Buying a laptop, recommendations?

[masok]

Hey, I was hoping I could get some suggestions from you guys.
Always been more of a desktop computer guy.

I will be installing Linux on this new laptop, although I think most notebook work well with Linux.
I dont need an i3 or higher processor, I will not be using it for gaming or heavy programs.
Mainly command line stuff, a little programming, browsing inet, and the occasional video, but nothing too heavy.

I think I would be ok with a Core2Duo processor, about 2gb of ram, and a 100 +/- disk.
I've tried a couple of weaker processors and they just feel too slow, for everything.

The size is not a big deal, nor the weight of the laptop.
I'm more interested in the quality of the machine, I want something well built.
Battery life will not be a huge deal either, since I will be using it plugged most of the time.

I was looking at a couple of Thinkpads, those things are made for war, I've used a couple ones that had years of use and abuse and they still work like a charm.

However, when I got into it a little more, I found out that there are a couple of issues with some of them.
For example, the one I liked the most, was the Thinkpad T61, but I found out that all the T61 made before 2008 have a bad gpu, and that is going to ruin the computer eventually.

I know that it's kind of impossible to know if a laptop is going to have problems or not, but for example, in that case, it is already known and stated by both Lenovo and Nvidia.

I don't know if the same problem affects the T60 tho, can anyone confirm that?
Also, I've seen the Lenovo x100e, which does not have a Core2Duo but still seems like a nice little machine.
But there seems to be an ongoing issue with the overheating on those as well.
Also I've seen the Dell Latitude D630, and I've read both good and bad reviews about those.
I know they're well built, but I don't think its the same quality as the Thinkpads.
And there seems to be no middle ground when it comes to these machines, people either love them or hate them.

So, I don't want to make this too long.
I want something well built that can last for at least a couple of years.

The ones that I'm looking at are:
Thinkpad T60
Dell D630

I will be buying a used computer, and spending around $200.
I'm not looking for top of the line specs, but durability.

I actually do like the Thinkpad a little bit more, seem to be a strong machine that will stand for years and years.
But then again, I'm not that sure about that, and I don't know the Dell or have experience with that brand either.

Any suggestion is welcomed.
Thanks for your help guys.

[ZaZ]

Yes, T61s with the nVidia GPU made before 8/8 are more prone to failing, but the ones with the Intel card don't have any such issues. Don't forget the R series too - R61, R400 and R500. They're well built too and should be less expensive than the T series.

[pianowizard]

For example, the one I liked the most, was the Thinkpad T61, but I found out that all the T61 made before 2008 have a bad gpu, and that is going to ruin the computer eventually....The ones that I'm looking at are:
Thinkpad T60
Dell D630

Avoid the Dell D630 and D620 because they were affected by the exact same issue that ruined the T61. That's a shame because in terms of build quality, the D620 and D630 were almost as good as the Thinkpads. The next generation of Latitudes, the E6400 and E6410, were less robust, and their palmrests had sharp corners that some users found uncomfortable. Latitude quality went up again with the E6420, but you won't be able to find one for $200 for a very long time.

In conclusion, get the T60.

[masok]

Actually the D630 I saw comes with an Intel GPU.
But still, I don't see it as robust as a Thinkpad.
I will be taking a look at the R series, and I also saw a Z61t. But I'm not quite clear on the difference with a normal T series one.
Thanks for the suggestions, I will be taking a look at a couple of review on those laptops, and I think I will just take out the Dell from my list.

Any other suggestions are welcomed.

[pianowizard]

But still, I don't see it as robust as a Thinkpad.

I think I know what you mean. The hinges are weaker than most Thinkpads' (although hinge failures were actually rather widespread for the T61), and the D630 uses more plastic than the T Series. One more shortcoming is that the paint on the D630 doesn't age as well as most Thinkpads, making some of the D630 appear beat up even though they may actually be still structurally perfect. However, the chassis and lid of the D620/630 are pretty much just as strong as the T Series.

[masok]

Exactly

Just based on looks the Thinkpad seems like a war machine.
I've used a couple of T series that had been beaten and they were still working fine, the hinges were still there, still strong.
I don't know about the D630 because I couldn't get my hands on one.

But most laptops today (at least this is my view) are not made to last.
They might be pretty, with a nice design and everything, but not made to last.

[RealBlackStuff]

I have a 15.4" T60p with ATI FireGL V5250 graphics, with WSXGA+ resolution (1680x1050).
I also have a 15.4" T61 with nVidia GPU, manufactured in 08/09. Also WSXGA+.
Both machines are in excellent condition and for the right price I'm willing to sell either (or both ).
PM me if interested.

[masok]

I would, but I'm not in the states. Actually I'm in South America.

I've found a couple of deals, one is a T60, and the other one is a Z61t.
Now, I'm not very clear on the Z series and what the differences would be. I think it has something to do with the materials used for the case, is that it?

Will keep researching.

