Recommendations on next T series I want?

[findrivr]

I recently retrofitted a Seagate 100gb, 5400 hdd into my T41 [1.6 M, 512ram, 11b, bought on Fleabay]; no problem with the HPA or bios, etc. I really like this machine type because it has had no issues to deal with, other than a new display panel replaced by IBM warranty 2 years in. Other than that, I mostly use at home, but I have taken it on the road, public hot spots, etc.
Most use is internet, photo downloads, occasional word processor or excel.

I want to buy a 2nd T? for when this one goes down; I've seen some IBM refurbed T42's, [XGA, 11b/g, BT, 5400rpm IBM/Lenovo Factory Grade A Refurbished Certified Products w/90 day IBM warr.] for almost less than some T41's (unwarrantied units) w/SXGAs & 7200rpm hdd's [both on FleaBay].
Is there a market preference for T41's over 42's? If so, why?

I've also considered going a little more exotic with an X41 [IBM/Lenovo Factory Grade A Refurbished Certified Products w/90 day warr.] w/X4 ultrabase for about $100 more than the above mentioned T42's.
In the case of the X41, it would become the road unit and my exist T41 can stay home w/a port replicator.

Any comments or opinions appreciated.
Thanks,
Patrick

[Johan]

I suggest you have a look in the thread Certified Used T42p - Very disappointed and the links pointed to therein. Also, the thread About to buy; T42 vs T43; NOISE, HEAT, 15" SX vs. UX LC could probably be interesting for you to browse. If buying used T4x ThinkPad's, you should beware of the "loose GPU" issue that many are troubled by - as also discussed in the thread Would u say that a used T42P is reliable ? + Things To Check - this "loose GPU" is the subject of the sticky in the T4x forum t42 shuts down when i move it . Finally, in the thread Is this a Good Price (see the post there of Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:02 pm), you will find links to quite a few recent eBay auctions on 15" SXGA+ FlexView T42's... this should give you an indication on the current prices of such good, used T42's.

Good luck with your upgrade!

Best regards,

Johan

[findrivr]

Johan,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do remember doing some research here, long ago about the T series and in the end, most opinions here seem to point to the T41 as being the least 'problematic' of the series. Thus, to date, no issues [other than a new display fr/IBM warranty] w/this 2373R03. The original hdd was only 40gb and the entire unit was of 05/2001 build date, so it was long overdue for the new Seagate 100gb.

But, now I'm thinking of a back-up unit, that can would be lighter to take on the road. The question now becomes, X3x, X4x or? [not interested in the Tablet model]. I like the idea of built-in Bluetooth, but hdd size is not that important since I know I'll eventually have to upgrade and since it's a secondary [on the road] machine, I don't intend to use for long term storage. I use a home network drive for that.

Then of course comes price, unknown seller, representation of condition, and existence of IBM warranty. I've looked at a lot of them [X3x, X4x] on 'FleaBay' now, and the going price ranges between $350 to $600 for a "Grade AAA". After reviewing the links you referred me to, I am probably more inclined to purchase from an 'individual' FleaBayer' or here, than someone who does this as a business. The individual seller is more likely to post very good pictures and bring your attention to all the cosmetic and performance issues that are apparent. [That's how I decided to purchase this T41 on 'FleaBay'; out of probably 500 available on any given day.]

It's nice knowing there are members at this forum who are concerned about TP users not getting ripped off; thanks for your time.