Thinkpads Forum

Hello ThinkPadders,

I am interested in acquiring a X301. There are a few 1.4GHz models available locally and on eBay (in Canada which makes shipping cheap and duties a non-issue), but I figure if I am doing this, I might as well go all out...

To that end, I'm looking for a 1.6GHz machine.

I'm not looking for something which is absolutely flawless, but I'd prefer a machine in excellent working condition without any major blemishes or nasty scratches on the lid. I imagine these suffer from "shiny keyboard" syndrome like the ThinkPad models I'm used to... that doesn't bother me at all, as long as it's the standard US layout.

Specs-wise, I ultimately want the thing essentially maxed-out with:

--1.6GHz SU9600
--8GB of RAM
--Intel WiFi 5300 (don't need 5350)
--6 cell battery in good condition
--ultrabay battery in good condition
--Any SSD (I don't care about capacity for this machine)

Any of these specs in a machine I buy would be an asset! I'd also take a "bare-bones" 1.6GHz X301 (no RAM, no battery, no SSD--that sort of thing), or pretty much anything in between.

In Canada would be an asset. I'd rather pay a bit more to a fellow forum member than lose it to tax! :)

Many thanks,
--jeff

p.s. here is my (admittedly limited) feedback on here so you have some sense that I'm not a wacko :P

TuuS wrote:Also had a very pleasant transaction with JeffCullen.

mr.motoring wrote:Thanks Jeff! It was great experience dealing with you as well. :D

TuuS wrote:Thanks Jeff, I'm equally pleased with all our discussions and deals. You've been a fair trader in every respect.

fwiw, the 1.4GHz SU9400 runs cooler/quieter, is better on battery life, and sells for less since everyone thinks they need the 1.6.   having owned two of each speed plus two of the original X300, i wouldn't shy away from a solid, mint, 1.4GHz X301 by any means.   it's not like you're going to do heavy processing on a ULV CPU anyway, plus the SSD takes care of any perceptible speed issues.

not trying to dissuade you from your ideal system here.   just giving perspective and food for thought.

Thanks for your thoughts, Erik. I actually started a thread on this in the X forum and most seemed to feel the same as you about it. Where I'm at is I figured I'd hang a line out for a few days and see if I get any bites for a 1.6, and if not, I'll check out the local 1.4s and if they're both undesirable, I'll expand the search.

JeffCullen wrote:I imagine these suffer from "shiny keyboard" syndrome like the ThinkPad models I'm used to... that doesn't bother me at all, as long as it's the standard US layout.

Erik once told me that the X30x series has a keyboard with a different style keycap that resists becoming worn or shiney.

To that end I have never seen a shiny X30x keyboard because of this. I am sure there is a good reason but why not have this shiney resistant keycap on all ThinkPads?

One thing less to be concerned about in your noble quest.

Brad

Interesting! In any case, for whatever reason that's not something that bothers me. I obsess about how the different OEM'd keyboards feel to type on, but don't really care how they look - I don't spend much time looking at my keyboard!

brad is correct.   the X30x keycaps were coated with a polymer to resist premature shine and all were made by NMB.   heavily used keyboards would still shine but the process takes much longer than the standard bare ABS plastic keys.

the process made the X30x keyboards expensive as a result, hence why it never made it past this line.   everything is about cutting costs.

anyway, enough of a history lesson.   back to your quest.

Just got home from picking up a 1.4GHz Lenovo refurb with 4GB of RAM, 64GB SSD, 3-cell battery, my beloved WiFi 5300 card, and W7 Pro sticker for CA$400. It does have one fairly annoying dead pixel... otherwise it's in *excellent* condition, and doesn't seem to have been messed around with whatsoever. Hopefully not too bad a deal.

So, this WTB is closed! Thanks.