Thinkpad A31 (2652D3U) with Palm M125 $1149

[caliyogi]

I checked on extended warranties. You can either get one from warehouse.com through EasyServe (?). $99 for 2 years, $149 for 3, $209 for 4 years. This is NOT in addition to the 1 year manufacturer warranty. You can buy this up to 11 months after the purchase date. From what the guy on the phone said, this doesn't seem like the best warranty, I think you can only call during business hours, etc.

You can also get an extended warranty from IBM, 3 years for $132, 4 years for $249, 5 years for $349. 1-888-SHOP-IBM. The only caveat is that if the machine has been sitting around a while and it's no longer in the maufacturer warranty (1 year after the manufacture date on the bottom) then you can't get it. Manufacturer warranties are better IMHO.

So, hopefully I will get the 3 year warranty from IBM, if I can't then I will get the other one. An extended warranty came in mighty handy with my Toshiba Tecra 8100 - they replaced my LCD screen... a must for laptops if you travel alot.

-dan

 

[cleek]

Originally posted by: caliyogi
I checked on extended warranties. You can either get one from warehouse.com through EasyServe (?). $99 for 2 years, $149 for 3, $209 for 4 years. This is NOT in addition to the 1 year manufacturer warranty. You can buy this up to 11 months after the purchase date. From what the guy on the phone said, this doesn't seem like the best warranty, I think you can only call during business hours, etc.

You can also get an extended warranty from IBM, 3 years for $132, 4 years for $249, 5 years for $349. 1-888-SHOP-IBM. The only caveat is that if the machine has been sitting around a while and it's no longer in the maufacturer warranty (1 year after the manufacture date on the bottom) then you can't get it. Manufacturer warranties are better IMHO.

So, hopefully I will get the 3 year warranty from IBM, if I can't then I will get the other one. An extended warranty came in mighty handy with my Toshiba Tecra 8100 - they replaced my LCD screen... a must for laptops if you travel alot.

-dan

Also make sure you check the benefits of your credit card. Many now extend the warranty up to a full year.

 

[daye]

Mine is on the way too.
I will go with the another year from AMEX; I don't think I will keep it for more than 2 year.

Originally posted by: cleek
Wow - Notebook and Palm on the way.

My order already shipped and I have a tracking number and the serial numbers for both the A31 and the Palm M125..

Thanks for the deal, Daye!

 

[Hoeboy]

cleek and daye, did you order by phone or online? how fast did you receive your order confirmation via e-mail? i placed an order via phone but im not sure if it'll go through with my visa. i got the order # from the lady but i cant access it online since it also asks for my phone# and i don't recall this lady asking for my phone #. i haven't gotten an e-mail confirmation yet either. i only ordered 30minutes ago though. she said it would ship out by tonight. they work pretty fast.

 

[geba]

 

[geba]

Does anyone happen to know how the Amex extended warranty works out? I know the blue card offers the additional year but
how do you actually do it ? Call them up to cover your repair costs from the manufacturer? Has anyone done it in the past? Any experiences?
I look forward to not have it more than two years too so it makes sense to follow the amex route.

 

[Leland]

Seems to be OOS on the A31 w/ Palm. I get "The product you requested is currently not available." when I click the link.

Still mulling the Compaq Evo over...I think I'm going to leap and it's about time...Less than 5 pounds, but just missing that Thinkpad sex appeal.

 

[Muse]

This A31 comes with XP Pro preinstalled. I suppose they don't include the XP disk(s). What do you do if your OS gets hosed and you need to reinstall? I guess it would be wise to make a Ghost image of your OS partition immediately. Never had a laptop, so please clue me in. TIA. I assume the $1149 w/ mpad deal is done. They say it was a mistake but it doesn't look that way from here. Well, maybe it was but I bet they honor it for the people they processed. Some already have tracking numbers, maybe all. So, how good is the $1199 without palm deal?

 

[daye]

You will get an XP CD with the laptop that's the case for all computers have OS pre-installed.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: daye
You will get an XP CD with the laptop that's the case for all computers have OS pre-installed.

Thanks. Never bought a computer. Well, my first was used and lots of stuff was installed but I didn't get the OS disks. Built my 3 desktops from scratch. Won't be building my first laptop, though. Is the $1199 deal hot or just warm?

