In the IBM Thinkpad configuration maze, I found that I can get the T42 (2373JXU) for practically the same price as the R51 (1829LHU). All other features being equal (1 GB RAM, DVD burner, warranty) the main differences are in:

the video card: T42 --> ATI 9600 64 MB versus R51 --> ATI 9000 32 MB;

the hard drive size: T42 --> 40 GB versus T51 --> 80 GB;

the hard drive speed: T42 --> 5400 versus T51 --> 4200 (although according to specs, HD average seek time, Average latency, Cache size and Sustained data transfer rates are identical).

Considering that my main use will be Photoshop 7 and that I don’t intent to play games, should I go with the T42 or the R51? Why?

If they are the same price, why wouldn't you go for the higher spec'ed model? While the T42 may have a smaller HD, the increased speed is nice to have.

Thank you, RIT, for your input. You are asking why would I go for "the higher spec'ed model"? I am wondering if the T42 is really "higher spec'ed"?

Speed is what I am looking for. Sure the video card in the T42 (ATI 9600) is better but will it give me more speed or better resolution than the ATI 9000 for Photoshop applications?

I don't know much about HD speed but I wonder if the HD in the T42 is really faster when its average seek time, latency, etc. are the same as with the slower HD in the R51?

If the answers to my wondering are "not really", then I would be better off getting the R51 because of its bigger HD. Does anyone knows?

You don't need a good video card for photoshop, you need a fast processor and a (very) fast hard drive. That is, if you are doing complex work, not just auto-levels.

The 9600 is a considerable improvement over the 9000, and having 64 vs. 32 megs of dedicated RAM could also make your work with photoshop much easier. The resolution on the screen will likely not be any different if they are the same screen, but perhaps if you use an external monitor it will. In my limited experience with laptop drive speeds, I have noticed differences between 4200 and 5400 RPM drives - however, that is purely anecdotal since I have no benchmarks to show you.

Simply put, IMO the improved video card will make a difference. But I would suggest going to ATI's site or a site that has benchmarks and comparing the two. Otherwise you're right in that there is not a great deal of difference. I think that you will notice the difference in drive speed, but that it also won't be a dea breaker.

T42 HD and form factor

T42 all the way!!!

Isn't the R series over 7.5lbs? I like that the T series thin and light so that's my recommendation. If you need more storage there's always external usb2 and firewire drives.

To All: Thank you for your advices. T42 it is. I have ordered it. But I will have to wait a few weeks for delivery because IBM Canada does not have the extra memory and the multiburner in stock. Unbelievable!