Thinkpads Forum

Hi everyone, I've been lurking for a bit while considering buying a Thinkpad (to replace my now somewhat dying mac powerbook). I got a supposedly "factory sealed" x60s from the ebay seller IbmFactoryOutlet. Anyway I've never owned a Thinkpad before and while the machine seems more or less in order some aspects of the build quality, errm, "surprised" me so I thought I'd ask if this is normal or if I should be throwing a fit :

1. The bottom side of the screen bezel is nowhere even close to flush against the lcd panel. It is popped-out in the area right above the "ThinkVantage" by about 5mm. I'm somewhat concerned about this... it looks like there is some sort of rubber stopper in there is spacing the bezel out. I poked at it gently with a business card, it seems to be firmly attached.

2. The screen backlight is pretty uneven. There is a fairly large (~ 1 cm diameter) flower-pattern that is brighter than the rest of the display just to the left of the center. Also there's a sort of zig-zag that goes across the middle of the display the whole width of the screen that's a small bit darker than elsewhere. Obviously I could work around these things, but they are certainly noticeable: both show up quite clearly when the screen is displaying a dark background.

3. The left and right "mouse" buttons vary in action and sound... the left one presses down much farther than the right one, and makes a very loud clacking sound, while the right is mostly silent and only depresses a little bit. I'm used to one-button mice (mac!) so I'm not sure if this is some sort of "feature" since left button is supposed to be "main" click and right button is "alternate" click...

Anyway I would appreciate it tons if someone who's more familiar with Thinkpads than me could let me know if it sounds like I got a lemon! Other than these issues (it sort of seems like someone bashed this one around a bit!!) it does work as advertised =) Anyway thanks in advance and looking forward to becoming a rabid thinkpad zealot

I'm looking at my X60s right now ...

1. The bezel should be flush against the LCD. Mine has very little spacing between the bezel and the LCD. 5mm is an indication that someone has put the screen together incorrectly or that it took a serious bash.

2. Backlighting is pretty even. Looked at a dark screen and did not see any of the effects you describe.

3. Mine seems to exhibit this, but I never really noticed. Left button is louder and depresses a little more than the right.

It sounds like from 1 and 2 that you got a lemon. Return if you can. Also, the Lenovo outlet has some really good prices right now. Check them out before resorting to ebay.

some ebay sellers are masters of mis-statement and mis-direction..
factory sealed sometimes really means a refurbished return..
or some other sort of weasel deal..

kindly tell us the item # or show a link to the ebay auction..

FWIW, no thinkpad is ever shipped in that condition..
the screen bezel should be flush with the screen and well fitting..

beware they don't accuse YOU of dropping it after opening it..

BillMorrow wrote:factory sealed sometimes really means a refurbished return...

I believe "factory sealed" always means a refurbished, used item. I bought one such item from ThinkpadWorld on eBay and it had scratches all over the place. Even the Windows COA sticker was very worn out and I could barely read the product key.

Okay thanks guys. After searching some I think my issue with the mouse button is normal (these people I guess fixed it using paper and black duct tape? haha that's the kind of repairs I like):

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=35114
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=23120

but the display bezel is pretty warped (I noticed too that the top-left of the lid is bent so that it curves down over the panel and the little rubber bit up there is about to fall out) so I sent them an email about it. We'll see how it goes :) They do have 7-day returns, and even with these problems it was a pretty good deal I think. Still think they should have included "left side of lid somewhat bashed up" in the item description though :D

My bezel is like that. Oh wait, thats because I took it off trying to get wifi antennas in the screen area (I upgraded to a 'N' card and needed a 3rd wire).
The bezel has never been the same since (my previous Thinkpads always fitted perfectly after opening them up to see what's inside).

wow i'd be so upset. i got screwed on my x41. the logo says x40 and they wouldn't exchanged it. ebay/paypal protects these kinds of sellers unfortunately. and i had to sell mine at a loss of $250.