 

[dbLA]

I don't know about IBM, but the HP desktop my Dad bought last year had no XP disks, nor even recovery disks. A portion of the hard drive was partitioned with the recovery software. Basically, if the machine went out of warranty and the drive failed, then you are SOL. I hope IBM is not as stupid about this as HP is.

 

[daye]

This reminds me last time I bought an HP, which is 9 years ago.
Yes, they did this even by then.
My last IBM purchase, which is 2 years ago has an OS CD with it.

Originally posted by: dbLA
I don't know about IBM, but the HP desktop my Dad bought last year had no XP disks, nor even recovery disks. A portion of the hard drive was partitioned with the recovery software. Basically, if the machine went out of warranty and the drive failed, then you are SOL. I hope IBM is not as stupid about this as HP is.

 

[Muse]

Does this come with an AC adaptor? At the site they show it as a possible accessory for about $60. Also, has anybody determined if these are new or refurbs or off lease?

 

[rrbb]

These are new. Atleast thats what the sales rep told us.

 

[sngryng]

last time i bought a thinkpad, it came with all the recovery disks, including the option to install just win2k without any of the additional ibm stuff. thought that was really nice.

i just got in on this deal, bought the same model without the palm m125 for $1199 for my parents. too bad i couldn't have bought it yesterday!!!

one tip. there's a small discount if you call in your order and are affiliated with a university (ie, a student). The laptop cost came to $1157.89 plus $16.99 shipping for FedEx ground. Also, no tax in Massachusetts, which is great!

i have a really high opinion of thinkpads. I was issued a 600e from my lab, and it's been going strong for 5+ years after being used roughly by at least 3 different grad students. the A series laptop i got for my little brother has managed to take his abuse (he's breaks things a lot) for over a year with no problems so far.

 

[Sm0kes]

This is a pretty decent deal. Just for anyone that is questioning purchasing another brand of laptop, IMHO you are crazy. I've been working with these for the past 2 years (600e, 600x, T21, T22, and T23) and these things are SOLID. People don?t want to give them up. My T23 is absolutely beautiful and very, very durable. I?ve dropped it, stepped on it, you name it. Still works flawlessly. Ironically ? I got the 3 year warranty on this one to be safe, but I don?t think I?ll ever have to use it (not that's a bad thing . Plus you can't beat the little red nub

I would also recommend anyone purchasing an extra battery if you travel a lot, it has come in handy for those ridiculously long flights Not saying that battery life is a problem ?. It isn?t ? but the lithium ion?s are expensive at all.


sm0kes out.

 

[ImpalaSS99]

First, I want to thank everyone who helped me decide to cancel my dell and order this A31 instead. It should be arriving in the mail today, as soon as I receive it (its getting shipped to a friends house because i wont be home all day to receive it and NO tax to PA ). Once I get it, ill let you guys know if it comes with the XP cd or not.

Thanks again to everyone who showed me the light :-D

 

[eppan]

When it comes to laptops/notebooks I strictly buy only IBM. I have owned 701C, 760E, 770X, 600E, T21 and T23. Yes I know I change notebooks way too often. But heck it is great. I highly recommend the T series for anyone that will want to travel with it. The A series IMO is more for desktop replacement and those that want a 15" screen. T series only goes up to 14.1". I look for a good compromise. and the T series fits my needs better.

The A series is a great computer however, yes the 1 year warranty is a little troubling. I have not had an IBM with less than 3 years....although only took advantage of it with the 770X. (IBM actually replaced my 770X with their top of the line 600E...long story). But just to show that their customer service and support is very good (very quick in providing end users with updated drivers, especially if you like to take advantage of any beta or release candidate (RC) OS). I don't know any company that do not like Thinkpads. They are very reliable and very configurable.

I do dislike the fact that IBM folded under competition/pressure to offer touchpad in addition to their trackpoint. Why??????? Their trackpoint is the best.

Too bad I missed the palm combo deal...my friend in school needed a notebook and this thing is pretty hot IMO. However, a few things I dislike that IBM is now doing to cut cost:
1) NO floppy drive (except certain models)
2) Usually NO recovery CD (they have a special partition that contains all that info...but a few may have CD's...but doubtful at this price)

Also, the resolution on these SXGA+ (1400x1050) is not necessary. IMO 1024x768 is much better fo most people.

