z60m Availability

Does anyone know when the Z60m with the x600 is going to be available? I've been waiting on this model for what seems like forever. I'm looking for one equipped similarly to the one abaxter reviewed. Also, this will be my first Thinkpad purchase. It seems like a lot of people tend to call to order rather than doing it via the web. Does Lenovo give you more configuration options over the phone? The website doesn't seem like it allows you to customize very many things. . .

 

I called the Lenovo order line and they said 5 to 7 weeks.

 

I just placed an order for the Z60M (2529EAU) with Lenovo almost 2 weeks ago and the guy I spoke with told me 4-6 weeks. If you look up the model number, it says 20 days before it would ship now.

 

Hmm, I wish they would go ahead and list them on the site. I really need to be able to configure one from scratch since none of the predefined configs completely work for me. I'm looking for a Max Bright screen with the x600 graphics, 512 RAM (to be upgraded by me for less than what they want for a gig), and the 6 cell battery. Although portability isn't exactly a strength of this model, I see no reason to make it even worse with that huge battery.

 

as much as I love ThinkPads I have to say that buying the exact config you want is just a frustrating process and the lenovo site for bto options is poor -- note that hasn't changed since it was ibm, it's always been a bit of a mysterious online shopping experience. Office Depot will be carrying the Z60m soon (or now) and CDW + various other online retailers + ebay powersellers are always options to look for as well.

 

I called again today and the salesperson said 69 people have ordered one (they've never told me that number before) and delivery is 5 weeks. (2529EAU)

If the forecast 2 weeks ago was 4-6 weeks, and today the forecast is 5 weeks (basically unchanged), I wonder if the real delivery is TBD. Maybe there is 1 or more parts they can't get their hands on yet.

 

Any ideas if "252902U" is backlogged as well?

 

So do other retailers typically offer different configs than the ones offered directly by Lenovo? Failing that, will Lenovo build exactly what you want if you call them, or are they limited in what they can offer?

 

RE : Configurations ,

Interestingly enougn , I definately agree that IBM's organization of their "Configurator" and actually their entire Thinkpad site (the actual configurator is actually half-decent, but no award winner) is mediocre at best compared to their competitors.

The best way to "Configure" a laptop on their website is to use the Notebook finder , and also use the link that says "Show additional options." THEN you will see what they have to offer. Also they list things as "at least X RAM" "at least X inch monitor" etc , INSTEAD of just having "RAM is 512, 1GB, etc" or "Choose a 12.1 laptop, 14.1 or 15.4" etc.... but you will get used to it. LOL. Then after you narrow all of this down you will get the list of matching notebooks and be able to see what CPU speeds are available for those choices. Though, if you make one of your first selections for the finder as what "CPU type" you want. If you want an Ultra low voltage (less than 1.4Ghz) just leave the CPU choices alone after choosing Pentium M. Like you, I found that simply by choosing a model and basic "configure and buy" option did not really let me see their entire offering in a whay that was comprehensive.

I hope this helps I too am ordering one shortly, so to say the least I have done my homework on all major manufacturers to get the closest to what I want without having a piece of junk.

EDIT: Maybe some bad news for you , I think due to the fact that the entire Z series is fairly new, you will not be able to find any of them using the notebook finder. I just tested it out a few times for you and could not find a single Z series in the listing. I think the same goes for the G series for whatever reason. I figure Lenovo will update the site eventually, but who knows when that will happen LOL. For the moment, I believe you will only be able to find R, T, and X series laptops using the finder. Sheesh.

 

In this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=31136 there's a report that Z60M is now "pre-order" status. It sound like it will be next year before they really start flowing.

 

Yea, its a real bummer

 

Best ways to find ThinkPads on the Lenovo website:

Notebook finder

On the "series" pages, for...
Z Series
R Series
T Series
X Series Tablet
X Series
G Series
...click on the " View all models" link just below the large image on the "Products" tab. (This link is to Z Series view all)

There's also CTO, " Let me Build It", but not for Z Series. (This link if for T)