Anyone still collecting ThinkPads?

[pianowizard]

Care to give a little more detail here? I thought the ubiquitous, arguably-obnoxious 16:9 screens generally had dismal vertical resolution. Having not closely followed the issue, it's time to ask: What's improved recently?

Sorry for my very late response but I didn't notice your post back in February.

There are now many small and light laptops with 1920x1080 or even higher resolutions. For me, 1920x1080 is perfect for 13.3" and 14.0" screens. Back in the 4:3 era, 13.3" was limited to 1024x768 and 14.1" was in general up to only 1400x1050 (though Dell had 1600x1200 for the Latitude C610 and Inspiron 4100). For 16:10, both 13.3" and 14.1" maxed out at 1440x900.

[ajkula66]

There are now many small and light laptops with 1920x1080 or even higher resolutions.

If my eyes were in better shape, I'd be seriously interested in this one:

http://liliputing.com/2014/10/panasonic ... dwell.html

[pianowizard]

http://liliputing.com/2014/10/panasonic ... dwell.html

Wow, only 1.65 lbs! And 10.1" 1920x1200! Looks like 16:10 may be returning!

The pixel density is 224 DPI, roughly the same as the 222 DPI of my Sony P Series' 8.0" 1600x768 screen. I am using this Sony without scaling, which is tolerable because I don't use it often (mainly when traveling). If I had to use such a high pixel density on a daily basis, I would definitely want to scale things up, but as both you and I know, Windows and most programs scale poorly. Another thing that you also know very well by now: I can't stand Japanese/English keyboards! On the bright side, the touchpad still has mechanical buttons, a feature that's gradually disappearing, especially on ultraportable laptops.

However, even if this Panasonic had an English-only keyboard, I would still prefer my Sony P because it's even lighter (1.23 lbs) and is pocketable. It's the ultimate ultraportable.

[ZaZ]

That's a fairly impressive feat of engineering. I'd bet the DPI is bumped up out of the box, making it easier to read. Wish there was a matte version.

[Khipata]

I still do

And I would like to have 700T, W701DS and Carbon. Most recent one I have is W520, last great workstation class Thinkpad in my opinion

[Saucey]

From eBay I am wishing to get an 800 series, or 1992-94 models.
Eventually when I can afford it I'd like to get a S30, G41, TransNote, 755CDV, 220, 550BJ.
Maybe a few uncanny ones, like the R and A series that had smaller screens.

[FryPpy]

Yes i am... but it is going to the end. Since 2007, when i have bought my first T60, i was was under the impression of the quality and design of Thinkpads. It worked well (some parts was changed due to it's wear but no more notebooks was buyed) and i didn't notice how the notebook market has changed (wide screens and chiclets - apple clones). So i decided to freeze time. I have begun acquiring spare T6x Thinkpads. And i have discovered huge variety of specimens. And from some point i've began collecting them. I haven't dived so deeply into the history of Thinkpads. I haven't crossed the line between Letter-series and 6xx,7xx-series so my oldest Thinkpad is 13" T20 (maxed out with 900MHz + 512Mb + SSD and working well). And it haven't bought it was saved from trash can in my office. T43 was acquired for T50 project but it remained unchanged.
I didn't wanted to cross another line from 4:3 to widescreen models... But suddenly i did it. I have acquired W500 for T60<-500 project but instead i have got WUXGA and spare mainboard and W500 is fully workable on its own. And a line was crossed. After this i have got X200, X201 and it's tablet version. And unwanted W700 "behemoth".
The last acquisitions was X301(it it may replace X61 in work trips if i can accept it's screen), X41t(why i did it when i have all bunch of X61 tablets and X201t???), T30(to close a line from T20 to T60) and T410 - the last full sized 16:10 Thinkpad. And they all are shipping to my house. I doubt that they will have time to arrive by New Year but may be by Christmas.
The next unbraceable line of defence against collecting is 16:9 screens. I think i can sustain this because 16:9 era have made more awful things to keyboards and i don't want it any more.
Maybe i'll I'll find strength to acquire 2 more Thinkpad - W701, or S30, or A3x, or Z61 and i think it will be the end. Today i have enough firepower (computing power;) to make small cluster computer system at home So i don't need it any more!

[dr_st]

The last acquisitions was X301(it it may replace X61 in work trips if i can accept it's screen)

Apparently there are compatible AFFS screens, and some have performed that mod, but they are only 1280x800.

X41t(why i did it when i have all bunch of X61 tablets and X201t???)

