Good deal? $749 for R61i @ Circuit City

Quick sanity check before I pull the trigger... Keeping in mind that it's only equipped with a 5250 and not a Santa Rosa 7xxx series, is this a good deal at $749 (after rebate)? I'm thinking it is - especially for someone who doesn't necessarily need T61p performance but I'm just getting up to speed on the Lenovo line and am not that familiar with the T5250 proc.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

i think refurbished "outlet" t-series can be had on Lenovo's website for about that price... no rebates involved. depending on how comfortable you are with refurb units.

 

I wouldnt suggest a refurbished LAPTOP, but that is a pretty nice deal. If its a refurb, well-pretty good still, but not "My personal preference" and drops the "good deal rating" for me. But either way, its a good deal.

 

so another question... It's my understanding that the difference between the Thinkpad 60 and 61 series was that the 61 was exclusively Santa Rosa. Yet, this 61 has the last gen 5250 processor. Am I incorrect in my assumption about the 60 vs 61 series?

 

I think it has more to do with getting a ThinkPad on the shelf at retail at a certain price point. It's a nice package, go for it.

Edit: I was just checking this out at CC - if you dont mind a horrably ugly colored messenger bag to carry a laptop and you'll be dealing with CC rebates anyway, this one is free: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=153237&c=1

and you can also get a calculator for free while you're at it: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=161378&c=1

 

Those are not refurbished laptops. They are laptops that were built prior to a customer canceling his/her order. In essence, they are new-in-box.

The T5250 is a Socket P processor running a 667fsb ( linky). You can replace it with a T7x00 processor later if you feel like it.

Given the 2GB of RAM and the 160GB hard drive, I would say this isn't that bad of a deal (for a Thinkpad, at least). Keep in mind, though, that since this is an R61i, you're losing some of the features found on a "regular" R61, such as the Firewire port.

 

Actually, the specs say it has firewire, bluetooth, and fingerprint reader. I think it is a 'regular' R61 without the processor options available online.

 

I was under the impression that the -i moniker denoted that it lacked Firewire. A reviewer on the CC website also confirms that there is no Firewire port.

But, I will check around.

 

You may be correct, there are a few people who said it didn't come with firewire - I just checked. Sorry for the confusion, I just looked at the description and CC is very lame giving accurate info.

To Towjam - Make sure you get what you think you're getting.

 

The display unit at the CC closest to me did have a Firewire port. But, it also had a palm rest sticker saying it was loaded with Vista Basic - yet it was Vista Home Premium that was actually loaded.

If I decide to purchase this, i guess I'm going to need to unbox and check it out before I leave the store.

 

Not a bad deal, but I would cruise the oulet for a T-series box.

 

I'd check the outlet for a T-Series too. I got my T61 for around 850 and I wouldn't consider that a super hot deal. I didn't know about the outlet until after I purchased my T61. I found some pretty hot deals there in the $700 range.

 

I just purchased the R61 at an actual Circuit City store tonight (11/12) and the deal was even better than online. I got the R61 14.1" Widescreen for $750 with a $200 mail-in rebate. I still can't believe the final price will be $549 + tax. Unbelieveable deal considering the specs.

As others have stated, the only thing I've found different from what's stated in the online CC deal is that there is no firewire. Everything else is as advertised except for 2 mislabelings: the model # written on the case says "R61i" and the Windows sticker says "Windows Vista Basic". However, it is running Windows Vista Premium. And as far as I can tell, it must be a R61 because the diagonal of the screen measures 14.1". On Lenovo's website you can only get an R61i with a 15.4" screen.

Also the model # on the outside of the box is 7732A12 which is the same as the online advertised model #. It has the 1.5 GHz Core 2 Duo T5250, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, etc. At first, when I saw the R61i label, I thought I had been taken and was about to drive back to the store. Then I read about the minimal differences online and decided that regardless of which model this is, its a good deal.

I even tried building the same laptop on Lenovo's site starting with both R61 and R61i and the final price was ~$1100.

The only reason I even went into the actual CC store instead of purchasing online is because I am wary about purchasing a laptop online from CC. I wanted to make sure I was getting what I paid for without dealing with the hassle of mailing it back if it was wrong.

Much to my surprise, the advertised price on the floor model was $749 - $200 rebate = $549. I couldn't believe my luck! The only caveat to this post is that the store printed advertised price had an expiration date of 11/13/2007!!! So call your local CC and see if they have it in stock. If so, go buy it!

 

I also bought one from my local CC here in San Diego with an in-store price of $749.

