Question:
buy or wait?
hi all,
I am looking for a new notebook and have been using an IBM T41 (P4 1.6, banias, 1.5gb RAM, 14.1" xga) for approx. the past 2 years. I use my notebook all the time at home, after work (6-8 hours per day). I don’t play games, but I do a lot of vb programming, spreadsheets, letter writing, surfing, etc... I also use the machine to process digital photos, some lite video work, and music extraction/compression/burning. the business application to entertainment application ratio is probably 90/10.
I really like the notebook and IBMs service a lot. I like it so much that I have sold at least 6 notebooks for IBM (I am 'that guy' who everyone asks their computer questions)
You may be asking "why does he want a new noteook? The T41s a great machine." .... well ...there are several reasons why I am in the market ... but the main reason is because I want one! thats where the dilema comes in; should I wait 6-9 months for a new round or grab a new pre-lenovo designed T43. The finger print reader offers a little excitement to me, but not a deal maker/breaker; mainly it is my belief that as components get used more (and/or age aka wear-and-tear) they not only lose a degree of performance but can lead to system instability, and performance degradation that is influencing this decision. I do have few problems with ny current machine, but nothing thst cant be fixed, mosylt annoying
I am looking at a T43p with these specs: P4 770 (2.13mhz), upgrade to 2mb ram, ATI Fire GL 3200, 60GB 7200 rpm HDD, Bluetooth, 802.1 b/g, 14” sxga 1400 X1050, DVDr
My main hesitation is the screen resolution, I like(or maybe used to) the diplay at 1024 x 768. Will I regret buying the 1400-1050 ? From some screen shots a found in another thread, they looked okay.
Below is the questionnaire if you care to read it.
START COPY
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General Questions
1) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
2) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
vb programming, spreadsheets, letter writing, surfing, etc... I also use the machine to process digital photos, some lite video work, and music extraction/compression/burning. the business application to entertainment application ratio is probably 90/10.
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Take it along
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
nope
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Like IBM, not a fan of dell
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3-5 with extra batteries
7) What is your budget?
Within reason ($3k is not out of the question)
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
no
Screen Specifics
9) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
a. XGA = eXtended Graphics Array; 1024x768; This resolution will give you the largest viewable text and images while offering the least amount of screen real estate.
Or
b. SXGA = Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1400x1050; This resolution offers a middle
ground between XGA and UXGA.
10) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
matte
Build Quality and Design
11) Are the notebook’s looks and stylishness important to you?
NO
12) How long do you want this laptop to last?
2 YRS
Notebook Components
13) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
60-80gb
14) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R
Thanks in advance. Sorry for the verbose post.
Answer:
Re: buy or wait?
I say...buy when you want to. There will always be something new on the horizon...and if you wait for that, there will be something else just on the horizon too.
If you think Lenovo will design something poor and you want to snatch a T43...I say do so. It is a great machine and you will love it...
However, the SXGA+ resolution on a 14" screen will be a big jump for you. I just saw a 14" T43 SXGA+ today...and I gotta say, the font looks TINY! However, this issue is totally subjective...
All in all, if you can justify spending the money on a T43 right now, and you feel as if it will be beneficial to you, go for it!
The machine should last you for years to come... regardless of what people say about 64-bit or dual core blah blah blah.
Answer:
Re: buy or wait?
If it were me, I would wait. The T43 is a little faster than the T41, but it is basically the same notebook. When the Yonahs come out next year there will be a reason to upgrade. Even though it has been bought by Lenovo, it is still the same people designing the notebooks.
Answer:
Re: buy or wait?
Get it earlier, and u will enjoy it earlier.
However, it is financially smart to wait, if u have sth handy in hand for ur use.