Thinkpads Forum

I'm in the UK and have the option to buy a T60 from the US and have a friend bring it back for me. I needed some advice/had a few questions though:

I need recommendations for a US reseller. Ideally one who won't mid taking payment from the UK. In terms of specs I'm looking for a 15" 1400x1050 flexview screen (although I understand these may be thin on the ground now), with a T5600, or higher, (would prefer T7200 but it depends on cost) processor, and has to have a 4meg memory capacity, oh and Windows XP pro only, no Vista. Hard Drive 100/120 gig.

Is the international warranty fairly problem free if I need to use it in the UK?

Assuming I find one, is 'converting' it to use in the UK as straightforward as buying a uk power supply and fitting a UK keyboard? Can I fit the keyboard myself (if that's a simple operation), or do I need to get it done by someone else in order to avoid invalidating the warranty?

If there's anything else anyone feels I should know about buying this way please pass it on. Any help would be much appreciated. I'm trying to get one from the US as (as well as the cost) the range in the UK is fairly limited (of course as soon as I started looking into this Lenovo pulled all the 15" laptops from it's US website).

[Edit - obviously the topic would read 'for use in the UK' if I could type accurately)

I bought a T60 from www.euclidcomputers.com.
Absolutely no problems with it!

I payed with a German Credit Card, so I don't think you will expect any problems with payment from the UK.
But I don't know if they ship it to the UK. Probably it would be best to contact a salesman directly or look at the FAQ section or somethin like that.

Int. Warranty is no problem, as long as the Thinkpad you buy in the US is sold in the UK too.
Look on the Lenovo-Website to check that (I don't have the exact link, but it's under 'support').
As far as I remember, the T60 2007 series for example is sold almost worldwide. The 'Custom Bulits' only in US, China, and Korea, I think!
BUT PLEASE CHECK THAT FIRST!!

Changing the keyboard is absolutely no problem! Only 5 screws you have to work with!
But you can have a look at the HMM (Hardware Maintenance Manual) on the Lenovo-Website to find exact instructions and see if you can do that.

Bought from Euclid Computers too (a X60) for use in France.
I had some problems with the order because they wouldn't accept a Paypal payment from a non-verified address (and an address cannot be verified in France). I had to pay by wire transfer.

If you're shipping to your friend in the US, you should not have any problem with customs. Make sure your friend opens the box, sends you the documentation,... by mail, and installs a few apps on the laptop. This is in case there is a control at the customs: he will then be able to say it's his personal laptop.

As said, changing the keyboard is real easy. You also will have to find a power cord (not the power brick, just the part that goes between your wall plug and the brick).

If you can wait, who knows maybe you can get your hands on a better upcoming monster; T61.

I'm also interested in buying a US machine as the prices over there are a lot cheaper than here in Blighty.

How much would I be able to get a new UK Keyboard and AC Adapter for? (In GBP if you please.)

T60's can only use 3GB of RAM, but you can install 4.

Another vote for euclid computers - but be prepared to wait incase the configuration you want is not available outright. I think you can request them to get a keyboard and an adapter for you whe you order, though it might cause some delay. I remember one of my friend's relative doing the same (he was in france).

Incase you want a cheaper option , new or slightly used british keyboards are available on ebay for around US $30 (~ GBP 16), +shipping and adpaters also should not be difficult to get from ebay.

Dead1nside wrote:How much would I be able to get a new UK Keyboard and AC Adapter for? (In GBP if you please.)

Keyboard will run you around 50 quid with VAT.

The power supply is universal, just get a new UK style plug kettle cord for it.

James

Thanks gator and JHEM.

or you could just buy a plug adapter for 2 quid. that's been working for me for years.