The CC "FireDog" sales guy didn't know about the rebate. I told him to find the offer online and he said "Oh, you either get the rebate immediately here in the store or you can mail it in if you order online." After I had him read the actual rebate text I convinced him that the $200 mail in rebate should still apply, but now I'm not convinced! Either way it is strange that the store price is $200 less than online.

Anyone else get their rebate money back from one of these systems? It's a pretty nice machine, especially at $550 and without any waiting period. The CC return period is 14 days so I have some time to think about it before I break the seal on the box

 

I also bought one in San Diego (Sweetwater Road). There were two left.
I got mine.

For $550, I got my gf this laptop for Xmas. But I am the one breaking into
the virginity of this machine.

I read the rebate as well. It's all good. CC is ok with the rebate. Just
send it early before one forgets (about 40% of the consumers usually don't send in their rebates). The usual 6-8 weeks apply to the rebate.

Considering it's also got 2GB, I think it's a decent deal for a Thinkpad.
BTW, the display is kind of "weak". But my gf doesn't like the glossy glare.

 

so the deal will end today? my local CC doesn't have it yet.

 

Not sure. You might wanna check tomorrow. The strange part is that this deal was not on the local ad here as well. I saw this in the store. I am not sure how this came about. Maybe this is a local dea onlyl? I am not sure......

 

just check on their website. It said 'Qualifying items must have been purchased between 10/1/2007 and 12/31/2007' so,... sweet
I think this is an unadvertise deal. I also don't see it on my local ad.

 

Thanks to the OP and others for their feedback on this deal. I decided to buy it now and maybe sit on it for a few weeks to see if the outlet gets some killer deals. But I think this will be the one. It's not exactly everything I wanted, but for the price after rebate, I don't think we can go wrong.

Is it true this is a socket P MoBo?, meaning we might be able to add a beefier processor? or am I mistaken? I know I can't make this a discrete graphics lappy, or can I? But anyway, I'm not that into PC gaming so I shouldn't be worried.

Say, can somebody confirm that this has the same build quality as the regular T61/R61 14' builds with the Magnesium roll cage in the lid of the LCD?

 

Heh. Maybe that's why I got the deal.

Kudo to OP if ppl didn't see this deal.

 

There were 4 left at the Grossmont CC here in SD, none at the Carmel Mt CC.

They didn't even have any on display, the FireDog rep had never even heard of Lenovo before and the $749 appeared only in their computer.

 

Can anybody comment on this? I'd appreciate it since this is one of the chief reasons I wanted a 14' Thinkpad, thanks!

Seems like many of us got lucky.

I went online looking around various zip codes and no stores were showing them in stock in stores. I had been in a CC days before talking to one of the PC dept guys and decided to give him a call on a whim to ask. He didn't have any, but when I asked him to check stock around the city, he came up with a store that had only 1 left. I gave them a call and they said they did indeed have 1 left, in box.

When we got there, the nice kid working in the PC dept said this was one of the better notebooks they carried and thought it was a good deal. When he rang us up, the computer spit out a rebate form and he said, Wow, you get $200 off as well, what a deal! This deal made our week!, thanks again to the OP and others, use your new Thinkpads in good health guys!

 

Yes, aside from a few minor differences (do a search), the 14" R61 is exactly the same in build quality as the T61. Assuming the CC website is accurate, the model number is 7732. You can look at the detailed specs by finding R61 14W 7732 in the TABOOK and comparing it to a T61 14W xxxx.

 

Sounds like a good deal for a number of people.

 

Thanks, that's what I thought but the R61i designation that someone had mentioned earlier as being on these cases from the CC deal threw me off.

Could it be that these CC cases are different?

 

Well I'd be careful there have been some instances where these special buy units have "other" parts in them. Has someone purchased one and confirm that the lid is the same? CC had a deal with the R52's and the lids was way off compared to the T series equivalent.

 

Wow, see that's why i'd like someone to chime in who has hands on with one and tell us if they think the build quality is up to snuff. I would love this Thinkpad to have the rubber casing instead of the cheaper plastic one on the R61i 15' as well as the roll cage in the lid. Maybe that's too much to ask though.

I suspect the case with the R52's were that the two lines were prbably totally different at the time. Now these T & R widescreens are supposed to be identical in build quality, so this could be interesting.

 

The R61 and the R61i have the exact same build quality - I'd bet my life on it. The stuff you are able to get (firewire, bluetooth, etc) may be different, but the shell is the same. The model number for the R61 and the R61i (integrated graphics) on Lenovo website are both 7732. They both have the same standard features: LINK

I ordered a R61 direct from Lenovo and received a R61i - it's the same.

 

Thanks ickysmits, not trying to be difficult, just curious.

