best used thinkpad

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sendai · #1 Post by **sendai** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:18 am

I'm thinking about buying a used Thinkpad. Over time, some models show themselves to be more reliable and durable than others. What are the best Thinkpad models in this respect?

I'm specifically looking for something between 1 and 3 years old.

pianowizard · #2 Post by **pianowizard** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:59 am

sendai wrote:I'm specifically looking for something between 1 and 3 years old.

The 14.1" T60 is hands down the best in this age range. It's a huge improvement over the T40-42, and is nearly as well built as the legendary 600/600E/600X series.

ajkula66 · #3 Post by **ajkula66** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:00 am

Well, I'm going to say that the LCD size is the key here...

If you're looking for an all-rounder, I'll second pianowizard's opinion, and add that Z61t is also nothing to sneeze at if you can tolerate a widescreen.

More mobile machine would be any X6x series, very sweet units.

Desktop replacement would be something along the lines of T60 with a 15" SXGA+ LCD (nice FlexView), T60p if you feel like spending a bit more, or Z61p if you're in the mood for WUXGA resolution.

Now, this somewhat clears the size issue...the rest is up to your preferences and budget...

#4 Post by **underclocker** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 6:20 am

Depends on cost and size budgets, but the above suggestions are great.

12" --> X6x or X6xs
14" widescreen --> Z61t
14" --> T60
15" SXGA+ FlexView --> T60 (my main rig)

All great options, new or used.

pianowizard · #5 Post by **pianowizard** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 6:49 am

I recommended the 14.1" T60 because the OP's only criteria were "reliable", "durable", and "between 1 and 3 years old". I wasn't taking into account size, weight, aspect ratio, Flexview etc.

sendai · #6 Post by **sendai** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 8:46 am

Thanks to everyone for the responses.

pianowizard wrote:I recommended the 14.1" T60 because the OP's only criteria were "reliable", "durable", and "between 1 and 3 years old". I wasn't taking into account size, weight, aspect ratio, Flexview etc.

Right, those other things are negotiable. Just out of curiosity, why the 14.1"? Is it known to be more reliable than the 15"?

pianowizard · #7 Post by **pianowizard** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:00 am

sendai wrote:why the 14.1"? Is it known to be more reliable than the 15"?

They use the same material, but the fact that the 15.0" is wider and deeper makes it easier to flex. As an analogy, tall buildings tend to be more vulnerable to hurricanes and earthquakes than short ones.

mazzinia · #8 Post by **mazzinia** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 2:55 pm

innocent question. Why the T60 is preferred to the T61 ?
Because of the screen only?

#9 Post by **ryengineer** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:10 pm

pianowizard wrote:As an analogy, tall buildings tend to be more vulnerable to hurricanes and earthquakes than short ones.

I agree with you but the same principle may not be valid when it comes to thinkpads.

A 14'' T60 with a powerful GPU and CPU can be prone to heating issues more than it's 15'' counterpart. I know your emphasis is on reliability (as asked by the OP) but this point is something to consider too.

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