Thinkpads Forum

one thing that has really made me anal about laptops is over time the rub marks / hand oil / dirt marks where your palms rest on the case of the laptop to let your fingers rest on the keys. this is going to be my first IBm. i used to hate them, hated the name, the style, the color, etc, etc, but im a converted fan

do these laptops have problems with marks on the case over time?
if so, does anyone use protectors, without looking tacky?

guess ill just have to keep a pair of white gloves (pink panther!) with the lappy, every time i use it, ill use the gloves like a scientist.

thanks all for any comments.

The SINGLE best reason for buying a thinkpad is this!

I've had a whole bunch of laptops but have always come back to thinkpads, because I hate having a laptop a couple of months old that is 'all shiny'.

My T60p still looks as good as new, my Acer Ferrari looked crappy in no time at all.

The only slight shinyness comes on the keyboard over time (but over a longer time than other laptops!), and you can easy replace the keyboard... the main case has always been fine!

P

There's no avoiding the keys getting shiny from grease, but the case and palm rests on my T60p look exactly the way they did when I got it.

HAHAH.. when did you get it?

cxls wrote:There's no avoiding the keys getting shiny from grease, but the case and palm rests on my T60p look exactly the way they did when I got it.

I am having a problem with the outer case staying clean looking. I do however put it into my backpack, I assume this can be fixed with a neoprene case, but couldnt find one that was well suited. Some of the rubbery top has started to rub off of the corners...which i really do not like.

that sucks. im definitely using a neoprene case. they work AWESOME.

im wondering if its worth it to put something down on the hand rest to avoid any oil stain, some spray, or some clear panels.

i guess its unavoidable. i wish the material was cleanable with the right solvents, but i guess our oily bodies corrod any material over time.

we're ANIMALS!

Well, I have only had my t60p for maybe 4 months but i dont see any change on the palm rests if that is what you are refering to... I read that these laptops have the best palm rests in the industry. I personally have never seen one with worn palm rests. Someone please correct me if i am wrong here.

I wash my hands frequently to wipe off excess of grease and sweat, and clean the palm rest at the end of each day usage, which by the way I don´t use so frequently. As to the outer case that´s a problem caused byof the rubberish finish, it gets greasy very easily. Clean it with a soft cloth damped with water and a mild detergent, no more I would recommend. Be careful with sprays and products which contain solvents... I preffer a litlle dirty notebook knowing that under the stains it physical integrity is Ok.

Petekilla wrote:Well, I have only had my t60p for maybe 4 months but i dont see any change on the palm rests if that is what you are refering to... I read that these laptops have the best palm rests in the industry. I personally have never seen one with worn palm rests. Someone please correct me if i am wrong here.

Nearly two years of constant use on my X31 and zero wear on the palm rests. And zero maintenance, too.

The rubberized outer cover can wear, but the palm rests appear to be pretty much indestructible.

Every week clean your Thinkpad once with using a soft fabric and Water and you won't get the shiny keyboard however the T & X series Thainkpads both have magnesium casing and both need good Cleaning from time to time.

One of the little details I have always liked about the T series is the nice patina of use the rubberised paint on the outside develops over time.

It accommodates scratches and dings beautifully I think - turning these into sort of badges of endurance. I still have my T21 (6 years now) and it has been everywhere with me. It is like a well-used tool that has moulded itself to the hands of the craftsperson... (I am on a T43 now)

My cleaning routine is a quick wipe down with a damp sponge, this usually removes all fingermarks on the outside and spit marks off the screen. I also vacuum the keyboard regularly.