Anyone here use an IBM Refurb?

[BuckNaked]

I have been looking at some of the deals available on IBM refurbs... namely this T22. I am just wondering if anyone here has purchased any of IBM's refurb units and what there impressions were of the machine such as looks (condition or signs of abuse, wear and tear), performance (dead pixels or other issues) and longevity...

Thanks!
Dave

 

[Tango57]

i've never purchased a refurb IBM unit before although i've owned an IBM laptop and think they're very sturdy and reliable computers. that seems like a good deal for that laptop. i would however get that two-year extended protection plan with it if i were you for peace of mind 'cause laptops are just so expensive to fix if something goes wrong.

 

[paranoidandroid]

ibm's refurbs usually carry a 1 yr warranty. also, cosmetically they are pretty good. my friends have bought them and said they were exactly like new. however, that t22 is a 4 yr old model, so i dunno. you can also try ebay for a used t series. you should be able to pick up a better model for that price.

 

[Jublian]

I shopped around for 2 months, comparing models, and finally got a refurb T40 from the ibm.ca website. It shipped in a week. After a month or so of use, everything is perfect - it seems brand new to me. When I phoned to request the restore cds, the woman there was going through my information and clarified that my warranty was for 3 years, not the 1 that I thought I paid for.
Oh, and the restore cd arrived one day later. . .

Because of everything that could go wrong with a laptop, I'd advise buying directly from IBM. They also offer varying degrees of no questions asked returns, meaning you could keep the machine for 2 weeks and ship it back if it's not exactly what you want.

I'm super happy so far. I've used a few T22s as well, I was quite impressed with the quality, though I'm sure I've seen that model for much cheaper, directly from IBM.

 

[masteryyz]

I also bought T40 3 weeks ago from ibm.ca refurb corner, the notbook is like new and no deal pixel whatsoever, everything is perfect. I also called ibm to have to recovery cd and they arrived in 1 day. I am not so sure if I have 3 yrs warranty but 1 yr for refurb item for sure (100%).

I am happy with my purchase and my dad is going to order one from them.

 

[BuckNaked]

Thanks for everyones input... going to wait and get something more current.

 

[Mock]

Hi, I have two experiences buying IBM refurbs. I hope my input is useful.

About 5 months ago I bought a T21 Refurbished directly from IBM. IBM sells refurbished models directly from their website (look for Certified Used Equipment). I paid $700, for a PIII with 128 RAM, 20 GB HD, 56k modem, ethernet, Windows 2000 Pro. It also came with free speakers, a laptop case and free shipping. Delivered in two days.

It might not be the best deal in the world, but I needed a laptop for $700 fast, and I knew I wanted a used IBM over a new Inspiron.

Anyway, the computer works great for the most part. I haven't had any significant problems, but there are two issues.

#1, the battery is on its last legs. It last 1 hour 50 minutes now, and the meter never gets an accurate reading. It is definately well used.

#2, they swapped out the normal HD for a slower, VERY NOISY, one. I have gotten used to it by now, but in the beginning it drove me crazy. Other than those two issues, the computer is in perfect, spotless condition.

I also bought a refurb 760xl direct from IBM back in late 1999. I paid around $500. The computer was heavy, but had a brilliant screen, and the battery held a 2.5 hr charge perfectly. I never had any problems with that one, even after dropping it a couple of times on the bus. It finally died in late 2003. The power wouldn't start up, so I tossed it.

If you are serious about getting a T series, I recommend from the IBM site. Also, if you want to save some money, you can also get them from Staples.com and use a coupon. Again, you arn't getting the best deal in the world, but you are getting 2001 high quality at a low price.

 

[Mock]

Not sure why I am bothering to add this, but I guess it completes the story.

When I got the T21, I was in the process of finishing grad school. I was working on my final thesis. So when the 760xl died, I had to act fast!

I have started work now, and once I get real solid financially, I am going straight for a new t41. Some charity will love to take the t21, I am sure.

Anyway, good luck.

 

[Fritoz]

I bought a refurb IBM X31 off ebay last month, and it was in absolutely pristine condition. Handles everything I throw at it, even plays BF1942 and SWG (with a few driver tweaks...)