2378R4U price drop to 1,199 (VISA, MC, etc.)

[db]

First, thanks for an excellent resource--I've been lurking for a few weeks.

Wanted to let folks who are looking for a low-end t42 that IBM just dropped the price on the 2378R4U to $1,199 on the credit card discount sites (list is $1,499)--at least I think that it just happened, I may have overlooked it before. This price compares favorably to what they are selling refurbed t40/t41s for, and it's better than any reputable online retailer by a few hundred $. When I called a few mins ago I was told that there are over 100 available. Also, the 4yrs thinkpad protection option apears to be on unadvertised sale--it's $244, $10 less than the 3yr tpp option.

--DB

[Grinch]

Thanks for the info,
but can anyone tell me why I can get 2 2378R4Usfor 1 2373FWG?
The only difference I noticed is 256 <-> 512MB RAM. But both models are part of the IBM Think Express Program.
So the only real difference is that the 2378R4U is sold in the USA and the 2373FWG in Germany. I can't find any other difference, do you?

edit: another question: is the Think Express Program only for businesses or can you also buy them without having a business?

[raisindot]

First, thanks for an excellent resource--I've been lurking for a few weeks.

Wanted to let folks who are looking for a low-end t42 that IBM just dropped the price on the 2378R4U to $1,199 on the credit card discount sites (list is $1,499)--at least I think that it just happened, I may have overlooked it before. This price compares favorably to what they are selling refurbed t40/t41s for, and it's better than any reputable online retailer by a few hundred $. When I called a few mins ago I was told that there are over 100 available. Also, the 4yrs thinkpad protection option apears to be on unadvertised sale--it's $244, $10 less than the 3yr tpp option.

--DB

Can you tell me which "Credit card discount sites" you're referring to? i.e., links, etc.

Jeff in Boston

[db]

Unfortunately, the r4u deal is gone. But the Visa site I used is here:

[url]https://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... &langId=-1[/url]

If you change the store id # by one digit (last digit) you get the mastercard, discovery,etc. sites. My impression is that you do not have to use the particular card for the purchase (though I did, so I cannot be sure).

more info:

[url]http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=440[/url]

Hope this helps,

--DB

[treker]

I placed my order for the T42 at $1199.20. Received order confirmation with shipping date 1/10/05. Began checking my order status the next day. Shipping date was moved out 1 day. The today I checked again and date was moved out another day to 1/12/05. I called IBM and they said that this was a web site error in pricing and the current price is $1349. They refused to honor the lower price and cancelled my order. I am trying to speak to customer service supervisor. Just voice message so far. Pretty shabby service. I would not have expected IBM to treat customers this way.

Did ANYONE get their T42s at the advertised $1199 price?

[thinkpadder2U]

Hey guys! I was excited at first, but am not sure if I am going to keep it because I am getting a headache from the screen. Not sure if it is because of the 14 xga??? Anyone have any ideas if the 14 sxga or 15 is better? Although I got a really good deal on this laptop. $1199.99. Need any advice! Thanks! =)