How to tell if an X301 is refurbished - I have serial number

[halrhp]

Please, can anyone tell me how to find out if a X301 machine is refurbished or new? I have the serial number -- how can I find out? Thanks for any suggestions.

[csv96]

Official Lenovo refurbished Thinkpads have a model number ending with the letter R (e.g. 7668CTR). There should also be a white sticker on the bottom of the laptop that says "refurbished". To check warranty of your unit, enter the first 4 digits of the model number and the full serial number here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... -WARNTY#sw

[basketb]

The refurbished Thinkpad I got from the Lenovo outlet had its model number changed from 6459-CTO to 6459-CTR on the sticker on the bottom (but not in the bios) and another big fat sticker on the bottom that says it's refurbished. I don't think, there is another way to tell.

[halrhp]

Thanks to csv96. I entered the info as you suggested and got a number ending with RF2 - it is 2776RF2. This seem suspiciously like "refurbished2" -- what do you think?

[halrhp]

....and what advice or experience with buying refurbished ThinkPads? Is it a reasonable thing to do? Is the savings potential worth the risk potential? What are the risks? I once had to send a machine in for repairs and it has worked well ever since, so that could be like a refurbished one. I also had a hard drive fail in a fairly new one, a T41, and that machine is still working well -- my wife uses it for her work. Please give me your opinions on the wisdom of buying a refurbished machine, assuming that the one I am looking at is or might likely be refurbished.

[csv96]

RF2 sounds like a refurb. I think Lenovo refurbs are fine. I bought an X61s from the Lenovo outlet store last year and it looked like brand new. It's probably no worse (and probably better) than buying used or 3rd party refurbs from ebay.

[basketb]

Do a search around here for the Lenovo outlet. People (incl. myself) have reported their experience with the Lenovo outlet. In short, if you know what you are doing, incredible deals can be had, but on the down-side you may have to be very patient and your order may be canceled.

[halrhp]

Thanks to both of you. This is actually an eBay offer at 55% of the price of an equivalent machine on the Lenovo site. I am conflicted as to whether to go ahead though. But I appreciate your responses and help on this.