Save almost 2000 buckaroos on a killer IBM a series laptop

[WindWalker]

Cool

Lets see, ummm.....

Compaq 906 TPa30p
1.33MHz 1.2MHz
256 MB 128mb
20GB 48GB
14.1 15 inch UXGA
CDRW\DVD CDRW\DVD
10/100 10/100
56K 56K
Wifi-NOOOO Built in
OS????? Windows Xp Pro
6.5 lbs 7.5lbs
1yr Warranty 3yr Warranty
XX video memory 32MB ATI Mobility M6

749.00
299.00 upgrade warranty
89.00 wireless card
199 hard drive to 40gb
______
1336.00 1325.00



I just don't see the value of the Comapq, and who cares about trackpoint vs. glide. I use an external mouse so it's rather a mute point.
I've used both for years and personal preference is trackpoint-reminds me of a firm nipple

\\//\\//

 

[coolVariable]

@iamme:
How about taken you head out of you a$$ for a moment.
People who REALLY use laptops hate trackpoints => my recommendation don't get one.
This deal is NOT hot => my recommendation DON'T buy it!

Suckers like you really piss me off!

Compaq 906 TPa30p
1.33MHz 1.2MHz <= sorry it is the equivalent of 1.5 GHz vs. 1.2 GHz to upgrade yours ~ $299?
256 MB 128mb <= This is probably the most significant difference! DDR RAM vs. SDRAM ~$100?
20GB 48GB <= most people don't even use that much space ...
14.1 15 inch UXGA <= FORM FACTOR/PORTABILITY hehehe but you have no idea what I'm talking about!
CDRW\DVD CDRW\DVD
10/100 10/100
56K 56K
Wifi-NOOOO Built in cost of wireless card $20 - $49
OS????? Windows Xp Pro upgrade ~ $70?
6.5 lbs 7.5lbs <= FORM FACTOR/PORTABILITY hehehe but you have no idea what I'm talking about!
1yr Warranty 3yr Warranty <= I will just buy a new one after two years from the money I saved.
XX video memory 32MB ATI Mobility M6

749.00
299.00 upgrade warranty <= HAHA ridiciulous
89.00 wireless card can I sell you one at that price????
199 hard drive to 40gb <= HAHA ridiciulous
- 299 CPU upgrade
- 100 RAM upgrade
+ 70 WinXP Pro
- 80 getting upgrades cheaper
______
927.00 vs. 1325.00

I save $398 and have a faster more portable system (and those are usually more expensive)!!!!

(Oh, and I'm not sure but it could be there is another $150 mail in rebate on this computer! that would bring the price difference to ~$550.)


HAHA! THAT is funny! Why don't you try it with the other system?????? Afraid?
I smell a rat! Could it be that you are associated with the shop?


Compaq 906US
Processor Brand Mobile AMD Athlon? XP 1500+
Processor Speed (MHz) 1.33GHz
Display Type XGA (1024 x 768) TFT
Screen Size 14.1"
System Bus 266MHz
Cache Memory 256KB L2 on-chip cache
System Memory (RAM) 256MB
System Memory (RAM) Expandable To 1.0GB
Type of Memory (RAM) DDR SDRAM
Hard Drive Type Ultra DMA
Hard Drive Size 20.0GB
DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive Speeds 8x max. DVD-ROM; 8x8x24 CD-RW
Graphics ATI RADEON IGP integrated graphics
Video Memory 16MB
MPEG Yes
Modem 56 Kbps* ITU V.92 *Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
Networking Integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port
Audio JBL Pro Performance audio with bass reflex
Speakers Built-in stereo speakers
PCMCIA Slots 1
USB Ports 2
Parallel Ports 1
Battery Type Lithium-ion (LiIon)
Pointing Device Touchpad pointing device
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Included Software Microsoft Works 6.0, Microsoft Money 2001, InterVideo WinDVD, Microsoft Encarta Online Deluxe Encyclopedia (1-year subscription), AOL 6.0, CompuServe 6.0, Netscape 6.0, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Norton AntiVirus 2002 and more
Product Height 1.5"
Product Width 12.8"
Product Depth 10.6"
Product Weight 6.5 lbs.
Warranty Term ? Parts 1-year limited
Warranty Term ? Labor 1-year limited

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: iamme

Originally posted by: coolVariable
Well then by all means get ripped off by IBM!
I was only trying to help you.....blah....blah....blah

You're very obviously the person who thinks, "if I don't like it, it must suck", so it's pointless to have a conversation with you.

