NH, MA, VT, ME: Used computer stores

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Gator GT40 · #1 Post by **Gator GT40** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:41 pm

Hey all,
I just got burned by an "eBay Store" on my first used T40 purchase....guy did NOT know how to package, even though he has a 100% positive feedback.

Anywho, I'm looking for actual computer stores that deal in used laptops (preferably Thinkpads!) in the northern New England area (I'm in southern NH) that people on here have had success dealing with (or heard good things about).

Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

synchromesh · #2 Post by **synchromesh** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:44 am

Try the Craigslist store.

I've been buying there for a while.

Anyway, what are you looking for? I have a T42p I'm planning to sell off.

charredii · #3 Post by **charredii** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:08 pm

yeah, me too, i'd like to know as well...

#4 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:11 pm

There are a few dealers right here in the Northeast that use the Marketplace forum to sell Thinkpads. I haven't seen too many complaints as a result of their sales. In fact they usually get rave reviews.

pianowizard · #5 Post by **pianowizard** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:21 pm

synchromesh wrote:Try the Craigslist store. I've been buying there for a while.

That's probably the best option. The Boston Craigslist has so many Thinkpads, most of them overpriced but many have reasonable prices, and if you check frequently you'll find several excellent deals every week. I sold an X40 and an A31p there back in 2006, and on the Providence Craigslist, I've sold at least 10 Thinkpads.

But avoid ads that don't indicate the seller's location, especially the ones that show very nice photos of the laptop and have very tempting prices. These ads are fake.

#6 Post by **Kyocera** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:33 pm

moved here, marketplace is for posting adverts for sales, the actual selling or buying of parts, computers, peripherals, etc.

Gator GT40 · #7 Post by **Gator GT40** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:18 pm

thank you all for your responses!

sorry Kyocera.

I was originally looking for a T-series, as I love the features. I don't want to spend a ton of $$$ on it, but at least want to stay at the 'T' level.

But, in researching online and in here, I've found that I want nothing to do with a T30 and it's RAM module issues (solder joints breaking).

What is my use? Data-logging my car. I need speed. I need RAM. I need a fast HDD, but the HDD does NOT need to have any more than 20-30GB, for it will only have but ~6 installed programs plus the OS. This is will be a bare-bones, dedicated work horse for collecting info from my car's computer.

I have a Compaq Presario 1220 (which was free from a co-worker).....it could download info...but was too jumpy and intermitent. I tried my sisters HP 4420 and that was leagues better, but not the consistency that I'm looking for. So, I decided that I need to get something that was a good solid benchmark in the laptop world.

What the T40 was going to have after I received it was:
- 1.5GHz Mobile CPU
- 2.0GB DRAM (up from whatever came on the laptop)
- 5400rpm HDD (up from a 4200rpm unit) (was toying with going 7200rpm though)

I also realllllly liked the USB port on the left side, as the USB cord I connect to the OBD2 port in my car is a bit on the short side.

I'm in the process of getting a full refund from the seller, and once that goes through, then I'm probably going to get serious about looking again.

Nothing else is really needed as I have a power inverter to use in my car, so the 9cell battery isn't necessary. Software packages don't appeal to me either, as I have the programs I need already. And I don't have room or a need for a docking station.

syncrhomesh (love the screen name man!) - PM'ing you.

again, thank you one and all for your responses.

ajkula66 · #8 Post by **ajkula66** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:50 pm

If the RAM slot problems with T30 worry you, you should be running away from T4x machines like devil from the cross...because of the GPU/motherboard issues...by far, the most troublesome generation of ThinkPads in my modest opinion...and I do like them very much (writing this on a T43) but just wanted to point out that these machines are not at all trouble-free...

My advice would be to buy something with warranty left, if at all possible.

Good luck.

Gator GT40 · #9 Post by **Gator GT40** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:56 pm

ajkula66 - well then, perhaps this eBay deal went shoddy for a reason!

Since we are now sitting in the off-topic section, which TP sounds like it would suit me and have the least amount of issues?

ajkula66 · #10 Post by **ajkula66** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 12:40 am

If you need USB 2.0 and it seems to me that way, nothing older than T40 will do.

There are still T42s around with warranty left, and these are fine machines. And these could possibly fit in your budget the way I understand it (around $400).

