T6x Buyer's Guide?

[Rob Mayercik]

I was hoping you folks might be able to offer some basic T-series buying advice to a 600-series devotee who's been toying with the idea of taking the plunge and ordering a new T6x. Much as I enjoy my 600, it has now and again occurred to me that I should consider buying something a little more up to date (not that the 600 isn't doing everything I need it to do, mind you, but operating systems and software aren't getting any lighter/leaner).

There's also Windows XP to consider. It's been rattling around the back of my head for some time now that sooner or later TPs will no longer be available with a factory preload of XP, and with my admittedly "vintage" software collection, Vista sounds like a headache for the present. (sort of a "get it now while the getting's good")

So, I played with the Lenovo configuration thing the other night (they have some sort of sale going that drops the prices quite a bit until around 12/10 or so) and tried setting up a T61p with discrete graphics. Had fun doing that, but wasn't ready to pull the trigger.

I've also been doing a bit of reading here (as my only other notebook is a 600, I don't typically come into this forum) to try to bone up and figure out if there's any particular options or combinations to avoid/seek. I've seen reports of hangups/lockups and something about off-center LCDs(?), but I haven't gotten a good sense of how widespread/seriout they are.

When I picked up my 600, I got it secondhand and the two primary factors were a serial port (for my VAGCOM VW diagnostic software), and not spending too much since at the time I didn't know how much I'd use a laptop. In retrospect, I've used it a lot more than I ever expected to, and somewhat regret not knowing about/holding out for a 600E/X model instead. This time, my approach is more along the lines of how best to configure things to yield the maximum enjoyment/usefulness for the maximum time.

(side note: I know there's no serial port on the T series, but I figured I'd either get a PCMCIA serial card, or that snazzy-looking ultrabay port replicator thingy if it's available and cheap).

I was kind of hoping that perhaps you folks might be able to recommend some particular threads that are useful from a buyer's perspective.

Thanks,

Rob

[whizkid]

If your 600 works for you, you might consider a T42 or T43 to save some cash. You can still find them with remaining factory warranty, and none of them have Vista.

I recently upgraded my wife's machine from a 600X to a T42 and she's very happy with it.

Anything before a T40 gets a bit heavier than your 600 though.

Having said that, I'm happy with my T60 2623-D7U.

[Rob Mayercik]

I appreciate the suggestion, but if I do commit myself to buying another unit, it's going to be a brand-new one.

How did you decide on how to option out your T60? Did you go with off-the-shelf, or did you customize it, and why?

[Roadster]

(side note: I know there's no serial port on the T series, but I figured I'd either get a PCMCIA serial card, or that snazzy-looking ultrabay port replicator thingy if it's available and cheap).

FYI, you can buy a Sabrent Serial-to-USB Adapter from Amazon for $9 + shipping...

http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-SBT-USC1K ... B00065H0QQ

You might find that to be your cheapest option. (I use an IOGEAR GUC232A for an old Garmin GPS unit that I've had for several years.)

[flashstar]

My T23 is about the same weight at a T4x. DO NOT go with a T4x unless it has at least a year of factory warranty remaining. If it does, then you might consider extending it another year or so. Although the possibility is slim, assume that you will run into the cold solder problem. Do not go without a warranty. When I bought my T23 since it was very cheap and I didn't think about it too much, I didn't realize that I would have to replace virtually all of the components from the entire screen to i/o back board. If you purchase a T4x with a warranty then at least you will be able to send it in and have a thorough IBM exam.

[pae77]

Just curious, how would one go about getting a thorough IBM exam on a computer, assuming it is still under warranty?

[Rob Mayercik]

FYI, you can buy a Sabrent Serial-to-USB Adapter from Amazon for $9 + shipping...

http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-SBT-USC1K ... B00065H0QQ

You might find that to be your cheapest option. (I use an IOGEAR GUC232A for an old Garmin GPS unit that I've had for several years.)

That would be on my list, except that VAG-COM does not get along with these adapters. From the VAG-COM FAQ:

USB<->Serial converters are often unable to handle the baud rate and timing requirements that are demanded by many control modules using the VAG protocols. We have had very poor results with most available USB<->RS-232 converters, therefore USB<->Serial converters are "Not Supported." Please do not ask us for technical assistance if you are using one of these converters.

They specifically state that they've had success with QATech PCMCIA cards, but the price of them is not far off from doing an upgrade to a USB-based interface cable, so I'd have some thinking to do in that regard.

We seem to be drifting a bit off of my original topic. Anyone got some thoughts on what options are good/not good when optioning a T6x?

Rob

P.S. If anyone here's a VW owner (or any other VWAG make), VAG-COM can be found at www.ross-tech.com