Laptop!

I'm pretty excited, having just ordered my new laptop from Buy.Com!

I decided to get the IBM Lenovo Thinkpad T42. It's 'Factory Refurbished,' which basically means I save huge -- 52% on the cost! (For the record, a refurbished product can be anything from an unopened item the customer had second thoughts about to an item that that was missing an accessory, was sent back to the manufacturer where they replaced the missing part, tested and repackaged it. Refurbished goods are substantially lower-priced than their 'new' counterparts -- and often are of the same quality with a similar warranty.)

The thing about laptops is not to spend too much. They generally have a short life span, whether we're talking battery life or other issues. If your laptop is still going strong at three years, that's pretty amazing. Most will go for two to two and a half years, max.

I checked several reviews on this model and it was rated 'very good' more than once. It's never going to be my primary computer (I've got my desktop for that, after all -- plus my desktop at work), but I love the idea of being able to pack it around with me. Or to be able to use it downstairs in the family room. (I used to have a desktop down there and really loved it.) It could be handy for work, as well. I can see so many things I can do with it. Anyway, if I'd realized I could get one for $355.99, I'd have done it AGES ago! (Donn was the one who suggested Buy.Com, which seems like a great way to go. I told him I wanted to stay 'under $400,' and he said that was totally do-able.)









I like the look quite a bit, though I imagine some people would find it very plain. It weighs around 5 1/2 pounds and has a 15 inch monitor. Anyway, I'm excited as can be about it!

And even though this purchase is under $400, it's a big one for me. At one point I said to Marilyn mistressmarilyn that it was a luxury item I didn't really need, but she pointed out that I'll use it a lot for work, which is quite true. Anyway, I added to the shipping to speed it up ($26.99), as the cost was so good, so I guess I could have it by next Tuesday! (Very cool, huh?)

I'm really happy that I was able to get Windows XP rather than Vista (which I pretty much hate). That was a big bonus to me.

Another bonus? I've wanted a personal DVD player for years. I can use this laptop to play DVDs, so that's pretty cool. (And all the DVD players I looked at cost around $200, so think of it -- I'm getting that feature as part of my $355.99 cost!)

I'll review the laptop when I actually have it and have used it -- in case anyone else is thinking of buying it. (Jeff actually mentioned on Tuesday that he might get one for himself, which I think would be great.)