Another model to be considered would be R40 (not R40e), especially with a PM processor, and these can be had for $300-350 nowadays. Stronger P4M versions (2.0 and above) are also nothing to sneeze at. All of these have USB 2.0

If you don't need USB 2.0 you could get away with T30 which is nowhere near as scary as people sometimes present it. On a durability basis, for field use, it beats any T4x.

I could go on and on, but if you throw us a bit more info on what the use is going to be about, I'm certain that this forum will find you a "perfect bride"....

Gator GT40 · #11 Post by **Gator GT40** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:23 pm

ajkula66 wrote:If you need USB 2.0 and it seems to me that way, nothing older than T40 will do.

There are still T42s around with warranty left, and these are fine machines. And these could possibly fit in your budget the way I understand it (around $400).

Another model to be considered would be R40 (not R40e), especially with a PM processor, and these can be had for $300-350 nowadays. Stronger P4M versions (2.0 and above) are also nothing to sneeze at. All of these have USB 2.0

If you don't need USB 2.0 you could get away with T30 which is nowhere near as scary as people sometimes present it. On a durability basis, for field use, it beats any T4x.

I could go on and on, but if you throw us a bit more info on what the use is going to be about, I'm certain that this forum will find you a "perfect bride"....

Could you please explain your comment about a T30 beating any T4x for durability in field use?

USB2.0 would be nice, but I don't think my USB <--> OBD2 cord is USB2.0.

I would like to ultimately configure the machine to have:
- 2 GB RAM
- 7200rpm ~30GB HDD
- 1.5+ GHz Pent Mobile

Things I will take as part of the package, but won't go over my budget for:
- wireless
- docking port
- 9cell battery
- super graphics

I don't want a HUGE laptop, as it needs to sit in the passenger seat, but also sits between me and the steering wheel (while I'm stopped) when I'm setting up for data runs and also when I'm checking real-time parameters.

The laptop will be hooked up to my car to only download info off the ECU (Engine Control Unit) in real time while I'm driving, idling and going wide open throttle, thus the need to process and record quickly. That's it.

The T40 on eBay was sold to me for $330 shipped and it had a few faded keys. So that is right about my budget. Should I find a killer deal that is hard to pass up, I could push the limit a bit.

Honestly, there is really nothing else to it. So, let the advice roll in.

Thanks everyone!

#12 Post by **Kyocera** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:49 pm

Could you please explain your comment about a T30 beating any T4x for durability in field use?

I can help with that question. I worked in the field as a network tech and had to drag my thinkpads in and out of customer sites all day long, many different types of situations, setting up the machine anywhere there was a spot of real estate sometimes balancing it on cabinets, racks, printers, you get the picture

. The t30 is a unique form factor ( similar to the 600 series , way thicker than the t4x, I had no problem picking up the machine from the front corner with one hand, with a t4x 14" or 15" model I wouldn't do that (maybe my t60) as there is always the fear of flex due to thinness and weight distribuition.

When your picking up and moving the machine a lot, the way you cradle it to pick it up is real important to avoid flex, with the t30 that a non issue, I could pick it up in the most careless way and not worry about it.

I would think that in the "pictures of your thinkpad and desktop setup" conference there might be some pictures of a t30 and t4x together and you could get an idea of the size differential. The t30 was a great machine for me (it's still being used by my GF) and I always put my .02 in when given the opportunity

#13 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:51 pm

You driving the car while collecting data, might be interested in this laptop stand: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=54934

I can support all people who advise you the T30. It is one rugged piece of fine machinery (see my signature). The only thing I bought for it was a USB2.0 PCMCIA card.
And you can pick up a docking station for it on eBay for less than $20.-
And even if one memory slot fails, it can still accommodate 1GB RAM.
Plenty power!

Gator GT40 · #14 Post by **Gator GT40** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:54 pm

Kyocera - Thank you for your $0.02.

That's interesting that you mention case flexing and not worrying about it with the T30 as you would with the T4x; especially as I've read (and ajkula66 may chime in again debunking the hype) that the RAM Module issue with the T30 was caused in part to case flexing and docking/undocking (vibrations wearing the connections down).

