which physical store carries thinkpads? need to see b4 buy

[tangent1138]

which physical store carries thinkpads?

i'd really like to try the keyboard/see the lcd before i buy one. unfortunately i don't work at a business that has them. are there any stores that carry them?

[Blake]

just go stand outside a major company, most likely someone will have a think pad. i have never need them sold in stores, but if there any large local computer shops that sell used things, they might have one...

what model are you looking for and what are your intentions with it

[tangent1138]

i'm looking at the x31.

i travel a fair amount so i need something really light, but i also need a good keyboard because i'm a writer. mostly i don't need a lot of processing power because it's either word processing or watching some xvid/divx files.

i'm trying to choose between the x31/x40 series and the fujitsu lifebook series.

[ozone]

Are you in Canada or the US? If you're in Canada, it's pretty tough trying to find an IBM to look at. IBM Canada has pretty much gone the direct sales route. I suspect IBM USA is pretty similar. The previous suggestion is actually a good one: ask around and see if friends, etc. use IBMs at work and then buy them a beer or coffee to let you "try it out" at least for a few minutes to see if you like the feel of the machine.

I had the same problem as you: I really wanted to look at an X40 and X31 before deciding. I ended up actually being able to try an X20 (close enough to an X31) and an X40 at two separate locations. I ended up getting the X31.

[Blake]

ive had a few laptops, i miss my powerbook g4 keyboard, but the keyboard on my x31 is still great.

im on it most of the day, and its my primary keyboard and i have no problems. i have large hands(can palm a basketball) so its not to tight