***Got one*** Sister wants a ThinkPad ~$200

[DoctorLondom]

*** Got the R52 from Underclocker. Thanks everyone! ***

Hey all, my sister now wants a laptop, and being the laptop guy I offered to find one for her.

Hoping for something around $200, and optimistically a R5x, T4x, or T3x series.

Looking for >1.4GHz CPU (Celerons okay), 512MB or above memory (1 DIMM open please), and wireless-g. Hard drive not needed.

Her current desktop has a 15" XGA display, so no SXGA+ or UXGA stuff (not like I'd get one for the price).

If you have something close to these specs, let me know! Price is not really flexible, but if the offer is good we can work something out.

[synchromesh]

$200 is a T2x territory. The systems you mentioned are still in the $300+ range for the most part unless they have severe issues. I would look at craigslist as well but I doubt you can get them that cheap even there.

[jamiphar]

My guess is that you can get a very basic T40, with a good amount of wear and tear, for $200 or less. You can definitely get a T30 for that price, but T40's give you USB 2.0 and Pentium M's. You may have to wait around for a nice enough deal, though.

[DoctorLondom]

I know that and really didn't expect more than a 1.4GHz T40 or Celeron R50. But, as you said, it's either that or a T2x, which is a step back from the P4 desktop.

[underclocker]

I have an option for you.

It's an R52 with a 15" XGA LCD that runs perfectly - it is surprisingly fast. Basics are 1.7 Pentium M (Dothan), 1GB RAM, 15" XGA LCD, 40GB drive, Intel B/G wifi, Combo CDRW/DVD, good 9 cell battery, USB 2.0, and Firewire. This model has the Intel video chipset. R52's are very similar to T43's.

Cosmetically, it looks very good, however, there are slight scuffs on the LCD cover and about three small spots on the case that were chipped or cracked. I did a little home repair and they look better, but they are still noticeable, if you are looking. The LCD is very bright, no obvious issues or dead pixels, but I did notice one tiny internal mark near the upper right hand corner. Keyboard and touchpad are in excellent condition.

The best I can do on this fine machine is $275 delivered with payment via USPS money order (so I do not incur PayPal fees).

This is a super machine for this price - to most people the cosmetic issues would be hardly noticeable, I am just very accurate with my descriptions.

Pix link --> *Link Removed*

This model started as a Celeron 1.4GHz, I can put that CPU back in and reduce the price to $250, but I think the performance and battery life gains are worth the $25.

R52's, like T43's, need specific hard drives so they boot without errors. This one has an IBM Travelstar 40GB that is approved by the BIOS. If you want me to remove the drive, I can reduce the price by $25. I can include the drive cover, drive caddy, mounting screws and cover screw.

Exercising both options would drop the cost to $225, but most would agree, those aren't good options!

DoctorLondom has right of first refusal, but other that are interested may buy it, too.

Here are the full stats of the machine;

Product: ThinkPad R52 1859-6VU
Original description:
Celeron M 360 (1.4GHz) --> now Pentium M 735 (1.7GHz Dothan) w/Arctic Silver thermal grease
256MB RAM --> now 1GB RAM (2 x 512MB)
40GB 5400rpm HDD
15in 1024x768 LCD
Intel 900 video chipset
24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD
Intel 802.11bg wireless (MPCI)
Modem (CDC)
1Gb Ethernet (LOM)
UltraNav
Secure Chip
IEEE 1394
6c Li-Ion battery --> now 9c Li-Ion battery, holds 3.5+ hours charge - only 46 cycles on battery!
WinXP Pro COA
AC adapter
(I used R60 restore disks to create the recovery partition. It works fine but needs a few drivers after the recovery operation. You'd need to do many Windows and Lenovo updates anyway.)

[tfflivemb2]

The best I can do on this fine machine is $275 delivered with payment via USPS money order (so I do not incur PayPal fees)....<snip>...
DoctorLondom has right of first refusal, but other that are interested may buy it, too.

VERY tempting. My wife has fallen in love with my R40, and this might be a better replacement, since she apparently says that she doesn't need the X series anymore. If the OP turns it down, let me know, and I'll ask my wife...

[underclocker]

Tempting, indeed.

I added a pix link above and here --> *Link Removed*

Here's a sample reduced size/resolution for your viewing pleasure (please add *PIC* warning to thread subject);

*Pic Removed*

SOLD to DoctorLondom