[DrewGBowman]

Hello, I dont know if this is the right place to post this, but I am going to college soon and I want to buy my own laptop. I have heard that security is something that I should really invest in and I have looked around a little and found the IBM R50e.

I want to know if I should buy this computer or if there is another computer I should look into (im trying to keep a budget of no more than $1000)

Here are the specs:






Technical specifications
Product Description: ThinkPad R50e 1842 - Celeron M 340 1.5 GHz - 15" TFT
Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.1 in x 10.6 in x 1.6 in
Weight: 6.6 lbs
Localization: English / United States
System Type: Notebook
Built-in Devices: Speaker, ThinkLight
Processor: Intel Celeron M 340 1.5 GHz
Cache Memory: 512 KB - L2 cache
RAM: 256 MB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR SDRAM - PC2700 - 333 MHz
Hard Drive: 30 GB - 4200 rpm
Optical Storage: CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - integrated
Display: 15" TFT active matrix XGA (1024 x 768) - 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
Graphics Controller: Intel 855GM
Audio Output: Sound card
Telecom 4: Fax / modem - CDC - 56 Kbps
Networking: Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
Input Device: Keyboard, TrackPoint
Power: AC 110/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Battery: Lithium ion
Run Time (Up To): 3.5 hour(s)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year warranty

Extended specifications

General
System Type: Notebook
Built-in Devices: Speaker, ThinkLight
Width: 13.1 in
Depth: 10.6 in
Height: 1.6 in
Weight: 6.6 lbs
Color: Black
Localization: English / United States

Processor
Processor: Intel Celeron M 340 1.5 GHz
Data Bus Speed: 400 MHz
Chipset Type: Intel 855GM

Cache Memory
Type: L2 cache
Installed Size: 512 KB

RAM
Installed Size: 256 MB / 2 GB (max)
Technology: DDR SDRAM - 333 MHz
Memory Specification Compliance: PC2700

Storage Controller
Type: IDE

Storage
Hard Drive: 30 GB - 4200 rpm

Optical Storage
Type: CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - integrated
Read Speed: 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
Write Speed: 24x
Rewrite Speed: 24x

Display
Display Type: 15" TFT active matrix
Max Resolution: 1024 x 768 / 24-bit (16.7 million colors)

Video
Graphics Processor / Vendor: Intel 855GM
Video Memory: Dynamic Video Memory Technology 2.0
Max Resolution (external): 1600 x 1200

Audio
Audio Output: Sound card
Audio Codec: AD1981B
Compliant Standards: DirectSound, AC '97, SoundMAX

Input Device(s)
Type: Keyboard, TrackPoint

Telecom
Modem: Fax / modem - CDC
Max Transfer Rate: 56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications: ITU V.90

Networking
Networking: Network adapter
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
Remote Management Protocol: DMI 2.0, CIM

Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free): 2 ( 1 ) x memory - SO DIMM 200-pin ª 1 ( 1 ) x CardBus - type I/II/III
Interfaces: 2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ª 1 x parallel - IEEE 1284 (EPP/ECP) - 25 pin D-Sub (DB-25) ª 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ª 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11 ª 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 ª 1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5 mm ª 1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

Miscellaneous
Features: Locking device keyhole (cable lock) , administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password
Compliant Standards: ACPI 2.0, ACPI 1.0b, EPA Energy Star
Pricing Type: Think Express

Power
Power Device: External
Voltage Required: AC 110/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )

Battery
Technology: Lithium ion
Installed Qty: 1 / 1 (max)
Run Time (Up To): 3.5 hour(s)

Operating System / Software
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Software: Drivers & Utilities, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Lotus SmartSuite Millennium, PC Doctor, IBM Update Connector, Lotus Notes Client, IBM Access Connections, ThinkPad Utilities, Access IBM, IBM RecordNow, Norton AntiVirus (OEM), IBM Drive Letter Access, IBM Rescue and Recovery with Rapid Restore

Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support: 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details: Limited warranty - 1 year ª Limited warranty - battery - 1 year

Environmental Parameters
Sound Emission: 40 dB

[linskyjack]

Very underpowered---Xp runs best with 512K. The Thinkpad is a good machine--but if you intend to do anything that is processor dependent, then the Celeron isn't going to do it. Also, thats an extremely small hard drive---again if you are going to be saving lots of music and photos its going to get eaten up pretty fast. Also, I noticed it doesn't have wireless built in, and when you are in college it might be a nice thing to have. As far as computers for about 1000--------Check out this Dell ----It has a Pentium M715 1.5ghz with 512kRam, 40 gig drive, Intel internal wireless, 24xcdrw/dvd combo, 15.4 inch screen for under 1000 http://www.pcinfinity.net/Merchant2/...6000CEN1551240

This vendor has a good rating. Last but not least, check out this site if you want to price shop---just pay attention to the ratings of the vendors:

www. pricewatch.com

[DrewGBowman]

Originally Posted by linskyjack

Very underpowered---Xp runs best with 512K. The Thinkpad is a good machine--but if you intend to do anything that is processor dependent, then the Celeron isn't going to do it. Also, thats an extremely small hard drive---again if you are going to be saving lots of music and photos its going to get eaten up pretty fast. Also, I noticed it doesn't have wireless built in, and when you are in college it might be a nice thing to have.

I could always add the 256MB of Ram and I plan to get a external HDD case to put my 80Gig in, and my school only has little-no wireless ability. Their recomendations are here: http://www.immaculata.edu/General%20...ifications.htm

But what really concerns me is the processor ability that you are talking about. Im from the windows 98 era and I dont really expect applications to popup with ease.

I did a Google search and really the only difference I found between the two was the cache in the Pentium M715 was double.

Also are there any sites that you know, that have a student discount. I could not find one through the search at pricewatch

Thank you for looking into the specs!

[linskyjack]

Dont compare XP running the Pentium M715 with the Celeron processor---just not the same. Most colleges offer student discounts on hardware and software--you college seems to only offer it on software. For instance, IBM offers many colleges discounts on Thinkpads and they are usually linked to the colleges site. You might call your school and ask them if hey give you guys that service.