Just bought an R40 and have generic ?'s...

[Fear58]

Hey everyone

About two weeks ago I started looking for used laptops on ebay because I needed one to begin my C++ learning adventure (I crashed my hard drive previously about 2 times on my gaming desktop because of silly array problems... ). I asked my friend what type of laptop he suggested, and although he owns a Dell, he told me I would probably like the thinkpads.

After doing some research myself on learning how solid thinkpads are built, I decided to bid. I first started bidding on T30's (which averaged about $350 used and there was something usually wrong with them) and T40's, which climbed $450 plus. Just the other night, I won an R40... auction listing here...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... &rd=1&rd=1

A few questions:

1. How would you rate the R40 next to models such as the T30, or T40

2. Is the R40 sufficient for simple OpenGL games such as wolfenstein, or quake 3?

3. Does my R40 have bluetooth technology? (Model 2723-CU8)

4. Anything I should know ahead of time before I get it?

Thanks!

[vanaya]

I have an r40, and use it as my main computer. I have had no problems and like mine a lot. But if you want more info on your go here. You should find all you need including HMM's.

[led_snapper]

I would second that - the Hardware Maintenance Manuals are v useful if you like to do work on them - bit like a Haines manual for a car really. I have a r31 and have found it really reliable and tough, but easy to work on. Hope you enjoy your R31.

Cheers

[Terrahawk]

I had a quick look on Lenovo's site and pulled up the details on it. They are:

Original description: Based on 2723-58U: P M 1.3GHz, 256MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 15 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 8x-3.3x DVD-ROM, 802.11b Wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), Ethernet(LOM), Secure Chip(TCPA), IEEE 1394, 8 cell battery, No preload

In response to your questions (I have a R40 2723-26M which has been upgraded):
1) I'd rate the R40 as being ahead of the T30 in features and performance since it does have USB2 and a Pentium-M. It should also rate better in battery life, assuming that you have a good battery. It's much like a heavier and chunkier T40 made from plastic.
2) The Mobility Radeon 7500 in the R40 you have won will handle older OpenGL games like those you describe easily. It's not a powerhouse but it's a lot better than the Mobility Radeon M6 I have in my R40, and that plays DirectX games acceptably.
3) Your R40 does not appear to have Bluetooth, unless it was fitted afterwards.
4) As far as I understand, "no preload" means that it does not ship with Windows from the factory, and it is likely that a Windows XP COA is not included.

I use my R40 as my main machine and it works very well. I put a new battery in it and I can get 6+ hours of usable time (7 hours if I just leave it sitting there). The R40's cooling system is massively overpowered for a Pentium-M since there are Pentium 4-M versions of the R40 available and the fan rarely starts up unless you really give it some hard work.