Pricing inquiry: T60p

[qviri]

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this kind of posting is covered under the marketplace rules - I didn't see anything explicitly prohibiting it, but feel free to move to the T60 forum or elsewhere as you may see appropriate.

My crazy moving around seems to be subsiding (just finished third year of university ), and I am considering switching back to a desktop computer. I am wondering how much I could get for my T60p these days.

The model is 2007-93U. Original description: T2600(2.16GHz), 1GB RAM, 100GB 7200rpm HD, 15in 1600x1200 LCD, 256MB ATI FireGL V5200, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 9c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

The RAM has been upgraded to 3 GB. The hard drive is a faster 7K200, not a 7K100. The machine has the initial three-year depot warranty, expiring 2009-07-08, probably extendable.

The IPS screen has been replaced under warranty last month. The replacement has two pressure spots in upper middle, visible on solid dark (and I mean dark) backgrounds. At the same time, the slowly dying CPU fan was also replaced.

Physical condition is good for a laptop pushing three years. There's no cracks, breaks, everything that came on the laptop is still on . The rubber top is not immaculate, but there aren't any considerably deep gashes. There's an XP COA. The six-cell battery is at 54.66 Wh full charge capacity, design capacity 56.16 Wh, cycle count 62.

I haven't seen a T60 IPS machine on the marketplace in the last couple of pages, so I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out how much I could get for mine. What do you think?

Thanks for any input!

[CanadianDude]

So was the IPS screen replaced with another IPS screen?

[qviri]

Oh, I see I phrased that a bit awkwardly. Sorry. Yes, there's an IPS in the machine right now, a HV150UX1-100 as confirmed through PC Wizard. I'd be a bit upset if I got a TN as replacement.

[ajkula66]

At least three things come into equation here, so you'll have to decide for yourself on exact pricing...

a) How fast are you intent on selling this fine ThinkPad?

b) Is your buyer from Canada or U.S...Canadian prices have always seemed a bit higher to me...

c) Are you understating your stuff as usual...

Having said that, the price range is likely somewhere between $650 and $750 and I'm talking U.S. money...

My $0.02 only...

Very best of luck with the sale.

[CanadianDude]

No way, not that high. I can get a brand new T400 for just 100 bucks more.

To the seller, I see that you're in Waterloo? I'm in the Toronto area. I'd offer 500 - 600 canadian max. If interested, do let me know.

[IBMlenovo123]

A recent sale on ebay, note it was a T60 not a T60p.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=75741

[ajkula66]

A couple of things here...

@CanadianDude:

Please familiarize yourself with the forum rules before posting. If you have an offer for qviri or any other seller, it is to be submitted via PM and not posted in the thread.

Having said that, I've personally dealt with qviri and found him to be above and beyond trustworthy, which makes a huge difference between his offerings and those by hit-and-run sellers on fleabay....

Once again, best of luck with the sale should you decide to proceed with it.

[CanadianDude]

Some pictures of the laptop would be nice as well. If it's not immaculate, it'd be best to show the condition.

[underclocker]

There is a big difference between an entry level T400 and a top-of-the-line T60p. Comparing them soley on price isn't appropriate.

Pictures are a very good idea.

[CanadianDude]

Actually an entry level T400 would be as fast, if not faster than this T60p. This is also 3 years old.

[asiafish]

It would be as fast or faster at processor intensive tasks, but would fall flat in comparison of GPU tasks. For example, you cannot play Fallout 3 on an entry-level T400, but it would run nicely on this T60p.

[ajkula66]

Not to mention the fact that entry-level T400 would come with a garbage-quality TN panel as opposed to a Hydis FlexView on T60p...

[asiafish]

I wouldn't say garbage.

I have an entry level T61 and while not a FlexView, the panel isn't bad. Of course, there are no 14" FlexView or widescreen Flexview, which some may also prefer.

[ajkula66]

@asiafish:

I know you might find it difficult to believe, but some of the LCDs on entry-level T61s were actually quite decent, and definitely a lot better than what is shipped on entry-level T400/500 these days...

[asiafish]

T61 had a number of part numbers for their screens, not sure about T400. I have an R400 on order with the 14" LED backlit screen, though I am debating canceling the order.

Not screen-related, just haven't learned if the new integrated graphics are enough better than the old GMA X3100 to allow games such as Fallout3 or Mass Effect to run.

[archer6]

Having said that, the price range is likely somewhere between $650 and $750 and I'm talking U.S. money...

I concur. A T60p is a very fine machine. Having owned every T model made, I find the T60p my favorite and certainly one of their best. I believe this machine will easily fetch $700 to $775 U.S. Dollars.
.
Cheers...

[Binh]

IMO, 650-700$ is the price for this T60p if the screen is flawless. The actual price is lower depending on how noticeable the pressure marks described in the first post.

[qviri]

Hi,

sincere thanks for replies, everyone. To be honest, I was hoping for a value a bit higher than what's been mentioned here, and since I am happy with the machine, I will hold off selling for now. If I ever get the irresistible desktop computer itch, you can be sure the machine will show up here first.

[archer6]

<snip> I was hoping for a value a bit higher than what's been mentioned here.

Your position is quite understandable, one which I share. In my case a ThinkPad is mission critical as my main work computer. I buy them new, keep them in stellar condition, only to (still) be amazed how much the price collapses in such a sort time. Frankly they are worth more to me as perfect working examples of their era, than to feel as though I'm giving them away at such incredibly low prices. Hence, I've ended up with a veritable ThinkPad museum...heh!
.
Cheers...

[asiafish]

Alas, ThinkPads are like all other electronic items in that the technology is quickly superseded and replaced by newer models that are both more powerful and cheaper.

If you think ThinkPads depreciate quickly, look at the prices for used Dell or HP machines and you will be amazed at how much value a ThinkPad retains. Of course, look at used Apple prices and it will make you want to cry.

[seaweedsl]

....amazed how much the price collapses in such a short time.

I know what you mean! As a "trailing-edge" buyer, I see the flip side of the coin. I'm amazed at how cheap a great machine that has the best laptop screen ever made and does everything I need it to is. I can hardly believe a T43p now costs less than a set of good tires.

Thankfully most people share CanadianDude's perspective and are more interested in "brand new","under warranty" and "fastest CPU/Bus" etc. rather than quality. That's what allows me to get $2000 machines for $300-600.

Compounded of course, by the dramatic overall drop in notebook prices in the last few years.

Not to say that a T400 is not well built, just that the all-important LCD screen is (reputed to be) poor quality. In the case of some other makes, it's not only the LCD, but the rest of the machine too.

Just like cars, it seems you get the best value buying used after it depreciates or at least keeping it for many years rather than paying for that "brand new feeling" over and over.

Of course it all depends on your income level. Cost of ownership is not a huge factor for some users and us "trailing edgers" owe a lot to the early adopters.

Steve

[sktn77a]

I got a T61p last month for $500 on Craigslist (14"). It's had a hard life but works flawlessly still. Unfortunately, computers just don't hold their value, even moreso in the present economy. I'd stick with your T60p. It's like an older car - you don't worry every time some clown in an old beater parks next to it!