T41 question

Message

a.jan · #1 Post by **a.jan** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:47 am

Hello everybody,

First of all, as it's my first post, I would like to start by saying that I'm really happy to join this forum and even more excited of being about (yes, not yet...) to get my first Thinkpad.

My first question is precisely regarding my inminent acquisition of my first thinkpad. The model?, a second hand T41 as it seems to cover all my needs.

Now, I have two options to buy it, the first option is better equipped (100 GB and 1,7 Mhz vs 40 GB and 1.6 Mhz of the second option), and it also is a Spanish computer (the other one is German and I would have the Windows in german, which is not so important as I'm planning to use it mainly (and if I manage!) for Linux but if it's in Spanish it helps!).

Now, although the first option is obviously better (it's also over 100 € cheaper!), the second seller gives me one year warranty.

My question is, considering they are both around three years old, that both seem to have had a similar use (office work), is it better to pay more for that year warranty or should I just go for the better option as it's highly unlikely I will have a problem with it?

I guess it's a difficult question to answer as it really depends on the computer but I've heard Thinkpads are really reliable (and easy to repair!) and I would not like to just go for the option with warranty, having in mind my experience with other less reliable computers, and miss the opportunity to get a better equipped Thinkpad.

What do you think? Is it a measured risk to go for the Spanish, no warranty Thinkpad or should I pay an extra to go for a, at least for a year, safer choice.

Please help, I have to make a decision today and I would like to enter the Thinkpad world with a nice experience!!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read up to here and thanks in advance for your help

Again , happy to be here

Alex

#2 Post by **underclocker** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:22 am

Definitely a tough call.

First of all, welcome to the forum.

If the 100GB drive is 7200 RPM, I'd definitely take that one. If not, they will be very close in performance.

If they are in equal condition with all other options equal and truly without issues, it is still hard to justify the extra money.

If you are careful with a good unit, you are likely to have continued good luck.

There is one opinion.

#3 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:25 am

What is the warranty that the 'seller' is offering? If it's a 'Mack' warranty, it's not worth the paper it's written on

#4 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:30 am

In the US, a one-year extension to the original warranty for my wife's T42 cost me $150. I purchased this warranty extension from Lenovo. You cannot purchase this extension after the ThinkPad's warranty expires.

I bought myself a T42 with a one-year warranty about a year and a half before I helped my wife buy her T42. When my T42 was about 2 years old, the backlight failed. I worked on it some, but I have not fixed it yet. I think the problem may be with the motherboard. My warranty was expired, so I had no recourse with Lenovo (I have since acquired a different T42 for myself). When my wife's T42 was nearing the end of it's warranty period, I purchased a warranty extension.

There are some T4x users that have had the video chip become unsoldered from the motherboard. Generally this requires a replacement of the motherboard, although some ingenious users have managed to 'fix' their's by stuffing post-it notes on top of the video chip to press it down against the contacts on the motherboard. Others have used a hot-air gun to resolder the chip to the motherboard successfully.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=33952

cyborg wrote:i just found this one on youtube..

check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR8L3B3e ... ed&search=

IMO, a warranty is quite worthwhile for this model of ThinkPad. Most users will not need it, but...
In the end though, it really depends on what it will cost you to replace the ThinkPad should the worst happen. Would the cost be a burden to you?

#5 Post by **underclocker** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:43 am

Like I said, it's a tough call.

Another reason that I personally do not pay a premium for a unit with a warranty is because my family uses 6 ThinkPads. It is more cost effective to pay for the one off repair than 6 warranties!

Paying effectively 150 Euros (100 Euro premium plus cost difference of the other unit's better parts) for one year coverage on the chance that a perfectly fine machine will blow a systemboard or have a multi-part failure, just doesn't add up to me.

If any part but the systemboard does go, you are still ahead. If the systemboard does go, it's a slight loss at today's replacement costs.

If you can't sleep at night, buy the warrantied unit or a new Dell!

Finally, you do need to fully understand the terms of any non-IBM warranty to estimate it's value. Exceptions, turn-around time, etc.

FTC · #6 Post by **FTC** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:30 am

Hi, I'd get also the first option. better machine w/o warranty. Just make sure the seller will replace any DOA defective piece so that you have to deal at start with a good-working machine.

IBM manuals are very detailed for doing your own maintenance.

... and in general this machines are very strudy... the only risk
would be the VGA / USB chips unsoldering due to flexing... but this is of course something you can avoid by not holding the machine by any of its edges.

