Lenovo ThinkPad T42 (2378FVU) PC Notebook

Pros: Easy to use, VERY light (4.9 lbs), quiet, physically sturdy
Cons: Pricy, eyesore, RAM, more USB ports, FireWire support (IEEE1394), broke twice in 2 years

To start off, I am: 1) A graduate student, so I need a laptop for mobility (lectures and studying at the library), and for papers 2) A gamer, which doesn't quite fit with my first identification. So I wanted a system that could handle games. 3) ...

Pros: Looks great, Solid product, Versatile, Reliable, Integrated security chip
Cons: Only comes in black, not much Linux support, pricier than competitors

I couldn't be happier with this laptop. I got this about two weeks after I ordered it, because IBM shipped from Hong Kong, and apparently the Customs people really liked it too! Once it got here, I was greeted by the no-nonsense IBM look. Some people ...

Pros: Good machine for business person. Great keyboard and good support.
Cons: We paid extra for 3 year warranty; not standard anymore.

We have several IBM laptops for our CPA practice. This machine works well and we love the keyboard. Zero problems using it and we take these machines all over the country when we visit our clients. The machine has both a touch pad and the eraser type device...we prefer the eraser type device as it is faster and more reliable. Lenova did a fine job designing this machine. I

Pros: solid, dependable, EXCELLENT keyboard, good battery life
Cons: UGLY

along with my S360 (i have a review for that), i also got my hands on a T42... for about a month.

The T42, in my opinion, is my favorite IBM. The screen is bright, the keyboard simply AMAZING (feels like one of those $100 logitech sets, which i do have), battery life more than acceptable, easily lasting 4 hours...

what i don't like about it though is that it's just ugly. its a boxy black machine, with no curves, no shiny metal, no decals... nothing! not to mention that when you open it up, you see two unsightly hinges that aren't even centered! ones on the right, the other is somewhat centered! not proportional!

if i had to buy a new notebook, i wouldn't choose this one, because even though it is pretty solid, it holds a >$500 price premium, while turning heads... but in this case, that may not be such a good thing. Go get a sony S series instead.

My S360 Review

Pros: Solid. Great keyboard.
Cons: Pricey.

For a SXGA+ (1400x1050) 14" display machine this is the best value. Very solidly built. See my detailed "review" at: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=7436

Upgrade to 3yr warranty and add 512MB RAM.

You can also get Thinkpad Protection for 3yrs for an additional $130 which covers accidental breakage.

Pros: Light, fast and does everything you want it to....except the dishes
Cons: Could use 256 MB of additional RAM. Small Hard drive

This is the absolutely BEST laptop out there unless you are an avid gamer. Its FAST, LIGHT and comes with an awesome g wireless built in card, infrared, crisp screen (best at max resolution), long enough battery for most of us (4 hours), and simply fabulous support from the Access IBM key. And yes you can make your own recovery discs if you want to from here. It doesnt get better for this price. It needs 512 RAM for optimal performance but that is easy to install if you buy another 256 MB for about $50. The keyboard light, the page toggle keys and volume keys are nice thoughtful additions. The IBM keyboard is as expected... just fabulous