IBM service plans

[Alex08]

so I've been looking around for laptops from local resellers.

visited circuit city, frys, compusa - yet none of them carry IBM's

So I live a couple miles from newegg.com, I recently saw that they sell an IBM T40 that I was interested in.

T40 link and specs from newegg.com

I plan to add memory and maybe change the hd over time.

My question: What would the 3yr manufacturer's warranty cover?

does it cover:

screen burn's or screen burnouts?
hard drive failure(dead)?
keyboard breakage (button fell off)?
buttons on the computer stop working?
battery failure (doesnt hold charge anymore)?

Also how is IBM's service overall? any problems?



reason I won't go with dell:
I've been reading about dell and how there service has gone bad over the couple of yrs. Long Waits, workers don't know anything. Laptops being lost, not being able to understand the workers.

 

[WackyDan]

IBM's 3 year warranty covers everything but......

keyboard breakage (button fell off)?
battery failure (doesnt hold charge anymore)?

They won't fix anything that is broken by Physical abuse ie; screen cracked, buttons popped of keyboard. - that's every manufacturer though.

The batteries--just like every other manufacturer get covered for only one year.

IBM has always had great service, though your mileage will vary.... It's still luck of the draw on the person you'll get at level 1 support on any call. -- Same could be said about Dell and HP.....

I've used IBM's Easy Serve for a break/fix before and had the unit back in under 72 hours as promised.

 

[Alex08]

thanks for the prompt reply.

Now I just read through one of IBM's online warranty documents

It states that 3yrs on parts and 1yr on labor. How does this work?

so say during the third year my screen goes out, does the 3yr on parts cover the screen? I'm confused, do they send me a new screen and I have to do the labor?

 

[Alex08]

just got off the phone with newegg.com and ibm.com

newegg.com said that its 3yrs parts and labor. And 1yr on battery.

 

[eriqesque]

Thats better
I had never heard of the one you had mentioned previously
Of 3yr parts 1 year labor.

 

[Alex08]

ibm warranty

on page 8 of 9 in the document, you'll see that it says 3yr parts and 1yr labor.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Alex08
ibm warranty

on page 8 of 9 in the document, you'll see that it says 3yr parts and 1yr labor.

Still very strange
never heard of that before.
But you can rest assured on the T40 your looking at it's
3yrs. parts and 3years labor.

 

[Alex08]

thanks

was your IBM configured on the IBM site? I cant find any IBM laptops on newegg.com that have sxga+ screens. If there is, can someone point out which laptop.

I really like your specs. I wanted to upgrade ram in the future.

sxga+ would be superb to have.

 

[SuepaFly]

There's also an IBM Accidental Damage warranty you can purchase, it covers spills and all that other stuff.

 

[imported_jeffnt326]

If you scroll down a bit further in newegg's ibm notebook section, you'll see a T41 model: 2379DJU that offers a 1400x1050 screen.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Alex08
thanks

was your IBM configured on the IBM site? I cant find any IBM laptops on newegg.com that have sxga+ screens. If there is, can someone point out which laptop.

I really like your specs. I wanted to upgrade ram in the future.

sxga+ would be superb to have.

Yea Mine did't come from newegg. I've had mine since last July. I absolutley love it.
Except now I am eyeing the X40.

 

[Alex08]

is it worth it to pay the extra money and get the sxga + screen?

 

[Sahakiel]

Originally posted by: eriqesque

Originally posted by: Alex08
thanks

was your IBM configured on the IBM site? I cant find any IBM laptops on newegg.com that have sxga+ screens. If there is, can someone point out which laptop.

I really like your specs. I wanted to upgrade ram in the future.

sxga+ would be superb to have.

Yea Mine did't come from newegg. I've had mine since last July. I absolutley love it.
Except now I am eyeing the X40.

I was looking at the X40 as well. However, my budget meants I would've gone with a 1.0GHz model. The 1.2GHz series is actually a bit heavier, which made me wonder whether the 1.0GHz model was upgradeable.
I went with a X30 instead, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have 7hrs of run time.

 

[imported_jeffnt326]

Well, it depends on your personal preferences. I would recommend that you go to a local tech store and look at the difference between a 14.1" 1400x1050 screen and a 14.1" 1024x768.

If you were to ask me, I would definately say it's worth it...having more screen real-estate is a definate plus.

I also believe that the sxga+ model has better specs.

It has a better graphics card (ati 9000 vs. ati 7500)
It includes a wireless card and gigabit ethernet.
And it's running on a 1.6ghz processor.

Good luck!

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Sahakiel

I was looking at the X40 as well. However, my budget meants I would've gone with a 1.0GHz model. The 1.2GHz series is actually a bit heavier, which made me wonder whether the 1.0GHz model was upgradeable.
I went with a X30 instead, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have 7hrs of run time.

