[UK]What DVD-RW / Trackpoint caps for T42, and where to buy?

[philpem]

Hi,
I've just spent the best part of an afternoon trying to:
A) find out which DVD Rewriters will work in a T42 (Ultrabay Slim)
B) buy some Trackpoint caps for my T42
C) extend the warranty

I started by calling IBM/Lenovo, and they suggested I try one of the 'business partners' on their website. After calling a few of them, I get the distinct impression that most of them don't have a clue what they're selling, only sell to business customers, or are intent on price-gouging as much as possible. So far the only price quote I've got for the trackpoint caps was £19.95 for three caps, plus £9.95 postage (total of £29.90, or about $60). As a point of reference, I ordered basically the same part for a Toshiba laptop, which cost me £10 all-told (and most of that was because of a £5 minimum order, so £5 + P&P + VAT). That I consider reasonable for Trackpoint caps. £10 each is pushing it.

Made the mistake of calling Insight too (who are also on the BP list)... "What's a thinkpad?". I rest my case.

Does anyone know of a decent IBM business partner based in the UK that can supply accessories for T42s, preferably one that actually knows what they sell, and doesn't price things by skilled use of a random-number generator?

Final question - what DVD rewriter, if such a beast is available, will fit a T42? Ideally I'd like a DVD Multi Plus, assuming one is available with the right faceplate.

Thanks,
Phil.

[Johan]

With respect to which DVD-RW's are usable in T42's, I suggest you check the thread Swapping T60 Multiburner w/T42 DVD/CDRW - as I believe it is pretty comprehensive on that topic! In short, try if you can find the FRU 40Y8622 (being the "Notebook Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Slim", which must have the curved bezel for T42's).

Trackpoint caps can be ordered e.g. via Lenovo's page: TrackPoint Caps and how to order for ThinkPad systems and TrackPoint Keyboards. I guess you may probably find them cheaper at eBay... but I haven't searched there!

With respect to extending the warranty, I have had quite the same experience as you describe; this is apparently an issue which only few IBM/Lenovo-resellers have a good insight into. The best option, in my opinion, is that you actually take the lead yourself in this topic, and read on this forum about the various possibilities, and the call IBM/Lenovo and ask for a specific ePac or product number. I have shared various information about warranty on this forum, and you'll find much more scattered all over the place (if searching!), but a good starting point might be the thread: FS: T42p 15" Flexview (2373-KXU) (see the post of Wed Jul 04, 2007 11:05 pm) and a more recent, further updated thread: Testing waters for a sale of a nice T42P Laptop (see the post of Sat Sep 15, 2007 1:13 pm).

PS: I see that you already (?!) asked about warranty extension and DVD-writers in a previous thread (this: New T42 owner looking for advice) and that I already answered the questions exhaustive there, so I am sorry if some of the above answers are not providing any news to you. Anyway, I hope that two answers will finally give you the information you seek - so you don't need to ask again.

Best regards,

Johan

[philpem]

My main interest at the moment is finding an IBM reseller who actually knows what they're talking about

I've tried to get IBM to sell me parts for my T42 - it's not going to happen... Not in this country at least.

[Harryc]

I've done a bunch of research on DVD writers for T42's. and TTBOMK, the fastest/most recent DVD multiburner (Ultrabay Slim with a curved bezel) is FRU 40Y8622, P/N 39T2729. It is a Panasonic UJ-832 that burns dual layer DVD's and has some decent, albeit not the fastest specs. I'd be tickled pink if anyone can find a later UJ-842 or UJ-852 with a curved bezel. I say they don't exist and I'm sticking to my story . Christ, for a couple of crummy trackpoint caps I can't believe the price that reseller is charging. Talk about highway robbery. If you get stuck, send me your mailing address via PM and I'll mail a couple to you. I can't believe the crap they put you folks through over there for parts and accessories, not to mention laptop prices.

[philpem]

I've done a bunch of research on DVD writers for T42's. and TTBOMK, the fastest/most recent DVD multiburner (Ultrabay Slim with a curved bezel) is FRU 40Y8622, P/N 39T2729. It is a Panasonic UJ-832 that burns dual layer DVD's and has some decent, albeit not the fastest specs.

Rumour has it there's an LG drive that also bears that FRU number... I'd prefer the LG if given a choice, it can have region protection disabled with a firmware flash

Christ, for a couple of crummy trackpoint caps I can't believe the price that reseller is charging. Talk about highway robbery.

How's this for highway robbery?
http://www.bluegoosesystems.co.uk/produ ... s_id=83243
£51.19 for a set of Trackpoint caps, 'refurbished grade A' with a 4-day wait... That has to be a mistake...

I can't believe the crap they put you folks through over there for parts and accessories, not to mention laptop prices.

Me either. My Toshiba 4600 was dead easy to get parts for - called Toshiba, got the number for their "authorised service provider" who actually knew what the part number was off-hand, knew what I was after, and ordered it from Toshiba for me. I also got prices for the LCD inverter and a few other spares, and they weren't that mad (£30 and some change for the inverter, £5 postage, and VAT on top, a shade over £40 all told).

[Johan]

Phil:

I just stumbled across this post: WTB: Trackpoint cap (soft rim) - there's a fellow by the name basscleff who sells these very cheap; read the thread and PM him, if you are still in need.

Best regards,

Johan