Fastest way to get a ThinkPad Slate Tablet

[jonLumpkin]

So, the new ThinkPad slate tablet gets launched officially tomorrow. What is the fastest way that I can get one delivered? Are there any pre-configured models through either Lenovo or a reseller that I can have in my hand by 26 August?

I am going out of town for work/vacation the two weeks following (29 August-09 September) and I would love to give this thing a field test under those conditions. I think it might work well enough for what I do that I could travel without my T410.

The model I'm looking for is probably the 32GB with the pen and keyboard folio. I live in the US for what it's worth.

[ausmike]

try ZONES , a well known IBM & Lenovo reseller
usually a good bet in the past for me,,,,, for PREORDERS!

Cheers

[Volker]

Realistically, I think you can expect it to be delivered shortly after you come back from your trip But we can always hope...

[jonLumpkin]

I ended up going with the escalated direct from Lenovo approach.

• Configure desired spec on line
  Call up Lenovo sales on the phone and get a rep to give you his/her name for the field on the online order
  Have the rep immediately move your order to finance for processing
  Call Amex to get the transaction pre-approved (having it shipped to a friend I'm visiting in the middle of the trip)
  Call finance to get them to process the credit card transaction
  Check order status to verify

This process put my 32GB tablet with pen and keyboard folio as already approved at the Lenovo warehouse to ship immediately. They are being excessively conservative with a ship date of 9/9, but I think it should ship no later than 29 August.

I'm pretty sure this is the fastest approach as CDW, Provantage, and the other re-sellers I checked aren't expecting inventory until 06 September or so.

[ausmike]

I got email from NEWEGG about the Lenovo tablet (130422U) on SALE with $50 gift card!!!

Newegg rocks when it comes to delivery - I can usually get it next day with little or FREE SHIP

[Volker]

I got email from NEWEGG about the Lenovo tablet (130422U) on SALE with $50 gift card!!!

Not the Thinkpad Tablet. Still might be worth a consideration if you don't want/need the pen and physical keyboard/trackpoint...

[jonLumpkin]

My tablet is still "Being Built" at the factory

Maybe I should have ordered from CDW instead.

[underclocker]

As of today, some ThinkPad Tablet models are definitely in stock and availabe for overnight delivery from Lenovo distributors/resllers.

[Shofar]

I've been checking CDW- this morning 64GB was "call".
Later in afternoon was "in stock" so I jumped on it with Next day Air.

3 hours later and I can't yet see my order - yes impatient but leaving town and I want my pad with me.

Also CDW had all the accessories "call".

I haven't ordered from them in many, many years so I hope it works OK.

[jonLumpkin]

I just ordered the 32GB model with pen from ProVantage as Next Day PM; I also cancelled my order from Lenovo. With any luck I should have it in hand by Thursday afternoon.

The keyboard dock does not seem to be in stock anywhere. That might be the reason why Lenovo never sent mine out. I'll just get the tablet and pen now and get the keyboard folio when it's available.

[underclocker]

FYI, CDW doesn't update their order status until around midnight!!! Very frustrating. Good luck to all that ordered!

[jonLumpkin]

i got mine Thursday. Typing on it right now.

The hardware is certainly impressive but I'm still getting used to Android. I haven't found all the apps I need just yet. My current top priority is a basic photo editor, ideally something that works with Canon CR2 files.