are there other good old ultraportables like the IBM 240?

[dpopiz]

I got to use a 240 a while ago and I fell in love with it. it's so thin than light and the keyboard is the best one I've ever typed on, desktop or notebook. I'm considering buying one on ebay, but I'm wondering if there are any other similar machines I should consider.

 

[dpopiz]

bump

 

[SleepyB]

Have you considered a new IBM X series? Using an X22 right now to type this message right now. I've used a 600 and a T22 before, and I thought the X22 would be too small, but it works really well and has a full size keyboard. Got used to the 12" screen, thought it would be too small. The screen is nice and bright. The Radeon M6 video actually allows me to play Counter-Strike at 1024x768, but frame rates drop when there's a heavy fire fight or when someone throws a smoke gerenade...

The X series is a combination of the old 240 + 560/570. The IBM keyboard rocks, and has good touch and feel. People say the old 600 had the best keyboard. The X series keyboard is more like the T22, a bit firmer, and has less travel because of the smaller size, but I've gotten used to it.

Is you need to have even smaller size with 10.4" screen, you might try to look at the Sony older 505 series, or the new TR Series.

But you can get a X24 or X30, new off IBM offical ebay store for around $900, if price is an issue.

 

[addragyn]

If you just want portable word processing the IBM z50 is a cool device.

 

[marcio]

I've never understood what the deal with the Z50 is, and why anyone would choose it instead of a 240. The only thing that the Z50 has going for it is battery life because it has a dog slow CPU. There is a reason it got discontinued so quickly.

I own or owned a 240, a 600e, a 570, and just recently use a X31, and I agree with the recommendation for the X series.
A X20/X21 seems to weight almost the same as the 240, and might be the better option if you want something very close to the 240. The newer models weigh almost a pound more. BTW, I've never thought the keyboard of the 240 was that great--specially compared to the 600e's. The keys are much smaller than the standard size and certain keys are not in their standard place (especially the tab key) which makes it a pain in the neck for typing if you use other computers.
The X series have a better keyboard IMO.