Taking plunge on new T60- Some questions

[HofmaniaCSU]

Hey everybody, I've been lurking around these forums for some time, trying to get as much info as I could on the new Core 2 duo T60's. I am a college student, and have been putting off getting a notebook for several years, rather upgrading or buying a new desktop system periodically. After playing around with some friends' laptops and tablets, as well as checking some out at local stores, the only one that truly impressed me was my dad's Thinkpad. I've looked at the Dells (bleh), HP's, Toshibas, and Asus computers, but I really don't count any of these in the same category as a Thinkpad. I am looking at a 15 inch laptop to balance portability with screen size. With my budget, which is pretty flexible (preferrably less than $2000), a nicely equipped T60 seems to be my best bet. I honestly could care less if my screen is widescreen or not, so I think I'd be quite pleased with a Flexview screen. Basically, I know the laptop I want, but I do have some specific questions for you guys (hopefully T-60 users yourselves!):

1. I am a third year college student at Colorado State University (obviously a state-accredited institution), am I elligible for discount student pricing? This is essential for getting the laptop I want under budget.

2. I enjoy playing games from time to time, and I would like to be able to play current and future games at a respectable level. I know the Thinkpad is a business machine, and I intend to use it as one, but will the X-1400 128 mb card be able to handle what I'd like it to?

3. 15.4" widescreen vs. 15" Flexview? Like I said, I don't have a preference, and most new notebooks (virtually every other one I've looked at) come with a widescreen. I'm currently on my Dad's old T-series 14", and I've got a 21" monitor at my college house, both standard format and both treat me great. Basically my question here is about that Flexview: should I opt for the highly regarded and acclaimed IPS screen because it's image quality is that much better, or should I go with a widescreen for the occasional movie (I don't deal with spreadsheets, etc.) or whatever widescreen has its advantages for (besides making your laptop look 'new'and next generation, which is probably the only serious reason I'm considering the widescreen).

4. I configured a notebook about a week ago on Lenovo's student (USA) site, with everything I wanted and more, for a very reasonable price (<$1800). I only recently came home for break, and probably won't place an order for several more days. After configuring the same computer, it comes out to be siginificantly more expensive. However, I did save the cart and the quote, and I emailed them to myself. The quote says it is good for 30 days, and if I click the link to purchase now, I am taken to a checkout screen, ready to order. I just wanted to make sure this quote will be valid still if I decide to go with this setup, and if I can apply this quote on the phone with a sales rep.

Sorry to be so long-winded guys, but I'm not about to get my first Thinkpad without making sure it's everything that I'd like. Besides some HP and Apple offerings, the gamer in me really wants this lappy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834220098. Talk me out of getting that ASUS P.O.S. people, tell me a T60 will game decently! Haha, but seriously, any answers to the above questions would be great. Thanks for the help, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

[TPMulanNo1]

hi HofmaniaCSU,

In regard to your question #4:

1. Some rebate shopping portals offer cash rebate on Lenovo purchases (e.g., FatWallet, which I was vary glad to have discovered).

2. I recently had my T60 serviced at a local authorized reseller who claims that they could get me a better deal than the Lenovo site and faster shipping. Doesn't hurt to try your luck with your local resellers.

Good luck!

[Vicster]

I'm sure they will stand behind their quote if it's still within 30 days. If you can't get that price over the web, I'd go ahead and call a rep. Secondly, you might be surprised by dealing with them on the phone, as they may have configurations and prices not listed on the web, possibly garnering a better deal.

I just had a situation where I ordered a T43 on the web for a very good price, but they were having problems getting all the parts together to make the est. shipping date, and postponed it another 2-3 week after having waited that long already. I chose to cancel the order, and asked them what they had "ready to ship." The offered a T60 for considerably less than what I could put together on the web for the same configuration. I'm expecting it tomorrow. I think it would be worth a call.

I can't answer the screen question as that's going to be according to preference, and I'm not much of a gamer. Good luck on your purchase!