I'm looking at getting 500 ThinkPad

I had an old Think Pad a few years back, replaced it with a Dell Inspiron 6000. I'm looking at getting another ThinkPad (SL Series SL500) but it comes with Vista and I want to run XP, I understand that it's hard to get all the required drives when installing XP. Who out there has done this "DOWN GRADE" and what problems can I expect? I found this on NewEgg.com for $800 - ThinkPad SL Series SL500(27463XU) NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo T5670(1.80GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA 2GB Memory 250GB HDD 5400rpm Dual layer DVD Burner Intel GMA X4500.
I know it's not the fastest system out there, but I think with running XP and upgrading to 4 gig of RAM It should be ok!

Anyone have this system, hows the WiFi?

Thanks

 

That should be an okay system - Lenovo is actually one of the better OEMs when it comes to drivers. All of the drivers are available on their website, here.

 

Also beware that many of use here regard the SL series as only a thinkpad in name. So if you had a thinkpad of yore and are going back to the brand, I would look at the Tseries.

 

You do know XP can only use 3GB of memory and no more? Don't waste your money. I'd have to agree the SL is not a ThinkPad in the traditional sense. If you're looking for a less expensive machine, I'd vote for the 14" R61. There's some good ones in the Lenovo Outlet on occasion.

 

Here's an SL500 in the Lenovo Outlet for $705-

Windows XP Professional
2.0GHz Intel T5870
15.4" WXGA (1280x800) display
2GB RAM
Intel X4500 graphics
DVD RW
ThinkPad b/g wireless
6-cell battery

It's a "Redistributed" system which meets the following criteria:
-Shipped and was returned unopened
-Factory seal was NOT broken
-Never used

It has the same 1-year warranty as any new one! SWEET DEAL- LINK

 

Or this could work. Or if you don't mind Linux, this seems an exceptionally good deal.

 

I had a 14.1" R61 for a while last year. I gave it to my sister because I had a work-issued laptop that I used all the time. I have a soft spot for them, though...and for the T42, but I doubt I'll find one of those in the Outlet.

 

XP only uses 3GB of RAM, you would need Vista 64 for that.

 

Actually, a 32-bit O/S (XP or Vista) can utilize about more than 3GB in some cases. This is especially true in systems with integrated graphics. I'm running a 32-bit version of Vista and it utilizes 3.45GB of the 4GB installed.

 

It is 3gigs ish...there is a magical formula that makes it use more for some systems!