Lenovo ThinkPad® T42 (2379DXU) PC Notebook

Pros: Fast processor, good DVD, durable, fingerprint access, durable.
Cons: Bad speakers

I purchased this laptop in 2005 based on my boyfriend's recommendation (and with a huge discount). He's a network administrator and have made it his personal crusade to rid this world of Dell computers. Anyway, it's been a year and I absolutely love ...

Pros: Durability, keyboard, driver support
Cons: Price, numlock, connection placement

I've been using thinkpads since the orginal T-series came out, the T20. Since then, IBM has gone through many revisions; first getting larger with the T30 and then getting much smaller with the T40 series. The T42 is IBM's latest revision of the T40 ...

Pros: Solid construction, great keyboard, wonderful display
Cons: Pricier than clone competitors

Customer Service- I initially tried to order a custom setup using the website but ran into problems - the T42's were brand-spanking new at the time and their website hadn't quite been sorted out yet. I eventually gave up and called IBM directly. The ...

Pros: Powerful, Relatively Light, Good Battery Life, Good Value, Amazing Engineering
Cons: No dedicated 'Windows' shortcut key. I hate that!

When I set out to research a new laptop, I quickly had the reaction that many in my position probably do: nausea. There are so many laptop brands, so many proprietary technologies, so many marketing ploys - it's a thicket. The chain stores (Best Buy and ...

Pros: customer service, ThinkLight
Cons: build quality has suffered, price

I'm a die-hard IBM PC user, but that may be changing. This review is intended to encompass IBM T-series Thinkpads in general, but the T42 in particular. I had a T23 that I loved dearly--in fact, I still use it. It's heavy and built like a tank. I ...

Pros: light, powerful, great screen, good keyboard, docks well
Cons: bad Function key placement, no Windows key, wireless connectivity app doesn't play well with others

This is my first laptop since an Apple Powerbook back in 1997. I use it either at work for design (while docked and attached to a 20" CRT) or for toting around from one meeting to another, or at home for checking my email or web browsing when I want more ...

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

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 ...

Pros: Excellent-Keyboard, Solid Case, Good Performance, IBM Online Support, Video Performance, Slimline, add-ons, Decent-Batlife.
Cons: IBM Canada, IBM USA?, More $$$, Pricey Extras & Features, needs DVI port.

UPDATE: I am downgrading my rating to 3 stars. I have tested the system with 1GB or RAM and with the included graphics card performance at 1400x1050x16 is fast to good with even the latest games (32 bit gets choppy) however the system has developed a ...

Pros: Durability, reliability, support, features, and speed.
Cons: A little more costly, but well worth it.

I use my laptop for accessing internet, word processing, photos, videos and music. Although this is not a multimedia laptop, I love it. It is well built, nice and simple user friendly design. IBM/Lenovo make very durable laptops that stand up to traveling and heavy use. They replaced the malfunctioning cdr/dvd drive, only 20 minutes on phone and a new one arrived 3 days later!

Pros: Quality, light
Cons: More expensive, but probably worth it.

I purchased this computer for law school and its been working great. I based my decision on many of the reviews that I found on this site as well as other review sites (CNET, PCworld, etc.). You will pay more, but you get what you pay for. Our school has a program with Dell and Gateway, so when I went to the lab to ask for a ethernet cord (wireless network was down), they told me of all the trouble with the Dells. In fact while I was there, four people were waiting in line to fix their computer. For three of them, their computer crashed and would not start. I heard the technician said they would all need new motherboards or something like that. The other person had her screen hinge broken. The pin to hold the screen to the keyboard broke. It's no wonder the school has to set up a special team to fix Dells. It's great that Dell has a good warranty, but its like comparing a Kia to a BMW.

Pros: Great networking Features
Cons: no windows key

I recently had a troubling experience with a Toshiba that I purchased 2 years ago. The graphics card and display died. I needed a replacement and needed it quickly. My close friend is an IT professional and we looked at several IBM models before settling on this particular model. I have been pleased with both the performance and construction of the laptop.

It is essential for me to have a working computer since I attend graduate school through an on-line program and I manage a database of my clients on my laptop. The T-42 makes a solid desk top replacement unit, balancing performance and portability. I work in multiple network settings and the IBM access tools are great. I can manage my work connection, home connection, wireless and Ethernet based networks. I am no longer required to manually change settings and it is a breeze to establish wireless connections. Ultimately, my friend provided me with great advice and I would recommend this laptop to my friends or colleagues.

Pros: Fast, very good performance.
Cons: Unreliable, cost me many hours of lost work due to unexpected crashes.

Disappointed from this machine, because at ~ every 1 or 2 weeks crashes at boot time, without apparent reason. Restoring Operating system from ACCESS IBM feature did not work correctly.

IBM support blamed firmware version of hardisk. They upgraded this, but the problem occured again.

IBM needs to pay attention to Quality control.