IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad Z60m

I have already customized a Thinkpad Z60m like the following:

Processor: Intel Pentium M Processor 750 (1.86GHz, 2MB L2, 533MHz FSB)
Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Display type: 15.4 inch WSXGA+ (1680x1050) TFT
Memory: 1024MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM
Graphics: 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon X300
Hard drive: 80GB, 5400rpm Serial ATA
Optical device: 8x Max DVD Recordable EIDE Ultrabay Enhanced Drive
Integrated data/fax modem: 56K V.92 Designed Modem
Integrated Ethernet: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN: Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
Battery: 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

For $1,753

Now, that's fine. However, I would love to be able to boost my graphics card to the X600, jump to a 100GB hard drive, and perhaps even go to a (gasp!) 2GHz P-M. When I configure a machine as such, though, the price jumps $600 to around $2,300. This, to me, seems ridiculous! If there is no way to get it for cheaper (besides upgrading the parts myself), I will just go with my currently configured machine.

However, I was recently on this site and saw this review. It sparked my interest because the configuration was very close to what my ideal configuration would be, and the price was much cheaper at "$1,553 shipped with 4 year warranty and tax included." In this review, dietcokefiend says "It was through a 'You pay what we pay' deal, and being able to customize the unit."

My question are,

1. How do I fully customize my notebook from IBM? It still says "Thinkpad Express" next to it when I go to customize it.

2. How do I get the "you ay what we pay" deal, if such a thing truly exists?

Thank you all for your help!

This seems to be a great website by the way. I'll certainly be spending more time here.

 

Oh, and,

3. Does the laptop only take 2 months to come if you order a custom model versus a slightly changed Express model?

 

Your best shot is through the educational program. Pretty respectable discount.

I'm guessing the custom-built ones will come out a bit faster now, but I could be wrong.

 

WOW! Thanks a lot!

With your suggestion, I am able to configure a Z60m with the 2.0GHz proc., the X600, and a 100GB hard drive for $1,679.75! Heck, it even has the Titanium cover!

Thank you very, very, very much!

 

One thing that I am confused about is that under the optical drives, it shows this:

ThinkPad 24x Max CD-ROM Ultrabay Enhanced Drive [add $17.00]
ThinkPad 24x/24x/24x/8x Combo Ultrabay Enhanced Drive [add $42.50]
ThinkPad 8x Max DVD Recordable Dual Layer Ultrabay Enhanced
ThinkPad 8x Max DVD Recordable Ultrabay Enhanced Drive [add $127.50]
ThinkPad 8x Max DVD-ROM Ultrabay Enhanced Drive [add $25.50]

Am I correct in reading that the Dual Layer DVD burner is the cheapest option?

 

One final question (for now at least, haha...sorry, I've been out of touch with laptops since I got my Inspiron 8200).

At the bottom of the page, you select your warranty.

I want a four year warranty. Depot is fine. I also want the Thinkpad Protection.

There are two different sections for warranty choice. Warranties and Service&Support.

When choosing a four year depot warranty with Thinkpad Protection, do I leave the first part (Warranties) at the "base warranty" and choose the "4-year Thinkpad Protection with 1-year Depot to 4-year Depot Repair" (under Services&Support) or do I choose the "4-year Depot warranty" (under Warranties) and then "4-year Thinkpad Protection with 1-year Depot to 4-year Depot Repair" (under Services&Support) as well?

 

I have had the same questions about the optical drive, though I'm looking at the z60t. Are we misunderstanding something? Why is the dual-layer, fastest DVD burner the cheapest?

I'm also a little unclear on the various warranties, but I thought if you wanted the PC protection (protection against accidental damage) you must also select an extended service contract of the same length, but maybe someone else could say for sure.

Also, why, if it comes with integrated WiFi wireless, are there two additional wireless LAN options (I copied them below)? The "Help Me Decide" link is of absolutely no use here. The two options seem to be the same, but have different prices:

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN
Wi-Fi wireless upgradable (Standard)

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Express Adapter [$34.00]

Wireless LAN accessories
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Express Adapter [$41.65]

 

I'm really glad to hear it made the difference. In answer to your questions:
1) Yep. Looks like the default optical device is the DVD burner. With something like that, though, you should call and check before ordering.
2) Regarding warranties: There are two pull-down menus. You want to leave the first one at the base warranty. In the second, there should be two 4-year options. Selecting either of these automatically increases your warranty along with adding the accidental damage protection. By the way, make sure that, on the page where you chose the base model, you selected "none."
3) Wait ... When the Heck did DL drives become available??? This ticks me off! Oh well.
4) Jasabra, if you're looking at the educational program also, it does not come with wireless; instead, it comes upgradable. You want to select the first mini-PCI adapter and none of the others.

Good luck

 

You have been of great help. Thank you very much for all your help - saving me hundreds of dollars and clearing up my questions.

I will definitely call IBM/Lenovo before I make my final order in order to clarify the DVD burner (and the warranty too?).

Thank you again.

 

Let us know what they say...

 

I will...but I won't be calling for a couple months...:X

I like to plan quite in advance.

 

Hi Smith2688, how did you get the educational discount? I am a student but I can't find it on their website...

 

I haven't done it yet, but here you go.

If that link doesn't work, try this and then, under PCs for Home, drop down the second drop down menu and choose Students & Alumni and click Go.

 

Thanks for the link.

This works for alumni as well? I graduate in May and would rather put off buying a new machine for as long as I can. If I can wait, I will.

 

I'm not sure. I do not know, yet, what verification you need to supply. If worst comes to worst, snag your brother's/sister's/cousin's/friend's/neighbor's ID card or the like.

 

I bought my current z60m under the WI thing, and not once have I been asked, or even had a spot to put my information about attended school.

 

(they had a bit over 2 months to ask)

 

What's the "WI thing", dietcoke?

That's a relief, by the way. I was afraid they were going to start asking for some fancy, elusive codes in order to get their mighty discounts.

 

Annorax and Smith, you guys have the right idea: The longer you wait, the more and better options you have. The longer you plan in advance, the better prepared you are to make the right choice. I should warn you of two things, though:
1) Don't let it consume your life. The purpose of the machine is to make you more efficient (I don't like saying "productive"), and laboring over it too much is only counterproductive.
2) Might be a good idea to get it a few weeks before graduate school or college begins, so that you don't have new-toy fever when the semester begins and so that you get the feel of exactly how to make it work for you.

Also, yes, it works for alumni.

Best wishes

 

Oh, yes, excellent advice.

I'm used to this, though. I purposely plan everything out further in advance than I plan on buying it so that I have ample time to discuss it with my parents and the like. Also, I know that I love to make sure that I have chosen everything I want down to the T, so I start earlier than most would so that I have enough time without going past my deadline.

I'm doing the same thing with the planning of my parents' new desktop that I will be building them.

I like point 2. I hadn't really thought of that. It would be nice to get my laptop all organized and set up the way I like it so I won't be fussing with things once I start college.

Excellent advice. You have been a great help. Thank you very much!