Thinkpads Forum

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

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

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.