Lenovos picky about branded parts?

Hi. My second thread ever. (First one here.)

I've been looking at some of the refurb. Thinkpads (mostly R61s) on the Lenovo site, trying to decide if it's worth it to go that route (for what I get spec-wise, years of use, etc.) vs. some of the deals (w/coupons, etc.) on their newer, lower-end models. (Been looking at, among other places, slickdeals.net, and trying unsuccesfully to link to the Lenovo store through live.com's 'cashback' search to try to save some $$ -- might at that, but it's all confusing and time-consuming).

Some of the refurbs look like they'd work alright for me w/one or two components upgraded. I read a post somewhere on this site, though, about someone trying to install/upgrade a component (forget which component) only to have the computer reject it (via BIOS? I'm not expert in these things). He ended up having to go through Lenovo to get a "Lenovo branded" version for more $$, even though it was the same part, same manufacturer.

To what extent is this an issue with Lenovos? Would I have to deal with it when installing RAM or a different HD? What about things like wireless cards?

Thanks in advance for any help. Laptop shopping is proving... tiring. Yep, that's the word.

Since I wrote the first thread, I've eliminated the IdeaPad Y510 because of the size and super-glossy screen -- though I'm almost ready, at this point, to go with the 14" Acer Extensa (despite worries about it having a gloss screen, not-amazing battery life, and possibly running warm). Could get one for $450 -- maybe even a little less -- and be done with it.

Finally, one seeming issue with most of the old Lenovos (according to what I've read -- never encountered one in real life) is that they're all supposed to have dim screens. Only reviews I've of models w/brighter screens were for new X200 and a T61P (though either of those would mean increasing my price range substantially). Can anyone confirm/comment on this?

I am not married to the idea of getting a Lenovo, but I've heard they travel well and hold up. If I can find one to do what I want, and don't have to take too huge a hit in spec, I'll get one. My first post was really long -- you don't have to go back and read it. Basically, I'm looking for something easy to carry around (most likely 12"-14" range) w/good battery life, a screen that's readable in a variety of conditions, built-in cam (especially if it can capture decent vid 6-10 feet out), and doesn't run too hot.

Apologies if the second half of this post goes beyond the scope of this forum. If so, just answers on the parts-pickiness and Lenovo screen-brightness will be appreciated.

 

Some old IBM Thinkpads did have an issue if you used a non-IBM approved wireless card. This only applied to the mini-pci cards that are applied internally. If you use an express card or PCMCIA, any card should work. There is no issue with branding of RAM or hard drives to my knowledge.

Some Thinkpads do have screens of a relatively low brightness. However they all have matte screens so brightness usually isn't a problem in most environments. My old T40 was readable in almost any environment except direct sunlight. My new x200 is pretty much the same in that regard (the one nice thing it has for brightness is 15 steps rather than 7 for adjusting the brightness).

Thinkpads do travel well and hold up great. I used my T40 for 5 years and took it to class a 1000 times and on airplanes several dozen. It worked just as good after 5 years as it did the first day.

My personal recommendation would be the x200 if you can afford it. It is light, easy to carry around, has great battery life, a bright screen, built-in cam (not sure about 6-10 feet), and it runs very cool. The old x61 did have an issue with running hot that the new 45nm montevina chips (x200, t400, etc) fixed.