48 out of 48 people found this review helpful.
You do not need to be a geek, to operate this machine.
Date of Review: Oct 23, 2006
The Bottom Line: I am very happy with our purchases and customer support.
Several months ago, my honey loaned me his IBM Thinkpad a22, for when I am unable to sit at my computer, I have the convenience of its use at my bedside. After using this laptop for several months, the motherboard went. He said he expected it, as the laptop had been used so hard and for so many years.
He then loaned me his IBM Thinkpad a31 and then exchanged it for his IBM Thinkpad a30. All the while, I was surfing the internet to purchase my own, which I did. All of the laptops had essentially the same keyboard and appeared to be the same to me, as I don't know the technical details of a laptop.
I ended up purchasing an IBM Thinkpad R51, refurbished, but in impeccable condition.
THE UNIT
This unit is constructed of black, hard plastic and came with Intel Pentium M 1.5GHz, 40GB hard drive, 512MB RAM, WIFI, DVD/CD RW with internal antenna. It has a bright 15 inch LCD screen, no dead pixels, and came with an a/c adapter cord. It comes with a battery that holds a charge.
The keyboard is the same as the previous loaners. The a22 had the speakers at the bottom of the screen (I loved that feature), the others have the speakers at the bottom front of the unit (which works just as well).
Preinstalled is licensed Microsoft XP Professional complete with IBM built-in restore feature.
The DVD/CD RW is on the right side of the notebook, behind that is a port (I do not know what it is for). The rear of the unit is a large plug socket, I assume this is to connect to a docking station. There is also a port in the back for the a/c adapter plug.
On the left side of the notebook there are several ports awaiting their ship to come in. Oh, only kidding, two are USB ports and two are Ethernet ports. There is also a slide door to the left front, it looks like some type of card should slide into it.
I AM NOT A GEEK
I will not pretend to be a geek that knows the ins and outs of laptops, or what all the bells and whistles are. I just wanted to have simple and easy access to the internet. I got much more than I needed. I'm certain in time, I'll play around and learn more about this notebook and grow into it.
PERSONAL USE
One thing that meant a great deal to me is that I wanted the built in antenna. I do actually sit or lay back with this notebook on my lap, and with the previous loaners, the wireless card sticks out and put pressure on my leg. I found this quite annoying. I am happy to have this r51 with the built in antenna.
In comparing the r51 to the a22, a30 and a31, I can say that all of these units have a very solid feel to them and their keyboards are the same. The a22, a30, a31 and r51 all have a blower off the left rear, however the r51 is the only unit that did not blow out hot air on my leg.
The r51 weighs 6.4 lbs., and the a30 and a31 weigh 7.5 lbs. on my bathroom scale. We no longer have the a22 to weigh it.
The a22, a30 and a31 only have a cat's tongue like rubber eraser mouse head, which is simple to navigate. The r51 has a mouse pad and a flat eraser mouse head, which is much easier to navigate, if you can believe it.
The high speed connection allows to surf the net with ease. The screen is bright and the sound is clear. Playing CD's and DVD's are simple, the picture quality is exceptionally good.
All of these units are very user friendly, you turn it on and you go (after setting up wireless connection).
FAMILY USE
My eldest daughter was using her Dell laptop I gave her for graduation. After 4 years of college, it was falling apart. I couldn't believe the contortions she had to do, to hold the unit together, while operating the laptop. I didn't know her body could do all that at the same time. One night, while watching Grey's Anatomy, she was actually holding and snapping the screen together to watch the program. We didn't have any duct tape.
She was interested in purchasing a MacIntosh, but they were so expensive, her interest peaked at mine. She contacted my buddy, Jeremy Nazareth, from Bids by Web in Canada on eBay, and he set her up with the same unit, and she's thrilled with it.
BOTTOM LINE
This is a solidly built unit, perhaps too technical for me, but it does what I need it to, it is portable, simple and comfortable for my use.
My daughter asked me how I felt about buying a used laptop, I told her I feel the same about buying a used car.
You really don't know what you're getting yourself into, but with a reputable reseller, you're more likely to get good support. I have received exceptional support and follow up contact, to ensure my satisfaction.
IBM is the Ironhorse of the industry and I have no doubts this will last for years to come.
I am very happy with the convenience of this notebook and would very highly recommend it.
