[ltp] best T4-model for dual head internal + DVI-out?

[Bill Andrus]

Preface my comments with practical as well as function capabilities.   The
FireGL system boards seem to be the first to suffer chip separation and
become unstable, and require replacement.


>> Having some experience with all these models, having rebuilt and sold
>> hundreds over the past few years, my keeper is a T42p without the exotic
>> ATI graphics chip, upgraded to a 2.1GHz processor and 2GB RAM.  Very

[...]

>> hours conservative use before hibernating.  Look for the 14.1" rather
than
>> 15" screen version, the SXGA+ display with 64MB rather than 128MB, and
go

>Which is the good video chip? And which is the one to avoid? I can
>not find a T42p with 64MB graphics.

Which is exactly why I've kept these two and sold off the FireGL ones!

>The available T42p models (and some T41p) I could find all have the
>following graphics:
>            ATI FireGL T2 (128MB dedicated)

>I could also buy models of T42  or T41 with
>            Ati Radeon 9600 (64MB dedicated)
>        ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 (32MB dedicated)


>Can I exchange the video card in an T42p for an Ati Radeon 9600?

Nope, the ATI Graphic set is soldered onto a carrier, in turn soldered onto
the Systemboard.

Go for the 14.1" SXGA+ version with the ATI Mobiity 9600 and 64MB, whether
its called a T42 or T42p.


>From what you say I think that the T42p seems to be my best
>choice. Unfortunately it also costs a lot more than the other models. I
>can buy a T42 or T41p from about 400,- to 600,- EUR while the T42p will
>cost me between 630,- and 850,- EUR.

Yup, sounds right, and you see the value the marketplace puts on the high
def screen, too

>So my question is whether it is worth spending the extra money on the
>T42p. Is the gap to the other models rather small or rather large? Which
>is the second best? The T42 or the T41p?

Personal experience has moved me out of the T40 and T41 models, the T42 and
T42p have been more reliable.

>> since all batteries are supposed to be carry on and in device now.  A 9
>> Cell and Ultrabay cell should get you 10 hours easy, with the DVD drive
>> external going through screening.

>Wow, that is really impressive. Good to know. It really seems like my
>Thinkpad to come can really server as my main machine with a good
>dual-head setup at home *and* as a good take everywhere notebook. :-)

> Altec Lansing (my EDR A2DP headset).  Look for a model that already has
the
> In Screen Bluetooth antenna in it.

>I guess if the laptop is already equipped with bluetooth it will also
>have the screen antennas, right? If I buy a model without bluetooth, how
>can I tell whether the antennas are there?

If you check the Type-Model (four numeric DASH three character) for the
unit at the Lenovo Support site, and it says either Bluetooth Ready or
Bluetooth is specified, you have the antennas.

I've actually retrofitted BT into T4x series systems for buyers, and
working in the screen assembly is not for the faint of heart.