What was the best IBM thinkpad ever built?

[dannybek]

What was the best IBM thinkpad ever built? From the Pentium!!! to the current Pentium M.
Please stae your explanation and specifications of the thinkpad.
Lastly was it a metallic case or a plastic one?

 

[ultimatebob]

That's easy. The Thinkpad T20! It's compact, light, and very fast for it's time. It was also the first Thinkpad with the Titanium top panel.

 

[dannybek]

So basically the t series are the best? Exclusively which one? More opinions please!

 

[OldSpooky]

this is a tricky question. Some people maintain that the old 600 series (predecessor to the T series) is the best. I've tried out a T23, T30, and T40 (currently own) and I have to say that overall I like the T40 best.

The T23 is a nice machine, but the keyboard isn't nearly as solid as the T40. The T40 also runs a lot faster and cooler. The T30 is also a superb machine, but it's a bit too big for my liking.

 

[dannybek]

oldspooky, I thought you owned a dell D600 or 600M? Changed to a T40? Im about to sell my 600M for a T40, except I don't have much money. Any good place to buy a T40 cheapy?

 

[OldSpooky]

oldspooky, I thought you owned a dell D600 or 600M?

Yeah I originally purchased a Latitude D600, but I got mad at it because it had a lousy keyboard and a power supply that made awful noises.

There are some good 3rd party vendors like ThinkPadDepot (merged with Kaanza.com) that sell ThinkPads for less than IBM. However, IBM gives you a 30 day trial period, and 3rd party vendors generally do not allow returns. The disadvantage of buying dirrect from IBM is sales tax, which makes already expensive ThinkPads even more expensive

Hope that helps

 

[geoffkin]

Thinkpad Depot looks pretty expensive even. I just ordered a brand new T23 (1.2 PIII, 256 MB, 8X DVD, 40 GB HD@5400) from PC Connection for $999 DELIVERED! Gotta love the 3 year FULL Warranty included from IBM and built in WIFI!
Is there a better deal out there for REALLY CLOSE to $1,000?!

 

[JZilla]

Originally posted by: geoffkin
Thinkpad Depot looks pretty expensive even. I just ordered a brand new T23 (1.2 PIII, 256 MB, 8X DVD, 40 GB HD@5400) from PC Connection for $999 DELIVERED! Gotta love the 3 year FULL Warranty included from IBM and built in WIFI!
Is there a better deal out there for REALLY CLOSE to $1,000?!

Hell NO. I wish I could get one. I'm dreaming of getting a T40, but $999 for a T23 makes the price difference between a T23 and a T40 not worth it imo.

 

[geoffkin]

Good deal, I didn't want to spend more than $1,000 on something I'm taking on trips and could lose/get stolen!

 

[hans007]

though it was pre pentium, i'll go with the one with the butterfly keyboard. that was truly innovative.

 

[pukemon]

The Thinkpad 701C ("butterfly") was certainly the most innovative, but it never caught on.

Any of the T Series is worthy of best. Rock solid machines that businesses continue to purchase... Still using a bunch of T22 and T23's at my company.

 

[GizmoFreak]

I would vote for the 600 series

 

[IgoByte]

T23 for me. Not as hot as the T20 and better overall.

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: geoffkin
Thinkpad Depot looks pretty expensive even. I just ordered a brand new T23 (1.2 PIII, 256 MB, 8X DVD, 40 GB HD@5400) from PC Connection for $999 DELIVERED! Gotta love the 3 year FULL Warranty included from IBM and built in WIFI!
Is there a better deal out there for REALLY CLOSE to $1,000?!

Hehee...congrats!

 

[iamme]

TP 600E
PII 400MHz
288MB RAM
4GB HD

*sniff*.........i loved that thing

it was endearing that such a "slow machine" could get so much use. The keyboard was sturdy and amazing. Sometimes I'd word process on the 600E, rather than my desktop

 

[AnyMal]

Another vote for 600 series. Best TP's evar.