Just ordered a T430s, how did I do? (..New guy introduction as well)

Hi! I'm new to this forum, my name is Grant, and I'm from Arizona. I've owned two Thinkpads in the past, both IBM models, both hand me downs from my Father to my (younger) Brother, and then to me. I loved both of them, but my Dad switched to Mac's about 9 years ago, and since I always received hand me downs, so did I. After purchasing two used macs myself, I've grown tired of the pricing structure, and the lack of user serviceable components that the new computers come with.

I think I got a smoking deal, but wonder what you guys think. I used Barnes and Noble discount, under the 4DAYSALE coupon code, with some extra discount under the sales rep I spoke with over chat. I think the final negotiated discount was 43.748%, plus or minus a sig fig or two This forum has been a HUGE help in my search for the best discount, and in choosing buildout/model that I wanted.

Here is my build and price. I know that the i7 and the graphics card aren't much of an upgrade, but I wanted both to future proof my machine as much as possible. I wouldn't have got the CPU and GPU upgrades if I hadn't had received such a large discount (seemingly large, pending your thoughts). I plan on adding an mSata 128gb Crucial SSD, and 8gb of 1600mhz RAM.

The only thing I opted out of was the webcam, I really don't need it, never used it on my last two computers except for random video chats, and have a nice phone which has the same capability. I originally planned to forgo Bluetooth, but was given the upgrade for no extra charge.

Any thoughts? Hopefully I did receive a large discount, and hopefully you guys can use my pricing to negotiate your pricing as well If chat logs and invoices will help anyone, shoot me a PM or post here. I'm not sure how much luck you will have, however, as other reps refused to give me the above discount on other machines when I asked two days later. My rep gave me that discount on every machine, and I almost purchased a near fully spec'ed out W530 for $1000.

ThinkPad T430s - 1 Year Topseller Express Depot Warranty
$913.50


Processor

Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)

Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English

Display type 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready

System graphics NVIDIA Optimus Graphics (NVS 5200M, 1GB), Intel® Core™ i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)

Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)

Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English

Camera No Camera Mic

Hard drive 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Ultrabay DVD Recordable

System expansion slots Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader

Battery 6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+

Power cord 90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)

Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN

Integrated mobile broadband Mobile Broadband upgradable

Language pack Publication - US English

 

Hi Grant. I'd say you did pretty well. You managed to eliminate the price difference between the i7 and the i5 models but did you purchase an extended warranty?

 

I did, since I bike to school, and my computers get bumped and jostled from time to time... but I do not think that factored into receiving a discount, as the prices were negotiated before the warranty was discussed.

 

Hey Grant, nice comp! I'm pretty much looking for that spec in Aus, would be a big help if you could post some chat or invoice screenshots of the deal. I'm choosing between an S430 and T430s, and haven't seen any good deals this wk.

From Australian pricing POV, I would say you got an awesome deal

 

Sure! Sent you a PM, I'll also let you know how I like it when I get it next week or so.

Edit: Apparently I can't send you a PM, try approving my friend request and see if that changes anything...

 

Thanks - added hopefully that helps. I'm new here also and haven't mastered the PM system.

Cheers for helping out!