IBM THINKPAD T42SMB CENTRINO-1.7G 5 ( 2378DVU )

IBM THINKPAD T42SMB CENTRINO-1.7G 5 ( 2378DVU )
Manufacturer: IBM (Aap Misc Parts)
Product Type: Personal Computer

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Making the power of a workstation mobile. Certified for graphics-intensive applications, ThinkPad T42 series mobile workstation offers high performance in a thin and light notebook.

Average customer rating: 4.5

Simple, small and (hopefully) tough
Great Notebook for the Road Warrior

Twinhead Durabook D13RI 13.3" Notebook PC (Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, and DVD+/-RW Burner

Manufacturer: Twinhead
Product Group: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers
ASIN: B000GBHT8E

Related Categories:

Notebooks

Amazon.com Product Description

The Twinhead Durabook D13RI notebook PC is a rugged little number that will withstand the bumps and shocks of daily usage. It features a magnesium alloy case that can withstand drops of 29 inches onto hard surfaces, a spill-resistant keyboard/touchpad, and an exclusive optical drive lock that prevents discs from ejecting accidentally and damaging the drive. It's tough enough to meet US military MIL-810F shock resistance standards. It also includes double protection smart battery circuitry, which helps prevent damage caused by overheating and voltage surges, as well as battery calibration that helps fight battery capacity loss after repeated charges and discharges.

But more than just a protective fortress of data, the D13RI also offers powerful computing performance with the battery-sipping 1.73 GHz Intel Pentium M 740 processor. Other features include a bright 13.3-inch LCD screen, 60 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), 802.11b/g wireless LAN, dual-layer DVD burner, and long battery life of up to 3 hours.

The Basics
<ul>

Hard Drive: The 80 GB hard drive (4200 RPM) is the average size for notebook PCs (though larger than found in other notebooks of this size), providing enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and productivity software. The anti-shock mounting design protects the hard drive from damage suffered from vibration and the hard knocks of transportation.

Processor: The 1.73 GHz Pentium M 740 (Centrino) processor is in the middle of the speed spectrum for this processor class (May 2006). It is well equipped for office productivity software tasks, from complex spreadsheets to databases. The Pentium M processor is designed specifically for low-power mobile usage, and it features the latest in power-saving technologies--ensuring you push your battery and productivity to the max. It also has a large 2 MB L2 cache--which will help speed up your system's performance--and a 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB).

Memory: The 512 MB of installed RAM is enough to get you started, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It has a 2 GB maximum RAM capacity.

CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. The exclusive optical disk tray lock prevents unintentional tray eject from drop and vibration.

Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a spill-resistant 86-key keyboard with LCD on/off, LCD/CRT switch, and LCD brightness keys. The spill-resistant keyboard and touchpad prevents spills from seeping into sensitive interior parts, further protecting your valuable data. </ul> Screen, Graphics and Sound
The 13.3-inch TFT LCD screen offers a WXGA, high-resolution display (1280 x 800). Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. This notebook also features built-in, 1-watt stereo speakers and an internal microphone.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The D13RI has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. It also offers the following connectivity options: <ul>

2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players

1 VGA monitor port

1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type II, 32-bit)

1 line-out jack for headphones

1 microphone jack </ul> It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2.

Dimensions and Weight
This notebook measures 12.3 x 10.1 x 1.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 3.5 hours (depending on usage). The double protection smart battery circuitry prevents damage caused by current or voltage surges and overheating, while the Smart Battery Calibration feature helps fight the loss of battery capacity after repeated charge-discharge cycles.

What's in the Box
This package contains the D13RI notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.

Customer Reviews:

Simple, small and (hopefully) tough.......2007-02-16

I bought the D13RI after a brief encounter with the 15" N15RI. That unit died after a week of use but hopefully was just a lemon and not typical. I've now had the 13.3" D13RI for 3 weeks of heavy use and had no real problems. But since I've had experience with both I'll try to compare them here as you can't find them in stores.

I like the looks of the D13. It's not as sleek as an Apple or Vaio,but the carbon fibre look on the outside is more attractive than the painted metal on the N15RI. The overall sizing is comfortable both for desk work and hauling around in a briefcase. Set up is easy with very little software preloaded. Keyboard and touchpad have a nice feel. i HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE wIfI AND MY GENERAL IMPRESSION IS THAT THE RECEPTION IS NOT AS GOOD ON THIS UNIT AS SOME OTHER NOTEBOOKS AND THAT THE iNTEL WIFI SOFTWARE SOMETIMES GETS CONFUSED. Sorry about the caps. Battery life is good, definitely will ad more ram to try and improve speed. Biggest gripe is lack of connectivity. It has only 2 USB ports (both on the right side) , could use two more on the other side (where the power cable goes), needs firewire and a card reader and bluetooth would be nice (apparently available on the 14" model). bUT DEFINITELY NEEDS MORE THAN 2 usb CONNECTIONS IN THE MODERN WORLD (MY PORTABLE HARDDRIVE REQUIRES 2 BY ITSELF. N15RI has 3 USB and firewire...still not much but better. Haven't really tested the durability...not brave enough to pour liquid on it or drop it, but read several reviews that suggested it is durable...got to be better than my last two (Acer and HP, both disasters). Certainely a lot cheaper than Panasonic toughbook, but I wonder if it's really a better choice than recent offerings from Toshiba and Fujistsu that offer spill resitant keyboards and harddrive protection in more sophisticated machines. All in all happy with it and like the size and form factor much better than the similar but bulky N15RI. Also it does not run nearly as hot as the N15RI. Not sure about Twinhead customer service based on my experience with the last one, but crossing my fingers.

Great Notebook for the Road Warrior.......2006-09-09

I've been carrying a notebook for business for a long time and although I've not personally dropped mine I have had my share of spills and watched several associates drop theirs.

I had seen ads for Panasonic's line of durable notebooks but they were always too expensive for me. I caught a demonstration on Twinhead's line of Durabook's at CES and couldn't believe it when I saw it dropped from about ten feet in the air and had water spilled on the keyboard and watched the guy pick it up and start using it as if nothing happened.

I'd been waiting for a widescreen version of the Durabook ever since and now it's here. It has all the spec I need to get my work done, watch movies, and stream music and it looks great. I highly recommend it!

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