Tablets are nice and interesting models. First, you are guaranteed an IPS screen on them, and the concept is just cool. There were times when I was considering getting one, but never did. The combination of two factors has been keeping me away from tablets: I don't really have use for the tablet aspect as part of my usage routine, and the fact that they are typically noticeably bigger and heavier than their non-tablet counterparts.

T410 - the last full sized 16:10 Thinkpad.

And a nice one at that. It's been my primary corporate work machine for the past 4 years, and I've been very satisfied with it. Although, truth be told, the 16:9 T420, for its higher resolution, would probably be even better.

Maybe i'll I'll find strength to acquire 2 more Thinkpad - W701, or S30, or A3x, or Z61 and i think it will be the end.

All nice models, each in their own way.

I briefly owned a Z61t. I purchased it some time during the T61/T400 era. I liked the Z61t a lot, because it had exactly the same screen size, and was just so much lighter, more compact and prettier than the horrendous-looking T61/T400 with their fat asymmetric bezels. In looks I'd say it outshines also the T410/T420, which are not bad-looking in their own right.

I did not keep the Z61t, since I had no real use for it at the time. Nowadays, it probably won't be such a useful machine to have. The same SATA1/3GB limitations as the T60, and no ExpressCard make it under-performing and not upgradeable. USB port placement is not ideal too (all on one side, two of them very close together). Average quality TN only screens. Nice as a collectible, maybe, but not more than that. I doubt I'll get one, even if I can find an interesting specimen.

I still own the fabulous custom-built A31p I acquired from ajkula66 some 3.5 years ago. It's a fabulous machine to look at and talk about, and could still be used as a light office / old gaming system. Unfortunately, as many of them do, it developed the symptoms of a dying LCD and a dying GPU, so its days are likely numbered. Good replacement parts are more and more difficult to come by, and are simply not cost-effective at this point. It is likely to be moved to the "retired" section in the not too distant future.

[ajkula66]

I've trimmed my collection down tremendously...here's what I have left - along with "why" - the machines used by the rest of the family not included...

A31p:

I really don't think that this one needs any further elaboration for people familiar even remotely with my posts. Bulky and outdated, but still impressive - that keyboard...OMG - and will always remain my favourite ThinkPad ever. As stated in my signature: glorified typewriter, but a heck of a good one.

T43pSF:

It took me quite a while to get where I wanted to be with this system, but I am finally at the point where it does everything I need it to do while remaining an incredibly pleasant machine to use. A heavily tweaked W7 Pro install on an Intel SLC SSD helps. A lot.

T61

This one I fell in love with somewhat unexpectedly over the course of time. It all started with me acquiring a 08/10 NVS 140M unit with somewhat average specs, but in very decent shape, and with surprisingly good hinges. So I threw in a NOS LG Philips WUXGA panel. And a T9300. An Atheros "n" card. 8GB RAM. 512GB Crucial M4 SSD.

In other words, a ton of money. But it ended up being a great system for my needs and sufficiently powerful for quite some time to come. I've got one more thing to add to it, but will keep quiet on the matter at hand until I actually have the part in my possession.

Lastly - waiting to be picked up after the holiday season - I have a X301 coming in to take place of our recently sold T410 as a travel machine... If I end up deciding that the LCD is unbearable even with the custom profile created by a fellow forum member, I'll just have to come up with another "travel-friendly" unit...

And that's all, folks...

[FryPpy]

Apparently there are compatible AFFS screens, and some have performed that mod, but they are only 1280x800.

I have red forums about it there and on 51nb. But i haven't understood how to do this mod. Somewhere i have red that HV133WX1 is too thick to place in X301 lid unmodded.
If you can point me right direction (links to web pages) i'll be wery happy. (PM me to not keep this topic clean).
If i'll be honest with you, i must to add - i bear in mind this mod... and took not a single X301 but 2;) One normal working with 1.4GHz CPU and one with 1.6GHz and broken screen... So first thing to do - is transplanting lid to 1.6 unit. And then torture broken screen on 1.4 unit with AFFS while i can use other unit as daylidriver.

Tablets are nice and interesting models.

