Did I just luck out?

[Ken Fox]

I took a flyer on a surplus outlet purchase I stumbled across; it was a one-off and there are none others left, so don't bother looking for it.

Here are relevant specs:

T60, Type 2637, New, not refurb

T7200 core2duo 2ghz

2gb RAM

15" IPS Flexview SXGA+

100gb 7200rpm drive

ATI X1400 video card (was not on sales listing; deduced from Mainboard FRU)

DVDRW DL 8x Optical Drive

ABG Intel Wireless

9 cell battery

4 year ON SITE warranty

less than $1200

[Harryc]

I've seen similar T60 machines for sale here but with UXGA Flexviews for @ $1200, but none with 4 years onsite warranty. I'd consider that a good deal, not mind blowing, but good. Enjoy your new machine ...

[ryengineer]

That's a high end T60 with Fleview display with Core 2 Duo processor, I would say you got a very good deal.

[Ken Fox]

That's a high end T60 with Fleview display with Core 2 Duo processor, I would say you got a very good deal.

Just what I need; another Thinkpad

I'm going to try to divest myself of a couple that I don't need, and shortly.

I think the key to using the "new" Surplus Outlet is to put a little time into trying to decipher the (often) cryptic listings, and with an eye towards what you find important.

The warranty is important to me, and generally I won't seriously consider any machine that has just the basic 1 year depot warranty. That eliminates about 90% of the listings which makes things simpler, but since most machines won't have any problems during the warranty period, this is probably irrational.

In any event, it pays to know what you are looking for, and when things aren't clearly listed (much of the time) you can always make a call to try to get things clarified. You can also use the tabook and itwbook to try and find out more, if you can decipher the actual model number, although this can be very confusing since it is often not given. And sometimes (as in this case) the machine turns out to be a "CTO" (configure to order) model so it won't even show up in the tabook/ itwbook.

In my opinion, most of the "surplus outlet" models won't prove to be compelling deals even after you put all the work in to going over the inventory trying to find the deals. So don't just assume that because it is a close out, that it is a good deal. There are frequent sales and all sorts of coupons and rebates available on new systems, for the careful buyer, so often a new rather than a closeout model will be the better choice.

There aren't any "new" T6x Flexviews, however, so that is why I decided to take a chance on this particular outlet offering.