windows 7 on x60s or get different used thinkpad?

[flyingsherpa]

I have a x60s that I don't use much anymore, but I like to have it around for backup purposes (in case my desktop breaks). It currently has windows XP SP3... which we all know just went end-of-life. I've read here that win7 works well, but it's at least $100 to buy (any way to get it cheaper legally?). Seems like a lot of money to put into an old laptop that isn't used very often. Linux would be free, but I kind of like to stick to what I know.

I'm wondering if it might make more sense to get another used x-series thinkpad that already has win7 on it? I'm not too familiar with which machines would be a decent upgrade from x60s without being too expensive in the used market ($200-300? so it's only $100 or so more than I would spend just buying win7 for the x60s). I do like my x60s, but the screen is very poor (low resolution, bad viewing angles), so I'd prefer something that would improve on both those areas. Just looking for any advice out there. Thanks!

[EOMtp]

An X200[s] with Windows 7, on eBay, will run $100-$150 ... there are many ... like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-Thinkpad ... 3cdf00a721

X200s is rather rare on eBay, but well worth considering, since it gets 5-10+ hours on battery, depending on battery size. Perhaps you find an X200s with the high-resolution screen (1440x900), if that is something you want.

[dr_st]

I have a x60s that I don't use much anymore, but I like to have it around for backup purposes (in case my desktop breaks). It currently has windows XP SP3... which we all know just went end-of-life.

So? It still works fine and will continue working fine. No reason why you cannot continue using it, especially on a backup laptop.

[flyingsherpa]

So? It still works fine and will continue working fine. No reason why you cannot continue using it, especially on a backup laptop.

Well, most of the stuff I've read on this issue says XP will get progressively less secure over the next few months or so. They recommend replacing it within a year at most. True, I don't use it very often, but I could at any moment, and I'd like to be able to rely on it.

[dr_st]

It is my opinion that most of the stuff one reads online is, in general, bull.

People who have nothing smart to say and cannot offer any real insight just say what seems to them obvious, that's it.

Of course, my opinion is also just that, an opinion.

[ZaZ]

To some degree, I think it's a bit of scare tactic. Now, if you're running XP with no malware software or firewall and still using Outlet Express, you're asking for trouble. Some security companies have said they'll continue to support XP, though Microsoft will not. I do use a firewall, but no virus or internet software and I've not had a virus in years.