T60 pricing question

I was configuring a T60 from the Lenovo site. Took a while just to really understand the differences between T60 and T60p...

The most important factor for me is the IPS screen (Flexview). When I configure a T60, the only way to select the 15" Flexview screen is to opt for the 2.33 ghz T2700. It states that the resolution is 1400 x 1050. When you choose the screen initially, it does state it is Flexview but on subsequent pages, the order summary states: 15.0 inch SXGA+ (1400x1050) TFT (Standard)

When you look at the T60p, their 15" screen is described as: 15" UXGA (1600x1200) FlexView with IPS technology. This wording is consistent throughout the entire checkout process.

So my question is. Are all 15" SXGA screens IPS screens with Flexview? I just want to make sure as I've been looking around at other sites and they will show the 15" SXGA but not mention Flexview. For instance, does this laptop have Flexview?
T60 on Buy.com

Then my final question is regarding pricing. I thought the laptop would be cheaper from a non Lenovo site and I've looked at Newegg, Amazon, Buy.com and they are all hundreds of dollars more. Does this seem right?
For instance, the Buy.com version above is $2325.99 with the T2500 2ghz chip.
When I configure this exact same laptop on Lenovo (with T2700 2.33ghz since that is required for 15" SXGA), the pricing is $2,189.80. Both have free shipping and same 3-year warranty. So I can save $135 and get a faster core with Lenovo. This just made me feel like I might be missing something.

 

you will get better service and less hassels with newegg.

and, be prepared to wait 3 months for your computer if you order directly from lenovo

 

Thanks. Just seemed odd that the pricing at other sites was so much more than ordering direct. I was expecting the opposite.

 

You can get a preconfigured model with IPS and lesser processor.
Also the wait will vary depends on the model... someone here got their T60 with flexview (200772u) in 2 business days after phoning to order... you should get an idea in advance.

 

You won't however be able to return your notebook to NewEgg should a problem arise. I agree a preconfigued model is probably the cheapest way to get a FlexView screen.

 

Actually, I can't imagine why a person would order from another place other than Lenovo if they also have to pay more. I think I found the laptop for me.
It is a T60p preconfigured 20079EU. 15" Flexview, 1GB (will upgrade to 2GB myself), 100 GB 7200. The cost for this at Lenovo is $2379 and free shipping. This is pre-configured so it should arrive pretty quickly. I actually didn't want a 60p as I actually prefer the lower resolution of the T60 15" flexview. But this one is only about $100 more and also has the better video card and is pre-configured.

I checked around for other sites to see if they carried this model and the prices were about $3300. Yikes!

I'll also call and see about a Mastercard discount I read about...

I think I am going to love this computer. I was originally leaning towards an Asus but really fell in love with this screen and the screen is so important for my work. I will be ordering it in the next day or two. Have to deposit some checks If I was going with Asus, I would wait for Merom but with Lenovo, I think they will be slower to adopt so I might as well order now.

Thanks everyone. Can't wait to get my new laptop. My wife is excited too as she will inherit my Acer Tablet and won't have to trudge to the basement to check email

 

I'm considering the T60p as well as the Dell M65. Will you share your source for the IBM? Yes, you can tell me after you order...I don't want to take the last one or anything. Probably won't buy anything for a few days as well.

 

No problem. I just ordered today and I don't think they will run out. I ordered directly from Lenovo.

Here is what I have learned. Normally, Lenovo is a bit more expensive and if you order a custom built machine it could take a while (I've heard months). I found a T60p and thought I could find it cheaper at other vendors. But other vendors were about $500-$800 more. Later I realized that this is because of the sale Lenovo was having. The negative for this sale is that they only have a few models available. The best deal is on the 15" flexview T60p. This unit has 1gb ram, 100gb 7200 RPM drive, 2.33ghz chip, 3-year warranty, DVD burner, XP Pro. This is pretty much loaded. The regular cost is $3370 and is on sale for $2370. After extensive research, this is indeed a good price. The model is 20079EU. The other laptops are only discounted by $100-$300. Shipping is free as well.

Finding this item on the site is tricky. You will need to use a Visa or Mastercard and use this link:
Visa Discount:
http://www.ibm.com/businesscenter/visa

Mastercard Discount:
http://www.ibm.com/businesscenter/mastercard
Once you click the link, click on "Labor Day Sale" and you will see the meager selection of T60's. There are only 4 laptops on sale and they all happen to be T60's. The sale ends 9/11. I'm pretty excited and was really wanting a flexview screen and lucked out to find the exact computer I wanted on sale.

 

Thanks for the info. Sorry, I missed the part in the previous post that said...at Lenovo. This does seem like a good deal for everything you get. I was not planning on 2.33Ghz chip, bit of a premium for me, but the Z61p starts at $2399 with a 2.0Ghz chip with similar specs and less warranty, I think. Now I'm trying to put all my choices on paper to see if this is what I really want.

 

What was your estimated shipping date?

 

Well the site said 8-10 business days to ship and when I ordered my online order status says estimated ship date is 9/22 (which is actually 13 business days). This is a bit longer than I hoped but bearable. When I called, the rep said these were selling very well and the earlier I ordered, the sooner it would ship. He suspected the ship dates would keep extending a bit. I just hope this estimate is fairly accurate (within a few days) and doesn't get pushed back weeks. Hopefully, since this is not a new model, parts should not be too sparse.

I too was not really looking for that high of performance and didn't need the 2.33Ghz chip but this was the only model with Flexview that was on sale so I view it as a free bonus. I was looking at spending a similar amount for a lesser T60 anyway.

 

IdeaDirect,
Thank you for posting the link for the sale. I just put in my order, you got me to stop stressing over which laptop to get and analyzing all the options. This laptop is definitely maxed out with features, no cell card though. I'm anxiously waiting to see the 15" UXGA IPS screen. I'm a bit worried that the text will be too small. I've got good ideas still, so keep my fingers crossed.

They said the return policy is 21 days unopened. I said I heard you guys were changing your policy from no questions asked to, it depends on what is wrong with it. He said, "if you don't like it, you can't just return it anymore...this is industry standard and HP does this". My response, it's easy to see an HP, I haven't been able to see a T series in person, how do I know if it will work for me. He was just vague about the whole thing, saying a fee might be charged if I return.

He estimated delivery at about 2 weeks. I hope I get the tracking number email sooner. Let me know when you get your email. Thanks again, you really helped me out.