Thinkpads Forum

Ok Im convinced. The FVU sounds like the machine for me. Only problem is, I can't see it on the IBM Canada site. Anyone in the GTA (Toronto) got one or a similar one for sale?

grobe9004@aol.com

You probably can't find it because AFAIK it's a 2378-FVU, not a 2373, I just got one.

This it: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... ry=2378FVU

Regards,

James

Oops, you're right, 2378 fvu. Still, it is not on the IBM Canada website that I can see. Looks like the closest model would be the 2373 9uu. Seems a little pricey at $3200 + 15% tax though.

I've gotten use to the 14" SXGA+ form factor and resolution and do not want to switch back to XGA.

Actually, the T43 2668-46U appears to be the better buy now. See FAQ in my sig....

Within the last month or so, someone in CA posted a process wherein he was able to order a US model by having it sent to a special PO Box in US and picking it up.

Glen wrote:I've gotten use to the 14" SXGA+ form factor and resolution and do not want to switch back to XGA.

Have you trolled through here: http://caipsgws001.can.ibm.com/store/fa ... ebflag=RFT

1.6GHz 14.1" SXGA+ T41 for $1699 (Loonies!).

But if you want screen real estate, have a look at the A30p they have on offer for $1499. 15" UXGA-IPS display that will rock your world!

Or check out the 15" SXGA+-IPS 2373L5U T42 for $1899.

Yes, they're refurbs, but a factory new machine isn't new anymore once you open the box. Just a thought.

Regards,

James

Ok, thanks for the info, excellent summary.

Jhem...Refurbs are fine by me, especially the ones priced in loonies.

That link you offered said "no products available at this time" when I clicked on it.

http://www-132.ibm.com/content/home/sto ... ffers.html then click on "clearance corner" then on Personal computers then on Thinkpads under refurbished.

Regards,

James

Got it. Thank you.

JHEM wrote: Yes, they're refurbs, but a factory new machine isn't new anymore once you open the box. Just a thought.

The problem with refurb is that they only come with 1 year warranty at best.

The ones on the IBM web site above are only 3 months.

One might be able to get the MACK warranty but they say they can take six weeks to repair and there have been complaints about MACK (google for them).

Best to get IBM with 3 year warranty.

I think you best bet is to have it shipped to US near CA and pick it up.

David,

dfumento wrote:The problem with refurb is that they only come with 1 year warranty at best.

The 2378 only comes with a one year warranty, although it can be extended to three years, or more.

Refurb isn't always a dirty word if the units are coming directly from IBM.

Regards,

James

JHEM wrote:Refurb isn't always a dirty word if the units are coming directly from IBM.

My A30p and A31p were both refurbs from IBM bought through a dealer.

But prices have come down a lot (I paid $2000 for the A31p refurb) and it is nice to have the reassurance of the 3 year IBM warranty.

I've checked refurb prices on e-bay and for SXGA models they seem to be selling in the $1500 range, so you really aren't saving much by going with the refurb. The discounts (listed in FAQ in my sig) allow you to get about the same price.

David,

The prices I quoted are in Canadian dollars, not US.

The 1.6GHz 14.1" SXGA+ T41 for $1699 is US$1,408.56.

The 15" SXGA+IPS 2373L5U T42 for $1899 is US$1,574.37.

Those are respectable prices!

Regards,

James

Just to follow up, I ended up getting a T42, 2373 KTU refurb from IBM. Looks pretty good so far with the only draw back being 2 dead (stuck?) pixels. I can live with that and the 1 year vs 3 year warranty. It is more machine than I need but maybe I can stay a little bit ahead of the tech curve.

Thanks to all the people here who dispense valuable information.