Thinkpad for my dad and Price Check

[stanleyleecm]

Hello everyone I'm trying to find out what would be a good laptop for my dad. He's mostly going to use it for the surfing the web, skype ,checking emails and maybe watching videos from time to time. Budget is around US$600.

I've been looking online quite a bit and I kinda narrowed the search to Lenovo. And T series from the outlet seems to be the most logical choice in terms of price and reliability, I tend to get something new for him every 3-4 years or so. With his needs, most of the machines out there can handle it no problem.

My main concern is reliability, given that he lives overseas and his limited ability on fixing the machine. I need something that will keep that problem at a very minimum. Fan problem seems to be the only thing that I found so far with this particular machine, any other known or common problems that I need to be aware of?

Here is the T420 spec I am eyeing on. It is currently available for $550 at the outlet.

i7-2640M
Win7
14"HD 1600x900 LED Backlight
Intel HD3000
4G Memory
500G Serial HDD

Good buy at its current price? Any other laptop suggestion within the price range will be greatly appreciated. HP or Dell?

Thanks!

 

[raildogg]

Dell's business outlet often has coupons so you can look at something like a Latitude E6430 or a E6420. HP's outlet also offers 14" Elitebooks as well. I believe that the Dell Latitudes, purchased from the outlet or new, come with a 3 year warranty compared to 1 year on the Thinkpads and Elitebooks. At least this was the case when I last shopped for a Latitude. That is an advantage.

 

[GoSharks]

I got a scratch and dent i5-3337u T431s from the outlet 2 weeks ago for $530 +tax. Earlier last week they had a bunch of refurbed i5 T431s for $580 +tax.

The scratch and dent one that I received is has a scratch on the lid that is barely noticeable.

 

[avtek21]

One thing to check is if the Lenovo has a 6 cell or 9 cell. Another check is to make sure if your Dad prefers a notebook or if the uses you listed would be better accommodated with 18-20 inch all in one.

The larger display is much easier on the eyes and external control is easier than all notebook trackpad, plus better sound for movies and easier to expand or fix.

 

[stanleyleecm]

One thing to check is if the Lenovo has a 6 cell or 9 cell. Another check is to make sure if your Dad prefers a notebook or if the uses you listed would be better accommodated with 18-20 inch all in one.

The larger display is much easier on the eyes and external control is easier than all notebook trackpad, plus better sound for movies and easier to expand or fix.

Thanks for the recommendation, but unfortunately he will be traveling every other 3 months or so.

I got a scratch and dent i5-3337u T431s from the outlet 2 weeks ago for $530 +tax. Earlier last week they had a bunch of refurbed i5 T431s for $580 +tax.

The scratch and dent one that I received is has a scratch on the lid that is barely noticeable.

This will be my first time ordering through outlet and I've heard it is hit or miss. How was your experience with them?

 

[GoSharks]

This will be my first time ordering through outlet and I've heard it is hit or miss. How was your experience with them?

My family has ordered 3 machines from them in the past month. 2 refurbed and my scratch and dent. The refurbs have been virtually brand new and for the scratch and dent, you have to look really hard to find anything on it and otherwise looks new

 

[stanleyleecm]

My family has ordered 3 machines from them in the past month. 2 refurbed and my scratch and dent. The refurbs have been virtually brand new and for the scratch and dent, you have to look really hard to find anything on it and otherwise looks new

Thank you very much and now I just need to wait for the outlet to stock up.

 

[alangrift]

I recommend buying a laptop from best buy they have great protection and help.