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> I am contemplating ordering a T530 and perhaps an x230 in top configurations and keep them in a closet for future use. Welcome to my world. I exclusively use
by sigil 14y ago
> I am contemplating ordering a T530 and perhaps an x230 in top configurations and keep them in a closet for future use.
Welcome to my world. I exclusively use Thinkpad T40s, T41s, and T42s, the last few models to be manufactured by IBM prior to the 2005 selloff. (The T43 was the very last, but had more hardware issues for some reason.)
Even today it's not difficult to find used models in decent condition. They last me a few years until I utterly destroy them, which is something of an inevitability given the amount and type of usage they see. When that happens, I buy another for $150 - $200, pop in the old hard drive, and I'm off.
Thinkpads are amazing.
Edit: While quality initially suffered in the IBM -> Lenovo handoff, I do think it recovered eventually. The x220 and x230s I've used at jobs seem just as solid.
- keithpeter 14y agoDo you find the screen back light inverter and/or that little ribbon cable between the base and the display are a particular cause of trouble with your T42s? But I know what you mean about the build quality.
- sigil 14y agoNo, haven't seen that one. The most common natural deaths for me are fan death and USB ports going out. This list of known hardware problems by Thinkpad model has proven true though: http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Known_Problems http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Known_Problems Also, I'll add that Thinkpads are quite easy to repair yourself. Great instruction manuals, and markings on the case itself as to what screws to take out to access a certain part.
- keithpeter 14y agoGood list http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_video_related_system_lockup_II http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_video_related_sys... I had this one on the last T42p, and a bust inverter on a previous model. Small sample thing!