Lenovo Thinkpad T60 questions

My college-bound son is completely obsessed with getting this notebook for school, thanks primarily to this site. It fits everything he and I want for a college notebook.

I have a few questions about actually purchasing one:

• Should we deal directly through Lenovo or a retailer?
• If we buy from a dealer, can we get a 3-yr ext. warranty through Lenovo?
• I don't believe Lenovo provides OS or application discs. How would one go about reinstalling individual programs/components?
• What's your opinion on Lenovo's tech support? Do they have a support site with updated drivers, etc. such as Dell provides?

TIA

 

If you have any type of EPP, or any similiar discount, it's best to buy direct, you can get it with a pretty big discount. I'd check the forums for more details on that.

 

I believe Lenovo offers a three year warranty standard on their Thinkpads. You should also check out their educational discounts which may not be offered by independent dealers.
As far as tech support goes, I believe the general consensus is that Lenovo has one of the best, if not THE best, support out of the major manufacturers. Dell at one point in time held that crown, but no longer. Apple generally has good support, however, if you're not in the market for OS X, you'd be better off with a Lenovo.

 

Unless you qualify for a discound you'll get a better price on the internet, but you won't get the security of Lenovo's return policy.

 

How about my OS question?

 

when you get the unit you have the option of burning recovery discs through the rescue and recovery program. Otherwise, you can find most, if not all, of the extra software on the website.

 

sorry, new to this forum. How do you post a new thread?

 

maybe i'm reading too much into the original post but Virginia Tech used to have good IBM discounts at the on-campus bookstore. Other than that the amex/visa/mc discounts are decent.

Go Hokies!

 

That would be great. We'll look into the bookstore angle. I was going to ask as freshmen orientation but it's not until July and we need to have somethng on order long before then.

 

you can call them and I'm sure they'll fax you the spec/price sheets. When I was a freshman (1995) they sent you soemthing in the mail giving you specs they recommend and some suggested systems. I ended up going elsewhere personally.

 

Penn has great deals as well; I had one on order, but cancelled it and ordered off the webpage with the newest websale to get the 2500. here's what they have at Penn bookstore:

ThinkPad T60 Premium System -- $1,586.00 (model #107030229)
Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

5.1 lbs. (2.32kg) with battery and optical drive installed
Intel Core Duo T2400 processor @ 1.83GHz
1.0GB DDR SDRAM PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
14.1-inch LCD display; SXGA+ resolution (1400x1050 pixels)
ATI Radeon Mobility X1400 graphics with 128MB SDRAM
80GB, 5400rpm hard disk drive with Active Disk Protection
DVD±RW/CD-RW multiburner drive
Gigabit Ethernet
Built-in 802.11a/b/g wireless
Built-in 56K V.92 modem
Includes 6-cell battery and AC power adapter
3 USB 2.0; parallel; S-video out; infrared; dock/port replicator; external displa; AC adapter; RJ-11; RJ-45; audio: headphone/line-out, external microphone; 2 card slots
Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 (Microsoft Office sold separately.)
Up to 4.3 hours of battery life
3-Year IBM international limited warranty with Next Business Day, On Site Service (one year warranty on included battery) and ThinkPad Protection accidental damage coverage

 

Ok, I contacted the Va Tech bookstore and they do both sales and service for Lenovo. He said their price list for incoming freshmen will be available in about a week.

If I can get a deal like that U. Penn deal, I'll be thrilled!! That looks perfect.

 

is the fan always on?

 

Amusingly, I actually have the T60 Hehirpeace listed on order, through Penn. Saw the new one that the posted (a T60P 15"), but couldn't justify the extra $900+ (close to $1000 with tax).