I kow;) My first X - was normal X61 (i am writing this post on it . But then i have red about IPS mod for X61... got first X61 tablet to cannibalize... and can't do it... But replace it's original fingertouch screen with new and old LCD have used in mod. Yes it is XGA (not SXGA+) but it is IPS and bight, and clean. And then i've got SXGA+ unit to make final mod... but this tablet still lives on it's own (unabused).
One day i have red e-book on X61t (commonly i'am reading plane old paperbooks, but these days i was to lazy to go to shop). And it was wonderfull - because 4:3 is made for paperbooks 16:9 is out of sence for this use case (big black gaps like we see when watch movies on our classic Thinkpads;) Sometimes i have checked GUI designs for fingertouchability with this X61;)

After pushing 16:10 line i've got X201 as a try to make it my daylidriver with good firepower and wide keyboard instead of X61. X201 tablet... initially to make X201 with i7 CPU, but after that i have got single motherboard and tablet (with multitouch;) is living near me unabused but slightly wounded).
BTW - X20x series tablets not much bigger than normal X20x notebooks (only some mm more for stylus holder).
BTW - X41 tablet have better body and better swivel than X6x, but 1.8 IDE HDD kill all this advantages.

I briefly owned a Z61t. I purchased it some time during the T61/T400 era. I liked the Z61t a lot, because it had exactly the same screen size, and was just so much lighter, more compact and prettier than the horrendous-looking T61/T400 with their fat asymmetric bezels. In looks I'd say it outshines also the T410/T420, which are not bad-looking in their own right.

Interesting hint. Yes i know that Z61 is a brother to T60:( I know that Z-series is like a step to make mulimedia Thinkpad - light and thin for non IT professionals, but with quality of Thinkpad. And it was done well. May be that all Ideapads and SL, L are child of Z-series concept... but they are more multimedia and less Thinkpads:(
BTW - i am dreaming about Titanium Z61;) Not because Z serias are unique as a mulimedia concept, but because titanium body (lid) is unique among all thinkpads. But every day i see Ti lid - i have gotten strange feelings. It is like "white crow" - white thinkpad - but not 100% white but only white top surface. It is like unfinished concept:( But i think it can take place among other Thinkpads in collection.

As you can see i am not a collector. I am gathering some parts of thinkpads for some projects and they become working ones at my shelf afterwards .


And one question to REAL COLLECTORS - did you have Thinkpad Reserve Edition - X61 in leather skin?

[Khipata]

"And one question to REAL COLLECTORS - did you have Thinkpad Reserve Edition - X61 in leather skin?"

I do not consider myself a REAL collector, at least not yet, but would very much like to get my hands on one

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

S nastupaiushchim rozhdestvom i s novim godom, s novim schastiem!
(This is for FryPpy, same thing in Russian)

[ThinkPad560X]

I actually could of bought that ThinkPad X61 Reserved Edition. I remember it being on the IBM or Lenovo Website when they use to picture all the ThinkPads from lowest model to hightest. They had the pics setup like this. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4 ... SY355_.jpg

It seems like The Japan market got a more larger selection on models of ThinkPads, Even models that never came to the U.S. But thats with all companies, even Vehicles, Saw GM makes vehicles in South America never seen here.

I thought that ThinkPad 550BJ Printer was nice combo, Only available in Japan. http://www.komotch2.com/tps/550bj.htm So I think it would be hard to collect every ThinkPad model. I atleast got a ThinkPad S30.

[FryPpy]

I actually could of bought that ThinkPad X61 Reserved Edition. I remember it being on the IBM or Lenovo Website when they use to picture all the ThinkPads from lowest model to hightest. They had the pics setup like this. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4 ... SY355_.jpg

More correct photo - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/09/07 ... e_edition/ or thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/ ... ition.html.

There are some gems in any big company production line. For example Audi's made many cars but some of them have some unique. They have real limited count and very expensive. Sport quattro (homologation of S1 for group B ~1000 units) RS2(~2000 units), S6+(~900), A4 DTM and many (but less unique) RS and R8. All of them (except sport quattro) are children of Quattro GMBH. But among them there exceptional (legendary) ones. Only 1 or 2 of S2 sedan (saloon) cars was built. One is property of Audi till near past and other history in unknown. 1 green V8 avant (estate) are presented in Ingolstadt museum. Yes i am fan of for rings.
Reserve edition as i know is not common model. As i have red it was made for executives of lenovo and may be IBM. I dont know if it ever been sold on free market. Yes it can be sold on ebay since so many years have passed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

S nastupaiushchim rozhdestvom i s novim godom, s novim schastiem!
(This is for FryPpy, same thing in Russian)

Thank you.
Although there is a separate topic for this...
I wish all collectors and simple Thinkpaders health and happiness in the coming New Year!

