ibm laptops-special feature that i need..

[Melinda]

I am looking to buy the IBM Thinkpad T43, after reading many good reviews.  The problem is I would like to physically see it and hold it before buying, but it seems that none of the big chains carry them anymore (Fryes, Best Buy, Circuit CIty, CImp USA, ect).  Have they moved to online only sales?

[BAFF213]

Great question.  Try Office Depot:

http://www.officedepot.com/browse.do?Ne=6+1+10313+5&Nr=FILTER(domestic)&N=274+10324+4294966586

They appear to have at least some IBMs.  You may want to call first to make sure they have the T-43 though.  I may do the same (I'm interested in the T-42).

I am looking to buy the IBM Thinkpad T43, after reading many good reviews.  The problem is I would like to physically see it and hold it before buying, but it seems that none of the big chains carry them anymore (Fryes, Best Buy, Circuit CIty, CImp USA, ect).  Have they moved to online only sales?

[tacojohn]

I am looking to buy the IBM Thinkpad T43, after reading many good reviews.  The problem is I would like to physically see it and hold it before buying, but it seems that none of the big chains carry them anymore (Fryes, Best Buy, Circuit CIty, CImp USA, ect).  Have they moved to online only sales?

IBM is selling their laptop and PC business to a Chinese company who will keep the Thinkpad name (I believe).  I think IBM has announced plans to continue servicing their PCs and laptops, but I'm not sure.

[jomolungma]

I just purchased a T43 and I love it.  I bought it online through IBM just before the switch to Lenovo, but by the time it arrived all the warranty info and docs had been switched to say Lenovo.  No change in my services though.  In fact, there really isn't any changes at all right now that would impact the consumer.

As for buying it, if you live in NYC there is a store on Madison Ave and 56th/55th streeet (I forget what it's called but it's on the east side of Madison on the corner) and they have T42s and X41s on display.  The T43 is structurally identical to the T42 except the T43 has an Express Card slot and a PC card slot instead of two PC Card slots.  Everything else, from the outside, is the same so you should be able to go anywhere that has a T42 and get a good sense of what the thing will look and feel like.

[Tony Brooks1]

whats the lowest price youve seen for a t42?

[BAFF213]

$1299 - if you're OK with only 256 MB:

http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=-840&storeId=10000001&langId=-1&dualCurrId=1000073&categoryId=2072541

I think the warranty is lacking as well.  If you want a decent one (with a good warranty) it will probably cost you around $1400 or $1500.  The way I'm thinking about getting mine customized, it would cost me $1600, which is a bit steep for me.

whats the lowest price youve seen for a t42?

[Melinda]

Why are you choosing a T42 over a T43?  They do not seem much different., although the reviews have been very good on the T43.  They have a sale of 10% off if you buy it today, which I am nowhere near ready to do unfortunately.

Reviews: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1787983,00.asp,
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,120923,00.asp

Has anyone purchased a dock for their thinkpad?

I am still contemplating 14" v. 15"

[jomolungma]

If price is a concern, tool around on the IBM education sales site.  There are very good deals hidden in those pages.  I got my T43 for about $1300 less than it would have cost through the normal channels.

[Tony Brooks1]

someone please enlighten me...

what special features are really needed for Lschool anyways?

i'm figuring the basic microsoft office package, internet browser, and IM are all i really need?

am i clueless?

[BAFF213]

I'm pretty sure the T-43 is much more expensive.  That's why I'm not looking into it - I can't afford it.

Why are you choosing a T42 over a T43?  They do not seem much different., although the reviews have been very good on the T43.  They have a sale of 10% off if you buy it today, which I am nowhere near ready to do unfortunately.

Reviews: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1787983,00.asp,
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,120923,00.asp

Has anyone purchased a dock for their thinkpad?

I am still contemplating 14" v. 15"