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General discussion

Newbie who needs advice

Jan 27, 2005 2:52AM PST

I've just about had it! I come to you from notebookforums.com Hoping that someone, anyone can help me since they won't answer my q's over there. I have been researching for many weeks, and am looking to purchase my first notebook. I am a college student, and will mainly be using it for word processing, powerpoint presentations, spreadsheets, surfing, email, etc. Don't really play games, but would like to burn a CD (legally) here and there. My main concern is quality, durability, price, etc. I know that I want at least 512 of ram, and preferrably 60 gig HD, but budget will probably require 256 and 40. Originally was going for the HP/Compaq DV1000/V2000. After taking a look and configuring w/student discount, too much for so so quality. I have the opportunity to purchase an IBM w/EPP discount, and would like to know what would be better in the long run. I know that the new Sonoma is out, and most would probably say wait. However, I don't have the time, nor do I feel that I would need anything of that caliber. Sorry for the extra long post, but here is what I'm looking at.

Thinkpad R51
Part# 1830H3U
$1,136.85 Your price* Excluding Tax
$1,749.00 IBM Web price*
System specifications:
Intel

Discussion is locked

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2nd Notebook has Sonoma cpu, wi-fi, better video--go #2
Jan 27, 2005 4:28PM PST

The 2nd system is vastly superior for several reasons:

Both have dedicated video but the ATI 7500 is way too old. The ATI 9000 is decent and that is what I have (actually ATI 9200 but it is basically a 9000). 32mb dedicated is better than shared video but 64mb is vastly preferable for any newer games and it is an effective minimum for Doom 3, etc.

The 2nd notebook has the Sonoma Pentium M (as the chip # ends in a 0) while the first does not (ends in a 5). Also, the 2nd one has the new a/b/g wi-fi card which is supposed to have less interference than the older b/g but I have not problem with it.

You are also getting a 50% larger hard drive and bluetooth internally is a big plus -- you may not use it right away but you may want it later and internal is preferable.

You can easily add a 512mb RAM stick (example Kingston) at retail for under $100 to go from 256mb to 768mb - you definitely want at least 512mb but you are fine ordering 256mb from the manufacturer (leave the 2nd slot open)

That seems like a decent price especially for an IBM but if there is any way you can get 64mb dedicated video (it only may be $50 or less more if you can upgrade the option) you will not regret getting that and scrimping on the other stuff you can upgrade later.

Note that 15.4" widescreens are great for DVD's and Excel spreadsheets but 15" square LCD's are better for internet use as many webpages don't stretch.

By the way, you are also getting an SXGA resolution on the 2nd notebook while the first is only XGA -- make sure your eyes can handle SXGA as the pixels are smaller but it will allow more data on the screen and for most younger people your eyes should be sharper.
Some web page small lettering, however, may be small....(but DVD's will look even better and you will see more of Excel speadsheets, etc).

You should be able to get the student Microsoft Office or they have Microsoft Office Basic for only $99.......

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Thanks Ken
Jan 28, 2005 1:51AM PST

After reading through this forum for many, many days, I was hoping you would be the one to answer. Seems like your the one to go to with ANY question. When adding more RAM, does it have to be the same amount as it came with? i.e. comes w/256, so add another 256, or will it comply w/adding 512 + original 256? What type or RAM, I get so confused w/this on newegg, etc. There are 184 pins, 2700, etc...help. Is Crucial the way to go for the IBM's? Thanks again Ken, sorry if these sound dumb.

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RAM specifics
Jan 28, 2005 6:20AM PST

No, you can have different memory sized in each slot now -- you don't have to have matched pairs like in some older computers.

So, you should go from 256mb + buy a 512mb of your own = 768mb for the best value -- as the 512mb RAM sticks are not double the cost of the 256mb RAM sticks if you get a good price (should be under $100 on sale).

Yes, Crucial.com is a very good memory and they confirm the memory type you need for your model on their website -- but they are a bit over $100 plus shipping.

Kingston has a website but they are also pricey there -- they have it retail at Fry's Electronics, Best buy, Circuit City, etc on sale in the Sunday adds -- make sure you have the correct speed of RAM (mine is PC2700 notebook RAM which is 333mhz) and of course make sure it is notebook RAM.

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Now I'm confused. Help!
Jan 28, 2005 2:19AM PST

Nowhere does it say on the website that it's a Sonoma chip. Also, chck the specs:

Screen type description TFT FlexView display with wide viewing angle and high density
Viewable image size (diagonal) inches 15.0
Screen illumination Backlit
Max colors or gray shades 16777216
Maximum Resolution 1400x1050
Graphics
Video RAM std/max 32MB
Description ATI Mobility RADEON 9000
Graphics type SXGA+ IPS
Video RAM type DDR SDRAM
Max resolution 2048x1536 16777216 colors
Max colors (with max video RAM) 16777216
Graphics bus interface AGP 4X
Video on Planar Yes
Processor
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium M Processor
Processor speed[1] 1.60 GHz
Front side bus (FSB) 400 MHz
Internal L2 cache memory size 1 MB
System memory
Memory (RAM) std/max[Cool 256MB / 2GB
RAM slots total 2 SODIMM
Memory speed 333 MHz
RAM type DDR SDRAM
Module specifications PC2700

Whats bothering me is the internal cache memory size. If it was even a dothan, shouldn't it be L2, and 2MB??? Also, it says ATI mobility 9000?

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Dothan Pentium M cpu (old or new Sonoma) should be 2mb L2
Jan 28, 2005 6:30AM PST

Yes, it should be 2mb L2 system cache if it is a Dothan 725 1.6 (old standard) or 730 1.6 Pentium M (Sonoma standard) -- I don't see those numbers on this spec but you had them on the other post. You need to confirm this.

Also, it states on the specs above that it is PC2700 notebook RAM (333mhz) which is what I have in my Pentium M notebook before Sonoma.

The new RAM speed is supposed to be faster so this is not a full Sonoma.

See the Dell 6000 and the Cnet article on Sonoma.

Also, the old standard motherboard bus speed was 400mhz and the Sonoma motherboard bus speed should be 533mhz