Should I buy an IBM R32?

[beer]

I'm looking for a laptop that has enough horsepower to do my engineering applications, but not too expensive that I have to sell limbs to afford it. Durability and size are paramount.

With this in mind, I am looking at an IBM R32 on Ebay from the IBM Authorized Auctions. Here are the specs:

Model: 2658CFU
Processor: Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor - M - 1.80GHz
Memory: 256MB Included / 1GB Max.
Hard Drive: 30GB
Display: 14.1" TFT 1024x768
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
Ethernet/Modem: Ethernet & Modem Included
Media Device: DVD-ROM
Graphics chipset: 16MB ATI Mobility RADEON 7000
Travel Weight: 5.6lbs
Thinness: 1.5in
Limited Warranty period: One year parts and labor (system battery: one year)
AC Adapter: Included
Battery: Included

Installed apps will be MS Office, Macromedia Dreamweaver MX/Flash Mx, Photoshop 7.0. Matlab, pSpice, my CAD software (logic design) and then some statistics software. Not much in the way of games - I'm going to keep it pretty streamlined.

It should be fast enough for at least two years.

Here are my questions -

Is there 802.11b integrated wireless in the R32?
Is there the option of adding a second hard drive, maybe a 5400 RPM?
Is the 256 MB in 1 DIMM or 2? I'm going to add another 512 MB.

 

[mocca]

Yes, I think I saw IBM sell their laptop (refurbished though) on ebay. They use it as a channel to get rid of their refurbished PC.

Mocca

 

[OldSpooky]

IBM maintains two web stores on eBay: IBM Authorized Auctions, and IBM Global Services. The former sells new IBM computers with full warranties, while the later sells refurbished IBM computers with 30 day satisfaction gaurantees.

IBM Authorized Auctions is probably the store you want. Search under this name on EBay. My friend bought a very nice ThinkPad T23 there.

 

[beer]

alright thanks. Thread title change comin a sec.

 

[AnyMal]

I am pretty sure that unless they specifically mention it in the specs, no wireless is included. AFAIK, there is no miniPCI slot in R32 so your only other option is PCMCIA card which is what I'm using. I just bought R31 from IBM Authorized auction last Sunday and so far has been very please. I received it in three days and it came superbly packaged which is what I would expect from IBM anyway. Keep in mind that IBM no longer includes recovery CD's with laptops, instead they create a separate partition where recovery image resides. That being said, all I had to do was to call tech support and recovery CD's were at my door step the NEXT day.

You can add second hard drive via Ultrabay adaptor, they usually sell for around $50.00 and AFAIK you should be able to run 5400RPM drives since specs call for full ATA100 support.

There are two DIMM slots so you should be able to upgrade your RAM easily.

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: AnyMal
I am pretty sure that unless they specifically mention it in the specs, no wireless is included. AFAIK, there is no miniPCI slot in R32 so your only other option is PCMCIA card which is what I'm using. I just bought R31 from IBM Authorized auction last Sunday and so far has been very please. I received it in three days and it came superbly packaged which is what I would expect from IBM anyway. Keep in mind that IBM no longer includes recovery CD's with laptops, instead they create a separate partition where recovery image resides. That being said, all I had to do was to call tech support and recovery CD's were at my door step the NEXT day.

You can add second hard drive via Ultrabay adaptor, they usually sell for around $50.00 and AFAIK you should be able to run 5400RPM drives since specs call for full ATA100 support.

There are two DIMM slots so you should be able to upgrade your RAM easily.

Thanks for the information. However:

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,106073,00.asp

ThinkPads, the ThinkPad R32 offers the same great design as its predecessor: a great keyboard, wireless Wi-Fi (802.11b) antennas, and a roomy 14.1-inch screen, all in a package under 6 pounds.

So it sounds like it is a standard by default...but the auction site makes no mention of it.

The ThinkPad R32 offers many of the same features as models in the pricier T series do, and it includes 802.11b connectivity.

I wonder if I should just e-mail them?

 

[GoSharks]

there are different configurations of the r32, some with 802.11 and somewithout. same with pretty much any other ibm/dell/etc laptop model.

 

[rb56]

I purchased my R31 from the IBM Authorized Auctions site last Sept.

So it sounds like it is a standard by default...but the auction site makes no mention of it.

If it isn't listed on the laptop that your looking at it isn't included. The wireless option is just that an option.

As far as purchasing from them I think it is a great way to go if they have the laptop that will fit your needs. All the systems are new as far as I know. Mine came bundled with Office XP (SB), Norton, etc.

rb56

 

[AnyMal]

Originally posted by: Elemental007

Originally posted by: AnyMal
I am pretty sure that unless they specifically mention it in the specs, no wireless is included. AFAIK, there is no miniPCI slot in R32 so your only other option is PCMCIA card which is what I'm using. I just bought R31 from IBM Authorized auction last Sunday and so far has been very please. I received it in three days and it came superbly packaged which is what I would expect from IBM anyway. Keep in mind that IBM no longer includes recovery CD's with laptops, instead they create a separate partition where recovery image resides. That being said, all I had to do was to call tech support and recovery CD's were at my door step the NEXT day.

You can add second hard drive via Ultrabay adaptor, they usually sell for around $50.00 and AFAIK you should be able to run 5400RPM drives since specs call for full ATA100 support.

There are two DIMM slots so you should be able to upgrade your RAM easily.

Thanks for the information. However:

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,106073,00.asp

ThinkPads, the ThinkPad R32 offers the same great design as its predecessor: a great keyboard, wireless Wi-Fi (802.11b) antennas, and a roomy 14.1-inch screen, all in a package under 6 pounds.

So it sounds like it is a standard by default...but the auction site makes no mention of it.

The ThinkPad R32 offers many of the same features as models in the pricier T series do, and it includes 802.11b connectivity.

I wonder if I should just e-mail them?

If in doubt, ask IBM. However, it sounds like it may only have an antenna only installed in the case (it wraps around the screen), so there may be a miniPCI slot for expansion after all. If you do email them, please ask if the antenna is installed in R31 as well and let us know.

 

[GizmoFreak]

You might want to check out the $999 T23 deal at PCConnection

 

[beer]

saw it. it's dead.