Thinkpads Forum

I've got a quick question for those veteran ThinkPad appraisers out there.

From time to time I've seen some IBM-refurbished SXGA+ FlexView-equipped T60s being sold by IBM (both online and offline). They're not "scratch and dent" machines, but are real refurbs (i.e. new casings at a minimum.) They're typically Core Duo machines with 1GB of RAM and a 60GB drive.

In your expert opinion(s), would such a machine for c. $270 (give or take a few bucks) be a decent deal?

(I'm a die-hard 4:3 fanboy, so my perception of the value of 4:3 machines tends to be skewed...)

Yes, with one caveat: some of the SXGA+ Flexview screens can be in bad shape (infamous LG CCFL dimming/yellowing), and so you need to have the option of either having the screen replaced under some form of warranty they give, or at least, if the screen (or anything else is unsatisfactory) - the option to return the machine and get refunded.

Don't IBM refurbed machines come with 90 day warranties?

FredGarvin wrote:Don't IBM refurbed machines come with 90 day warranties?

Yep. All of them do.

I bought one of those, and simply put it's quite nice. In great shape and it runs well. The display one mine was nice and bright too. Same specs as yours and I paid just over 200 for mine, I think about $220 with tax. Free shipping though.

Also, be cautious about the battery. Many T60 batteries fail and/or a three year old T60 battery may be very worn down. New genuine T60/R60/T500 batteries are very expensive.

If the machine is truly refurbished with a good LCD, non-cracked sub-frame (near fan), and a good, genuine battery, then it's a good deal.

I've purchased, and returned, T6x machines from IBM, and I have to say, their policies are quite generous. One T61p came with some "funk" embedded in the ultranav buttons, which were loose by the way, but the free shipping and free return shipping with no hassle made that gamble worthwhile. I've purchased two 15" T60 machines with SXGA+ Flexview in the past few months. The first one has a bit of yellowing in the screen, but it came with a 15 month warranty; I'll have the screen replaced sometime later. The second machine I received about two weeks ago is as pristine as I can imagine - absolutely no scratches or marks, no keyboard shine, no internal dust - and has a very bright SXGA+ Flexview screen, currently locked and padded in a Pelican case. Because of the no-hassle returns, I planned to send it back if there were any issues, but it is an absolute gem. I've got two new UXGA Flexview screens waiting to be dropped in as well, but that's another thread. One can gamble and purchase a slightly cheaper T60 on Ebay, but the when it comes to shipping/return/complaints, spending a few more bucks for IBM service makes more cost/benefit sense.