[RealBlackStuff]

The Z60 is a native-SATA variety of the T43.
The Z61 is a widescreen variety of the T60.
Talk about confusing model names..
Some (but not all) Z61t machines have a silver colored lid, made of a titanium alloy (hence the t in Z61t).

PS: I would ship to Argentina, using USPS Express Mail International. Cost ca. $80-90.

[Zak]

It's my impression that the Z61t is the thin/light 14" model. I had a 15" Z61m with the titanium lid.

[ajkula66]

All Z-series ThinkPads apart from - strangely enough - Z61p were available with a Ti lid.

Z6*t was, to some extent, a "thin & light", on-the-go unit by 2006 standards...while the rest of the crew were bulkier, 15.4" workstation-class models...

[masok]

Thanks for the offer RealBlackStuff, but I think it would just go way over my budget.
The Z61t that I'm seeing doesn't have the titanium lid, looks like a regular thinkpad.
I'm guessing the 'thin & light' has to do with the materials its built with, right?
Looks the same as a T model, is it less 'robust'?

Also, I found a T60p, and if I read correctly, it has one of the best screens ever put on a thinkpad, is that right?
Looks really nice, think I might just go with that one, unless you know something I don't.
I couldn't really find bad reviews about that T60p.

[ajkula66]

Thanks for the offer RealBlackStuff, but I think it would just go way over my budget.

What is your budget anyway?

The Z61t that I'm seeing doesn't have the titanium lid, looks like a regular thinkpad.
I'm guessing the 'thin & light' has to do with the materials its built with, right?
Looks the same as a T model, is it less 'robust'?

Z series is a red-headed stepchild of Lenovo...not very-well loved. Units with standard black lid hold next to no value in today's marketplace...

Also, I found a T60p, and if I read correctly, it has one of the best screens ever put on a thinkpad, is that right?
Looks really nice, think I might just go with that one, unless you know something I don't.
I couldn't really find bad reviews about that T60p.

The screen part holds true if it's a 15" UXGA (1600x1200) LCD.

Apart from the 3GB RAM limitation that is shared within *60 series - and a tendency of running on the hot side - these are very useful machines.

[masok]

Well my budget for this is around $1500.
Have in mind though that this is argentinian money. That would be a little under 200 dollars.
It's both funny and sad that there is such a difference.
So, the T60p comes with a 1400x1050 screen, and it says that it has 4GB of RAM, I didn't know about the 3GB limit.
Is the hot tendency something to be worried about? Considering I will be using this machine for long periods of time (no heavy load though).

[ajkula66]

Well my budget for this is around $1500.
Have in mind though that this is argentinian money. That would be a little under 200 dollars.
It's both funny and sad that there is such a difference.

I understand better than you'll ever know...

So, the T60p comes with a 1400x1050 screen, and it says that it has 4GB of RAM, I didn't know about the 3GB limit.
Is the hot tendency something to be worried about? Considering I will be using this machine for long periods of time (no heavy load though).

Is that T60p a 14" or a 15" unit? If it's a 14", these screens are average. On the other hand, 15" SXGA+ IPS panels have a tendency of dimming/yellowing at a rather fast pace...

The only really remarkable panel is the aforementioned UXGA, be it an ID Tech or Hydis...

While the machine will "see" 4GB in BIOS, only 3GB is usable due to chipset limitation regardless of OS used.

As for the heat...15" and 15.4" units run cooler than the 14" ones...sheer physics...better ventilation.

[masok]

It's a 14'' screen. Doesn't seem like such a good deal now.
Unfortunately, there is not so much to choose from around here.

Seems like the guy that is selling the t60p wasn't aware of the RAM limitation.

Thanks for the clarification, I didn't know about the differences on the screen.

[Cigarguy]

It's a 14'' screen. Doesn't seem like such a good deal now.
Unfortunately, there is not so much to choose from around here.

Seems like the guy that is selling the t60p wasn't aware of the RAM limitation.

Thanks for the clarification, I didn't know about the differences on the screen.

That's normal for Ebay. It's hit or miss with a lot of misses.

The people are this forum really know their Thinkpads. You will not do any better than dealing with RealBlackStuff, ajkula, TuuS and other members of this forum. Their prices are more than competitive with what you'll find elsewhere. More importantly they are helpful and very knowledgeable. They also have good reputations that they will work hard to protect.

[masok]

I know, I've been reading the forums for a while now, trying to get more info on Thinkpads.
Always been a desktop PC guy, and now that I was going to make the jump, I wanted to read as much as possible.
And everybody really seem to know their way around the IBM/Lenovo computers, that's why I thought this would be the place to ask.

About the prices, I have no doubt that they have competitive prices and that they are people you can trust, but it would be insulting for me to make an offer, considering I would be offering only maybe 100 dollars for a T60. I know I wouldn't take that offer.

I appreciate the intention though.
But I think I'm stuck with what is close to me (Argentina).

We have here as well an Ebay website (not actually Ebay, but same function), and there seems to be a lot of wrong information, so it's always wise to do a little research of your own before buying something.