ThinkPad W701 & W701ds

[taichi]

Here's another vote for the TrackPoint. That, among other things, is what led me to purchase a T60P a couple of months ago.

I think the thing about the TrackPoint is that it has tactile feedback. When you move the thing your sense of control is heightened by the tactile sense. Using a touchpad is like being a beginner ice skater.

A question. Many Apple devices, including many of the Macbooks have sealed battery compartments. In other words you have to send the device back to Apple, rather than having the ability to replace a dead battery immediately by yourself.
Does this pertain to the new 17 inch models with their LED S- IPS (AFFS)? It not only seems like a control issue by Apple, but it's also a tremendous inconvenience.

Taichi

[Bring_back_IPS]

Does this pertain to the new 17 inch models with their LED S- IPS (AFFS)?

Apple has 17 inch IPS lapptops??? What I see is the same cr@ppy TN screen, even worse - because it is glossy.

[kaz911]

apple 17 inch is available in both glossy and matt. Check the shop.apple.com

and my 17" mackbook 4.1 (from 2008) is still holding its colors a lot better than my w700ds main screen.

After 1 year my w700 has about cut about 32% of brightness compared to when it was new. (Measured with Eye One Pro). My Macbook has lost about 4% in the same period. Screens get used just about the same.

So that is why i'm looking to upgrade my 700ds to a 701ds with LED screen - hoping they will last longer. But might just find a replacement FRU LED screen and plug into my 700ds if at all possible. Have not looked into that yet.

[Crunch]

Has anyone found any e-coupons for the W701/W701ds models?

[xiphmont]

'USPRETHINK' has worked off and on for 5%-10% depending on time of day and phase of moon. That one won't work with any of the affiliate or shareholder programs though. There was a different one mentioned in the 'I just ordered a W701' thread, but it's expired since.

The two ways to save money for now seem to boil down to buying a topseller (25% less than an identical CTO model, but they're taking forever to ship) or the IBM shareholder plan (assuming of course, you've actually got some shares in an investment portfolio). These two options appear to give ~ identical pricing, but the shareholder route lets you configure to order. Oh, and the 920XM option is finally down to +$750 to match the W510.