Well, I guess, let me put it this way...and I may already know the answer, but would like to hear it from you guys; what is easier to rectify: the T4x gpu/motherboard issue or the T30 RAM Module connections?

edit: realblackstuff...you snuck in under my nose!

Thanks for the link to the stand. Interesting. I guess I'll re-look into the T30 as well.

#15 Post by **Kyocera** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:00 pm

t30 ram issue can often be solved by the paper under the ram cover, just exerting a little extra pressure on the chip.

I'm not steering you away from a t4x, as I also love them and am using my t42 right now. It just depends on what your preparing to use the machine for, light field/desk work a t4x is great,.... never seeing a desk, hard work, moving around, t30.

Gator GT40 · #16 Post by **Gator GT40** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:08 pm

Thank you Kyocera. Perfect summarization.

ajkula66 · #17 Post by **ajkula66** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:12 pm

And, if you go with "barebones" T30 you'll have plenty of funds to upgrade the RAM and HDD you're looking for...

#18 Post by **underclocker** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:46 pm

For durability and meeting your spec.'s;

-R51 with Intel integrated graphics; great machines from the low $200's and up currently

-T43 with Intel integrated graphics; a classic T4x with no video issues; as little as $350 currently

-X31's, smaller screen but solid machines (no internal optical), from $300 currently

-Z61t, brand new machines were selling last month on lenovo.com for $399 with free shipping - can't beat that! Keep an eye out for additional Lenovo deals.

All are modern, Pentium M (or better), USB 2.0, etc.

Personally, I'd take an R51 (in fact, I have two already).

P.S. I'm typing this on one of my two FIVE year old T40's. Both still have the original motherboards.

ajkula66 · #19 Post by **ajkula66** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:52 pm

underclocker wrote:

-Z61t, brand new machines were selling last month on lenovo.com for $399 with free shipping - can't beat that! Keep an eye out for additional Lenovo deals.

All are modern, Pentium M (or better), USB 2.0, etc.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't these Zs with Celeron processors at that price?

#20 Post by **underclocker** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 9:47 am

You are correct, however, the Celeron 420 in the 9440-A4U is based on the Core Duo/Solo Yonah CPU. It actually is 1.6GHz with a 1MB Cache and will outperform a 1.6GHz Pentium M. It just doesn't have SpeedStep.

Intel has called many different CPU's Celeron. The only relation between all Celeron's is a reduced or missing SpeedStep and lower cost. I believe the name started with 80486 CPU's!

Gator GT40 · #21 Post by **Gator GT40** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:28 pm

yay! full refund!

Thanks again everyone for your advice! I appreciate it!

pianowizard · #22 Post by **pianowizard** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:29 am

Gator GT40 wrote:yay! full refund!

Wow, that's nice! You can now sell the laptop for parts to make some money!

Gator GT40 · #23 Post by **Gator GT40** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 10:50 pm

pianowizard wrote:
Gator GT40 wrote:yay! full refund!
Wow, that's nice! You can now sell the laptop for parts to make some money!

What...the eBay laptop? That was sent back.

Out of the following, which would have the largest footprint and what would that be?

Which would be the heaviest and could you give me an approximate weight?

R51
T43
X31
Z61t

Thanks everyone!

pianowizard · #24 Post by **pianowizard** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:27 pm

Gator GT40 wrote:Which would be the heaviest and could you give me an approximate weight?

R51
T43
X31
Z61t

The X31 is the lightest, about 3.6 lb. The Z61t weighs 4.7 lbs. For the R51 and T43, there are two different screen sizes. I know that the 14.1" T43 weighs 5.2 lbs. The R51 is the largest.

#25 Post by **underclocker** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:00 am

14" R51's weigh about 5.75 lbs. (as do R30's, R31's, R32's, R40's, R50's, R52's & R60's!!!)

They are all nearly identical in size, too.

Gator GT40 · #26 Post by **Gator GT40** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:06 pm

alright, of that list in my above post, where are the problem items (i.e. T30 = RAM module issue, T40 = motherboard issue, etc)

what are the characteristic PITA things to look out for?

thanks

also, what is the diff between the T40, 41, 42, 43?

NH, MA, VT, ME: Used computer stores

NH, MA, VT, ME: Used computer stores

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