ThinkPad Z Series

Okay so I'm thinking about purchasing a new laptop and it's coming down between a Dell, HP, or IBM. Since this is the IBM board, I will post my question about the IBM computer I have in mind.

I reallllly love the new Z series. It has everything I am looking for in a computer, especially the 14.1" widescreen and the fact that it's only 1.1" in height. I have a few questions about IBM in general, for I never owned an IBM, but only heard about how great the quality is.

First, I am going on a trip on October 25-Nov. 1, what are the chances of getting a Z-series laptop by then? (I would even pay for the 2nd day air if I had to). However, I thought i read somewhere that they werent going to start being sold until October 6th or something like that?

Secondly, this may sound dumb but is the titanium cover that much better than the basic black, or is it basically just an "image" thing? Unfortunatly I absolutely love the titanium cover, and I wish it was offered on their 1099 or 1599 version, but that will never happen

Third, are there any advantages to the lease program? I know with my car lease, the price comes out to be 50% less than what it would be if I bought it. Except at the end of the 39 months I would have to return it. Is this the same with IBM's program in terms of if I leased the $2000 version, would I be paying way more or less than the actual $2000.

Forth, I would be using this notebook for traveling and as a secondary computer (my home pc is my primary). I would be watching DVDs on it, using it as a navigation unit in my car, and will also be doing web programming (no graphic design) with it. As I mentioned above I probally dont need the titanium version, except that case is just beautiful. I would probally even select the botom line version except for the fact that I must have xp pro (since I would be doing a lot of wireless connection outside of my home) and at least 512 mB ram.

I think that is all the questions I have for now with the IBM, however I will edit or reply to the thread if anymore questions should arise.

 

1) That shipping time would be tight, they are giving a 3-4 week delivery window right now I think. I believe it too, and wouldn't be surprised if it took a little longer.

2) The titanium cover is nice IMHO, but some IBM traditionalists don't like it. I saw the titanium cover thinkpad z60t next to a black cover z60t just last night at a show in san francisco and i have to say the titanium cover was much sexier. but, really, if you're going to be spending $600 more just to get that then your not being very penny wise.

3) There are no advantages to a lease program unless you can't pay the lump sum now, or if you can't get a better finance rate from your credit card company and pay it off over time. You buy it via "lease" and it's yours to keep, but you can pay in monthly amounts that ends up being more expensive than if you paid it all up front.

4) Sure, the Z60t would work for that. The 14" widescreen is portable but probably not big enough to server as a desktop replacement.

IBM tells me the Z60t should be arriving at my door tomorrow. If so I'll post some first thoughts tomorrow regarding performance and first impressions.

 

Yeah I know, thats my biggst worry. Maybe I'll call them directly and see if they can determine any timetable. If I cant get it before then. I will probally wait until Feb. (next time that I'll be flying).

Yeah, I know what you mean. I wish I could get a hands on look lol. Then again, right about now is when I wish IBM had stores that would be selling the Z series.

Thanks for the information about this! The IBM site was very confusing with the language about this.

Thanks for this information as well. Yeah, I wouldn't be using it as a desktop replacement. Mostly travel.

Awesome! I can't wait for the review. Do you know how long ago they shipped it/built it? I realize its a demo one so that you can review it, but I just soo wish this notebook came out in the beginning of September rather than October.

I go back and forth between the IBM, Dell (lat. 810), and HP (dv1000). I know the IBM is built better, but ahh that 4 week wait time will be nerve-wrecking.

--Michael

 

Just to let you know, the titanium lid adds about 0.4lbs to the overall weight of the notebook. Yeah it is nice, but I don't think it is worth the extra weight.

abaxter, do you know when you will review a z60m unit?? I want to buy the one with the Maxbright screen.

Just to let you know, laptoplogic.com just posted a "first look" of the z60t. Not much info there that we don't know already, just some pics.

 

yeah, i just posted my own and invite comments and questions there

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=1149544

I should get the Z60m at or around Oct. 11, the supposed ship date to the public. We shall see.