My new T30

[dimitrir]

Received my new (to me) T30 - refurbished by IBM. It appears to have memory slot fix applied - both memory slots work, and memory door looks newer than the rest of the chassis and is not flat. Keyboard is a little beat up with 1 key not working already and couple other ones ready to stop working too - will EZServe replace it (warranty status says that 3-year warranty is good until December this year) ?

I got it to control my CCD camera and telescope and little light on top of the screen is great - just tried it outside with the telescope, and it illuminates keyboard just enough so I do not have to use flashlight to type something.

Lack of USB 2.0 was easily fixed by a $12 Cardbus USB 2.0 adapter from newegg.com.

[dimitrir]

Just called IBM and they prompty took my information to send me replacement keyboard and power supply (cable on the existing one is just about to break, so it needs some twiggling to work). Good service and I like notebook functionality so far, but I'm a bit disappointed with "refurbished" part - box was sealed with papers inside which indicated that it was "refurbished" by IBM, but it had a visibly broken keyboard and was not even clean - greasy dirt spots and lots of dust. No big deal, but what exactly "refurbishing" means then - throwing off-lease notebook into a box and sealing it ?

[brooklynboy]

Odd.

My refurb T30, purchased from IBM in July 2003, was indistinguishable from new in appearance and performance, as was a second T30 purchased at the same time by a friend. Its warranty, however, was for only one year, not three--but IBM repaired the memory problem for free when it developed well past the warranty period.

Whose refurb experience is more typical, mine or dimitirir's?

[Kyocera]

Got my (certified used) t30 about three weeks ago, I was very happy with the physical appearance, the screen was new, pristine as when I got my t42 (it was actually new). The memory update had been resolved (the cover is raised) I have to say the keyboard was new too because there were no shiny spots or scratches. The top had zero scratches, I have to say if this was used it was barely used or treated with the care that usually only members of this type of forum would show.
Got an Intel wireless card, from absolute in Raleigh and with the exception of upgrading the CD to a burner, it is well worth the 775 US.

[dimitrir]

Oh well, dirty "refurbished" thinkpad was not really a problem - took me 10 minutes to clean it. IBM service is great - I called yesterday about broken keyboard and power supply and courier showed up this morning with replacement parts. It is a nice touch that I do not have to disassemble the whole thing to replace keyboard .

Old keyboard was seriously worn, and new one has absolutely fantastic feel - very nice touch and no flex unlike cheap ones.