DEAD: IBM ThinkPad T23 for $999

[elmyra42]

I just got mine in the mail today - it's the first good laptop I've owned, and it rocks! It definitely needs more RAM, though...I think I might just go for a 512 on top of the existing 256.

 

[kenja]

My WiFi T23 has somewhat lesser specs than this deal; the 802.11b card is a daughterboard to the mini-PCI. Device manager reports it as "IBM High Rate Wireless LAN MiniPCI Combo Card" and properties: Actiontec Electronics, Inc PRISM Wireless LAN.

I have no idea how well it works; I haven't set up my Netgear WAP yet. (Should be doing homework instead of goofing off at Anand.) With the antenna built into the titanium composite lid, the T23 is a very professional rig.

 

[vikinggizmo]

I teach in a large East Coast university...my suggestion would be to get a laptop. You'll need your files outside your home/apt/dorm way too often. The WiFi is going to be good because way too many schools have WiFi access (at the very least in classroom buildings and libs). As with this family of TPs, you can't go wrong (I'm on my fifth thinkpad).

 

[random]

It's a good thing I already have a working X22 or I'd have jumped all over this one days ago. That said, I appreciate the smallness and lightness of the X22 (12", 3.6lb), and was willing to pay for it. (~$1200 before tax/shippin from ibm's ebay store about 8 months ago)

 

[weovpac]

Originally posted by: geoffkin
Wow, thank you guys for all the INFO!! I can tell this is a good product/smart buy by all the knowledeable people, doing their homework on it!
I think I might just spring for a 512 RAM Upgrade, instead of a 256 stick. Using the latest Photoshop on the digital pictures, while listening to MP3's might tax it quite a bit, eh?

Think that ~$90 deal on 512 of Kingston at DELL is the best we can find? I want to stick with quality RAM. Did that deal require a coupon be emailed to you from DELL?

geoffkin,

When I place the order I got a 15% discount automatically and free shipping. The coupon I had from Dell had expired. I was going to wait but, 512mb for $94 is good deal and didn't want to take a chance of Dell running out. Remenber this is notebook memory, they tend cost a little more.

 

[fbx]

Where can I find the IBM swappable CDRW/DVD at less than IBM price?

I ordered the T23 and have an older CDRW drive (slower) that I bought a few years ago for my A21m. Would like to have a newer CDRW/DVD in the T23.

Also, I am thinking of upgrading the drive (to a 5400 RPM) and the memory. Have you got suggestions in this regard? I think another 256MB should be sufficient for memory, unless adding 512 MB would be cost effective and show some benefits.

40 GB GNX 5400 RPM Notebook Drive is available at about $130 at googlegear--is this a good price?

 

[fbx]

Looking on eBay for CDRW/DVD drives for this T23, I find a couple possibilities. Anybody got a clear notion of which one and why one over another?

Sony CRX810E $139

COMBO IV for ThinkPad with Ultrabay 2000 $185 (no software)

CD-RW/DVD Combo III Ultrabay 2000 $159.99 (16X)

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: fbx
Looking on eBay for CDRW/DVD drives for this T23, I find a couple possibilities. Anybody got a clear notion of which one and why one over another?

Sony CRX810E $139

COMBO IV for ThinkPad with Ultrabay 2000 $185 (no software)

CD-RW/DVD Combo III Ultrabay 2000 $159.99 (16X)

Get the Combo IV if you have to have a dvd/cdrw in one drive.

EDIT: Actually, first call IBM and see what's compatible.

 

[RDaneel]

I placed my order via the net Sunday afternoon, and it was picked up in Ohio at 6:42 Monday... should be here in a couple days! Kudos to PC Connection for the quick shipping. Also picked up the 256mb ram at Newegg with the free hat - even though it isn't the lowest price on the net, I always like to send my business to Newegg...

Thanks again for the deal!
RDaneel

 

[icecube]

Question for those who have gotten theirs:

Does it come with the Lotus software, including the standard Notes license that ships with IBM machines?


Another question: why are these two T23s at PCConnection so much more expensive:

T23 $1919
T23 $2309

 

[geoffkin]

synth17 - I was afraid of that. It does show a DELL discount automatically for it, but they jacked up the price! It's $120 now, after California tax. For $94 I was going to get the 512, but maybe I'll just get the 256 instead. I'll look around for another day or two and see if any COMPATIBLE, Quality memory is under $100 for 512. Thanks!

Just checked and they shipped mine out at 5:50 PM yesterday. I ordered it on Saturday morning and chose the FREE shipping, which doesn't appear to be free. It's Airborne GROUND shipping and on my order it now shows a $14.95 SHIPPING FEE!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

[wshtb000]

Originally posted by: icecube
Question for those who have gotten theirs:

Does it come with the Lotus software, including the standard Notes license that ships with IBM machines?


Another question: why are these two T23s at PCConnection so much more expensive:

T23 $1919
T23 $2309

I don't know this one but the X22 I bought on Ebay came with a piece of paper saying something like if I send it to somewhere on this planet I will get a free copy of Lotus Notes. By the way, its IBM Authorized Auction.

 

[BigEdMuustaffa]

Originally posted by: icecube
Question for those who have gotten theirs:

Does it come with the Lotus software, including the standard Notes license that ships with IBM machines?


Another question: why are these two T23s at PCConnection so much more expensive:

T23 $1919
T23 $2309

Yeah good question, inquiring minds want to know. I want to know too. Why do two T23 machines with lesser specs cost more?

 

[geoffkin]

Already got an email back from the ROCKIN' PC Connection CS Rep...

