So, I'm in the market for a new laptop for EE related programs as well as coding. I was originally looking at the Toshiba Tecra M3 but after no information from here and the reviews I found on the net describing it as not all up to par, I started to look at the IBM Thinkpads.
I initially was looking at the T43 but cnet gave the T42 a much higher score mainly due to the longer battery life. However, the T43 still catches my eye more. So if anyone has used either of them and can compare them to help me that would be great.

Also, since I have no need for Windows and still need to call and badger IBM to see about removing it from the order, I'm curious. Has anyone else ordered from IBM and opted out of having them install WinXP on it? If worst is I have to order it, I suppose I can but I'd prefer not to since I don't use it and have an extra copy of WinXP Pro from another scrapped computer that I could load if needed.

Thanks for the help.

It's probably simplest to just check the Thinkpad website In brief though, the T43 is incrementally more powerful (and expensive) than the T42, but at least in my view the differences are fairly minor. The T43 comes with 1.86Gz CPU and a 9 cell battery vs. a 1.80Gz CPU and the standard 6 cell on the T42.

I don't know if IBM, err, Lenovo offers a "Windows-less" version, but Thinkpads handle dual booting very well. Good luck with your new laptop whichever model you choose.

Thanks J.W.
Lenovo has a Manager pick page of the T43 and the one I was looking at (well the manager pick is a little more upgraded) is going for 1600 so I think I'll call them and see about upgrading to the 9 cell battery with it and getting another 512 stick of memory.

You might want to also check the NewEgg deals on Thinkpads. Personally, I'd compare those Manager picks against Newegg, I'd be willing to guess that one is cheaper.

As for me, I bought a T40 from Newegg around June of last year, and went back about 2 or 3 months later to get the 9 cell battery and another 256Mg of RAM. In any case, at least in my view Thinkpads are rock solid, plus they are very Linux-friendly. The main piece of advice I'd offer though is no matter what you buy, it's probably in your interests to buy whatever accessories (docking station, extra battery, etc) you think you might need at the same time. It can be a hassle to discover that your model has been discontinued, and suddenly it's not quite as easy to find the parts you now want......

Thanks again J.W.
I did check newegg first as I always do. But the bad thing is the $1600 notebook that Lenovo has as the Manager pick is just barely matching the 2k one on Newegg. They are the same minus basically the IBM has a step down in CPU and HD. I also think that the 512MB stick of extra memory that IBM is offering for free will also be available.
Just have to see about getting the time to order it tonight when I get home.

Ive got a t41, but I went an alternate route and configured mine before I bought it (I actually had someone order it for me through their company). I opted for a clean slate disk, because I could. Buying one retail, you probably wont be able to do this. If I were buying a newer one, I would probably go with the T43, simply for what J.W. said about parts being available. Some parts may be backwards compatible for older models (such as the bluetooth cards, which I recently replaced with a t43 card), but youll always run the risk of being stuck. Oh, and IBM support is the best, bar none. IMO, you pay a little more, but get alot more...