IBM ThinkPad T42

The IBM ThinkPad T42 with Flexview is a damnably frustrating machine. It s not that it s a bad computer. Quite the opposite, it s easily one of the best thin-and-light business laptops on the market.

It s built like a tank, wrapped in IBM s rock-solid case that folds to a slim 1.2 inches. The screen is gorgeous, one of the best 15-inch displays you ll see on a notebook. The keyboard, long an IBM strong suit, is easily the best around. This T42 isn t the best performing laptop you ll find, but should be more than adequate for most users.

What s frustrating is that all that wonderfulness is contrasted by a mediocre battery life and the sometimes severe ghosting exhibited by the otherwise beautiful Flexview screen. A two-and-a-half hour battery combined with screen problems might not be major issues for lesser notebooks, but the T42 s strong suits along with its price make these flaws all the more noticeable.