Hello, and thank you for your e-mail.
I am very sorry for this error - you should not have been charged for shipping.
I am issuing a credit which will appear on your card within the next 3 to 7 business days.
Please contact us with any further questions.

$999 baby! And that is huge with the TAX we pay in California!

 

[Yzzyx]

Originally posted by: Yzzyx
PPS - I just called that number I linked to above, and my free recovery CD is being shipped to me... The rep I talked to told me to expect it either tomorrow (!) or Wednesday... The only information I had to give him was the model number, serial number, my phone number and my address...

Guess what? The Airborne Express dude just dropped off the recovery kit...

 

[elmyra42]

Originally posted by: Yzzyx

Originally posted by: Yzzyx
PPS - I just called that number I linked to above, and my free recovery CD is being shipped to me... The rep I talked to told me to expect it either tomorrow (!) or Wednesday... The only information I had to give him was the model number, serial number, my phone number and my address...

Guess what? The Airborne Express dude just dropped off the recovery kit...

I just called and requested mine. The CSR said it could be up to 10 days, but whatever. I'm not in a rush.

 

[hp660c]

Question:
Should you run the laptop until the battery is completely discharged before plugging it in to recharge the battery? Or doesnt it hurt the battery to leave the laptop plugged in most of the time?

 

[geoffkin]

It's got a Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery, you don't have to wait until it's empty to recharge it. It's fine to just plug it in any old time.

 

[fbx]

Originally posted by: IgoByte

Originally posted by: fbx
Looking on eBay for CDRW/DVD drives for this T23, I find a couple possibilities. Anybody got a clear notion of which one and why one over another?

Sony CRX810E $139

COMBO IV for ThinkPad with Ultrabay 2000 $185 (no software)

CD-RW/DVD Combo III Ultrabay 2000 $159.99 (16X)

Get the Combo IV if you have to have a dvd/cdrw in one drive.

EDIT: Actually, first call IBM and see what's compatible.

Actually I believe all three are Ultrabay 2000 compatible. Unless I've got my machines wrong, the T23 comes with Ultrabay 2000.
Anyone else looking to add a CDRW/DVD to their T23?

 

[iwearnosox]

I received mine last night. It was brand new, pristine condition and worked as advertised.

Stop being skeptical, just buy one!

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: icecube
Question for those who have gotten theirs:

Does it come with the Lotus software, including the standard Notes license that ships with IBM machines?


Another question: why are these two T23s at PCConnection so much more expensive:

T23 $1919
T23 $2309

No, it doesn't seem to come with any kind of Lotus software. Those two are priced regularly.

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: hp660c
Question:
Should you run the laptop until the battery is completely discharged before plugging it in to recharge the battery? Or doesnt it hurt the battery to leave the laptop plugged in most of the time?

1. I think IBM states that it should be run down to 3% capacity once a month.
2. You have a year warranty on the battery. Exchange it for a fresh one toward the end of the year.

 

[IgoByte]

I received mine yesterday, BTW. It works great and is plenty fast (I added an additional 256MB dimm that I had laying around).

The CDRW Drive I purchased is on its way according to the seller. I will try to find out if and how many of these he has left and if the one I purchased works properly, I'll either purchase his stock or give out his info to those interested. I need another myself, so I think I may end up picking up his stock and distributing at no profit.

I also picked up a full dock for this notebook. It retails for $529, but I picked one up on eBay (supposedly sealed) for $150 and change. Again, once I get mine, and confirm that it works properly, I will offer the necessary info to those of you who want to pick one up (assuming the seller has more). For those of you who don't know, a dock (at least the full dock) will allow to charge the laptop (while in the dock) so that you can keep the AC adapter that came with the laptop in your bag. It will also allow you to use the DVI interface (at least it should) with an LCD monitor. It also has four USB ports, 2 PCMCIA slots, keyboard/mouse ports, modem/NIC ports, VGA, parallel, audio, etc. This is very useful if you want to have devices (printer, scanner, MP3 player, PDA, etc.) attached to the notebook. It basically turns it into a desktop PC while at home. It also has an extra ultrabay, which is also very handy.

 

[hp660c]

Originally posted by: IgoByte
I received mine yesterday, BTW. It works great and is plenty fast (I added an additional 256MB dimm that I had laying around).

The CDRW Drive I purchased is on its way according to the seller. I will try to find out if and how many of these he has left and if the one I purchased works properly, I'll either purchase his stock or give out his info to those interested. I need another myself, so I think I may end up picking up his stock and distributing at no profit.

I also picked up a full dock for this notebook. It retails for $529, but I picked one up on eBay (supposedly sealed) for $150 and change. Again, once I get mine, and confirm that it works properly, I will offer the necessary info to those of you who want to pick one up (assuming the seller has more). For those of you who don't know, a dock (at least the full dock) will allow to charge the laptop (while in the dock) so that you can keep the AC adapter that came with the laptop in your bag. It will also allow you to use the DVI interface (at least it should) with an LCD monitor. It also has four USB ports, 2 PCMCIA slots, keyboard/mouse ports, modem/NIC ports, VGA, parallel, audio, etc. This is very useful if you want to have devices (printer, scanner, MP3 player, PDA, etc.) attached to the notebook. It basically turns it into a desktop PC while at home. It also has an extra ultrabay, which is also very handy.

Thanks Igobyte. I would appreciate the info when you find out if the CDRW and Dock works well. I'm sure other people will too

Thanks again.

 

[lukatmyshu]

Hey how do we turn off the speed step options when the laptop is plugged in. My processor still says 800 mhz.'