The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Best ThinkPad for $1000?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by modal, Dec 25, 2006.

  1. modal

    modal Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    16
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I've got around $1000 to spend (I really can't go much over that) and I'm looking to get a new machine. I really love my old ThinkPad, and would love to get a newer one if possible, but I'm not really sure I can get a good cost/performance tradeoff at this price point.

    I really need my machine to have the following characteristics:
    1. Lightweight (~5lbs or less)
    2. Good battery life (4+ hours)
    3. SXGA display (well, I guess that's just a strong preference--I would do ok with an XGA display I think)

    I'll be using the machine exclusively for *a lot* of typing, some spreadsheet work, and a lot of research on the internet, so I don't care about gaming or massive HDD space or whatever.

    Do I have many options? Are reburbished ThinkPads a good bet, or is that too risky?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    modal, Dec 25, 2006
    #1
  2. Momo26

    Momo26 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    128
    Messages:
    1,378
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I would personally just go with a new machine, even entry level with the $1000. You can get a comfortably spec'd R series or an entry level T series. With your requirements both will be just fine. Ask yourself how often this machine will be mobile. The more mobile, the more likely you'll want the stronger-built, slighly less weight T series. Go on the website, configure machines, entry level components, Core 2 Duo T5500, 512MB ram (get 1GB if upgrade price is good), what ever hard drive comes with it (likely atleast 60GB) if you want a DVD burner, upgrade that, but will cost you. Battery life 'should' be 4+ hours, depending on tasks and screen brightness, and you'll be looking at an XGA display with your budget.

    The video card that comes with is fine for your needs.

    Good Luck
     
    Momo26, Dec 25, 2006
    #2
  3. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    4,982
    Messages:
    34,001
    Likes Received:
    1,415
    Trophy Points:
    581
    The R series is probably your best bet. It is a little over 5.5 pounds with optical drive. If you want four hours you'll need the nine cell which adds a little weight or the modular battery. The R is probably the only 14" SXGA+ you can get given your budget. The R is a very good machine in my opinion especially in light of what the same amount of money will get you elsewhere. It is not quite as light or thin as the T, but cost less and they share a lot of parts like screens and keyboards. For refurbished the question is always the warranty.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 25, 2006
    #3