Any experience with Ebay sellers? PC_and_Camera?

[dc_slim]

Does anyone have any experience in buying refurbished Thinkpads from Ebay sellers PC_and_Camera or Premier-PC-Auctions? Both seem to have great deals on IBM-refurbished machines (in sealed boxes from IBM). They advertise themselves as IBM-authorized resellers. Both have good feedback ratings. Lots of buyers seem to have gotten good-as-new X and T series Thinkpads at great prices. So, has anybody in this form bought from either of these sellers, or know someone who has? I'm awfully tempted . . .

I know that the subject of buying Thinkpads off Ebay has come up before . . . I'm particularly interested in these two sellers and would appreciate any info on them.

Thanks.

[dwallace]

I just last week got a T30 from PC and Camera. Good responsive e-mail BEFORE the transaction and to ensure payment. My advice is to pay with a credit card, so you have recourse to stop payment if need arises.

My machine arrived in pristine condition but with a blown hard drive, no pre-loaded software (XP pro had been promised) and only IBM Tech Support for back up assistance. They touted a 3-year warranty after Easy Serv from a company called Mack.

The story has a happy ending however since the machine has IBM warranty coverage and IBM sent out a replacement drive and recovery disks.
DW

[dc_slim]

How are you protected by paying with a credit card? I know you can dispute a charge if the item isn't as described. Is that what you mean?

My main reservation is getting a machine that has a couple bad pixels (or another minor problem) that allowed it to get out of the IBM refub process but still makes for a "less-than-perfect" machine. How quick was the warranty service you received from IBM?

[gazingwa]

Thats the gamble you take buying refurb. PC and Camera doesn't open them up and check them.. they are sealed boxes.... If you want perfect, buy one used from a private seller and have them check and warant it, or buy new from Bill or IBM

[redsb3]

OK, they currently have some 2373-HTU's available for $2499 starting bid and $2699 Buy it Now. I can purchase that same machine direct from IBM, brand new on the MC/Visa/AmEX/Discover sites for less than
$2650. With the refurb, you cannot extend the warranty and after the one year with IBM is up, you are stuck dealing with the third party Mack.
You have to be very careful since the prices have dropped on the T & X
models directly from IBM. Sometimes the P and C Camera site is way out of line on what could be a used machine.

[dc_slim]

Good point. Thanks.

[BillMorrow]

i send more than a few new thinkpads back due to stuck on pixels..
and, on very rare occasions, one that was returned by one of my customers..
and..
some i have never opened.. because they are getting stale and no one wants that particular model at that particular time..

what you get from PC&Camera are the same machines..

so you are taking your chances..

and once taken, i believe, its yours..

[davidlg16]

what you get from PC&Camera are the same machines..

I was under the impression that yours is brand new?

PC&Camera's might be sealed in the box, but they are recertified machines

[dfumento]

I have bought some Thinkpads from them. I've actually been to their store on Canal St. in Manhatten. They have a different name in reality. They are also a wholesaler for retail stores.

There prices are now way too expensive. If you want a T42, you are better off getting a 2378FVU (14.1" SXGA 1400 x 1050, 1.7Mhz, 256MB, 40GB 5400, Intel b/g wireless, 1 yr warranty), extend the warranty to three years and add an extra 512MB RAM (see http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=7436 for many more details). You can also add Bluetooth (or order one with Bluetooth on phone) because it has the built-in Bluetooth antenna which not all models have. Also you might want to buy the Thinkpad Protection against accidental damage which you can not do with PC&Camera.

If you want other models there are links to other discount sites from IBM.

[dc_slim]

Good advice, all. This is why this form is such a great place to toss these questions around! Thanks to all who chimed in. I'm watching the current IBM sale, hoping to find one of their refurbished machine that fits my needs . . . or maybe I'll end up buying a new one. Thanks again to everyone for their comments.