Thinkpads Forum

Still available.

Yes, the price is about the same as a T42, but you won't find these spec's in any $450 T42 - Flexview 15" LCD, Bluetooth, FireWire, Atheros ABG, new plastics, etc.

I sold off my T41p to use the exact same model as my main rig (see my signature) - it's that good.

concerning this laptop. I am interested. I am new to laptops in general and decided about 2 weeks ago to go with a ThinkPad. I have been researching for hours on end about which model to buy within my price range. Somehow, after all this searching, something that I googled brought me to this page. Fate? I hope so! I joined the forum right away so I could ask if it is still available. I haven't been able to think of anything else all night! Here's hoping and praying!

@ ranchmom5:

Welcome to this forum! I sooo much recognize your (intense!) interest... from when I were in your position a few years ago; just having found this superb machine - which it really without discussion is! - and then having to wait eagerly for an answer...

Your post radiate such a positive and warm interest that I am almost too starting to beg that you will indeed get this R50! If the seller is influenced by "votes", I'd surely say: Here is obviously an opportunity for a sale leaving both parties happy!

This post however mainly to say, that I am fully confident that you will not regret this deal, if you are "the lucky one". There are a few unimportant issues, which are of little importance, the price taken into account: The hardisk is slow, yes, and you will benefit from upgrading it later on to a 7200 rpm model (e.g. a Seagate Momentus 7200.1; they are almost inaudible - I can point you to other threads about that, later, if of interest), but that you can always do at a later date. Likewise, the processor could also be faster, but depending upon your actual usage, it may fully serve your needs. Also, the processor can be upgraded later on... there is much info about this on the forum, and used processors are quite cheap on eBay, or on this Marketplace.

What's much more important (in my humble opinion!) is the display and the overall build quality. The 15" FlexView/IPS display is made by a company named IDTech, and they are simply the best displays available (apart from they are no longer available on new ThinkPads). I cannot emphasize enough how satisfied I am with my FlexView displays... and I surely would much rather get a used (mint condition, like this, as far as I understand) ThinkPad with this display, compared to getting a brand new non-FlexView thing.

Just to keep you fully on fire, have a look in this thread and follow that link to some more images of R50's... that should keep your blood running fast!

I am holding my breath for you getting this Thinkpad!

Kind regards,

Johan

ranchmom5, I agree with Johan that this is a great buy. Don't worry too much about the hard drive's 4200rpm speed at this point. For most applications, that's good enough. The Flexview screen is awesome and will make your friends jealous. The laptop is a bit bulky, but smaller laptops usually cost more than $450.

The seller, Ed, knows a lot about laptops and if he loves this R50 so much (he has two!), it has to be really good.

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks guys for the help! I'm traveling, but I will try to work something out with our new forum member.

Regarding the FlexView, all I can say is don't even look at one unless you're going to buy one. I just tried using a T40 with XGA, I used to think it was perfect, not any more! The 15" SXGA+ FlexView is sooo comfortable! (Yes I want to sell this, but it's true either way!)

*Weep* I love a happy ending!

(It also takes the pressure off me 'cause I wanted it too...)

After fretting all day yesterday about this and asking quite a few questions - both to underclocker and others - I took the leap and committed to buy it today! I am SO excited that my search is over and have a feeling I am going to become a dedicated Thinkpad enthusiast.

I also wanted to say that I am extremely impressed with all those I have dealt with from this forum over the past few days. Everyone has been ready to share their wisdom and support. The 2 sellers I was working with had an incredible amount of integrity and truly desired to meet my needs rather than sell their machine. Again, I am impressed.

Thanks to all of you. I will let you know when it arrives and I get a chance to use it. I am certain you will see me around again, asking more questions and knowing I will get the best support possible.

Blessings!

Sold to a new forum member.

Thanks for all the help and kind words from forum members, I think we have a new enthusiast.