Some T30 questions

[desdinova]

Hey all,

I had posted earlier about WTB a 570, but I decided that I needed something with a little bit more oomph.

I was looking at the T30 and it seems to be a great little machine, except for that memory slot problem.

IBM certified used has some for sale and I'm very interested.
They have a T30 (61U) and a T30 (21U) with the same specs and the same price... what's the difference?

I've read that there were some T30s made without the trackpad, I've also read that some of them were made with a 1024x768 native resolution. If possible I'd like to find one that is both of those things. I'd also like it to have internal wifi, but that's not really a necessity. If you happen to know the specific part number for a T30 in that config, I'd be much obliged if you'd share it.

The current "Manager's Special" is the T30 (85U) with a 40gigger and internal wifi for $795 on sale... I may just take the plunge and buy that on Saturday's Tax Free event. (I'm in MA)

Any insight is appreciated.
Take care.

[JaneL]

IBM certified used has some for sale and I'm very interested.
They have a T30 (61U) and a T30 (21U) with the same specs and the same price... what's the difference?

I've read that there were some T30s made without the trackpad, I've also read that some of them were made with a 1024x768 native resolution. If possible I'd like to find one that is both of those things. I'd also like it to have internal wifi, but that's not really a necessity. If you happen to know the specific part number for a T30 in that config, I'd be much obliged if you'd share it.

Item #1 in the FAQ.

[desdinova]

kk, looks like all of those come with the trackpad. :/

They're all 1024x768 though, so that's cool. Now I just have to decide how long I can go just eating ramen bricks.

[Steve007]

kk, looks like all of those come with the trackpad. :/

They're all 1024x768 though, so that's cool. Now I just have to decide how long I can go just eating ramen bricks.

I'm sure you can find some decent T4x deals if you look around. I personally hated the T30. It was a massive step back from the excellent T23 and the P4-M CPU gets roasting hot. Plus it's only USB 1.1 which is a pisser if you have USB 2 peripherals.

The T30's build quality is also rubbish. Little plastic bits flake off from around the lip of the screen and there's known stress fracture issues on the palm rest.

It's one to avoid....

[K. Eng]

I don't think the T30 is quite as bad as Steve007 says , but it does run pretty hot, it is heavier than the T4x, and the battery life isn't nearly as good.

I've seen used T4x with better specs than mine selling for about $750-$800, some with a year or more warranty left. Also, IBM/Lenovo sometimes sells refurb T4x that will be much better than a T30.

Get a T4x if you can!

[mattfromomaha]

I guess I disagree with others about the T30 - I've been very happy with it!

[jdhurst]

I guess I disagree with others about the T30 - I've been very happy with it!

Same here. I had one (gone now) and have a client with a dozen of them. Apart from the memory slot issue (which gets fixed under warranty), they are fine machines. I would agree also with others here that the T4x series is an improvement, but the T30 is still good. ... JD Hurst

[desdinova]

Thanks for the replies guys. I saw the T40s and they look great, too, but are probably out of my price range, realistically.

Though, going from the cool temperature and six hour battery life of an ibook to the lap-roasting beast of the T30 will probably be a shock. I'll get over it.

[Steve007]

Same here. I had one (gone now) and have a client with a dozen of them. Apart from the memory slot issue (which gets fixed under warranty), they are fine machines.

So apart from a fundamental part of the machine going [censored] up its fine?

[Steve007]

I don't think the T30 is quite as bad as Steve007 says

Get a T4x if you can!

It is

And yes, get a T4x over a T30. Sell a kidney if you have to.

[grimmster]

I have a t30. For what I need it for, it works fine, but it is bigger, heavier, hotter then my t21 used to be, and compared to a t4x. you should be able to find t4x units in the $800-$900 range easy enough, and you would be much happier I think.

[STS06]

Are Ibooks and powerbooks (apple laptops basically) really the best out there? I mean I don't doubt this since for years people have said that Apple comps are far superior to reg. PCs but aren't as mainstream nor compatable so people opt for PCs. Just out of curisoity, how do their laptops hold against "normal" laptops?- Still light-years ahead in that division too?

Oh by the way, I read that Apple issued their first multi-button mouse. No clicking...a sensor senses your finger-tap (I think I understood that correctly). Finally eh!...Never used an Apple though.

[desdinova]

Are Ibooks and powerbooks (apple laptops basically) really the best out there? I mean I don't doubt this since for years people have said that Apple comps are far superior to reg. PCs but aren't as mainstream nor compatable so people opt for PCs. Just out of curisoity, how do their laptops hold against "normal" laptops?- Still light-years ahead in that division too?

My ibook was pretty sweet. Well constructed, didn't get too hot, super battery life, light. The only beef I had was that it didn't have a three button trackpad, but then again most computers don't. <3 IBM
I did like the fact that I could run os9/osx/(most)linux/x11/win32 apps all on one machine. In a few years when the soon-to-be-mine thinkpad dies, I'll probably be getting an x86 ibook to replace it.

Oh by the way, I read that Apple issued their first multi-button mouse. No clicking...a sensor senses your finger-tap (I think I understood that correctly). Finally eh!...Never used an Apple though.

While macs have had multibutton mouse support native since os8 and through third-party software since os6, this is their first OEM multibutton mouse. It *does* click, just like their original "no" button mouse, and has little pressure sensors under either side of the mouse to decide which side you pressed. The little 4-way scroll ball is an interesting addition, but I'm told that it moves into the mouse too deep to be useful. If only they stuck a trackpoint nipple on there for scrolling. I would buy one!

[Surfrider]

Sorry, but what is this T30 memory slot problem of which you are speaking?

-Surfrider

[desdinova]

If you search around the forums you'll find that quite a few T30 motherboards have problems with one or both of their slots. They won't recognize SO-DIMMs that are inserted in them.

You pretty much have to send it in to IBM to get a logic board replacement, afaik.

[Kyocera]

I recently purchased a Certified used T30, so far it is great, very sturdy, I have been using it for work. It has a great feel compared to my 15" t42. In fact after using the t30 the t42 is like watching a movie screen compared to a TV. I put additional 256 and am using a d-link wireless pcmcia, I am very satisfied thus far. Trying to work it a lot before the 30 days is up. It has been rock solid.

[desdinova]

Indeed.
I am *incredibly* pleased with my T30. I've had three thinkpads and many laptops/tablets/luggables/fnords and it's the best portable computer I've ever had.

To the naysayers: the t4x may be an improvement, but at twice the price of a clean, used T30... I doubt it's worth it.
<3 IBM

[mattfromomaha]

I am *incredibly* pleased with my T30.<3 IBM

You bought it from a pretty good guy, didn't you?

[desdinova]

Indeed.
Now if only IBM would fix the [censored] Access Connections, I'd be all set. :/

[Kyocera]

I used the Access Connections this past saturday night to finish updating this T30, I did update the BIOS and the embedded controller. You have to update the embedded controller first. I was able to update everthing fine with the Access Connections, I was reading that before you update the BIOS remove any passwords from the HD first.

[ThinkPad]

I used to have a t-30 previous and it did the job. The only thing I did not like was the size of the machine and low battery life.