[packman274]

I have a semi-retired Thinkpad A21 and a fully operational Thinkpad G40 (CPU: 3GHz, RAM: 2GB, HD: 60 GB, OS: XP Pro).
They are both original IBMs and not Lenovo.
The G40 runs a full Microsoft 2007 office suite.
I use the generic AVG free anti virus product and Hitman Pro as my anti malware team.
Never had a problem with this machine in regards to software or hardware. It is built like a tank to last like the old IBMs were.
I have added RAM modules and reformatted and reinstalled XP Pro a couple of times to freshen things up and everything is crisp and fast with no signs of CPU or memory "lugging".
Have seen many a HP, Toshiba, Gateway, Sony notebook owned by family members and friends go to the curb and this old beast is still doing the job and doing it well.
The only annoying thing is the red "Trackpoint" cap that keeps falling off and getting lost.
Just ordered 6 more of them which should do me for a while.
Microsoft support ended for XP this past April but I have no desire to upgrade the OS to 7 or 8 as I own other PCs with those operating systems and prefer the old G40 and XP.
I guess the truism "If it ain't broke don't fix it" runs contrary to Microsoft's profit generating paradigm. Sticking with the status quo does not billionaires make.
I'll run this laptop til one of us drops and seeing that I just turned 65 I'm not placing bets on which of us (the laptop or me) will expire first.

[packman274]

I forgot about my ancient old IBM ThinkPad 365XD 2625 laptop that sits on top of the desk and mostly functions as a paperweight. It has a 11" screen and runs Win 95 and the Microsoft 5 office suite.
I believe it has a whopping 8 MB of RAM and a 1.35 GB HD and sports a sizzling Pentium 133 MHz CPU under the hood.
Amazingly this old fossil still boots up and will run all its programs like the day it was bought.
In Moore's Law terms this is the octogenarian of IBM Thinkpads.
Show me a 20 year old HP or Toshiba laptop that still runs?
Hint: Don't even bother looking, there aren't any.

[ajkula66]

They are both original IBMs and not Lenovo.

You do realize that G4x series was built by Acer, correct?

[packman274]

They are both original IBMs and not Lenovo.

You do realize that G4x series was built by Acer, correct?

I heard that and it bothers me even less now than it did then.
"A rose by any other name is still a rose."
The IBM decal is on the right front corner and that tells me that IBM was intimately and ultimately in charge of quality control.
Most of these things are actually built in Korea, China or Taiwan and might wind up with any brand name sticker on the case when sold to customers.
My old IBM 365 laptop has a "made in Taiwan" sticker on the back of the case. Now if that isn't sacrilege what is?
Regardless of who made my G40 - great machine !!

[packman274]

They are both original IBMs and not Lenovo.

You do realize that G4x series was built by Acer, correct?

I own an Acer Iconia tablet with runs the 64 bit version of Windows 8.1.
Another fabulous machine that performs a level or two above its weight class.
Runs a full Microsoft Office suite, Nero 2014, DVDFab, the latest editions of Photoshop & Adobe Acrobat Pro with no apparent CPU or memory lag. I can even play Blu-ray discs with an external USB Blu-ray drive and PowerDVD 2014.
Makes me even happier that my IBM G40 and my favorite tablet are related.

[ajkula66]

Regardless of who made my G40 - great machine !!

I'm a big fan of G4x series and have owned many of them. Have yet to put my hands on a G50, though.

With that said, an IBM decal means next to nothing, really. Just look at the *61 series...

I've owned - and sold on this forum - T4x units that had Lenovo's ThinkPad - not the IBM - insignia, but they were built in the U.S...

[packman274]

Regardless of who made my G40 - great machine !!

I'm a big fan of G4x series and have owned many of them. Have yet to put my hands on a G50, though.

With that said, an IBM decal means next to nothing, really. Just look at the *61 series...

I've owned - and sold on this forum - T4x units that had Lenovo's ThinkPad - not the IBM - insignia, but they were built in the U.S...

I heard the IBM G50 was sold exclusively in Japan but don't trust a foggy 65 year old memory on this one.

[ajkula66]

I heard the IBM G50 was sold exclusively in Japan but don't trust a foggy 65 year old memory on this one.

Your memory is still quite good since that is correct...

