Thinkpads Forum

Im looking for a cheap thinkpad that I can obtain ( around 50 bucks). I would run linux on it and use it for browsing the web and watching .avi and .mkv files: thats it!

I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions. The only requirement is that it has to be a thinkpad.

$50 isn't going to buy you much! However, maybe you'll get lucky with someone here... (I doubt it, but it would be interesting to see!)

You might try ebay, craigslist, or even the recycler. Keep in mind that shipping alone might cost $20, so perhaps craigslist might be the best way to go to avoid that cost.

Good luck in your quest!

If you're willing to spend $100, you could get yourself a used T20 or T21; those things tend to have resale values on par and in many cases lower than lesser spec'd 600 series machines. $50 could easily buy you a Pentium-era 760 or 365 machine but not much more; possibly something from the Pentium II era.

^^Good call: The reason I wanted the 600 was for the nostalgia. Reminds me of the good old software boom of the late 90's.

But I have had great experiences with the T20, so Ill see what I get. Thanks!

General.

I've bought 2 separate 600's for $50. It can be done, but you gotta look. I found my first on Craigslist from someone who just didn't want to put the effort into it. It was in great shape, with a good battery and all. The second I got from a warehouse that brings in laptops coming off lease from banks and other companies. Its a 600X.

If there are used Laptop shops around where you live, start calling. See how much it would be for a barebones machine. No OS. You might get something worth it. Or even just for parts. Get a base and motherboard, and then a keyboard and LCD. I got a base and motherboard for $15... LCD would probably be the same (if you're lucky), keyboard might be tougher.

Good luck. These 600's are definitely worth it.

I just picked up 5-7 600E Thinkpads, for an average of $45, including shipping. 1 was local for $50 flat, but that one was 100% complete. The rest needed AC Adapters and hard drives.