Andrew's Blog

Whatever you have or intend to buy, the IBM T-Series notebook has all that you would want in terms of functionality and value. Any computer can be upgraded with generic RAM or a larger hard disk and most computer companies will allow you to create any sort of configuration with any sort of processor. Same with the software, it is all the same and the differences lay with the battery life, keyboard functionality, form factor, back-up and security capabilities.

What does the IBM T-Series (e.g. T42) have over their competitors at the moment?

1) Form factor. The T42's dimensions are 31.1cm x 25.5cm x 2.6cm making it a nice compact and thin computer and weights in at 2.2kg.

2) Keyboard layout. The keyboad has function keys to adjust the contrast, sound, computer modes and also has backward-forward keys to make internet browsing easier. It also has both a touch pad and pointing stick so that you can decide whether you want to use either one or both.

3) ThinkVantage. The in-built security optional fingerprint reader is the first of its kind. Until now, you would have to install a separate device for this feature. It also has hard drive protection and a rescue and recovery system to back up your system and files if something fails. The other nice thing the T42 has is the keyboard light. It is just enough to allow you to see what you are typing.

The only problem I find, is the heat from the hard drive right of the touch pad. I don't know if other computers have this problem, but it means that you can't type for too long resting your palm on the front of the computer. Most computers will have heat from the processor, so that is normal.

All in all, IBM has managed to package everything extremely well into this computer. Unfortunately, they have not been able to make money from it, but with the sale of the PC business to Lovena, the new owners should be able to lower costs and still provide all these advantages for a profit. A win-win for everyone.

You may think that you are paying a lot for the privaledge, but if you try quote a system at Dell with the same specs, you are paying just as much and do not get the security features or the other ThinkVantage technologies. If you do not want all of these, they you can get a much cheaper system and buy additional hardware and software to protect your system.