x41 + x4 dock (both refurbs) 1.5gb RAM, 60GB HDD for $330 ??

[pmradio]

Today (Monday, 4-19-10), Froobi.com is offering the above config for $330 shipped (Lenovo ThinkPad X41 Tablet w/ ThinkPad X4 UltraBase Dock (Intel Mobile Pentium M 1.60GHz, 1.5GB RAM, 60GB HDD, 12.1″ Digitized Tablet, 1Gb Ethernet, Windows XP Tablet Edition) (REFURBISHED). It includes a 90 distributers warranty.

My question is whether this is a good deal or not. I used a t41p for a long time until it developed the GPU issue (which I figured out thanks to the t4* forums here). I had it fixed but it didn't last long. Currently, I'm sharing a t41 from work, but need to return it if others need to use it. I've considered trying to go find another mobo for the t41p, but not sure if it's worth it or not.

Tips, thoughts and reactions appreciated. Thanks!

Paul

[sjthinkpader]

In the end a complete and working X41t may be cheaper than a <$200 barebones. But You can get a completely working T43 for $200. So unless you absolutely need a touch screen, there are cheaper alternatives.

[pmradio]

Thanks for the tip. Speaking of, are the specs for a t43 a lot better? The touchscreen does have an interest as I've got a touchscreen PDA which I've really grown to like and would like to explore the tablet possibility. (cheaper than an ipad!)

<edited to remove x41 vs. x41t confusion on my part>

[sjthinkpader]

The X41t is a stylus type touch screen using Wacom pad technology. This is not the projected capacitive touch screen that works with your fingers.

I do like the X41 a lot and have quite a few X40/X41s. But you can probably get a X60 for over $300.

[pmradio]

The X41t is a stylus type touch screen using Wacom pad technology. This is not the projected capacitive touch screen that works with your fingers.

I do like the X41 a lot and have quite a few X40/X41s. But you can probably get a X60 for over $300.

Thanks, sjthinkpaderm, for sharing your experience. Thanks for clarifying stylus vs. fingers. I have seen some comments that newer laptops were not built as well with the IBM -> Lenovo transition. What quality differences do you think their might be? I need to look at the spec differences between the x40 and x60. Thanks!

[sjthinkpader]

Over the last few years, we migrated at the office from X31 to X60s, X61s and now to X200s. X60s/X61s do look the worst cosmetically, KB wear more etc. But I can't think of a single instance of MB failure where we had a case or two of X31 MB failure.

Although my T60 fit didn't look quite a nice in fit as compared to my T41. It feel more solid with the middle frame design. It held up and we are going to use it a 4th year beyond the warranty.

I have a number of X40/X41/X41t at home and my family is very happy with them. These are used as secondary computer carried to class or coffee shops. They mostly use R51/R52/T43/T43p/T60 as main computers.

I can't say the IBM-Lenovo transition made the computers worst but the material used definitely are cheaper. This is probably the case with every brand as you can pickup a X200s for around $1000 now as compered to $1500 for X60s a few years ago.

[pmradio]

As a followup, I passed on this deal, but found a used x41t in another forum for $200. I haven't received it yet, but looking forward to giving it a whirl. Certainly, I'd appreciate the greater "juice" of the X6x series, but cost was definitely a factor. Thanks for your help and feedback.