Question:
How long would this laptop last?
Hello everyone, I'm new to these forums...
'm considering buying a secondhand PC laptop. I've found what I think is a pretty good deal, and I just wanted to ask how long you folks the machine with the following speces would do me good for?
IBM ThinkPad T40
Pentium 4 Mobile Processor 1.5Ghz
512MB DDR RAM
40 Gb Hard Disk
CDRW\DVD Combo Drive
14" TFT LCD Screen
802.11b/g Wireless LAN
Windows XP Professional
Keep in minding I'll be using Linux as my OS (as much as it's possible, though some workm may require Windows), and will mainly be using it for word processing, wireless internet amd some desktop publishing (Quark, InDesign, maybe a little photoshop).
How long do you think such a machine would hold out for?
Answer:
Re: How long would this laptop last?
That's a fairly dated system, but you won't be doing anything demanding with it. Assuming it's in good shape it should last you quite a while. Certain parts do fail after a while though, so you may be replacing the Hard Drive at some point. I'd also suggest a RAM upgrade to at least 1 GB. ThinkPads are built very well though.
Perhaps you might consider filling out an FAQ and posting your answers here. You may find a new system for an attractive price that you may like better.
Answer:
Re: How long would this laptop last?
Thanks for pointing out the FAQ to me, I'm a dumbass.
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General Questions
1) What is your budget?
600 euro (I'm in Ireland).
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
My main work is journalism, so that's mainly word processing and internet. Also regular domestic stuff like music, photos etc.. I'd also like to learn graphic design, and play around a little with some of Adobe programs, Quark and Scribus. I want to run Linux as my main OS.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I'd like to carry it around quite a bit.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Not really, maybe a little Football Manager and some 2D arcade shareware games.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I like the ThinkPads as I know they were built very well. I'm skeptical about the quality of the build in a lot of laptop brands.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Three should be fine.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No, if it's a very good deal. Though I'd like to order from somewhere as geographically as close as possible to Ireland.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Ireland
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
I like widescreen, but I don't mind really.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Any of the following should be fine...
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I prefer matte but again, if I get a good deal on a glossy I'll take it.
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
A little. I prefer if it wasn't ugly, which let's face it, most laptops are.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I'd like to buy before Christmas and have it last me three years at least.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
60 or 80 would be great but on my budget I'd settle for 40. I can always buy an external at some stage in the future.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
A DVD-RW would be great, but as with the above I can buy an external in the future. A DVD-CD/RW shoould be fine.
I should also point out that I'm very happy to buy a refurbished or secondhand machine.
Answer:
Re: How long would this laptop last?
I'm not sure about availability in Ireland (I actually sort of doubt it), but HP is offering the Compaq V3000z starting at $400 right now. It's a solid system.
Unfortunately the only ThinkPads for that price are going to be used. I believe there are usually some deals on the ThinkPad R series though, but they are more like $800 US or so (also perhaps not available in your country).
Perhaps you could post the price the T40 is being offered at? Does it look good and seem to be well-cared for?
Answer:
Re: How long would this laptop last?
It's going for €550, which is probably around $700, though it would probably be less in the US as things seem to be cheaper there.
Answer:
Re: How long would this laptop last?
The Ireland lenovo site has the ThinkPad R series starting at 680 Euro. If you can stretch a little, it may be worth getting a new system with newer technology. Their N3000 starts at 820 Euro.
Otherwise, you may want to consider the other systems I mentioned above if their prices are reasonable there.