IBM Thinkpad T40 Model 2373-4CU Questions

[Vich]

Hey everyone,

My girlfriends graduate school requires every incoming student to have a laptop. Since my girlfriends computer is really old she will need to upgrade. They are offering this computer through the school to purchase.

IBM Thinkpad T40 Model 2373-4CU

The laptop specs from IBM

Processor: 1.6 GHz Pentium M
Memory: 512MB DDR
Hard Drive: 40GB
CD ROM: CD-RW /DVD-ROM combination (internal)
Battery Life: Lithium Ion 4.9 hours
Memory Key: 64 MB - This is a USB key chain storage device
Screen: 14.1" TFTx XGA
Multi-Media: 16 Bit Sound Card, Internal Speakers, Microphone (Internal), Head Phones (External), S-Video Out
Modem: 56k Internal
Network Adapter: 10/100BaseT Ethernet (internal), 802.11b integrated wireless
Weight: 4.9 lbs
Ports: Infrared Port, Parallel, Serial, USB, Audio In/Out, Microphone, headphone, VGA out, RJ11, RG45
Preloaded Software: Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Office XP Professional
Norton AntiVirus 2002
Course-specific software
Accessories: AC adapter and power cord, Headphones, Phone Cord, CAT 5 Ethernet Cable, IBM Embedded Security Subsystem

Case: Targus - Nylon Case

Is this a good price they are asking for? $2,529.00

Questions comments?

Thanks guys,

-Rich

 

[MuffD]

Dude, that's way too much. I bought one for a friend on newegg for under 2,000.
1.6ghz
512mb ram
SXGA display
Radeon 9000
40gb 5400 rpm drive
dvd/cdrw combo drive
all for 1800 and some change plus tax. The one you are showing is only XGA display also. That means you can only run it at 1024x768. For 2500 dollars, you should be able to get more than what the school is offering.

 

[Vich]

Could it be that the school jacked the price because it has pre-loaded some of the software needed for the pharmacy school (some sort of pharmacy programs??)


thanks
-Rich

 

[Vich]

Is this the same thing from newegg.com?? http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=34-146-026&depa=3

 

[sharq]

How about going for a Toshiba in the same range? Check the retail stores or hot deals forum, you might get a better deal after rebates.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: MuffD
Dude, that's way too much. I bought one for a friend on newegg for under 2,000.
1.6ghz
512mb ram
SXGA display
Radeon 9000
40gb 5400 rpm drive
dvd/cdrw combo drive
all for 1800 and some change plus tax. The one you are showing is only XGA display also. That means you can only run it at 1024x768. For 2500 dollars, you should be able to get more than what the school is offering.

Read it again..... They are getting course specific software, OFFICE XP, a Targus Bag, and other accessories.

You would only be right if you were looking at the ThinkPad alone. If it were just the ThinkPad at that price I would point to one on IBM's website that was $2609 that was a T41 with better video, 1400x1050, faster proc, 802.11a-b-g, BT, and gig ethernet.

However...for a more accurate comparision IBM has a T40-237375U at $1844.10 There is also a T40-37372U at $1817. Look up the T41- 2379DJU at 1842.05 as well---That one has the 1400x1050 screen and becasue it's a T41 it has the active hard drive protection system, the T40's don't.

I would suggest to the poster that they research the prices of the individual bundle components, using educational pricing for the discounts where it would apply -ie; Office XP. That would give you a fair accessment of if you are getting a deal, paying fair value, or being ripped off.

I would tend to think you would at least be paying fair value for that bundle.

Specs are slightly different though not by much.,

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: sharq
How about going for a Toshiba in the same range? Check the retail stores or hot deals forum, you might get a better deal after rebates.

1. School probably likes to supoprt the IBM's.

2. Nothing beats a ThinkPad.

 

[BuckNaked]

The price seems high, unless that includes software you would have to otherwise pay for... You can go through mastercard or discover card and get up to 15% off select models.... I was looking at a T-41 with SXGA screen for about $700 less...

Dave

 

[sharq]

I said Toshiba only if price is an issue. If not, then definitely, Thinkpad all the way.

 

[Vich]

I will find out the price of the course specific software who knows how much it is... Also SUPPOSIDLY the school will warranty the notebook so that if u drop it or break it, they replace it with no charge. Thats what a current student said, and the school. But will need to double check and see the fine details .


So then maybe it isnt a ripoff ?

Thanks
-Rich