Thinkpads Forum

Hi all,

I'm currently looking around for an inexpensive Thinkpad, for use in relatively low-spec game development. Primarily, I'd like to use the machine for (1) prototyping and developing games in simple engines like GameMaker and RPG Maker, and (2) testing and playing these and other low-spec games. I'm not sure what kinds of specs I'd need, and your opinions and recommendations are welcome and appreciated; based on what I've read (here and here, for example), I'm guessing it would need the following specs at minimum:

• Win XP, Vista, or 7 (preferably Win 7), with DirectX9 minimum;
• a 2.0 ghz Pentium 4, but hopefully something more powerful;
• 512mb RAM;
• 40gb HDD;
• 1024x768 or better video resolution.

Of course, I'd love for the specs to be much higher than these, but I'd also like to keep the cost as low as I can -- this would be a second laptop for me, and I'd often be bringing it into some pretty rough neighborhoods, for some art & design work that I do with local non-profits. I don't at all mind if the laptop has some 'character', i.e. if it's been knocked around and dinged up, so long as it works well and can last a few years. I'm hoping to donate it to one of the non-profits when I'm done.

I don't have a clear budget in mind for this, other than vaguely trying to keep the cost as low as a I can, but I do think I could manage up to $250-300 if necessary, perhaps even higher. If you have a Thinkpad that you think would fit my needs, or if you have any suggestions, feel free to post here or PM me. Thanks very much!

UPDATE: I'm also very interested in the X201 and X201 tablet, as well as other X-series laptops and hybrids. Anyone on the forum have any up for sale?

UPDATE #2: Looks like I'm off the market for now; I bought a T420 for $328 off of eBay! Core i5-2520M 2.50GHz, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1600 x 900 screen, and it's under warranty until Feb. of next year. Best I can tell, it was priced to move because of some cosmetic damage to the bottom front right corner of the machine, which has a crack in it -- but this is a beater machine for me anyway, so I don't mind. It's my first Thinkpad! I'm geeked!

Thanks to everyone on the forum for their offers, as well as their help and advice. Cheers!

I can probably help you out. I have two T60s with ATI graphics, either I can probably let go for around $100. I'll check on them and PM you later with further details.

But if your budget goes up to $200-$300, you may want to consider a W500. They're a lot nicer, and you can turn off the ATI graphics to save battery. Plus- they use widescreen, and games nowadays kinda use widescreen pretty extensively.

Thanks for the suggestion -- I hadn't considered a W500, and it's a really interesting option. I'd also definitely be interested in a T400 or T410.

Looking forward to seeing more about the T60's!

Please check the new messages at the top of this page.

Thanks! I've PM'ed everyone who's messaged me so far.

Quick update to the original post: I'm expanding my search to include X-series laptops, especially the X201 and X201 tablet. Thanks!