Price Range for a Z61t

[EngineersCake]

I finally got the X41 sold and am looking for a new thinkpad project.

I would really like to pick up a Z61t but the range in price is huge. EBay has them for between $300 and $750. Obviously the condition and configuration are going to be factors in the price, but $450 seems to be a bit on the extreme side for the age of the model.

My question is how much is a decent example of this model actually worth?

Secondly, is this a rare model?
I've read on this forum that the Z's were only available for a couple of years. Also I noticed that the t's are less widely available second hand the m's. (On eBay at least)

I think the best way to go for me is to get a refurbished "off lease" unit on eBay.

Just looking for some input. Any would be greatly appreciated.

[RealBlackStuff]

Ask in our Market forum first, best shop worldwide IMHO.
Only if you really need to, go to eBay, and ask millions of questions before you decide there....

[underclocker]

I'd say that $250 to $375 is about the right range for complete, good condition Z61t's. Processors ranged from Celeron to Core 2 Duo. They are nice machines, basically equivalent to T60's, but with 14.1" widescreens. Some had camera's, too. Those are even harder to find. I'm not sure how many machines of any model were ever made, but I wouldn't be surprised if the total production of Z61t's was only 1% of the T60's total production.

They are nice machines. My wife still uses a Z61t with the WXGA+ LCD, titanium lid and internal camera. Basically, it will take a T400s or T410s to get it back from her.

In my mind, the biggest negative was the battery size/life trade off. The flush four cell only lasted about 90 minutes. The seven cell lasts a long time, but adds an inch of depth across most of the back of the machine. The machine is light plus it looks and feel sleek with the four cell. Plus, the batteries are harder to find at a reasonable cost as compared to T60 or T61 batteries.

Another note, the Z61t's that originally had Core 2 Duo CPU's also support DVI out via the dock, while the Core Duo models did not, if that is important for you. Apparently, the motherboard was slightly revised.

[EngineersCake]

Great information. Thanks for the responses.

I guess one of the reasons that I've taken a liking to the Z is that it's not everywhere like the T's.

Thanks again guys.

[EngineersCake]

I found a Z61t on eBay in good shape.
Comes pretty loaded too.

Refurbished
14.1 wxga
1.66 (T5500) Core 2 Duo
1 Gig ram
60 Gig hd
CDRW/DVD combo drive
Batt/charger

all for $290

Seems like a good deal, what say you?

[RealBlackStuff]

If the DVI out is important to you, ask for the Type and Serial No.
Then run them here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... yle=lenovo
and check the partslist if that T5500 was there from new. It could have been a DIY upgrade...

CPU assembly, Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5500 (1.66GHz): ........ 41W1409
9440-CTO, A8x, ACx, AGx, ANx, BDx, BFx, BGx, BHx, C1x, C3x, C4x, CGx, D1x, D4x, D7x, DAx, DFx, DJx
9441-CTO, K4x, K5x, K6x, KVx, M1x, M2x, M3x, MPx, MQx, MRx, N4x
9442-CTO, P9x, PRx, PSx, PTx, PVx, RCx, RHx, RJx, RKx, RMx, CNx
9443-CTO
9448-CTO

[EngineersCake]

I did it. I bought the Z61m. It came today and I couldn't be happier.

The Z is a really sweet machine. It's better IRL. Don't tell my R61 but it might even be a little sexier as well.

Now off to Fry's to start on the upgrade path this afternoon, and installation of RebelEFI and OSX tonight. SO EXCITED!

Thanks for help fellow thinkpadders.