IBM Thinkpads

[SmokeyDP]

I bought a IBM T40 thinkpad for testing from a company that was downsizing. It got me thinking. Is there a way I can use the serial number to check up on its origins. IBM's website doesn't seem to have anything for this.

Scott

[caribiner23]

IBM used to have an awesome service within their site where you could setup a personal profile for your machine. You'd enter the serial number and they would have all the pertinent information right there-- everything about the pedigree of your system: when it was purchased, from whom, by whom, what options, when the warranty expires, etc.

They changed it about a year ago, and now it's pretty lame.

You can go to "Support and downloads" and work your way to a "detect my system" page which will tell you about the system's configuration and whether it's under warranty or not, and that's it.

I suppose you could call IBM support to see if they have further info...

Out of curiosity, what's the configuration of your ThinkPad and how much did you pay for it? I have a T21 that's on its way out (display is going) and I am looking to replace it, preferably with another ThinkPad.

[SmokeyDP]

The T40 is an AWESOME machine. The one I have is 1.5Ghz M CPU, 512MB, 40Gig CDRW/DVD. 802.11b. They run around $1K used and $1400 new.

[caribiner23]

Thanks for the response. I looked at TigerDirect and they have this (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1163940&CatId=1074) notebook for $1149.99.

The description: IBM ThinkPad T40 Intel Centrino 1.5GHz / 802.11b Wireless / 14.1-inch XGA / 512MB DDR / 40GB HDD / CD-RW/DVD Combo / Windows XP Pro / Refurbished Notebook PC

This seems to be pretty close to what you have, doesn't it?

[SmokeyDP]

Yeah thats its. All of the T40's are the same as far as I know. I would debate spending the extra $200 and getting the full 3 year warrenty on a laptop. If something breaks you are SOL.

That one you listed is a referb with a 3MO warrenty. Here is a link to a factory sealed one with a one year warrenty for $100 more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31554&item=6730136639&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[caribiner23]

Awesome! Thanks!

[brainsmile]

how do the t41 and t42 compare?

[Jeffbx]

Faster processors, better video choices on the 41 & 42.

The best are the p machines - T40p, T41p or T42p. Those are the ones with heavy duty graphics cards.

[djsusm]

hmm.. what a coincidence! I'm using a T40 right now.

Pentium M 1.6 GHz with 2 GB RAM :gle:

Too bad its not mine.. I'm at an IBM Websphere training. But I'm tempted to get one of these for myself after using this baby for a week.