Need buying advice on T30 and refurbs

[stone777]

Been looking for a laptop for family and personal use and decided that a refurbed Thinkpad would be a good buy. IBM sells them refurbed at their site, so I thought to check with you whether those are generally a good deal.

It seems that I can get a T30 for about 500 with extra ram thrown in. The sales folk over there told me that some excellent deals normally come in during the holidays.

I asked them about T23 Thinkpads and they said that those tend to be rare at their shop. The T23 is my preference because of price and cooler running.

What do you think, should I hold out for a T23 or just get a deal at IBM on the T30. This notebook would be for light duty use, but I would like something durable and that is why I am avoiding the Compaq on sale at Wal-mart.

Great forum btw. I like just reading about this machine here. Thanks in advance for your advice

Stone

[stone777]

Also IBM has two types of refurbs: slightly blemished quality, and used notebook.

IBM told me that the slightly blemished is all original case and the 'used notebook' is a new case and keyboard. Usually the 'used notebook' quality goes for a few more dollars. This laptop appears new as only the inside parts are retained and all the casing is new.

Anyone with experience with this. What would be better to buy?

I am leaning toward the all new casing and keyboard.

thanks

Stone

[ambientscape]

Since you're gonna go for light usage, I would recommend a T23 cause T30 tend to have memory slot problems. IBM used to repair for FREE on the memory slot...but not anymore now. try to spot for this defect if you're going on T30.
The T23 is much more lighter than the T30. Choice is yours.....

[Musti]

Have you checked the Canada site? There are some T23s with different configs. The prices are in Canadian currency, too
May be you have a relative up north? Or plan a visit before we're all covered in that white stuff. (Expletive deleted and 'stuff' substituted, -Ed.)

[darkdragoon]

I'm stuck with the memory slot issue on the T30. My other T23 has been a great machine. Best bet go with T23.

[losmeme]

I've had excellent results buying refurbed from IBM. Purchased an X31 three months ago, and couldn't be happier.

The thing is like brand new. The battery was never used new, new Hard Drive (although that's been replaced already!), and what I feel was a new LCD screen. The only complaint I could even muster is that the hinges are a little on the loose side.

I have been following their site since then. They have a ton of T30's up now. I haven't seen a T23 in several months, but that's not to say that one won't show up, just keep checking.

[stone777]

Thanks

I called IBM on the memory slot issue and they said that those are repaired on the refurb machines. IBM is sending a separate 256 Meg stick of ram if you buy a ThinkPad. They claim a 7-day return on the things too.

Hoping to pick up a T23 from their site though, but that is a long shot. Been checking for weeks and nothing.

>Also IBM has two types of refurbs: slightly blemished quality, and used notebook.

Anyone with an opinion on these two types of pads. It would seem that on the 'used' quality that if they had to replace the whole case with a new one that maybe the machine has been fairly abused and perhaps not a good deal?

Canada IBM? Figures, just wonder if they ship here? No, don't know anyone in Canada.

Stone