[ThinkPad560X]

I have a IBM ThinkPad G40 with a Intel Pentium 4, 3.0GHz, 2GB Max RAM, XP Pro. I saw they came in a Intel Celeron too but went with the Intel Pentium 4. We only got in the US the G40 and G41. And the ThinkPad G50 was sold only in Japan. All the ones I seen all had the small spacebar with the Japanese lettering on the keys. Their was a Japan Auction site I remember along time ago around 2005-2006, and they had lots of ThinkPad S30s, G50s and other models on their, But could not translate the language and the yen prices. http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/e-fe ... nd_item_en

If you look at that web link, It looks like the G50 uses the T60/R60/X60, The start of the lenovo AC Adapter plug. Even has a Intel Core Duo Processor.

I look on ebay ever so often for rare models. I found 2 IBM ThinkPad S30s. One is glosstop and one rubber standard.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-PC-portabl ... 27f550a568
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTRA-RARE-Mira ... 27f50de5f2

[pianowizard]

I forgot about my ancient old IBM ThinkPad 365XD 2625 laptop...Amazingly this old fossil still boots up and will run all its programs like the day it was bought.

My 365X didn't last long (though I bought it used). I opened it up and was shocked by its crappy engineering. This isn't surprising because the 3** series was designed to be cheap. To refresh everyone's memory:

2** series = subnotebooks; later merged with the 5** series to become the X series
3** series = value; evolved into the i Series, then the R, SL, L, and E (Edge)
5** series = thin and light; later merged with the 2** series to become the X series
6** series = flagship notebooks; evolved into the T and W5** series
7** series = desktop replacements; evolved into the A series, then the G series, and most recently the W7**
8** series = PowerPC-based

Show me a 20 year old HP or Toshiba laptop that still runs?
Hint: Don't even bother looking, there aren't any.

I have no doubt that the 6** Thinkpads were far superior to all contemporaneous HP and Toshiba laptops -- many still regard them as the best Thinkpads ever -- but I bet there were plenty of HPs and Toshibas that beat the 3** series Thinkpads in reliability and durability, especially if you count Compaqs as HPs.

Most of these things are actually built in Korea, China or Taiwan

Where they are built hardly matters. What matters is who *designed* them. The G Series was designed by Acer, though IBM approved the design.

I look on ebay ever so often for rare models. I found 2 IBM ThinkPad S30s.

If you want REALLY rare, look for the i Series 1124. It's the rarest Thinkpad that I know of. It was virtually identical to the 240Z except the chassis used cheaper material, and hence the “i Series” label. But it’s now even rarer than the 240Z. I am proud to say that I had one several years back, but am ashamed to say I was stupid enough to sell it. It was in near-mint condition, and I sold it for barely over $100.

[FryPpy]

I look on ebay ever so often for rare models. I found 2 IBM ThinkPad S30s. One is glosstop and one rubber standard.

And both of this 2 beauty belongs to one man!?
I have grepped MTM database made by twistero for S30 and find out some interesting things.

Code: Select all

2639-42J,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Ethernet 1394, Li-Ion battery, Win2000"
2639-4W7,"2639"
2639-4WJ,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Integrated Wireless, Li-Ion battery, Win2000"
2639-CJ1,"Based on 2639-4WJ: PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Integrated Wireless, Li-Ion battery, Win2000"
2639-CJ6,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Ethernet 1394, Li-Ion battery, Win2000"
2639-CM2,"2639"
2639-CM4,"2639"
2639-NJ1,"Based on 2639-42J - PIII 600MHz (256KB), 256MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Ethernet 1394, Li-Ion battery, Win2000"
2639-NJ2,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 256MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Integrated Wireless, Li-Ion battery, Win2000"
2639-NJ3,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 256MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Integrated Wireless, Peach, Li-Ion battery, Win2000"
2639-R3J,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Ethernet 1394, Mirage, Li-Ion battery, WinXP"
2639-R5J,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Ethernet 1394, Peach, Li-Ion battery, WinXP"
2639-RAJ,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Integrated Wireless, Peach, Li-Ion battery, WinXP"
2639-RJ1,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Ethernet 1394, Li-Ion battery, Win98"
2639-RRJ,"PIII 600MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 10.4 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Modem, Integrated Wireless, Peach, Li-Ion battery, WinXP"

All of them are brothers and sisters and differs only with Memory, OS and LAN type. Some of them have "Mirage" word - which is means "glosstop". Sometimes it denoted as S31 in internet. BUT WHAT MEAN THE WORD "Peach"??? Internet doesn't know anything about this model. Another mistery or unique Thinkpad model. May be someone knows anithing about this?

PS
There is another topic about rare thinkpads and collecting is nearby. It begins from 800-series ebay lot and ends with other unique Thinkpads.

