Best value in the $300-400 range?

[wackyD]

Hello all,

I am a firm believer in the ThinkPad brand (maybe my signature shows as such) and accordingly, I am inclined to recommend ThinkPads when folks ask for what kind of laptop should they buy.

A friend recently asked about what would be the right machine to purchase for the director of a newly formed non-profit centered on providing support services to Alzheimer's patients as well as their families. Basically, a group in my hometown has started this organization with the support of various local agencies including other non-profits.

I am looking to help them by suggesting and/or purchasing a laptop to serve as the directors machine. Primary functions would be basic office productivity tasks and internet access with the need for Power Point presentations and Publisher documents to promote the organization and its work.

The goal would be a recent machine at a lower price that has a strong enough base to last through the next 4-5 years.


My initial thought was a T61.

Thoughts or better suggestions?


Thanks!



Daniel

[myoldTPT40]

it should be a good choice.

On lenovo outlet webstore, you can find T400 T500 around 500, 600. If they can afford a little bit more, that should be better, maybe. Or get on ebay for real 2nd handed ones.

[underclocker]

I'd say a used or refurb R400 or R500 would be best ideal in that price range. R400's have 14" WS LCD's and R500's have 15.4" WS LCD's.

[RealBlackStuff]

If a T61, choose the ones with integrated Intel graphics.
The T61 ones with nVidia graphics are all bound to failure. Avoid like the plague!

[wackyD]

Any thoughts on the SL line?

For the R400 or R500, what is the difference from the T400 line? Is the R series the bare bones enterprise product or is there a greater difference than what was seen from the R40/T40 of the past.


Thanks!

Daniel

[ZaZ]

The R400 and T400 are almost the same. The R400 is slightly thicker and heavier, and the T400 has some premium options the R400 does not like WWAN and the GPU. You'd be hard pressed to tell them apart right next to them. It's pretty much the same for the R61 and T61 if you go that way.

[wackyD]

Thanks folks.

The board of directors is currently borrowing my x31 while I fix their Dell Inspiron 6000.


Looking on the Lenovo outlet, there are X100e and R500 available.


If they are partial to the X31, I'll advise for the x100. If they are good with the rebuilt 6000, the R500 is in that size range.



THANKS!



Daniel


P.s. anyone have something applicable for sale?

[j-dawg]

I would not recommend the X100e as a primary computer. It is very small - more so than the X31 - and down on power compared to other Thinkpad models. Most people will not be comfortable working for long periods on what amounts to an amped-up netbook.

[underclocker]

I would not recommend the X100e as a primary computer.

Agreed. Not a good idea.

Also note, that some R500's have internal webcams. If that is an important feature (Skype w/video, for instance), then be sure to review the specifications carefully. I had a well equipped R500 for a while, it's a solid, nice machine.

[wackyD]

Any thoughts on when a T60 will become obsolete?

While my T40 is a functional internet machine, it and my X31 are showing their edge on newish software - like the newest version of Google Earth that barely functions on the X31, but runs well on my X60s.

Taking the price point down, is a $200-300 T60 a worthwhile expense that seems likely to stay adequate for the next few years?


Thanks again!!!

Daniel

[hunterman223]

The T6x or R6x series will be around for quite a while I would imagine. They have only been around for a few years and include nice core (2) duo processors and decent graphics. Either would be a nice machine for your purposes; like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Thinkpad-T61-1 ... 35ac04233e

Even included discrete graphics, wifi, and windows xp preinstalled. All it needs is the hard drive cover:
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Lenovo-Thinkpa ... 4a9bdae1c6

Battery:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-6-cell-Genuine- ... 4aa415c81e

Trackpoint Cap:
http://cgi.ebay.com/3x-Pointer-TrackPoi ... 4150190b6b

You could get all of it for $230.46 shipped, new battery even. That would be well within your price range, and if you needed more that 1gb memory you would have extra cash to upgrade.