Thinkpads Forum

I'm looking to get either a standard X3100 or a NVS Quadro 140M T61 4:3 laptop, before there are no longer in stock in Lenovo's Outlet.
I've read here that often the specs posted on their website are different when you actually get the laptop.

For example, a cheap T61
Part Number: 889L3A9451
$760.00 USD

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz 800MHz 2MBL2)
Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Screen
14.1 SXGA+ TFT
Memory
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory
Hard Drive
80GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical Storage
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim
Wireless
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ
Warranty
1 Year Standard Depot Warranty
Battery
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Features
Bluetooth
NO

Is it reiable that when I get the laptop at least I would be receiving the standard 4:3 screen with the posted specification.

How much time do you estimate T61/T61p will still be around the Lenovo's Outlet/Normal Sales Page. A T400/T500/W500 are simply very expensive at this time being.

You should expect to get what is listed. Rarely Lenovo outlet ships a machine with a feature difference, and then it is usually in your favor (.e.g. 2GB RAM instead of 1GB RAM). As far as time remaining for T61's on the outlet, I'd move now for a couple of reasons. As you stated the 4:3's are becoming scarce, also if the T400/T500's turn out to be laced with problems, which laptop model do you think will get a lot of attention all of a sudden . Bottom line is that the T61 stock at the outlet won't last forever ...

This thread may contain some useful info for you on how to get the "real" spec of the machine (given the part number; e.g., 889L3A9451) : http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=63674

From my experience, HarryC is right. Twice I've ordered Thinkpads from the Outlet and I received better machines than I expected. I once received a brand new T40p (apparently never used) when ordering a used T40. But one time I got one in terrible condition; it looked like it had been taken apart many times and cobbled together with spare parts.

I think you still have two weeks to return them if you're not happy.