380

[tony6264]

what is the general opinion of the thinkpad 380XD?
I am looking at maybe buying one and just wondering if anyone knows about anything to look out for?
Thanks

[AlphaKilo470]

I've never used a ThinkPad 380XD before but if it's anything like my 385D or my 380ED, then despite being rather bulky and not having the best power management features (the battery management sucks), the unit itself is very reliable and durable (both 380's of mine have been dropped onto my hardwood floor several times and my 385D even survived a fall onto the concrete floor of my office) and if you load Win95 or 98 onto it, it'll usually run rather fast for most basic apps. The screen is also good. Many complain that the 380's SVGA screen is dimmer than the average which it is but I find it to be very easy on my eyes and the text to be very legible, more so than on my XGA 760ED.

The feature I think stands out the most however is the keyboard. The good tactile feedback and soft touch combined with the large wrist space makes this computer very stellar for typing long papers, documents and essays on.

All in all, the machine is very god for basic computing and desk use and is grat for people with a premium on space as all the drives are internal but it's lackluster battery and management of will hinder it's travel abilities. It's also notable that the sturdy case and low res screen make this computer a perfect candidate as a kids first computer.

[tony6264]

Thanks ...that is pretty much the kind of info I was looking for...and it just so happens that this is going to be a first computer for my 8year old and she has limited space, thats why I was looking for a inexpensive laptop.
thanks again.

[AlphaKilo470]

No problem at all, I'm just glad to be of help.

My recomendation to you after getting the laptop if you do so would be to make sure the RAM is at least at 32mb and theat the installed OS be Windows 95B or Windows 98SE.