need notebook (?) and/or laptop

[jamnkats]

As you can see by my signature we're pretty dedicated to Thinkpads. One of the T42's in my sig has either a GPU or southbridge issue and is out of comission. One of the T43s runs SUPER slow and needs something and the other T43 died (I think it was a software issue compounded by a bad XP install disk and I'm waiting (takes up to 3 weeks) for recovery disks as the last 3 of mine have mysteriously disappeared.

So I'm looking for something my son can take to school with him. He uses it for a CD-based math program (this will eventually be phased out) and a DVD-based Spanish program (eventually hopefully to be phased out as he becomes fluent) but many of the projects they work on at school are easier with a computer. The T43 (with a giant 9-cell) that he totes daily is too big. We need something reliable as we won't be in the US more than once a year (for repairs) but he has decided he really doesn't need to game on it at all.

Additionally, my T43 (with the hopefully software problem which will hopefully be fixed with the R&R disks) is my on the road work machine (and thus I cannot leave the country without it fixed). I would like a backup for it should something happen again. My backup was the other T43 but that runs so slow it is ridiculous for me to try to work on it. I need internet and word processing capabilities (I'm a medical transcriptionist). I can write off the cost of the machine but it will still be a cost so I'd like to keep the price under $500. I would also like something that will last a while - the T43s and T42s are 2 years old (from when we got them used) and I'd like something to last us at least 3 years from when we get it.

I've been looking at R500 and T510 for myself (I like the 15-inch screen) but I know the 510 can be hard on the old eyes.

Two questions. Ideas for the boy? Any way we can combine our needs or do we need 2 separate machines? For power needs, I'd always be using it docked or plugged in and the boy would be relying on battery.

[RealBlackStuff]

I've got some barebones 15" R52 machines with Intel graphics and XGA LCD. More than powerful enough for your needs.
You could transfer all the insides, incl. the SXGA+ (but not an UXGA) LCD from T43 into R52 and be up and running after only installing the Intel gfx driver.
See The Board Room in my signature.
(I've also got a few T23s with built-in wifi.)
PM me if interested.

[jamnkats]

thanks! I'll look for that. I think I've pretty much decided to just get something for the boy and get his T42 GPU problem fixed and use that as my backup and get my T43 fixed and use that as my primary backup. So, just looking for something for the boy.

[Temetka]

How about an X60?

It's smaller and lighter than the machine he is using now. I know he will require a CD drive for his school programs. So add in a portable external USB DVD drive like this on on E-Bay and call it a day.

He would have a dual core system capable of handling all of today's software (minus gaming) and it would be extremely portable as well.

[jamnkats]

Thanks. I've been seeing X stuff but my knowledge stopped with the T line so I have no idea what they are. Does this look like a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/X60-Ultramobile-Lap ... 4aa5c9face

[fredstev]

Thanks. I've been seeing X stuff but my knowledge stopped with the T line so I have no idea what they are. Does this look like a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/X60-Ultramobile-Lap ... 4aa5c9face

Many of us on this forum have had good luck with the Ebayer above. The X60 I'm using right now came from him. There is a lengthy thread that is relevant about X60's, their pricing and tech-exchange.

[Temetka]

Thanks. I've been seeing X stuff but my knowledge stopped with the T line so I have no idea what they are. Does this look like a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/X60-Ultramobile-Lap ... 4aa5c9face

From what I understand there are no major issues with build quality of the X series machine. Up until very recently I was an owner of a X41T and I can tell you thing was sturdy as heck. I've also used a few of my friends X60's and X61's and they feel just as solid and well put together. Buy from a known seller and you should be good to go.