[SOLVED] New forum user, looking for buying advice

[oOarthurOo]

Hi... I'm looking to buy a thinkpad and have been doing my best due diligence in researching the various systems in my price range, here, reviews elsewhere, etc. But truthfully, the more I read and research the more confused and uncertain I become. I'm hoping some people here can help, since from what I've read there seem to be some real TP connoisseur's.

I found I could get a SL410 for $495 Canadian delivered, brand new from Lenovo. Unfortunately, it's at the upper end if not entirely outside my budget, and I also discovered it's got a pretty sad cpu. Also, I've already got a 2GB stick of DDR2 ram and a 320GB sata drive that would end up being wasted.

Based on that I though, well time to look for a used T6x or TRx. My main searching points are good condition, cool & quiet, and able to be upgraded with my existing parts. But boy oh boy... if there aren't 1,000 variations of T60's out there, never mind the T61 or p's or ... ugh... it gives me a headache just looking at those acronyms now. And the price range varies so much.

Aside from what to get, there's also the question of where to buy it from. I live in Canada, and I've seen a few online retailers like IBM certified used canada, lenovooutlet, ebay, and portafixe.com and by reading through this forum I also stumbled across your marketplace.

Well, since I'm asking for advice I should maybe tell you what my budget is... I'd say $400 delivered to my door. I'd prefer a 14", and really like something quiet. Needs to use DDR2 ram and support a sata drive. And quiet. That's about it.

First post here, so I hope I haven't broken too many rules. was lurking for a while, but couldn't resist seeking the opinion of the members.

Many thanks in advance for any and all advice,
AM

[oOarthurOo]

I have found a good thread that aims at a similar price point here.

If I may summarize what I think is the case so far, it's that the T61, R61 and R400 are all very similar, especially when looking at just intel integrated graphics. I use Linux desktop without 3d rendering enabled, so I have no need for either the ati or nvidia equipped models, and it sounds like they may have some higher rates of heating and fan noise problems anyway.

[ZaZ]

If you're looking for a budget ThinkPad I'd shoot for the R400. They're still pretty new. You could probably pick up a T6x machine, but since they're older, it's likely you won't be getting any warranty, which is more risky. I think the reason to get a T6x is if you want the IPS screen or SXGA+. The R400 is very close to the T400, just slightly heavier and thicker. You'd be hard pressed to tell them apart standing right next to them. I'd bet you can find a good R400 within or close to your budget via ebay. Plus, if it's under warranty you can still extend it if you like. You might want to look into if it's got international warranty service so you'll have service in Canada. You can look up the IWS using the machine type here. Good Luck.

[oOarthurOo]

If you're looking for a budget ThinkPad I'd shoot for the R400. They're still pretty new. You could probably pick up a T6x machine, but since they're older, it's likely you won't be getting any warranty, which is more risky. I think the reason to get a T6x is if you want the IPS screen or SXGA+. The R400 is very close to the T400, just slightly heavier and thicker. You'd be hard pressed to tell them apart standing right next to them. I'd bet you can find a good R400 within or close to your budget via ebay. Plus, if it's under warranty you can still extend it if you like. You might want to look into if it's got international warranty service so you'll have service in Canada. You can look up the IWS using the machine type here. Good Luck.

Greetings, and thanks for weighing in. It turns out I found a T61 with some Warranty left and from a reputable source. The information found on this forum was invaluable, and I expect to hopefully contribute more in the Linux subforums once mine arrives.

[killer]

@oOarthurOo: Welcome to the forums! Sorry to see that nobody had welcomed you already, but pleased to see that you have found your match. Good luck with the T61 ... an excellent machine from what I gather.

All the best.