[ltp] Shopping for a Thinkpad

[James Knott]

Ted Frater wrote:
> Jiang Qian wrote:
> 
>> I suspect the newer model of T43 series should be avoided for now
>> because their PATA-SATA interface, which cause some grief for linux
>> kernel SATA code and need kernel patching. However some distribution
>> apparently already include the patch and T43 series represent a very
>> sweet set of designs and features. I advice you to take a look at
>> thinkwiki.org as there's a lot of installation notes from people.
>> And if you need modem to work, I suspect you'll need a driver that
>> will cost you around $15.  But other than to get the multimedia to
>> work is mostly a matter of which distribution to choose. Since you've
>> already known apt-get I suspect you want to try ubuntu, which is a
>> combination of newbie friendliness and debian convenience. Also the
>> current distribution of ubuntu breezy 5.10 already included a crucial
>> kernel patch dealing with SATA problem. Good luck.
>> Jiang
>>
>> On Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 08:22:45AM +0000, Cynthia Eliason wrote:
>>  
>>
>>>  I tried to share my coffee with my A20m and I think I've killed
>>> it.   I'm shopping on eBay for a replacement.  I can't afford a very
>>> new one.  I don't know much about other models.  There seem to be a
>>> lot of T23 Thinkpads  coming up in my searches, in my price range and
>>> with features I'd like to have.   I want to be able to view film
>>> clips (with sound!) in the more usual formats people are using.   
>>> Are there TP models to avoid, that have more problems with Linux than
>>> others?   Are there any that have a better track record with Linux
>>> than others?   It would be nice if I could use the same docking
>>> station and swappable drives that I already have from the A20m.  
>>>  Would appreciate any advice on what models to consider and which to
>>> avoid.  I don't have a lot of technical knowledge about computers and
>>> Linux.  I know how to type "apt-get install" and I have someone I can
>>> call when I need help, that's about it!  I'm more interested in using
>>> my computer than in doing a lot of tinkering to get things to work.  .  
>>> -- 
>>> Cindy Eliason
>>> Whitefield, NH
>>> -- 
>>> The linux-thinkpad mailing list home page is at:
>>> http://mailman.linux-thinkpad.org/mailman/listinfo/linux-thinkpad
>>>   
> Its a pleasant change to see a poster actually think to give their
> location.
> This makes it much easier to answer your 1st and most important question.
> where to get another thinkpad.
> Do not buy on Ebay,

There are many off lease ThinkPads available from used computer dealers
or IBM.  They'll generally come with a warranty.  Some I saw from IBM
last month, came with a minimum of 3 months warranty. One I noticed was
an R31, very similar to my own, for $500 (CDN).