Other than that only the consumable (battery) will need to be replaced in a short while (expect 2 years), as long as you regularly clean the machine and specially the heatsink of any dust. Also it may be the case that the fan becomes too noisy, but this faliure does usually give you more than enough time to buy a replacement unit from ebay *very cheap*.

I've got 2 T4x (a T40 and a T42) running w/out problems for 3.5 and 2.5 years already... 24x7 folding 'on top' of my day to day job.

a.jan · #7 Post by **a.jan** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 3:12 am

Hello everybody!

Thanks so much for your replies and valuable insight. It's great there are places like this where people can help each other (power to the people!

) I hope I'll be able to return the favour in the near future.

At the end I went for the cheaper non-warranty option. Both options were attractive in their own way but after giving it a lot of thought, I decided to take the risk and get a better machine with a lower price, also accepting the challenge that if it breaks I will have to figure out by myself (well, and hopefully with some little help if need it!) how to deal with it.

Again, thanks a lot for your contributions and hope to see you around!

Salud y alegria para todos

Alex

Temetka · #8 Post by **Temetka** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:36 am

I hope your new machine will bring you some happiness. The specs sound good, and the price isn't that bad either.

Let us know when you get it, first impressions, etc.

#9 Post by **underclocker** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:59 am

Good luck and enjoy it.

a.jan · #10 Post by **a.jan** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 2:21 am

Hello eveybody,

Yesterday I got my T-41 Thinkpad and I have to say I'm trully impreressed. It just feels great! The case, the touchpad, the keys, the screen... It's without a doubt the best laptop I have used.
And makes me wonder, why didn't I get one before!!!

The only problem, and great dissapointment is that although the ebay seller said it has 1.700 Mhz it only has 1.400! And I'm shocked and really don't know what to do. I wrote him and mentioned it but no reply whatsoever...

Now my doubt is if besides the obvious difference in performance I'm wondering if the 1700 Mhz model came with other better feautures in comparison wih the one I have.

I'm considering asking for a refund as I feel somehow cheated but on the other side, it has been such a painful process to choose the right laptop, and when I finally got it I'm not sure it's worth to go through a small ordeal just to get that extra kick. Other option would be to ask the guy for some compensation but I'm not sure he would accept that. And even if there is the option, I'm wondering how much should I ask for....

At the end I paid 370 euros (plus shipping) for it (bit more than I was expecting but I think a good price), what do you guys think? Should I just keep it, enjoy it and forget about the whole thing, is there so much difference? Or should I ask for a refund (if he accepts it...) and continue my search for the perfect laptop?

Any thoughts, ideas, comments and observations would be most welcome.

It's really bad a small detail like that can cast shadow over an otherwise wonderful experience. What a nice machine indeed!

Salud!

Alex

Temetka · #11 Post by **Temetka** » Fri Jul 06, 2007 2:27 am

Bummer about the speed issue.

I would suggest picking up a 1.8GHz Dothan processor which is far superior to your current CPU.

Otherwise enjoy your laptop, they are great.

#12 Post by **underclocker** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 1:38 pm

If the laptop is otherwise fine, I'd ask for about 100 euros credit. I believe that will cover a 1.7 CPU plus the correct fan (long fan) for that CPU.

If he does not comply, file an eBay and/or PayPal dispute.

Let him know that you will still be a satisfied buyer if he complies.

Good luck.

a.jan · #13 Post by **a.jan** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:30 pm

Hello everybody,

Well, at the end I got some money back from the seller, not everything I had asked for but hey I just want to forget about this issue to just sit and enjoy my thinkpad!

At the end I got it for 350 euros (shipping included) which is not too bad. Well actually it could be much better as the T41P offer I saw (just on the day I got mine) is being sold my one member of the forum (how in the world nobody got that yet???!!!)

Anyway, maybe it was not such a bad deal after all and I'm enjoying it a lot which I guess is what counts!

Thanks everybody for your answers!

Salud!

Alex

Temetka · #14 Post by **Temetka** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:16 pm

Remeber a 1.4GHz Banias CPU is plenty for most tasks. That being said I would still suggest picking up a 1.8GHz Dothan CPU and some Arctic Silver. The Dothan CPU will run a tad cooler than the Banias CPU, runs faster and has an extra 1MB of L2 cache to help speed things along.

Either your machine is great and should serve you well.

T41 question

T41 question

Gracias!

T41 arrived! Great but bit dissapointed....

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