Lastly, I agree that IBM implementation of WiFi is very good. That is the main reason I got my T23. No real advantage otherwise. The WiFi antenna is built into the panel. You immediately see the signal strength difference between a PC card built in antenna and ones built into the Thinkpad.

Make sure you guys leave one for my friend.

 

[ImpalaSS99]

Anyone know where to get the airline/auto adapter for the a31?

thanks

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: ImpalaSS99
Anyone know where to get the airline/auto adapter for the a31?

thanks

I saw it advertized yesterday probably at IBM's site. IIRC it was $99.

 

[claffeyb]

Greast thread! I was thinking along the Dell lines but now am veering towards IBM. Since I missed out on the $1149, I started looking at what I would really use a new toy for, and basically the A31 is a bit much (too heavy and more capable than I probably need). I'd mostly use it as a third computer for DVD watching in car and on planes, wireless internet surfing for my wife, and maybe a simple few games for my son. So now I'm looking at the IBM T line as suggested by a few of you.

My question is: When I look at the T23 on MicroWarehouse I gulp when I see the $2553 price! Good grief, why does it cost so much compared to an A31 ?

"The IBM ThinkPad T23 notebook features an Intel® Pentium® III processor running at 1.2GHz, 40GB hard drive, 256MB of RAM, DVD-ROM drive and 56K modem with a 14.1-inch TFT display. "

Oh, maybe I should be looking at a T30, I didn't see that earler. Maybe the T23 is older and in less demand. Any more thoughts on the T-series would be great. Thanks!

 

[ImpalaSS99]

Originally posted by: claffeyb
Greast thread! I was thinking along the Dell lines but now am veering towards IBM. Since I missed out on the $1149, I started looking at what I would really use a new toy for, and basically the A31 is a bit much (too heavy and more capable than I probably need). I'd mostly use it as a third computer for DVD watching in car and on planes, wireless internet surfing for my wife, and maybe a simple few games for my son. So now I'm looking at the IBM T line as suggested by a few of you.

My question is: When I look at the T23 on MicroWarehouse I gulp when I see the $2553 price! Good grief, why does it cost so much compared to an A31 ?

"The IBM ThinkPad T23 notebook features an Intel® Pentium® III processor running at 1.2GHz, 40GB hard drive, 256MB of RAM, DVD-ROM drive and 56K modem with a 14.1-inch TFT display. "

Oh, maybe I should be looking at a T30, I didn't see that earler. Maybe the T23 is older and in less demand. Any more thoughts on the T-series would be great. Thanks!

I dont know much about the T series, but the Compaq Evo N600c mentioned earlier in this tread as well as a whole seperate thread is a great deal at 999.


Text

 

[Braxus]

Just to let you guys know, battery life on the A31 notebooks is generally around 2 hours. Don't expect it to be a "road warrior" laptop.

 

[Leland]

The T-series is the 'top-of-the-line' machine because it's thin and light. It costs a ton most anywhere. You can pick up a T23 on ebay for $1500 or less depending on the IBM auctions of the day/week.

The A-series is the desktop replacement. So, they're fatter and heavier, but bigger screens and more options (firewire).

I just bought the n600c and I think that's a great deal provided it comes as advertised (will find out tomorrow).

-LS

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: claffeyb
Greast thread! I was thinking along the Dell lines but now am veering towards IBM. Since I missed out on the $1149, I started looking at what I would really use a new toy for, and basically the A31 is a bit much (too heavy and more capable than I probably need). I'd mostly use it as a third computer for DVD watching in car and on planes, wireless internet surfing for my wife, and maybe a simple few games for my son. So now I'm looking at the IBM T line as suggested by a few of you.

My question is: When I look at the T23 on MicroWarehouse I gulp when I see the $2553 price! Good grief, why does it cost so much compared to an A31 ?

"The IBM ThinkPad T23 notebook features an Intel® Pentium® III processor running at 1.2GHz, 40GB hard drive, 256MB of RAM, DVD-ROM drive and 56K modem with a 14.1-inch TFT display. "

Oh, maybe I should be looking at a T30, I didn't see that earler. Maybe the T23 is older and in less demand. Any more thoughts on the T-series would be great. Thanks!

For info on the T series Thinkpads, do a search on all forums (although I'd deselect For Sale forum if just researching) on "thinkpad". There's one thread in particular with many VERY well informed posts that deals with the T series.