IBM has cheapend the T series
Written: Aug 30 '04
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Pros: Keyboard light, firm keyboard, ultrabay expansion, metal lcd hinges.
Cons: cheap lower case, flex and twisting case, poor construction for a unit of this reputation
The Bottom Line: T42 is still an "ok" machine compared to other plastic units, but it is not the same quality as it's predecessors.
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| mmreed's Full Review: Lenovo ThinkPad® T42 (2379DXU) PC Notebook |
I have been a Thinkpad owner for many years... started with a T20, then a T30... I recently purchased a T42 after being so happy with my other models. I expected the same durability and rugged construction that comprised my T30. The T30 is a well build and durable unit. I have no complaints about the T30...which is why I went with the T42 when it was time to upgrade. This is where IBM disappointed me. The T42 is marketed as a "lighter, more mobile" unit. What this really means is that IBM cheapend the lower chasis with thinner gauge materials and cut costs where they could. The T series is no longer the same rugged construction. I boxed by T42 back up and returned it under IBMs 30 day guarantee. The main things that triggered by return are: the weakness of the lower case, especially around the cdrom bay. The lower chasis flexes and twists easily. If you were to grip it at the cdrom bad and lift, sooner or later it will crack. The fit an finish of the case is poor, meaning the edges do not align perfect and often have gaps where even more flex is present. Pushing down around the touchpad produces severe flex and case strain. While I think "light and mobile" is good, I do think they chose to cut costs in the wrong areas. A simple addition of metal reinforcement inside the case would have made a big difference...or possibly adding a slightly thicker gauge material to the lower case would have kept it from being so "plastic like". It is not the same carbon reinforced case that T31 and earlier users are used to. After returning my unit, I decided to spend a few hundred more and get a Pansonic ToughBook 51.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 1980
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 15 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
mmreed
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Member: Mark Reed
Location: York, PA, USA
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Web designer and IT professional
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