, almost forcing me to buy another brand.
Lastly, what is the primary difference between the T42 and T43. It seems as though I can configure a T42 the same as T43 but with teh added benefit of a better resolution screen. Also, are there any dsicounts offered to students or any discounts that I can take benifit of? To be honest, the only thing stopping from getting an IBM is the price. If i can sneak past this, I will get this comp. For instance, they have a 512 mb ram chip for free with purchase...so instead of one 1 gb chip, I'm hoping to get only 512 and adding the free 512 to get 1 gb..its two chips but it'll also save me a bit and in the end i'll have 1 gb. So ideas like that (if the one i posted works) would be great and would really push me to get an IBM.
I apologize for the multiple questions and lengthy post but I hope you understand the pressures....its quite a bit of money at stake. I also hope that this helps other people in my situation out. Thanks again for all the help, I appreciate it. Good day!
I'm looking for a desktop replacement type laptop that isn't too heavy. For now I have narrowed the options down to the IBM T42 or T43 and Dell Inspiron 6000 (the 9300 at 11 lbs is too big but I want a 15" screen). What I quickly realized is that with similar configurations, Dell is much less expensive (a good plus). I've only owned dell desktops and they are fantastic, but I have also heard horror stories about their laptops which is a different area of expertise. So my question is this (simple but probably repeated many many times)..which is better?
The laptop will primarily be used for classes (computair aided drafting and finite element programs- I'm an engineering student). I dont want to spend too much and am capping it to the low 2000 dollar range (~2300 dollars).
This is what I have heard about the respective laptops:
Dell: Medium cost and medium build. They get the job done but are flimsy and have heard many stories of screens breaking and keyboards breaking.
IBM: Great machines all around but quite expensive. Thats about all I have heard...no computing problems, only simple and expected perference problems people have.
But the true dilema is that this is my first laptop...do you (more experienced people) replace laptops often? Because if you do (say 2 to 3 years), wouldn't it be wiser to go with a cheaper one than something like IBM. This assuming the dell can make it for that long . I really would like the IBM but when I start maxing out memory, speed, and graphics (this is the big problem), the price gets closer to $3000!
For those of you familiar with CAD, Finite element programs, is a 64 mb graphics card ok? If I need more, then IBM will simply exceed my price range, almost forcing me to buy another brand.
Lastly, what is the primary difference between the T42 and T43. It seems as though I can configure a T42 the same as T43 but with teh added benefit of a better resolution screen. Also, are there any dsicounts offered to students or any discounts that I can take benifit of? To be honest, the only thing stopping from getting an IBM is the price. If i can sneak past this, I will get this comp. For instance, they have a 512 mb ram chip for free with purchase...so instead of one 1 gb chip, I'm hoping to get only 512 and adding the free 512 to get 1 gb..its two chips but it'll also save me a bit and in the end i'll have 1 gb. So ideas like that (if the one i posted works) would be great and would really push me to get an IBM.
I apologize for the multiple questions and lengthy post but I hope you understand the pressures....its quite a bit of money at stake. I also hope that this helps other people in my situation out. Thanks again for all the help, I appreciate it. Good day!
