How can I configure on IBM EPP?

Ok, I have several questions:

1. Is it a permanent thing that I can't "Build My Own" or is it just temporary?
2. I saw a T60 that I like, perfect spec, 2623KEU for $1359.xx:
Core 2 Duo, 14.1" SXGA+, X1300, bluetooth, DVD-RW, 3 year service
My question, why is a comparable model of Z61t be at least over $1700? A similar model like 9443XCU only has DVD-rom and GMA 950. Can I configure one like the T60 on Z61t with similar price. I know this is a picky question.
3. Anyone who originally want Z61t but bought T60 (and vice versa). What's your after thought, any regret?

Glenn

 

I can answer #3... I originally wanted z61t, then switched to T60 and then switched to X60. I love the ultraportabilility and the superior connectivity, but i regret my screen is too small.

BTW, do you have the permission of the employee? There is a limit on the number of systems that can be ordered against an employee number. If an employee checks and finds an order has been purchased/shipped without their consent, the warranty for that machine can be permanently voided without notice.

 

My guess would be they have disabled it as they transition over to the Core 2 Duo.

 

I have the exact T60 you're talking about, except it's a Core Duo. And I paid 50 bucks more for it two months ago!

Great computer. I can't imagine you'd be sorry if you bought it, unless you're looking for the greatest graphics card and screen.

Chris

 

I have a similar question.

I just priced up a Z61t, which i made a thread about a short while ago, and it came to about $2200. My mother works for IBM, and shed likely be the one that winds up ordering for me, so I decided to see what that would do to the price, so I punched in her employee number and got to the EPP page. However, now I can't customize the laptop at all.

A lot of research has gone into planning out that specific build I made. I'm a Linux user, and won't be using Windows at all, so I had specifically used components that would work with open source drivers (meaning GMA 950 graphics, and the Atheros wifi card vs. the ipw3945 one) but now that I can't configure, I can't get that exact same build. The EPP pricing takes about $400 off the base price of the Z series, and I'd imagine it also reduces the price of the upgrades. As i had priced up a $2200 laptop, I'd imagine that this would make a VERY sizable difference in cost.

On the EPP home page, there is a field to enter a part# and add it directly to the cart, how can i find the # for the thinkpad i priced up?

Also, is there usually an option to customize under EPP? I usually browse Lenovo's site just to see what the new Thinkpads have to offer (typing this on a R51, btw) but this is the first notebook that has met my every need so perfectly that I cared what the price was, which is why I bothered to look it up under EPP.

 

whats her name and employee number. ill try for u

 

ha, nice try

 

in retrospect, maybe i shouldn't have mentioned that my mother works at IBM, perhaps it made me appear to be a gullible child, looking to get "mommy" to buy a new toy for me. this is not the case, I'm a sophomore in college, but as long as going through my parents means I get a better price, I'm all for it.

anyways, back on topic:

I found one preconfigured notebook through EPP that is ALMOST what I want. it's pretty much the same specs, though at $500 less than the almost identical model i priced up without EPP. the only difference is it has an intel wireless card. if i also order the Atheros card that I had in my priceup (its something like $40), will i be able to swap the cards out myself?

and my original question still stands: will they eventually add the functionality to build-your-own through EPP the same way regular customers do?

 

Family is certainly eligible for EPP...
I've found that there's usually good customization on the US Lenovo epp site. I've also found that preconfigured models are usually less costly than their equivalent build-to-order. Thus, I'd recommmend ordering the preconfig, order the atheros and switch. Besides swapping the card, you will have to also instal the drivers. People have done it on the X60, so i expect you can do it on the T60 too.

 

I'll be installing Linux, and atheros cads are supported out-of-the-box, I was just wondering if the BIOS would lock me out.

Other thing I just noticed... the preconfig model is 2x512, i assumed it was 1x1gb, meaning the upgrade to 2gb ram will be more expensive if i do it myself later

EDIT: just got a reply email from Lenovo, the configuration EPP page is down for 1-2 weeks, but if you want a custom model and EPP price, you can place the order by phone, and they will do it

 

it's usually lots cheaper to buy a preconfigured model than custom.

if it's the atheros you're after, you can add it after-market.

 

I'm from Europe so excuse my ignorance, but what is EPP? And also is it possible to get EPP out of the US, and finally is it possible to buy a machine through EPP if you know a student (assuming that EPP has something to do with being a student )

Gracias

 

Can someone help me find the price quote for a pre-config x60s & stats through EPP in USA? and if its a duo core 1 or 2. thanks

 

EPP stands for Employee Purchase Program. Any full-time employee can share EPP beenfits with their family and friends.

Students get discount at their school, presumably at the bookstore. Not sure how it works in Europe.

Glenn

 

How much discount is there with EPP? (anyone have a link to the site perhaps?)