Which X-Series for last two years of College?

[TPNewbie]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading these forums for a few weeks now; I love the site and this is my first time posting. I would like some assistance in making a decision. I am a college student with (hopefully) two years left to graduation. I figure if/when I go to law school or some such thing I can buy a new X- or T- series then (I will definitely check with Bill before going anywhere else). I am not inclined to spend too much now because of how quickly technology prices drop; this is reinforced each time I am home and see my family's $5,000 Gateway desktop doorstop my Dad bought seemingly not long ago.

I considered not buying a laptop at all for the time being, but my schedule for this semester (which started Monday) is such that I have several hours worth of free time on campus each day and I think a laptop would increase my productivity a lot. I currently have an HP Omnibook 6000 with a 14" screen which I got a great deal on a few months ago but am now attempting to sell for something faster and lighter and Thinkpad. I don't think there is any question what brand of laptop I will get. I am looking to spend about $500-$600 for the initial purchase and then a little more for a wireless card, a slipcase for my backpack, and maybe more RAM; however, I could definitely go a few hundred dollars more if I found a really good deal.

The programs I would be running are: Windows XP Pro (hopefully), MS Office, outlining software (NoteMap), a DVD player (to watch movies from the HDD, not too much of this), and some basic programming and engineering programs. No serious games. I have a desktop computer for anything heavy duty I might need to run. I am thinking the specs I want are: 800mhz+ processor, 256MB or 512MB RAM, 40GB 5400RPM HDD (I have a brand new one which I would like to use, but I would then hope to get an XP Pro license with the computer).

So my questions are as follows:

1) Is there anything about Thinkpads in general that will surprise me (in a bad way) if I get one, having never handled a recent Thinkpad? The only one I have handled is my Dad's old one (don't know how old, the only spec I can think of is that the HDD is about 700MB) and the keyboard is awesome and the thing is built like a tank.

2) I am leaning towards an X22. I settled there because there seem to be good improvements in performance and features over the X20 and X21 for not too much extra money (going on eBay prices). On the other end, an X30 or X31, while very attractive to me, probably have more speed than I would have use for at this time. As for an X23 or X24, I do not see many of them on eBay. Anything especially good or bad about the X22?

3) If the original owner ordered the recovery disks from IBM, could I have another set sent to me? As I understand it, if there is an XP Pro license sticker on the computer, that would entitle me to run XP pro on the computer, but I would need to get a CD from somewhere.

4) Should I get a T23? I like the idea of a faster system, but that's about it. The form factor, light weight, and lack of an optical drive (I think it is silly, in most cases, for laptops to have a built-in optical drive; I realize I can get one of those bay fillers) on the X-series are pulling me very strongly in that direction. Can anyone compare the build quality of a T23 to an X22?

5) Am I correct in understanding that any X22 either has a wireless card in it or can easily have one put in? (I am very good with my hands; by easily, I mean are the antennae and wires in place?)

That is all I can think of for now. Sorry for the length of the post. Please let me know any thoughts you might have on anything I have written. Anywhere to look aside from eBay? Any arguments for not buying one right now? Thanks very much for your input. I am very excited about getting a Thinkpad and would appreciate everyone's help and experience.

-Erik

[TPNewbie]

I don't suppose anyone knows where I can get an open bay X30 or X31 for well under $1,000? I have the aformentioned 40GB 5400RPM HDD and also 512MB of 200-pin SODIMM I bought from my roommate who upgraded from it in his new HP. Then I would just need to buy XP Pro and get a wireless card.

[TPNewbie]

Anything?

[DavidNZ]

you've asked some pretty specific questions, so not sure how many specific answers you'll get, but lemme chime in with a general one.

A used X31 might be good for you - would fit your budget it would seem. I'm not at all familiar with pricing in the US (assuming that's where you are), but $600 for new machine - didn't think it was possible. Have no idea about the other models you mention, sorry. Let us know, eventually, what you decide. The quality of the Thinkpads is something you'll likely notice right away. I've had three, and bought two sightunseen as there isn't a shop where I live.

[TPNewbie]

Thanks for the reply; I will certainly keep an eye out for a used X31. I am thinking of getting one of the many X30s on eBay from pmnyc001 with a Buy it Now price of $950. Has anyone bought from this seller? I go to completed items and see that not many of these X30s sell (at least more don't sell than do sell). Is the price too high? It seems pretty good to me for a remanufactured Thinkpad with a one year warranty. I did see that they come without an OS, so I will need to buy XP Pro.

[leesiulung]

Personally, I would not get an X30 unless I could not find an X31 that would fit my budget. This is simply because the X30's are equipped with the older Pentium 3 Mobile, which is not even close to the processing power of Pentium M. Also, the battery time although is good is not as good as the x31. Hence, probably why X30's does not sell as well.

I choose the X31 over the X40 again for the very same reason, processing power.... just a thought..

On the note of OS, I find it very strange that it has no OS as the license for the (OEM) OS is usually tied with the machine. Meaning it is not transferable. If it is remanufactured by IBM it should have OS. I would be suspicious... but then I am not 100% sure.

Good luck hunting for a thinkpad... and let us know!