Well, the rapid restore feature is definitely high on my list. I'll get the CD from IBM sometime but to work without a CD is great.
Andrewjm, I know where ur coming from...you're the type who likes total control of ur PC - not have hidden partitions, etc. I feel the same way 'bout my desktop. I hate bundled software, etc. However, for my use of the laptop, the bundled software is just too good.
Ok guys, I've used the machine for 3 days now. I've absolutely wasted it and this is what I think:
Physical Hardware
Absolutely no probs. I've been going through every screw, every titanium particle - absolutely no defect. I've heard 'bout ppl complaining 'bout certain things 'bout the T40. I didn't really consider them major probs for me. However, when I got the machine, I was expecting those issues outlined. Surprisingly, my copy of the T40 had none of those mentioned defects (hissing sound on adapter, keyboard depressing on lower right, etc).
I've owned quite a number of laptops before. Usually, when u see the laptop on the website or on the shelf, it's great. You think, "this is exactly what I need". You get it, bring it home and 2 days later wonder in absolute disbelief, shock and horror how this could be called a laptop. Use it on ur lap and it'll give u a nice tan. It's nice for the winter but really? It's also called a notebook which is even more ridiculous. I mean, has the designer seen a note-book (in a traditional sense) before?
I've used the machine for 'bout 8 hours straight (has a short break in the middle) on my lap. It only got mildly warm - not even - on the RAM side.
Software
I love it. I'd like the CDs to have come with it (just for the sake of having a hard copy of the software) but no worries, you can always ask them to send it. Rapid restore is the greatest thing. As for security (another thing not mentioned in this forum), I like their security subsystem. They've actually got a physical circuit built into the machine that aids in security. This is coupled with software/firmware tools to help keep the machine secure. If I did activate all the security features on this machine, I must say it's gonna take someone years to break in. In fact, they'll prolly have to pass on the task to their grandchildren to continue attempting to break in.
One complain I have in this area is the lack of physical documentation on the machine. All laptops I've purchased before have a "Get Started" sort of thing to help configure the machine. I felt like an absolute idiot when I was looking for the "Get Started" book but there were some hardware I wuz not too sure (eg. there was this big bulb on the RJ-11 telephone cable supplied - I was wondering wat the bulb was for....I thought the modem can only take this specialised RJ-11 cable which pissed me off. And later I found out the bulb wuz just a tool for wrapping messy RJ-11 wires ). Also, networking is a bit of a pain (especially for those new to wireless) - I thought a bit of documentation on that wouldda helped. However, the 'Access IBM' button did come helpful to solve most of these problems (I had to figure out the "bulb" prob myself though)
Support
This is something I have to complain 'bout. I live in NZ and here, when calling support, it takes a good 10-15 mins before someone gets on the phone (and this is weird, I always get the same person answering me - some Jocelyn). So yeah, apart from that it's all good. They delieved the machine a day earlier than the "earliest expected data". I called them for some networking help and they were extremely helpful and friendly (although I found the aussie accent annoying).
The funny thing is, for me being in NZ, it wouldda cost me exactly the same amount of money to buy an equivalent Dell or Toshiba or whatever. And the T40s aren't very popular here (almost no one knows 'bout them). IBM doesn't do any marketing of any sort here. I'm prolly the handful NZers that own a T40. I only came to know 'bout it via this forum...(so again, thanks guys!!).