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    Best deal on my T61 configuration? (Going to return Dell 1520)

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ErikW, Aug 19, 2007.

  1. ErikW

    ErikW Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello everyone.

    I have been buying Dell for my customers for years. A few days ago, I received my new 1520 after waiting for over a month. Needless to say, I am very upset with the quality of the new Dell machines, specifically the weight, screen quality, and problems with the mouse, and at this point cannot put any more energy into trying to get Dell to resolve my problems (have spent hours).

    So, here I am at Lenovo. I leave for college this Saturday, and surely can't expect to get anything by then, but maybe you can all lead me in the right direction. I don't have much Lenovo/IBM experience but have read that the T61 is one of the best out there.

    Below is the configuration I am interested in:

    ThinkPad T61 15 Widescreen - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
    Edit 6459CTO $1,323.00 1 $1,323.00
    System Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)
    Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
    Operating System Language: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium US English
    Display Panel: 15.4 WXGA TFT
    System graphics: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
    Total memory: 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
    Keyboards: Keyboard US English
    Pointing Device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
    Hard Drive: 120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
    Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
    System expansion slots: PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
    Card Reader: 4 in 1 Media Card Reader
    Wireless cards: Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
    Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
    Battery: 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
    Power cord : Country Pack North America
    Language Pack: Language Pack US English

    I will add another 1GB of memory after the fact.

    So, my question, any way to get a better deal than the retail rate that's on Lenovo's site? Is this the best price out there? Just want to make sure I'm getting the best deal, because I'm not familiar with Lenovo's pricing structure. Also, what is the lead time for these things lately?

    I am looking to order very soon - so that I get it ASAP. Any suggestions or comments are GREATLY appreciated.

    Thanks!
     
  2. ErikW

    ErikW Notebook Enthusiast

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    OK.. so I discovered the Amex program, and also the education, any other coupons available I'm missing?
     
  3. jhomara

    jhomara Notebook Consultant

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    I think I heard that the T61 has very long leads, and is in high demand. I'm not a Thinkpad guy, though.
     
  4. ErikW

    ErikW Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hmm.. so far I got my total down to $1194 for that same configuration by using the students and alumni portal plus coupon code USXGENERIC.

    Any other suggestions? Am I correct that the EPP program and Amex discount are the same, except the EPP gives you the extra 5% USXGENERIC coupon?

    Help! I'm confused!
     
  5. ErikW

    ErikW Notebook Enthusiast

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    Do all T61s come with integrated webcams?
     
  6. xairinx

    xairinx Notebook Enthusiast

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    You can get them with integrated webcams yes. Unless Lenovo has yanked the option due to the part being backed-up.

    Check the thread on T61 delivery times for people's experiences. It seems like Lenovo is starting to get its act together a little bit though. I purchased an R61 on 8/12 and it shipped 8/16. Not sure how much the 15" screen is going to add to the delay, though.
     
  7. braddd

    braddd Notebook Deity

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    There are a number of threads around here that will tell you all the discounts, just look for them. Order and hope for the best. I ordered my config below, similar to yours exactly 1 week ago, I received it Friday. Very happy with the laptop quality, shipping time. All around good experience.
     
  8. ocellaris

    ocellaris Notebook Evangelist

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    I ordered the T61 in my sig and had it at my door in 7 days. Took the Vostro significantly longer than that to arrive.
     
  9. Gonefishing2007

    Gonefishing2007 Notebook Enthusiast

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    If you have discovercard you can use the following link to buy preconfigured model 6460-66u for $1199.20. If you use your Discovercard cash back bonus, you can lower the price by another $120.

    http://www.lenovo.com/discovercashback


    Model 6460-66u: T7300(2GHz), 1GB RAM, 160GB 5400rpm HD, 15.4in 1680x1050 LCD, 128MB nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, Intel Turbo Memory, 6c Li-Ion, WinVista Business
     
  10. wearetheborg

    wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso

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  11. ocellaris

    ocellaris Notebook Evangelist

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    My Dell screen was so bad I bought a Lenovo T61. It definitely goes both ways. Unfortunately screen quality is becoming an afterthought for many OEMs now =/