Here's my final comment to ya. Like I said before, you have to own a Thinkpad to appreciate it. There is a reason why they always get rave reviews from people who review laptops for a living. I admit those deals you posted are great values. Go into those threads and talk about how much you love them. Quit posting your anti-IBM drivel and offer a valid opinion for potential laptop buyers to benefit from. In other words, quit thread crapping.

I'm done with you now, kid.

 

[DogbertFuz]

La de da...a few comments:

IBM A and R series don't have that awesome light-weight titanium alloy casing thats in all the commericals. As an owner of an X series, I must say, compared to every other plastic clam shell these laptops come in, the titanium alloy casing is hands down the best. (aside from the mac casing, which might come in second...but barely competition.

Another interesting quality about IBM laptops, X and T series that is as I have no direct experience with A or R, the laptops have great heat dissipation. I would run for hours and the heat would be barely above body temperature. I'm not sure how they are on the ultra high-end P4s now-a-days but I'm sure that IBM has kept some standard of heat dissipation. I have seen much worse heat management in Macs (my friend has one of those...they are cute though), Compaqs, HPs, and especially Dells. My girlfriend's Dell Inspirion 4x00 will actually have various components fail (PCMCIA slot) because it gets too hot.

Also, the IBM A and Rs are much heavier but have more full-fledged features for desktop replacement. I think the T and X really carry the spirit of notebooks being both light, powerful and useful. (well ... depends if you want to play games on it)

In my experience, if you're sitting in a library studying, looking at lecture slides online, IMing, and streaming MP3s, you damn well better not get cocky and wanna load counterstrike. Think about how good you got it carrying a 3.5 - 5.5 lb computer which is just as powerful as as you need it to be.

I don't really buy into the possibility that a good laptop is a desktop replacement. I need a laptop to be light and convienent enough to write down notes quickly, and carry around on a daily basis. I don't believe the A or the R series are light and durable enough for that sort of task.

Love the X and the T series. Read up more on the specs if you're in the market. IBM direct has great deals ($300+) off T series through their website if you click on the advertisement.

Actually here are a list of deals:

R series starting at $899

T-series $350 off expires 12/16/02

A-series - $503 off expires 12/23/02

On a last note, dell and sony laptops suck in comparison. HP and Compaq (high end models) are comparable. Value notebooks are completely worthless unless you're not willing to pony up the money for some quality. If you have the money, go for quality that you won't regret. If you can't afford it but need a laptop, go for value.

I owned a Sony desktop replacement before I went down the IBM road and I hated it. Was too large and heavy to do anything with and the plastic seemed too fragile for putting into my backpack for an all day study session. Of the cheapo Compaqs/HPs I have seen (either at staples or BB) they share the same characteristics. I say to examine how you would treat a laptop and get one that's right for you.

p.s.
coolVariable ... thumps up to you for making a great argument...
...
...

 

[ViperV990]

Originally posted by: iammeYou're very obviously the person who thinks, "if I don't like it, it must suck", so it's pointless to have a conversation with you.

Here's my final comment to ya. Like I said before, you have to own a Thinkpad to appreciate it. There is a reason why they always get rave reviews from people who review laptops for a living. I admit those deals you posted are great values. Go into those threads and talk about how much you love them. Quit posting your anti-IBM drivel and offer a valid opinion for potential laptop buyers to benefit from. In other words, quit thread crapping.

I'm done with you now, kid.

Word.

And you'd think that a "senior member" with ~850 posts would know about netiquette.

 

[coolVariable]

Quit THREADCRAPPING!

