IBM Thinkpad 600x: Is it still a good buy?

[Biggs]

I really want a T40p, unfortunately, my wallet can't afford it at this time (maybe in a coupla years). It will be primarily used for office apps, surfing the 'Net and some light old school 2D games, thus, the Thinkpad 600x, particularly the one with the P3 650MHz (with speedstep technology), would do just fine. I've also done my homework and found out that there are many who regard the 600x (or 600 series for that matter) to have a better overall build-quality (especially the keyboard) compared to the newer T20/30 series (though they have the titanium covers). This is the exact reason why I'm drooling over the T40p -- it inherits only the best characteristics of its predecessors (a near series 600-esque keyboard, a magnesium-titanium combo cover, the current fastest mobile CPU speed, and remarkable battery longetivity) to become the current supreme mobile computin' machine.

Going back to my decision, I'm quite concerned about the current internal/external physical condition and battery state of getting a refurbed/used 600x (its 3 years old since it was EOL'ed in early 2000). The average pricing I've seen on Ebay were around the $600-700 range. What d'you think would be the fair pricing of a 600x 650MHz right now? I'm guessing around $350-450 (which would be just right for my budget)? To complicate matters, there is a hot deal at FS/FT on a brand new T23 P3-M 1.2MHz for $999! Though this deal is extremely sweet, unforutnately, it's still above my budget. This is why if I can get a good price for a 600x, I'll be a happy camper. I'm just wary about IBM's future support for the product, the availabilty of parts, and the inevitable inflated pricing of the components (ala Slot 1 processors nowadays).

With this in mind, would you guys,
1) Still recommend the 600x (if can be gotten in the $350-450 price range)?
2) Wait a coupla years for the T40p to drop?
3) Wait a year for the T23 to drop further (eventhough my heart is really set for a 600x or T40p)?
4) Get an ECS now?

P.S.
My apologies for another IBM Thinpad thread.

Many thanks.

 

[chin311]

hmm hmm, i guess it wouldnt be bad if you can get it in that range....

what exactly is your budget? theres always hot deals on dell lappys for 600$ish....but i dont blame you for wanting an IBM

 

[ddl6]

I don't know what IBM did to their 600/600x series notebooks that make them addictive like nicotine and durable as tanks. I own a TP 600 and the thing does everything you want it to do. That is pretty impressive considering it is a PII 233. I got it on ebay about a year ago and use it to word process and to surf the web (wirelessly of course). Also, since it has a DVD player, it comes in handy during those long plane flights. I recommend you go for it and get the 600x. I know it is eating you up inside and you want a laptop....so just get one. It is a good investment and it won't disapoint. The frills and everything else on the T series are just that (frills). You'll be able to throw a 600 down the steps and still have it work (don't try that at home).

Whatever you do, do me one favor.....don't get a dell dude.

 

[OldSpooky]

I've never used or even seen a 600X, but it has a reputation that borders on legendary among ThinkPad users. If you need a bit more punch than a P2, the T20/1/2/3 laptops can be had at bargain prices. These I have seen and they are very nice.

 

[Mule]

I second that, get a Thinkpad T20/21 instead for under $500 (I've seen T20's go for under $400). They start at 650 Mhz and go upwards to 800 Mhz which is still very respectable today.

 

[Pennstate]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=40&threadid=1074578&STARTPAGE=1


X22 for $650

 

[Vcize]

Originally posted by: Mule
I second that, get a Thinkpad T20/21 instead for under $500 (I've seen T20's go for under $400).

Care to point me in that direction?

 

[AnyMal]

Having owned 4 TP 600's ranging from 233 to 366MHz models I can attest to their appeal. It is a laptop with an absolut perfect balance of size/weight, there's no other like it. IBM laptops are legendary for the best keyboard in a portable as well. Having owned Compaq, Dell, Toshiba laptops, I will never ever ever return to those brands. I wish IBM would go back to the 600 chassy.

As lomh as we're on the subject; I just received R31 model today that I bought from IBM's ebay store. $630.00 bought me a nice lappy with C 1.13, 20G, 10/100, 128 ram, 56k, 13.3" TFT, WinXP Pro. I like it and the price was uber!