IBM ThinkPad T21
This was my third ThinkPad, which I bought refurbished at an IBM warehouse,
less than an hour away from me. It was still expensive, but quite a lot
lower than what these were going for new in the spring of 2001. I upgraded
it immediately to 256MB of RAM (512MB was the maximum, but rather than pay
the high price for the two needed 256MB PC100 SO-DIMMs, I just replaced the
machine). Later on, I also got an Adaptec USB2Connect USB 2.0 PC card, since
this machine only has a USB 1.1 port, and I wanted to access an external USB
hard drive.
The T series ThinkPads are truly outstanding. They are small, light, and well
built. The stealth black outer shell is the most attractive look I've seen
in any computer. It is unfortunate I couldn't find a reasonably priced
current T model with the features I need.
As of March, 2004, this machine was replaced by an R40.
Note: This unit came with an extra 2-year on-site warranty, and around
six months after the purchase date, the display needed to be replaced due to
a full line of pixels which went bad on it. IBM service was very impressive
to say the least. A technician came to my place of work and within a half an
hour he had the display replaced.
Links of interest:
IBM Corporation
The IBM ThinkPad T21 Type 2647-8AU product description page
The IBM ThinkPad T21 Type 2647-8AU support page
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