X40 - making sense of models and pricing

[tazman]

I'm considering an X40 but I'm getting a head ache trying to sift through the various models and what differentiates them (and what rationale there is for the price differences). Is there any pattern here that would help me cut through the confusion and make a reasoned judgement about how much to spend on what? I think I'm catching on that the Express models (for whatever reason) are a generally better deal. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks to me that the X4 Ultrabase with a CD/DVD drive is *included* with some models but not others (although most web sites I have looked at seem very vague about this). TIA for any help.

taz

[aamsel]

Welcome to the forums!
Please update your profile to display your location.

You are correct about the ultrabase being included/not included depending on model.

You are also correct that the Express models can be less money (although Bill (the owner/operator of this website) may be able to get you a better deal on a Standard model. From www.thinkpads.com take the link to his site instead of this forum. PM or call him.

Express models are based on configurations that IBM/Lenovo considers typical popular configurations. If you want anything out of the ordinary, Express usually won't work.

Also, keep in mind that some systems have 1 year warranty, some have 3 year warranty. Also, some X series have 4 cell battery, some have 8 cell.
Some have bluetooth, some don't, some have fingerprint reader.
This is in addition to the different sized hard drives, base memory, and different wireless cards.

There really is no "rhyme or reason" about some of the pricing. Some systems are better values, some are not.

Yes, it can drive you nuts.

Go to the FAQ in these forums and download TABOOK.PDF which is a complete listing of current models and configurations (but not prices). Pick out several configurations that you would prefer, then check the pricing with Bill or IBM/Lenovo.

Bill will get you a discount, and can save you paying the tax on the purchase.

Also, keep in mind that the best value may be a system that does NOT have everything you want, that you have to change after purchase.

Generally, it is not recommended to get memory upgrades from IBM/Lenovo.

Post any questions you have here, and someone will help you.

Good luck!

Andrew
Austin, TX

I'm considering an X40 but I'm getting a head ache trying to sift through the various models and what differentiates them (and what rationale there is for the price differences). Is there any pattern here that would help me cut through the confusion and make a reasoned judgement about how much to spend on what? I think I'm catching on that the Express models (for whatever reason) are a generally better deal. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks to me that the X4 Ultrabase with a CD/DVD drive is *included* with some models but not others (although most web sites I have looked at seem very vague about this). TIA for any help.

taz

[tazman]

Andrew:

Thanks for all the info. I had already downloaded tabook.pdf which certainly was a good starting point - I would have *really* been confused without that.

>> There really is no "rhyme or reason" about some of the pricing. Some systems are better values, some are not.

Ok, that gives me some reassurance I'm not crazy.

>> Bill will get you a discount, and can save you paying the tax on the purchase

I will contact Bill. The only models I saw for sale on his site were "T4X" so I didn't realize other stuff was a possibility thru him. Do you know if he can do deals on Express models too or just non-Express?

Do you know what the best route to follow is if you want to upgrade /increase your warranty? Does Bill do that too or is there a good place to go to get well informed on the options and get a good deal?

Thanks again.

Taz

[aamsel]

He does not discount the Express models.

To upgrade the warranty, I am sure that he can do that, or you can do it online or through a sales rep of IBM/Lenovo.

I have not personally ordered from Bill, but many, many people here have and have been extremely pleased with his level of service.

Andrew
Austin, TX

<snip> I will contact Bill. The only models I saw for sale on his site were "T4X" so I didn't realize other stuff was a possibility thru him. Do you know if he can do deals on Express models too or just non-Express?

Do you know what the best route to follow is if you want to upgrade /increase your warranty? Does Bill do that too or is there a good place to go to get well informed on the options and get a good deal?

Thanks again.

Taz

[whizkid]

After reviewing pricing for many models of ThinkPads, my opinion is that the models that come out first are priced high to increase margin. Models that come out later, even if faster, or have more RAM or a larger disk, can be priced less, in order to make them more competitive.

I think IBM never reduced the price of a model, ever. They might have it on sale a lot, or all the time, but its "price" never changed. I've seen in in the educational models especially. Older, slower machines, like the X30 were in there a LONG time, at the same price. People stopped buying them because they are seriously overpriced, and newer machines are available for less, from the same source.

Boggles the mind, it does.