TOo many choices need some advice on purchase.

[madmaven]

I am looking to get a thinkpad for my buddy Tom, and here are the requirements so far. Around $600 or less. New or almost new. He likes XP but could probably migrate to 7 or maybe vista. needs a big display. I am looking at IBm refurbushed T60p with teh flexview UXga display 2 gig ram, 100 gb HD, core2 duo 2.1 processor for $519 with 3 month warranty. Any idea on how old this is?
I'm also looking at a idea pad Y710t5550 with 17' display(is this possible with lenovo?) 2gig ram, 250 gb hard drive, Vista home premium,,DVDRW core2 duo 1.8 for $499 from IBM Factory outlet too. refurbushed.
on the new side Lenovo is offering a G550 with the T4400 processor , 3 Gb ram and 250 gig hard drive dvd burner, 15.6 WXGa for $539. has windows 7 on it. Iknow there are tons others so if anyone can give me their opinion on anyof these 3 or another worth looking at I would greatly appreciate it. I know that not all IBM/Lenovos are created equal but my experience with IBM stops with IBM. the only Lenovo experience is with netbooks and he definitely wants a big screen , he works auto racing and has an A31, an R40 and wants to replace the A31, he puts up the laptops and they use them to time the race cars.
he goes to several tracks and uses them always plus for his personal use too.
thanks in advance for any advice or comments or ideas.
MM aka Leslie O

[ajkula66]

If he's used to an A31, a T60p would be the way to go, far more than any IdeaPad (these have glossy LCDs in most cases).

The very last T60p units rolled off the assembly line in late 2007 AFAIK. Very good machines, but some folks here have had mixed experiences with IBM refurbs lately. Thankfully, one does get a "7-day no questions" window to return a machine if displeased.

Hope this helps.

[madmaven]

Thank you very much for your thoughtful reply. The flexview seems like a great feature. I personally dont care too much for the glossy screen. it is too reflective for my tastes. I think the t60p is a good choice > I do get worried about ebay stores sometimes also, It seems just when I have found some good merchandise the vendor sells me some junk, or they go out of business. Well if he would just contact me I'll share your views.
thanks MM aka LMAO