 

[az4dan]

unfortunately. over 85% of these listed computers are refurbs.
nice deal though. still a bit outta my price range i guess i'll just hafta settle for the compaq for $750ish AR

 

[Jackangel1]

to coolVariable:

laptops don't matter that much.

but manners do.

please get a hold of yourself.

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: ViperV990

Originally posted by: iammeYou're very obviously the person who thinks, "if I don't like it, it must suck", so it's pointless to have a conversation with you.

Here's my final comment to ya. Like I said before, you have to own a Thinkpad to appreciate it. There is a reason why they always get rave reviews from people who review laptops for a living. I admit those deals you posted are great values. Go into those threads and talk about how much you love them. Quit posting your anti-IBM drivel and offer a valid opinion for potential laptop buyers to benefit from. In other words, quit thread crapping.

I'm done with you now, kid.

Word.

And you'd think that a "senior member" with ~850 posts would know about netiquette.

people who review laptops for a living need a life

 

[kenja]

I was tempted to get in on one of the various recent laptop deals, BUT having a trackpoint is my *major* requirement for a lappy. (Well, besides having at least a 14.1" TFT.)

I owned probably one of the cr@ppiest ThinkPads ever (three new motherboards and DC-to-DC converters, replaced under warranty), and I still like IBM.

 

[Bite]

Great find Windwalker....having owned ALL of the major brands of notebooks, Thinkpads are the only ones that have held up over the long haul, and I now have four in my business....they have more than paid for themselves in reliability, but I guess YMMV....

 

[darkshadow1]

At the risk of fanning the flames, I feel that the IBM T-series is about as close as one can get to the perfect laptop. Has as many features as any desktop replacement (look at the newest T30's) and still weighs less than 5 pounds and has that sleek titanium alloy casing. As for the trackpoint or glider argument, I think the benefits of thinkpads greatly outweigh any costs that the trackpoint might occur.

If you want to compare thinkpads to other laptops, you need to compare with the corporate editions of other manufacturers' laptops (i.e. Compaq Armadas). The only IBM series laptop comparable to run-of-the-mill laptops you see at Staples and whatnot is the R-series...and that is reflected mostly on the 1-year warranty it comes with rather than the 3-year. The T and X series are designed for heavy corporate/business use, not home use. That's also part of the reason why they can maintain such high prices on them...their main buyers are large corporations. As for the A-series (having been a previous owner of one...I now have a T-series), it's a solid machine that still matches up nicely with most competitors' laptops...sure some laptops might have better specs, but you can't beat IBM in quality and dependability.

 

[snowairg]

Originally posted by: darkshadow1
At the risk of fanning the flames, I feel that the IBM T-series is about as close as one can get to the perfect laptop. Has as many features as any desktop replacement (look at the newest T30's) and still weighs less than 5 pounds and has that sleek titanium alloy casing. As for the trackpoint or glider argument, I think the benefits of thinkpads greatly outweigh any costs that the trackpoint might occur.

If you want to compare thinkpads to other laptops, you need to compare with the corporate editions of other manufacturers' laptops (i.e. Compaq Armadas). The only IBM series laptop comparable to run-of-the-mill laptops you see at Staples and whatnot is the R-series...and that is reflected mostly on the 1-year warranty it comes with rather than the 3-year. The T and X series are designed for heavy corporate/business use, not home use. That's also part of the reason why they can maintain such high prices on them...their main buyers are large corporations. As for the A-series (having been a previous owner of one...I now have a T-series), it's a solid machine that still matches up nicely with most competitors' laptops...sure some laptops might have better specs, but you can't beat IBM in quality and dependability.

How bout the Compaq Evo (enterprise/business notebooks) n600c (P3) and n610c (P4)? They are thinner than the IBM T Series with bascially the same specs. The Evo's have the option for better graphics (more memory) and have both touchpad and pointstick.