[RealBlackStuff]

From a Chinese website: http://list.beareyes.com.cn/2/lib/20041 ... 017001.htm
As translated by Google:

B5-sized ThinkPad S30 mainly targeted at allowing users to carry and use, weighs only 1.45kg, which at the time was relatively leader. Working hours of the new machines use standard battery for up to 6.5 hours, embodies the characteristics of business machines (two cell phone 's battery life varies depending on battery case may be). Aircraft in a small body design, it is also capable of ensuring the smooth input keyboard size. Bond distance of 18.25mm, key high as 2.5mm. The color of the product surface gloss black paint, the scientific name is "Piano Black Mirror (MirageBlack)".

IBM's materials technology is quite advanced. Because ThinkPad exterior colors are the same, so when developing new models, colors do not have to worry. However, if the use of different materials and paint, texture is different, so the actual comparison of different models also discuss different "black" is developed. So far, ThinkPad ever used surface treatment and painting in the following ways: ABS resin (no paint), Mat black paint, black metallic paint, Peach Skin paint, paint containing titanium Peach Skin, aluminum mirror treatment.

In addition, according to the different requirements of various models of strength, weight, black shades, smoothness, texture and other senior pair, with a maximum rendering characteristics of each product surface treatment and painting methods. Different materials and painting methods have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, the advantage is that the ABS resin can be stably produced at low cost. For example, there is Peach Skin Peach Skin paint and paint containing titanium way more use of ThinkPad. This surface soft to the touch, giving the impression of calm, both from a functional or design on it is a very good material. Particularly those containing titanium Peach Skin paint, shiny look from another perspective, can not describe the beauty of this attracted many users. Large number of secondary market ThinkPad 600 series uses Peach Skin painting, rather ThinkPad T series and X series with paint containing titanium Peach Skin mode.

Aluminum Mirror Processing ThinkPad S30 introduced today adopted. Its shiny surface like a piano, vibrant black, smoothness and high texture particularly prominent, while the strength and thinness are not inferior to other materials. This refreshing material color is named "glossy piano black (MirageBlack)".

[FryPpy]

ABS resin (no paint), Mat black paint, black metallic paint, Peach Skin paint, paint containing titanium Peach Skin, aluminum mirror treatment.

You can have any colour as long as it's black

Only now i have understood all the depth of this term.

I like black design of thinkpad. And i haven't understood that it have different black... After your quote i have layed side by side T20 (eldest of my Thinkpads), T43, T601, W700, X61 and x201, and found that they have different black.

All i have known before (from car technologies) - that metallic or perl painting is painting with Al particles of different sizes. Surface is matte after painting but after couple of layers of lacquer it get deep shine.
But there is the other side - they make surface more matte with this Ti (or Al?) particles.

T20 have bigger particles. And X61 and X201 have smaller ones. And they (T20 and X61) look a bit different for me. May be this feeling because of the different wear of lid surface. It's time to check it with good day light, but the winter is coming...

It is interesting to see different Thinkpad surfaces and know how they felt and what they names.... Incredible...

[tfflivemb2]

Show me a 20 year old HP or Toshiba laptop that still runs?
Hint: Don't even bother looking, there aren't any.

Ummm as diehard of a Thinkpad fan s I am, I beg to differ. I have several HP/Compaqs and Toshiba's, that are still running (286, 386 and 486 versions). I also have an Asus from the same time period, that I got for my parents, back in the day...

[Hierax_ca]

I've got several Toshiba Portege's from the mid '90s.

[brchan]

Thinkpads seem to be the most reliable notebooks, at least in the 90s. One of my relatives had 2 work-issued business laptops ranging from the late 90s to 2002. Both were Toshiba Porteges. None of them were reliable after a few years. The oldest Portege developed a power jack issue, and the other overheated and froze often. All the Thinkpads in my sig have worked without issue, other than dead batteries, and a failing fan in my T43.

[ajkula66]

FWIW, my work-issued T20 is still kicking almost 15 years later, although it's not allowed on the corporate network anymore, since it's running W2K...

A few quick observations:

a) Battery holds about 5-7 minutes of charge on a good day

b) The keys are extremely shiny, but still legible.

c) I believe that the machine is on its third or fourth hard disk drive.

Apart from what I've just written above, it still runs as well as it did in May of 2000 when we first met...

I'm honestly quite surprised that the LCD (13.3" XGA) hasn't developed even a slightest hint of red hue although it's likely not as bright as it was 15 years ago.

One great laptop. Period.