Which IBM Laptop?
 

I have a choice, for my new work laptop, between an IBM X40 1.2GHz and an IBM T42p 1.8GHz. I'm debating which one to get. I've had no experience with either model.

Here's what I need in a laptop:
- Reasonably light. Doesn't need to be a feather, but my briefcase usually weighs 20+ lbs and it would be nice to take a bit of weight off.
- Pretty powerful. I'm getting a new machine because my old one was too slow. I don't run any exotic apps but I tend to run a lot of apps at the same time - 4 or 5 Excel models, Word, Outlook, a couple of Citrix sessions, IE, Bridge (a screen with a few hundred stock tickers updating all the time), etc are typically running.
- Long battery life. 5+ hours, with WLAN on, using power management, would be good.
- Usable on an airplane. Coach class tray table.
- Good WLAN reception.
- Reliable. I don't beat them up, but do travel so the usual bumps and knocks.

What do you think? Which would you choose?

John,

We provide T42's to our employees where I work. Most of them do quite a bit of travel and these work-horses have gotten only positive reviews.
The Wireless NIC is easy to configure, using the just the Properties dialog window. The screen is good size, suitable for several apps open at once. The people using these things are typically running a spreadsheets, powerpoint presentations, VPN connections into the bank from remote locations, and browser based applications providing banking information. Several also run different versions of Bloomberg, i.e., installed version and the web based version.
Nice machines. Wouldn't mind having one of my own. Just don't have the need for another laptop. :D

Randy

Sounds like I should get the T42p. The internal CD/DVD will be nice too.

I was hesitating because I thought the T42p would be so "big and heavy". Then I realized it is lighter than my wife's iBook and smaller than a 15" PowerBook. Guess it's only bulky relative to the X40.

The teeny X40 would be nice for personal use, but I've got a Toshiba Libretto for that.

Ive got a T41P. Pretty nice. Very solid for a slimline lightweight machine. My job is 100% travel (consulting, in and out of airports constantly) and I have had no problems with it at multiple jobsites or at home.