 

[yellowperil]

My experience with the T Thinkpad hasn't been that great. I guess IBM laptops are renowned for their reliability and customer support but mine must have been a lemon. The system has completely failed 3 times and once IBM denied it was broken and sent it back to me in the same condition. I couldn't even power the thing on. I called IBM and demanded to have the laptop replaced (and not with a refurb), but the rep promised me they would fix it correctly. She basically told me IBM does not replace lemons. They ended up replacing the entire mainboard (or so they said), and now the fan is defunct and I still get intermittent registry errors (caused by some power issues I suspect) that require backing up the OS. IBM will not fix it because they claim they cannot reproduce the problem and ignored the request to fix the fan. But that's just my story, lots of other people say they had great experiences with IBM support, go figure.

 

[Muse]

Would this have a stereo analogue input for decent sound recording from external sources? The one Thinkpad I inspected had an audio in jack but I don't know how good it is. TIA.

Edit: I see the T30 has Line-in. Does anyone have experience with this? Is this crappy audio? I suppose I could get a PCMCIA sound card, but that's an expensive way to go.

 

[DogbertFuz]

the new T30s have both pointy stick and touch pad. Only the new ones mind u. Check out my links above.

 

[jclark]

The ONLY thing I dislike about my Thinkpad X22 is that it doesn't have a @#$% Windows key, and remapping the left Ctrl key causes my machine to hang. Oh, and I spilled a Coke on the docking station so the DVD drive sticks when you try to eject it. However, the fact that it still functions after a Coke and distilled water bath is a testament to its durability, I suppose.

I can't stand touchpads on laptops because my hands always bump them when I'm typing, the mouse clicks into another window, and whatever I'm working on gets interruped while I fix things. I much prefer the trackpoint, especially with the scroll button.

 

[jbwhite99]

Message to those misguided folks that are thinking about buying Compaq, HP, and Dell notebooks: when was the last time any of these machines won awards? I couldn't answer - IBM and Toshiba win them all. Thinkpad, which turned 10 years old in October - has won almost 1000 awards.

Think about the innovation Dell, CPQ, and HP brought to laptops: ___ What did IBM bring? The first internal mouse with the Trackpoint 8 years ago, foldable keyboards, CD-ROM in laptops, wireless (including bluetooth) in laptops, the black color that every computer is today, all-day computing under 4 pounds (with the X30), etc.

As someone mentioned, you get what you pay for. All I can say is that IBM has sold over 10 million Thinkpads over the last 10 years - I don't think that 10 million customers would be wrong.

I have had a T20 for almost 2.5 years, and it's still moving along. 256MB of RAM, 14" screen, 12GB HDD, CDRW/DVD combo drive (hotswap) - and never a problem. It weighs 5 pounds, and I can get 3.5 hours on a single charge when I unplug it. I couldn't ask for any more, and will be sad to see it go (it has travelled to about 15 states with me). But I wouldn't trade my laptop for any brand that didn't say "Thinkpad" for any amount of $$$.

 

[mrVW]

I am going to weigh in...

My wife and I are full time computer users, we work at least 10 hours a day, often 15. We also live in a RV... we have three ThinkPad T series.

If you USE your laptop, the T is great. We monitor web sites 24x7 and my wife answers support (200 to 300 emails a day) for the web sites. My wife is not a nerd, she was a 911 operator for 10 years before I talked her into working with me and going RV'ing full time.

She works on hers all day typing (I often use a desktop) - 5 or 6 times a week she packes it up - puts in in a bag - we take it to brewpubs and bars and eat/drink with it. This has been for 18 months. 90 degrees in Los Angeles (Hunington beach) on the beach, outside in the cold, etc. Our RV also bounces the crap out of it.

I suspect most AT's are after POWER... if you only use your laptop 5 days a month, a Thinkpad is going to see "behind the times" - but if you USE IT and abuse it - they are good.

My T2x's we got eBay/IBM direct. They came with 3 year warrenty. I remember when i purchased them, some of the T's came with only 1 and some with 3. Maybe because we got Windows 2000?

You don't get as much bang for buck, you get quality for buck.

P.S. They aren't perfect. The T series will crack the case right near the FN key on keybard an between PCMCIA slots. We just live with it. I suspect from picking it up with screen up using only one hand on the left front corner. I've seen others on Usenet report that it is one flaw with the otherwise strudy contruction.

 

[slunk]

definitely trackpoint!