Advice when buying used T series machines

[Thrasher]

I'm planning on buying a used T41p from someone this week. I don't know the guy and he says he didn't buy it new, so I'm a little hesitant and wondering if anyone has any advice regarding what I should look at when I go see the machine?

Off the top of my head ideas/questions/concerns:

1) Any clues to know if it's a stolen machine?

2) Where in XP Professional can I confirm the RAM size and processor speed? (I haven't used XP yet)

3) Will I find the HD speed on the hard drive label if I pop it out and look?

4) I plan on going to the IBM site to run the auto system details feature to get the model# and etc.

5) I plan on burning a CD to make sure the burner works

6) I will check the screen resolution to make sure it has the 1400 x 1050 resolution.

7) Model 2373GEU is the one with 802.11a/b/g, right?

8) Can I still get recovery CD's from IBM if I am not the original owner and if the machine's registered one-time recovery CD burn feature has
already been run?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Mike

[dd]

Hello Mike

Heres my 2 cents:

1. Ask for original receipt,? I dont really know how to check if it is stolen. Make sure you get the passwords for the Bios and Secuirity Chip etc if it has been enabled . . .

2. Right click on My Computer, properties: Will see under "general" the ram and processor speed, xp version and Service Pack installed etc

3. It should be FRU part number: 13N6807. It says 7200 rpm, 60 GB, on the label. You can clearly see this! (iI checked for you by pulling my drive out).....

4. ok

5. Good idea.

6. Yes. Right click on desktop. Properties, settings! Make sure theres no dead pixels, or at least they are not in middle of screen!

7. Yes this is right! (At least mine has) ......

8. Yes, but you will have to pay for them!

Good luck. Let us know how you get on!

[JaneL]

Make sure you check with IBM about the warranty.

[Plinkerton]

Maybe bring some apps on a flash drive or something.

CPU ID might be helpful to answer many questions you may have about the computer.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

You could just throw that on, and run it. No instal required. It will answer questions about the Cache, processor, speed, RAM, blah blah.

It's quite helpful.

Also, just check for all those built quality things. Shake it a little, and make sure the screen doesn't flicker, as it could be a loose connection.

Maybe bring a PCMCIA card, to make sure the PC card slots work.

Check speakers, check headphone port, line in, all the keys, etc.

I guess that's all I can think of.

[Starmanx]

Good afternoon,
To check if the TP you want to buy is solen, providing that the owner notifyed it to IBM, you just need to take it to a servicepoint or phone thetech support.

Regards,
Starmanx