Which "Real"-Thinkpad is the perfect one for me?

[numix]

Hey guys, i'm looking for a "new" Thinkpad. I would like to buy an old one, i mean one of those "real" IBM-Thinkpads like the T41. I like the old style of these Notebooks but on the other side the power of the Hardware is not enough to run win7 on these models. So I'd like to know which one of the "real"-Thinkpads is able to be upgraded so i can run win7.
I'm also looking for an Display with a ratio like 16:9 or something like that. The T41 is a bit to square for me.

So please help me with my decision which one of the Thinkpadmodels is the right for me.


(Sorry for my english-mistakes, english is not my native language)

[pianowizard]

I would like to buy an old one, i mean one of those "real" IBM-Thinkpads like the T41....I'm also looking for an Display with a ratio like 16:9 or something like that

Welcome to the forum! Unfortunately, IBM never made a widescreen Thinkpad. The vast majority of IBM's Thinkpads were 4:3, and a couple were 5:4. You may have seen some widescreen Thinkpads with the "IBM" badge on them. Those were actually made by Lenovo.

Would a Lenovo Thinkpad that looks kind of like an IBM Thinkpad work for you? The 15.4" T60p, which has a 16:10 aspect ratio, was released shortly after Lenovo took over the Thinkpad brand, and it still looks a bit like IBM's Thinkpads.

[numix]

First of all, i'd like to thank you for your help.

I really like the T60p but the thinkpad is a little too big for me. I currently working on a thinkpad E320 (13") and this Size is perfect for me. Sorry that i didn't mentioned that in the first post. Maybe I have to switch to the X-Series ? Or is there any "old" Thinkpad using widescreen and is smaller than 14" ?

So all in all I need a Thinkpad:
- smaller than 14" preferably widescreen
- strong enough for windows 7
- very solid (as much as the T Series)
- an old one (produced by IBM or released a short time after the takeover by Lenovo)

[rkawakami]

As mentioned before, none of the "old" Thinkpads (pre-T60p) came with widescreen displays. For any IBM era or first Lenovo versions, the only 13" display that I recall would be T23 (13.3" XGA); doubtful that it will run Win7 effectively. Currently, you can find a widescreen 13" in the X300 and X301.

There's two mutually-exclusive requirements in your list: Smaller than 14" in widescreen cannot be had in an "old" system.

[numix]

Okay, thank you.

What do you think about the T60p 14" ? I read a lot about the dark Display which is a really problem for many users. Is there anybody who know how to solve this problem or isn't it that bad ?

Edit:

What about the T61 14" ? I read great reviews about that modle. I know it's not one of the IBM Thinkpads but if there are no, i have to change my requirements...

[RealBlackStuff]

As long as you get a 14.1" T61 with Intel graphics and 4:3 SXGA+ (1400x1050) with CCFL backlight, you'll be fine.
They are hard to find though!
Alternatively (newer and better): Lenovo 14.1" T410 with Intel graphics and 16:10 WSXGA+ (1440x900) with LED-backlight.

[ZaZ]

Something like the Z60 might be considered a IBM ThinkPad, but I'd personally prefer to get something newer.

I consider my X220i to be as good as any ThinkPad I've used and might work for you if you want something smaller. The T420 and T520 are rock solid, and both have 16:9 LCDs. Both use the old style keyboard.

[dr_st]

You seem to be a bit over the place here. There are several questions to be asked:

1) What's your goal in getting the old machine?
2) What do you plan to do with it?
3) What elements of style are you attracted to?
4) What are your actual requirements regarding size and weight?
5) How much are you looking to spend?

[600X]

I'd recommend an X301. Design-wise it's basically a real ThinkPad, even though made by Lenovo. It even has the rubberized palmrest like the very old ThinkPads! Can easily run Win 7 as well. Thanks to the roll cage it's as tough as the T-series, but 13" instead of 14".

I have one myself and I can confirm, it's definitely what you would call a real ThinkPad.