buying older x series model

[dalee18]

Hi, I'm currently a very happy owner of a T42 3XU model, and prior to that, a 600 series. I bought my T42 last year, and while I couldn't be more thrilled with it, I've just started graduate school and I'm finding myself in need of something a bit more portable to tote back and forth to school in my backpack daily. I'd be using it for word processing and wireless internet browsing.

It needs to be small, light, and durable, but not necessarily top of the line. I'd essentially consider any x series model, right on down to an x20. Does anyone know of any reliable online retailers that sell refurbished older x series models at a reasonable price? I've looked on ebay, but would prefer a reseller that would check the units out a bit more thoroughly.

As much as I'd love a shiny new x40, I can't justify that kind of expense right now. Thanks for the input.[/b][/quote]

[jealouse]

i would still suggest ebay because, while there are some online resellers with their own internet shop and all, their asking price is usually ridiculous compare to the average price on ebay...that kinda beats your purpose for an inexpensive notebook.

there are some reputable resellers on ebay and you can easily spot them as many of them have hundreds of feedbacks.

i would also suggest to get at least x22 or higher cuz their max memory is significantly higher (~368MB for x20 and x21 comapre to ~640MB for x22~x24). since those old x-series are slower by definition, i would max out memory before any other upgrades.

[bhtooefr]

X20: Max memory 320MB
X21 2660-xxx: Max memory 320MB
X21 2662-xxx: Max memory 384MB
X22-24: Max memory 640MB
X30: Max memory 1GB

That's all the Pentium III-based X series... I'd highly recommend the 22-30, as they can take just any PC133 SODIMM (two in the case of the 30), whereas the 20/21 can only take 16-chip modules, and even then only 256MB (the others can take 512MB modules).

Also, the 22+ has a Tualatin processor, which uses less power, clocks higher, and has more cache, and runs at a 133MHz FSB versus the 20/21's 100MHz FSB (note: Coppermine can run at a 133MHz FSB as well, but when they changed chipsets, they also changed processor cores).

[dalee18]

Thanks so much I guess I'll take my chances with ebay and look for an x22 or higher

[bhtooefr]

Looking at your needs (word processing, Internet browsing), an X20/21 might actually do the trick. The only problem I see is that to get internal wireless, you'll have to lose the modem and Ethernet, and the install will involve dismanting the LCD - you only have to give one up on a 22-24, and you won't have to give anything up on a 30. And, on those, there may be a wireless antenna already. Myself, I use a PC card.

An X21 2662-64U, 65U, 66U, or 67U will do the job nicely. XGA screen, 700 P3, modem and Ethernet Mini-PCI card, 128MB on board, 20GB HDD standard (it'll take a 7K60, though). The 64/65 are Intel modem/net combo cards, the 66/67 are 3coms. The 64/66 come with Win98 SE standard, the 65/67 come with Win2K Pro standard.

Of course, for what you're doing, you might even look at a 570E with the 13.3" XGA screen. It weighs a pound more than the X20/21, but is cheaper. It's the direct predecessor to the X20.

Due to the fact that you're doing Internet browsing, I would NOT look at the 240/240X (the 240 is older and slower, but can take more RAM), or the SVGA 570E, X20, or X21.

[whizkid]

If you use a PDA, keep in mind that the X20 and X21 do not have an infrared port. That means no wireless syncing over IR. Very big deal if you want it. No big deal if your PDA has WiFi or Bluetooth.

[bhtooefr]

Good point, there...

Forgot about that, and I've got both a PDA and a cell phone with IR...

(The cell phone is the more pressing concern, as the only way to get pictures off of it without either adding packages to my plan or buying a data cable is IR...)

[jnumiker]

Eritech has a IBM factory refurbished X22 for $460. I got one recently and it comes with a brand new battery and it was cosmetically very very good with only a tiny scratch on the top and a little bit of that neat coating rubbed off a corner of the palm rest. It is a bit more than you will pay off ebay but, considering that a real IBM battery costs you ~$150 and that it does come with the media slice and CD-ROM it all works out - and this is quite a bit safer as a known factory refurb commodity with a limited warranty. I would seriously consider them again as my experience was pretty possitive and I think it is a decent deal for what you are getting.

https://www.eritech.com/results.php?manuf=IBM