I just read the differences about the 15 & 14 and started to get a little skeptical.
15' review
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Lenovo-Thinkpad-R61-Notebook.4214.0.html


Threads for reference.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=164978
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=150015

 

Completely understand, Lenovo communication to the end user is sketchy at best. The R series ranges from bargain basement to being comparable to the flagship T series. It can be very difficult at first glance to know where they're different. Adding to the confusion is the wrong information on the CC website and that it's hard to actually see their lineup...man, they make it difficult.

EDIT: I forgot to qualify my statement above that the 14" R61 and R61i are the same build quality and comparable to the T61.

 

Thanks again, I just booted this thing up an hour ago, very nice laptop. I think we made a good choice. I hope everyone enjoys theirs.

 

Did you get the 14" R61 model? Does it have the soft "velvet" or rubbery surface on the lid just like on the T61?

Thanks!

 

Yes, it's the 14' R61 7732-A12 with a T5250 1.5 ghz. It has the rubbery surface, I've never seen the T61, but I can tell it's rubber.

Funny thing is, it has the R61i moniker on it, because it lacks firewire I've read.

 

Do you have any indication that they’ll honor the rebate? It kind of looks like YMMV because the rebate says this:

“Advertised rebate amount assumes payment of Circuit City's before-rebate
advertised price. Circuit City reserves the right to reduce the fulfilled
rebate amount based on price adjustments and/or price matches made on
qualifying items.”

The before-rebate advertised price on the website is $949.96 - $200 (rebate) = $749.96. It looks like (on the website) they already took the rebate when you bought it in store. It seems to me like it could easily be rejected. I really hope it works out for you but even at $750 it a decent deal and well above other laptops at that price.

EDIT: If you’re at all worried about collecting the rebate the workaround is this: make sure it’s available in the store for $750. Go online, place the order for pick-up at your store, pay $950 by credit card, and save the receipt as PDF or print it out. Go to the store and pick-up the laptop. Complain that the store price is $750 and get a price adjustment. Use the receipt for $950 to send in and collect your rebate.

Rebates really really suck.

 

I understand all of that.

But when we purchased it in store, the guy ringing us up said, here, it comes with a rebate. Basically the register gave us the form at checkout, so we can argue that it is a valid rebate purchase.

 

Just wanted to make anyone aware of a possible pitfall - but I'm only looking at the website. On the other hand, like you said, you do have a legitimate argument that the before-rebate advertised price is $750 in store. I hope it works out for the best!

 

We all appreciate it, ickysmits.

Even at $750, it's a good deal because it actually has quite a few upgrades from a standard configure R61, despite the lower processor, which seems, can be upgraded later on. Upgrades such as Office 2007, Windows Vista Home Premium, Bluetooth, DVD burner, Fingerprint scanner & 160GB HDD, all of which would cost extra. Likely $400 or so extra on a newly configured system.

Then there's the Outlet, which while it has great deals, is kind of a hassle to buy from I hear. First you have to be quick to get in on it before the greedy slickdeal/fatwallet crowd get wind of any updates, otherwise they'll be ordering everyone of these bad boys to Ebay or sell to friends. You also have to hunt for the deal using excel to sort through the list, then hope that the one you pick is not already triple sold. Then, if you are the lucky enough to buy it, wait for weeks, even months to get your Laptop shipped, since they get swamped with orders.

Or just call or order online at CC and boom, you got your lappy!

Anyway we slice it though, we all have a great productivity tool, a Thinkpad!!!

 

I decided to call the CC Rebate Center and ask about this deal:
http://www.ccityrebates.com/promocenter/circuitcity/customer_faq.shtml
Phone: 1-866-754-7717

The rep "Hector" asked for the rebate number (it's LN407) but he was unable to find it in his system. He transferred me to another number, which is the customer service line for those who have already made a purchase: 800.843.2489 ; option 1 ; option 5.

There I talked with someone named "Cindy" who asked for my name, phone number and the B&M receipt number. She said there is a $200 rebate available for this system and directed me to the online form:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Leno...d/-12963/rpem/ccd/RebateDetails.do?oid=195182

I asked for further evidence about the validity of the offer and all she could say was "I assure you this is a valid rebate as long as you fulfill the requirements listed."

So I guess it's as real as it gets without actually having the check in my hand! YMMV of course...

 

That's great news Ari, thanks!

This laptop is really nice for that price. I've been using it since yesterday and really love the new features on the newer laptops, pretty much like a portable desktop really. I also don't mind Vista, although it's really loaded up with lot of bloat and a little clunky to navigate. Aero runs smoothly and with a few tweaks, i'll be able to make it run smoother. Hopefully I can get a lot of these processes turned off, but that's a topic for another thread, lol.

