WTB: Best Thinkpad I can get for ~$350

[slugg]

Hey guys. My girlfriend's cheapo laptop bit the dust and we just started a new semester of school. I'd like to get her something reliable, hence the Thinkpad brand. I'd like to spend somewhere around $350.

Any current or somewhat current Thinkpad would be fine. I'm looking at the E430, T420, and so on. Let me know what you've got and we'll make a deal

Thanks a lot!

[ZaZ]

If you said something about what your girlfriend wants or needs, that would help narrow it down a bit.

[slugg]

Sure. Smaller than 15 inch, but larger than 11. Storage and memory aren't a big deal because those are easy and cheap upgrades, but the machine should be priced accordingly. No need for Bluetooth, discrete graphics, WWAN, or a fingerprint reader, but it wouldn't disqualify the laptop. Sandy Bridge or newer so she has a GPU good enough to watch movies.

She has basic needs. I just want to get her something more rigid than the plastic Best Buy laptops. Any sandy bridge thinkpad would do. A big battery would be a plus, but not critical.

[ZaZ]

Honestly, $350 seems a bit low for Sandy Bridge.

Intel GPUs since the X4500 have the ability to help decode video. Something in the X200 era might be a better fit for your budget. My R60e, which is even a couple years older plays video quite well.

[Cigarguy]

Yeah $350 is a stretch for SB. T400 or possibly T410 is more market value. As for video playback, my T61 with Intel integrated have no problem playing back 1080p video. Anything newer will have no problem.

[slugg]

Hm. Well an E430 is $400 on the outlet, so that's where my figure came from. Maybe that's the option I'll go with. Just figured I'd ask around.

[Cigarguy]

The T and E series are different with different pricing. IMO the T series is the way to go for keyboard and reliability.

[emtee3511]

I'm guessing you've aleady seen this in the Marketplace: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=106023

I have a T400 and it plays videos (youtube/netflix) great

[underclocker]

Here is a great option for you, Sandy Bridge, indeed.

It's fast and in mint condition (only a two scuffs on the bottom). Only one cycle on original battery. I was told the machine was used for about 10 days. It is practically new.

$350 delivered in the U.S. PayPal, USPS money order or cash accepted. PM me if you'd like it.

Option, for another $50, I would swap in an Intel 80GB G2 SSD.

ThinkPad Edge E420
Model 1141-BTU
Intel i3-2340M (2.30GHz)
4GB RAM
320GB 7200rpm HD
14in 1366x768 LCD
Intel HD Graphics
CDRW/DVDRW
802.11bg wireless
1Gb Ethernet
UltraNav
Camera
6c Li-Ion (new condition, only 1 cycle on original battery)
Win7 Pro 64 COA, recovery partition intact
Lenovo 65w AC adapter
Lenovo 1 year warranty expires February 23, 2013

[dorronto]

Excellent price Ed.. Good options...

Good luck,

Ron

[emtee3511]

Very nice machine -- you gotta love this forum!