First time buyer needs help!!!

[r0mul4t0r]

Hello everyone! I was researching ibm laptops because i want one for college and came across this wonderful site! I research extensively before i buy anything and after 4 months of doing so i still need help...
I think a ibm t23 being right around $500-600 in good condition, mini PCI slot, and stock options for dvd/cd-rw is right for me but can anyone help me for sure before I buy? Thanks in advance!

[BillMorrow]

what kind of help are you seeking..

someone to agree with your assessment..?
ok, i agree, a T32 is a good thinkpad model..

but unless you are seriously impecunious (i.e. broke) why not get a T40 series for little more outlay..?

like teresa sellings T40 for sale here..?!

[r0mul4t0r]

Well I really originally wanted a laptop no more than $500 at time of purchase w/o wireless (bad experiences w/ mail in rebates), but later raised it to $600. I guess my question is really this: w/ about a 1gig processor which TP is best around $500-600? Also how much for Teresa's basic t40's?

[mysbca]

Teresa is selling hers for $725 shipped with more than 1 year warranty remaining:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=14530

I also would recommend the T40 over the T23. It runs cooler and will have better battery life than the T23, as well as the built-in USB 2.0 and wi-fi. Not all T23 have wi-fi built-in.

[Orbitz]

I have to agree...that is a great price for that T40 and it really is a much better machine than a T23 for small increase in cost..plus it is still under warranty which would make it a slam dunk in your price range

[BillMorrow]

r0mul4t0r is a new user who needs to learn by experience..
he'll let teresa's T40 go to someone else and then regret it..

here are the specs: P M 1.5GHz, 256MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HDD, 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 16x10x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD(slim), Modem(CDC), Ethernet(LOM), Wireless upgradeable, Secure Chip(TCPA), UltraNav, 6 cell battery, WinXP Pro

[r0mul4t0r]

Well I've really been eyeing this one seller from MN for a while with their unending supply of t23's right around the specs and price I need, but don't know much about ebay shopping. As always no warranty on battery life but what do ya'll think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Thinkpad-T23-PI ... dZViewItem

BTW Yes I realize the T40 would be much better than any T23, but I do have a strict budget + I need to get a "G" wireless card soon also.

[mysbca]

That one looks okay, could be cheaper.
I like this one more (better spec for only $16 more with BuyItNow):
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-T23-Pe ... dZViewItem

1.2GHz vs 1.13GHz
512MB vs 256MB RAM
40GB vs 30GB HD
WinXP Pro vs Win2K
$460 shipped vs $444 shipped

however,
no warranty vs 1+ month warranty
no recovery CDs

Both sellers seem reputable and have sold laptops in the past.

Wireless G cards are really cheap now, especially after rebates. If you live near a Fry's, they occasionally have Airlink+ cards for $10 with no rebates.

[r0mul4t0r]

I had another question: should I go ibm certified refurbished or ebay?

[whizkid]

Where to buy depends on your aversion to risk. IBM Certified is a known quantity. You get exactly what they say, and it's a very nice package deal. The machines are also generally in excellent cosmetic condition. And you pay a price for that security.

eBay is hit or miss, depending on the seller. If you can find a great seller, others can too, and it's harder to score a deal, but you can still get a fair price. Or you can be like me (lately) and buy machines that are broken, but that YOU think are only a little broken and fix them.