Least expensive, older Thinkpad that is fully useful today, less gaming.

A friend is interested in getting a basic used Thinkpad laptop that can do word processing, Internet and basic computing. I have convinced him that Lenovo/IBM support is better than most others (they still have drivers and manuals for download for over ten year old machines!)

He does not want or need a game machine, and he does not want a nearly obsolete model that lacks "modern" capabilities like Bluetooth, good wireless performance, etc. He would like to be able to use it for three to five more years before standards might change too much and a new computer becomes necessary. Any suggestions for a 14 or 15 inch machine that is pretty modern, but not over $4-500 to buy? Thanks, TPF

 

Take a look at second-hand T61/X61/R61

 

You maybe able to get a used or refurbished R400 on that list too. Though word of advice is avoid the Nvidia GPU's on the T61/R61 models as the graphics chip is known to be faulty and can fail.

 

To the OP:

You may also want to consider the R400, which I believe you can get - sometimes new - within the price range that you mentioned.

Edit: oops! looks like Hearst555 beat me to it. Still, I think it is worth reiterating the suggestion.

 

+1 about R400, browse US retailers, try out google product search and see if you can find one under 600$ brand new
Or wait and buy x120e, if reviews prove it being good.

 

If you manage to snag a good deal, you may be able to get a pretty-well-equipped T400/T500 for that budget - I've seen people sell their T400s here for around that amount. The T61 generation would probably be easier to find in that range, though. In general, with the T6x generations, I would suggest getting a laptop with integrated graphics for better battery life (and, their discrete graphics chipsets aren't all that powerful anyway). The T400/T500 discrete graphics models have integrated graphics switching, so that's less of a concern.

 

yep you should be able to hook up with a T400 for under $500
even on eBay.
I'd keep an eye on the market place here and over here
forum.thinkpads.com • View forum - Marketplace - Forum Members only

As well as your local craigslist.
With the new sandy bridge models soon to be out, that should generate more used inventory as well, people doing upgrades.

 

Another vote for the R400. Very solid machine, within your price range.