Need Advice from Pros, Please

[julia]

Can anyone Pleeeease advise me on buying the new T-400 below from Lenovo? The used one I got last summer (for $650) had been owned by a teenage gamer. The machine looked pristine, the window's apps had never been used but, alas... it cratered after a few months: keys gave way and the hard drive was a mess! I will wipe it and start over again but the HD is only 60 GB and the warranty runs out in May. I think it's time for a newer, faster machine. I've blown out the modem with the blue screen of death twice in the past month and Lenovo says it's only a matter of time before I'm locked out for good. It's totally crashing... So I'm going to stick with "new" from now on!

I'd appreciate it if people would take a look at this and tell me what you think. I need a light but strudy machine. I use it for word docs, screenwriting docs, lots of travel, some excell, photographs and watching movies. Not games or hyper graphics...

Thanks for any suggestions. I'm not sure, but the price seems a little high... My office will load Microsoft so that will save me a few dollars. Also they're giving me XP at no extra cost...

THINKPAD T-400 3 YR STANDARD DEPOT WARRANTY $1,040.85
COUNTRY PACK NORTH AMERICA $0.00
LENOVO THINKPAD PROTECTION W/THINKPLUS ONSITE REPAIR - EXTENDED SERVICE AGREEMENT - 3 YEARS - ON-SITE $199.20
EXPR.CARDSLOTXN7-1M.CARDR. $0.00
INT.GRAPH.MEDIAACCELX4500 $0.00
14.1 WXGA +TFT $0.00
ULTRNAV(TRACKP+TOUCHPAD) $0.00
INT.WIFILINK5100 $0.00
INTG.WIR.WIDENET UPGRAD. $0.00
DVDRECORD.8XMAXDUAL,ULTBAY $0.00
160GB HDD/5400RPM $0.00
KYB US ENGLISH $0.00
LPACK US ENGLISH $0.00
MW XP PROF US ENGL $0.00
GEN WIND. XP PROFESS. $0.00
4 CELL LI-ION BATERRY $0.00
3GBPC3-8500 1067MHZ2DIMM

SYS.6474CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM $1,240.05
SALES TAX, SHIPPING & HANDLING $1,318.34

Many thank for any thoughts or suggesions,
Juila

[closersource]

Julia,

Firstly, you might get a better estimate on price if you include what type of processor is included and whether the display type is CCFL backlit or LED. These options can have a significant impact on the price. Secondly, it seems that the final price is not too unreasonable with the warranties you listed. You might, though, save more if you take up one of Lenovo's recent promotions. In fact, right now you can get 20% off T Series notebooks.

Finally, I don't want to discourage you if you already have your eyes set on a new T-series machine, but judging by your use pattern a 13" X-30x series might better suit your needs. Unless you absolutely require a 14"+ display, the X-Series is significantly lighter, smaller, and just as fit for basic office productivity. I can't vouch for the audio of the X series, but I am pretty sure the speakers on the T400 are nothing stellar. The only disadvantage of the X Series is that it costs more than a comparably equipped T400 and if you are set for a new machine, it may be over what you are willing to spend. Of course there are always places like this forum where you can get an excellent used machine.

Nick

[basketb]

... The machine looked pristine, the window's apps had never been used but, alas... it cratered after a few months: keys gave way and the hard drive was a mess! I will wipe it and start over again but the HD is only 60 GB and the warranty runs out in May. I think it's time for a newer, faster machine. I've blown out the modem with the blue screen of death twice in the past month and Lenovo says it's only a matter of time before I'm locked out for good. It's totally crashing...

(Slightly off-topic:) I'm not sure what you mean here. Your used machine seems to have some hardware (keyboard/modem/motherboard) and/or software problems. Since it is still under warranty, Lenovo should fix the hardware problems. You can fix any software problems by restoring the factory image first. That should also give you an idea what are really hardware problems. The HD can be upgraded for cheap (compared to buying a new machine). If memory is not maxed out yet, then you can do that to gain more speed.

[julia]

Thanks for replies. The realities of this economy and all... I've decided to take basketb's advice and go for the warranty service, pay a little to upgrade, and stick with this one for awhile. But I will definitely look into the X series too. I've been drawn to it because of the weight, but didn't think it was sturdy enough for me. Anyway... yesterday, I took it in. I'm using a small VAIO in the meantime and it feels like a toy compared to the TP. I can't imagine anyone actually using this machine and thinking it's a computer! Are we cool, or what I want to install the new EsetNod security system as soon as I get my T60 back but dread trying to get the Norton creature out of every nook and cranny where they stash it. Well... I'm sure Ill be back with more questions... Again, thanks!

[agarza]

You can also get some good deals at the Lenovo Outlet. The X61 have low resolution (XGA), the X200 have much more screen estate the WXGA+ is a one nice model.