Ordering my Thinkpad today!

With the release of the new models today, I've decided that now is the time to buy. Out of the 3 machines I've configured, I'm leaning towards the T61 but would like to get a working coupon for another 10% or 15% off (the one in the sticky doesn't work for me.) Otherwise, I might go with the R61 to save some money. The R400 I configured is about $200 over my budget so it's out unless I can get a coupon. If I placed my order over the phone would I have any luck asking for a discount?

 

You should use the CPP website to order--the discount on the R400 is a little over $150 to begin with and the upgrades are cheaper, too. I doubt Lenovo would budge on the phone, though.

 

The $200 will be worth it.

 

Thanks ccutlip, nice tip.

Also I should mention, I will be buying 4GB of RAM separately from Newegg and installing my own copy of XP Pro 64 bit and Vista Ultimate 64 bit. The R400 uses DDR3 which will be about $180 for 4GB compared to $70 for DDR2.

Should I throw in the Lenovo Enhanced Wireless Keyboard and Mouse? I 'm hesitant because people seem to have a lot of problems with them over at the lenovo.com forums.

 

Does anyone know if installing the RAM on the T400 is the same as the T60/T61?

 

Different location maybe????

you guys shouldn't buy it the first day. More options will be available later and the prices will also go down.

 

As I recall the ~25% discount on Thinkpads ends on the 10th or 11th. Wouldn't it seem like they're clearing their inventory immediately?

I'm on the verge of going for one myself--to replace a 3+ year old Toshiba Satellite. I'm afraid that if I don't move on the deal soon the selection might fall and I'll be out of luck. What do you veterans counsel?


Oh, and mz71687--could you use the student discount mentioned in the coupon sticky?

 

GA - if you're thinking of a T61 then I'd recommend you pull the trigger now. The T61p disappeared a couple days ago. Bluetooth as an option disappeared a couple weeks ago. No telling what other configurable options will disappear as time moves forward.

 

Han Bao Quan - by "later" do you mean a few days later, a few weeks later, or a few months later? if it's not too long a wait, then i'll hold out for better processors.

 

Does anyone know if/when the R400 will be available with an LED backlight? Also, what are the differences between the Intel WiFi Link 5100 vs 5300?

GoldenAss, I could not get the coupon for the student discount to work and I did use it through the education portal.

Update: Narrowed down to 2 options

 

Yeah I also wondered about the wireless. Looks like (at least to me) just difference in available bandwidth.

http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/adapters/5000/index.htm

300Mbps and 450Mbps is pretty significant but I don't know if there are a lot of routers that would take advantage of that bandwidth (at least not a crappy home router).


Edit: Oops, meant to quote someone else.

 

I just ordered my T61. I decided to stay with the T61 as I know it's a good machine and in the end it would be $300 cheaper. I feel great about the purchase and I'm going to purchase a few upgrades and accessories from Newegg tonight.

 

If your getting a T61, why didn't you get one with a Penryn processor? that way, your only about a step behind the latest. I'm also considering a T61 with a Penryn processor.

 

Here's my T61 quote with Penryn

 

I just purchased my T400, it was 1250$ with tax. Includes the hybird graphics, LED screen. Only 1 Gb of ram tho. I plan on upgrading that myself. The DDR3 ram is still going to cost 100$

 

You guys make a good point with the Penryn. I actually like this configuration a lot better, I'll see if I can cancel and reorder in the morning.

 

much better config, I might put in my order tomorrow. I don't want to wait too long. The t61 might run out

 

Yep, I finally stopped hemming and hawing and jumped on a T61 today. With CPP, it started at 606 for crying out loud! I hope I'll love it and not think about missing the X4500 and 1066Mhz bus too much since I do have a Penryn processor.

 

just a ball park range, how much later would we expect to see a price decrease/discount on the T400?

thanks?

 

all of you should be using the contractor program for the BEST discounts on T series. It IS for family and friends therefore open to the public.

I spoke with my rep at Lenovo today and they confirmed.

 

Most likely when the T61 runs out in about a month?