Dreaming of a T40

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Litza · #1 Post by **Litza** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:37 pm

I have been thinking about purchasing a newer (versus my TP600 2645) laptop, and I have a question or two. I've seen one or two go here for a song, and kick myself for not knowing the "dibs" rule earlier, but so it goes... I don't use the computer for anything but internet cruising and e-mail, though I would like to diversify a bit, and am thinking a T40 would be sweet, especially after digesting much of information found on this site.

Quandry is, I would like a warranty of sorts, thus I shy away from many e-bay offerings. IBM site still has a 10% off deal available on refurbs with a 90 day warranty, but only through tomorrow. What do the educated, oh many users of this forum, think will be next for IBM's sale. Will they drop it completely, up the percentage, leave me thinking should-a, could-a, or what.
Yes, I realize this is all conjecture, but any ideas will be appreciated. Thank you much.

Website · #2 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:45 pm

I don't think that anyone will be able to predict what IBM will offer.

You could certainly pick up a refurbished system from them with a 90 warranty, but even their refurbished prices are a little higher than you might find in this forum. Having said that, if you are ok, with spending as much as you would for a refurbished system from IBM, you could buy a newer system from someone here in the forum, as they pop up. A newer system might likely still have a remaining warranty, which could be longer than the 90 day warranty on the refurb models.

The sellers in this forum are far more upfront and careful with their systems than those that you will find on eBay, for the most part. Don't get me wrong, there are some very nice and clean systems on eBay and there are some pretty worn machines here in the forum, but overall, I think you will be happier getting them here.

Another thing to consider...see what Bill Morrow (The owner of this forum) has to offer on thinkpads.com. Or you can contact him directly at bill@thinkpads.com.

Good luck and happy hunting!

chan_man · #3 Post by **chan_man** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 4:39 pm

eBay is not a bad place to pick up a good Thinkpad. I have one that was from eBay, bought it about 6 months ago, still had at the time 2.5 years of warranty left on it. T41 for around 850. I just saw one two weeks ago, a T42 with 1400x1050 resolution that went for 750, so the prices are starting to come down especially with the T60 out with the core-duo chips.. when people upgrade, there are good machines available for sale.

starbork · #4 Post by **starbork** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 4:44 pm

You've probably settled on T40 for good reasons and after thorough research, but for what it's worth, there are some pretty great deals on T23s out there these days. T23 being a pretty popular (and thus easy-to-get-parts-for) Thinkpad. I picked up a [1.2GHz, 768RAM, 20GB HDD, DVD/CDRW, ext. floppy] for $350 from a local seller on craigslist. I've been extrememly happy with it, and picked up a couple more for friends and to tinker with

Happy hunting!

dc_slim · #5 Post by **dc_slim** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 5:00 pm

I can recommend the refurbished Thinkpads that IBM/Lenovo sells through their website without reservation. I have purchased four, including a couple of T4x machines. Each of them arrived in great condition, with only minimal keyboard wear (if any). They have a 7-day return policy if you're dissatisified for any reason. I've always considered that plenty of time to run a thorough diagnostic check and make sure that everything is working properly. With the 90-day warranty, I don't think you can really go wrong. The prices are very competitive, and I much prefer dealing with IBM/Lenovo directy than an Ebay seller.

Dan

#6 Post by **underclocker** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:00 pm

1) If you have a Visa card, don't worry about the 10% discount going away, here's a way to get 15% off, always - ibm.com\businesscenter\visa or if you prefer MasterCard - ibm.com\businesscenter\mastercard

2) Certified Used IBM machines are usually great. If not, I have found IBM support will repair or replace anything broken or worn (unless you buy a unit marked as blemished).

3) T40's are great, as are all the T-series. I would also, strongly recommend the R-series, R50, R51, R52's - all excellent value and very solid machines.

4) If you buy on eBay, which is tricky, always select a unit with IBM warranty remaining. You'll kick yourself if you pick up a unit that seems fine, but has a flakey USB port and needs a $200 system board. Sellers lie often.

5) Although most ThinkPads are great, stick to the newer models with USB 2.0, you'll cry trying to transfer pictures, music or large files with USB 1.1 - T40 was the first T, R40 was the first R, X31 was the first X, no A series ever, to have USB 2.0. iPod's require USB 2.0 or FireWire.

Good luck,

underclocker

#7 Post by **dorronto** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:17 pm

I'm now using a T40 and a T30. I also have a T23. All of these are excellent to use. I started with 560/570/600/600x Thinkpads. These were good at the time for me. Now though, the T23/T30/T40's are the ones for me. They are fast and reliable and newer. T40's can be had for as little as $600 if you are persistant. Good luck in your quest for a T40. Only settle for the best....

Ron

renderful · #8 Post by **renderful** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 6:49 am

I bought a T40 refurbed from uBid for $661 shipped.

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.as ... =searchall

I feel like a got a great deal, the thing doesn't have a single blemish and the battery came brand new. You can buy a warranty from uBid for $100, not sure of the quality of it, but my machine has 7 months left on the IBM warranty.

They have mass quantities of them, so once that auction ends, another one will start just like it. Just search for T40.

Litza · #9 Post by **Litza** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 1:24 pm

Thanks to all for your words of wisdom! Especially underclocker concerning the VISA perk and renderful concerning checking out UBID. I am getting closer to purchasing, and having reread this post I must now finally ask Mr. Morrow to chip in his .02 also. Thanks again for helping to both educate and entertain me!

lithium726 · #10 Post by **lithium726** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:21 am

I bought my T40 from the IBM refurb center for $725 shipped. The machine came with very minor wear on the lid (which i wish i would have complained about, but i didnt want to send it back...) and minor keyboard wear, which they replaced.

I am very happy with the machine, the original IBM warranty is still in place past teh refurb waranty.

sanerlou · #11 Post by **sanerlou** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:46 am

lithium726 wrote:I bought my T40 from the IBM refurb center for $725 shipped. The machine came with very minor wear on the lid (which i wish i would have complained about, but i didnt want to send it back...) and minor keyboard wear, which they replaced.

I am very happy with the machine, the original IBM warranty is still in place past teh refurb waranty.

How do you know the one you are buying from IBM refurbished is a SXGA?
http://www-132.ibm.com/search/refurbished.html

Thanks!

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