 

ickysmits brings up some good points. Circuit City has been getting rather strict about the pricing and rebates. If you don't buy within the stated price range, they do adjust or reject the rebates in some instances. He wasn't, and I am not, trying put a damper on this but just want you to be warned. If you do his online and then pick at the store plus ask for a price match, that is the best way to go. I have found the online people pretty clueless about rebates and give bad information. In the end, it is the rebate center people who make the call and they looooove to reject rebates for the slightest infraction. If you go to the bargain hunter forums, you will see threads about this issue with CC. I can confirm because I bought an item with a rebate. At the store I had them competitive price match to Staples. Since I did not buy at the stated price, CC rejected my rebate. I think it would have worked if I had bought online, then picked up at the store, asked for price matching THEN sent in my rebate form and used the online confirmation receipt which showed the full price originally paid.

Hopefully this will work out for everyone. I just thought I better add in my experience with CC.

 

I'm the OP and I just got back from CC. (I've been up there 4 -5 times this week playing with the R61.) I decided to pull the trigger - they still had 1 left in the box. Unfortunately, they didn't have it marked down to $749 in the store so I'll still need to send in for the $200 rebate (rebates suck!!!!). But for $749, it's still a great deal. As a bonus, I found it it has both Bluetooth *and* a smart card reader. Since I have to use a SC for remote access to my job, this is pure gravy.

 

By the way, if you purchase a product from most of the larger online retailers, there's a very cool website that will "monitor" the price and send you an alert if the price drops within 30 days. I recently purchased an HDTV which CC had on sale - and 3 weeks later it dropped about $200. I received the alert, went into CC and got the difference +10% refunded to my credit card.

http://www.priceprotectr.com/

Apologies if this is old news.

 

For those of you that have bought this - does it have Firewire?

Although the reviewers at the CC website have said otherwise, the model I saw in person at a Fry's, also an R61i, had the FIrewire port at the front.

Also, Towjam's has a card reader. Does everyone else's?

 

Here's the deal... The R61i that you find in the brick and mortar (B&N) stores will have subtle configuration differences so that the stores don't have to price match/compete with each other (eg. "If you bring in an ad with an identically configured machine, we'll match the price... yada yada yada".)

The R61 that CC is advertising does *not* have Firewire. The port on the front is labeled - but plugged. I saw another R61 at Frys a few days ago - I don't remember if it had the FW port or not -but it came with XP and only had an 80 or 100gb harddrive. (The CC model comes with Vista Premium and a 160 gb drive.)

Since last weekend, I've been to practically every B&N store here in the D/FW area (BB, CC, Frys, CompUSA, OfficeDepot, OfficeMax, Staples) and I've been grokking the web looking for a similar deal - including Lenovo's site. Bottom line - outside of the outlet store, you currently can't get a better deal on a similarly equipped Thinkpad than the $749 deal at CC. In fact, if you try to order the exact same model R61i from the Lenovo site, it still runs over $1k and you can't get a DVD-RW drive - they only offer a Combo CD-RW/DVD or optional Blue Ray drive.

I'm going to spend most of the evening getting the toy set up just like my work laptop but so far, I'm very impressed. My only regret is that I have to break my own rule and apply for a rebate.

 

K, I just thought the 'i' moniker denoted it lacked such features as Firewire, etc.

Which CC location did you get it in? I'm in the D/FW area as well. Thanks.

 

Glad you finally got one Towjam and thanks for posting the deal.

And as far as it being a good deal, it is. Especially with all the extras and software. This comes loaded with a trial of Office 2007 & The full version Office One note with a disc! that's at least $150 right there. And the other extras are like icing on the cake. And like you mentioned, outside of the outlet, no one has this deal just yet on a Thinkpad in stores. I mean, they'll always be better deals out there somewhere, sometime, but at this time, we got it.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy yours, may it serve your needs well for a long time to come.

Edited: Only comes with Office One Note full version, Office trial is 60 days, sorry.

 

I picked mine up at the CC in Lewisville. The website still shows that location to have some in stock. I know also that the Southlake CC also has some in stock.

By the way, I stopped by Frys tonight and checked out the R61i they are selling. It's configured with FW and has a 120gb drive. But it only has 1gb RAM and is running XP. I also noticed that it didn't have as many options listed in the ThinkVantage applet.

 

does anyone know that this deal still alive?

sorry for my knowledge but can anyone tell me what is the firewire? is that the IEEE 802.11abg? If not, what the different? And what is the most popular type of wireless out there? Thanks

 

Firewire (1394) is a connection method via a cable just like USB. Google for more information.

 

Firewire is used in such things as external hard drives and as a video transfer medium.

It's still alive per CC's website.

I would have to say the most popular is probably the 'g' standard.