Thinkpad suggestions

My GF is looking to buy a thinkpad. She's in love with the keyboard and the IPS screen that she's seen on my t60p, and also the size of the X series. She's also on somewhat of a budget around the $400-600 range.

Unfortunately there isn't a complete solution. The x120e is the right size and price, but it's not a "real" thinkpad (die hard fans might agree) - it doesn't have the thinkpad keyboard, but is it good enough? They don't make thinkpads with IPS screens anymore. And a new/refurb X series is out of her price range. Buying used is not out of the question.

What do you thinkpadeers think?

 

x120e has the chicklet keyboard, but other than that it is a good laptop. x220 is confirmed to have an IPS screen. Why not consider an X60t/X61t? Plenty of used ones on Ebay

 

I LOVED the keyboard on my x100e(Same as x120e) and actually prefer it more than my T61 keyboard, but everyone is different. Build quality is really good and comparable to that of my T61. Most people on here that frown upon it have never used it or are not willing to accept it for what it is.

I'm not sure where you live but stores like Office Depot sometimes have an x100e/x120e that you can try out. If there is a store near you, check to see if they have one on display.

 

Only the x6xt with sxga+, x2x0t and x220 have non TN LCD option. You may get a used x200t if you stretch your budget a little bit further. Or get a used x200 and do the affs+ mod.

 

This I didn't know. We'll have to go and get our hands on one to check it out. I hope the keyboard is as nice as you say it is.

Just found out about the IPS screen on the x220 and I'm very excited about it.

I'm not familiar with the affs mod. link?

 

The AFFS mod is taking the AFFS LCD from a Gateway tablet and putting it into the X200. It's a straight swap for the X200 with the CFFL screen. It's still doable on the LED models, but you need to swap more parts. The glossy version of the screen is the easiest to find and the cheapest, but any of the versions of the screen are very good. The screen runs between $50 and $150 on eBay depending on the quality.

 

I own a x120e and they do have really good keyboard. One of the best keyboard out there, if you ask how does it compare to the traditional thinkpad, that is a matter of preference.

 

I would checkout ebay for something close to what you have. Even the x200s I have went for 700 when most still go for 1000-2000. I got lucky, but I'm sure you could find your laptop for a decent price since its the generation before mine. If she only wants brand new the the x120e is the only thinkpad that is an option in that price range. But I will admit that the 200 nit led in myx200s is pretty amazing!

 

Stay on-topic and away from the stereotypes.

 

What I would recommend is to watch the lenovo outlet deals.... I have bought a few from there, and I say a few x201's in the mid 500's .... there was a 35% off deal the other day which is where I bought a few laptops... keep your eye out and you might be able to get a nicely loaded x201 for cheap....

I do not recommend a scratch and dent model, go for a refurb, I got mine, the only problem I had was a dead pixel....

 

currently you could find x200 for $500 and you maybe do an affs+ mod.

 

I came across a clearance x201 model around your price range on the CDW outlet site today. Im not sure how helpful this find will be- but I figured posting it wouldn't hurt. ( act quickly if interested, things tend to disappear fast on that site- I would have sent you a PM, but for some reason I can't)

Model: 3249ERU $601.99 Link
Core i5 560M / 2.66 GHz - vPro - RAM 2 GB - HDD 160 GB - HD Graphics - 3G Upgradable - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 - TPM - fingerprint reader - Windows 7 Pro 64-bit - 12.1" Widescreen LED backlight TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) Office 2010 Preloaded

Also came across this refurb x201 via lenovo outlet- Link
$598
# Intel® Core™ i3-370M (2.40GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
# Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 32 - English
# 160GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive
# 2GB PC3-8500 DDR3 1067MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
# 12.1” WXGA (1280 X 800)
# Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD

You may also want to check out the IBM certified used laptop page to see if there is anything of interest to you.
http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/default/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=2576396&storeId=1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1

hth