The X40 that I am eyeing is the 1.0Ghz version cause I want it to be the lightest most compact version.

 

[Alex08]

i just called IBM again. If i pickup the T40 from newegg that contains the 3yr warranty. I can purchase accidental coverage for $169 from IBM as long as its 30days havent passed since purchase.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: Alex08
ibm warranty

on page 8 of 9 in the document, you'll see that it says 3yr parts and 1yr labor.

"servers"...

3/1 warranty is the norm on both Desktops and some Servers. Check your link and document again.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: Sahakiel

Originally posted by: eriqesque

Originally posted by: Alex08
thanks

was your IBM configured on the IBM site? I cant find any IBM laptops on newegg.com that have sxga+ screens. If there is, can someone point out which laptop.

I really like your specs. I wanted to upgrade ram in the future.

sxga+ would be superb to have.

Yea Mine did't come from newegg. I've had mine since last July. I absolutley love it.
Except now I am eyeing the X40.

I was looking at the X40 as well. However, my budget meants I would've gone with a 1.0GHz model. The 1.2GHz series is actually a bit heavier, which made me wonder whether the 1.0GHz model was upgradeable.
I went with a X30 instead, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have 7hrs of run time.

It's 7 hours with the extended battery on the x40. Something like 5+ with the standard battery.

There are three batteries for the X40... standard, extended, and one that snaps on the bottom of the unit and gives you over 11 hours with the standard battery installed. The heavier model may have come with the extended battery ( goes in same space as standard battery but hangs out the back of the machine like the t40/1/2p's and R50p's extended batteries do.)

 

[Alex08]

oops

 

[RichieZ]

Originally posted by: WackyDan

Originally posted by: Sahakiel

Originally posted by: eriqesque

Originally posted by: Alex08
thanks

was your IBM configured on the IBM site? I cant find any IBM laptops on newegg.com that have sxga+ screens. If there is, can someone point out which laptop.

I really like your specs. I wanted to upgrade ram in the future.

sxga+ would be superb to have.

Yea Mine did't come from newegg. I've had mine since last July. I absolutley love it.
Except now I am eyeing the X40.

I was looking at the X40 as well. However, my budget meants I would've gone with a 1.0GHz model. The 1.2GHz series is actually a bit heavier, which made me wonder whether the 1.0GHz model was upgradeable.
I went with a X30 instead, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have 7hrs of run time.

It's 7 hours with the extended battery on the x40. Something like 5+ with the standard battery.

There are three batteries for the X40... standard, extended, and one that snaps on the bottom of the unit and gives you over 11 hours with the standard battery installed. The heavier model may have come with the extended battery ( goes in same space as standard battery but hangs out the back of the machine like the t40/1/2p's and R50p's extended batteries do.)

standard battery (4 cell) is up to 3.5 (and probalby measured w/ the Ultra Low 1G PM)
and larger (8 cell) battery is up to 7.5hrs.

the extneded one that goes on the bottom gives combined w/
4 cell: 6.8hrs
8 cell: up to 10 hrs

see pg 3

these numbers are VERY generous, my X31 is upposed to get up to 6, but i really get around 4.

I may be replacing my X31 w/ an X40 soon, or i'll probalby get a SFF. My X31 has been my main comp all this yr and its worked very well. But I feel some gaming need.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Alex08
is it worth it to pay the extra money and get the sxga + screen?

Sorry we kinda slipped off your topic here with the excitment of the X40 being mentioned
Anyway to answer your qustion about the sxga+ screen yes I think it's worth it.
But it all depends whether you will think its text is too small
I think it's perfect.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: WackyDan

Originally posted by: Sahakiel

Originally posted by: eriqesque

Originally posted by: Alex08
thanks

was your IBM configured on the IBM site? I cant find any IBM laptops on newegg.com that have sxga+ screens. If there is, can someone point out which laptop.

I really like your specs. I wanted to upgrade ram in the future.

sxga+ would be superb to have.

Yea Mine did't come from newegg. I've had mine since last July. I absolutley love it.
Except now I am eyeing the X40.

I was looking at the X40 as well. However, my budget meants I would've gone with a 1.0GHz model. The 1.2GHz series is actually a bit heavier, which made me wonder whether the 1.0GHz model was upgradeable.
I went with a X30 instead, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have 7hrs of run time.

It's 7 hours with the extended battery on the x40. Something like 5+ with the standard battery.

There are three batteries for the X40... standard, extended, and one that snaps on the bottom of the unit and gives you over 11 hours with the standard battery installed. The heavier model may have come with the extended battery ( goes in same space as standard battery but hangs out the back of the machine like the t40/1/2p's and R50p's extended batteries do.)

standard battery (4 cell) is up to 3.5 (and probalby measured w/ the Ultra Low 1G PM)
and larger (8 cell) battery is up to 7.5hrs.

the extneded one that goes on the bottom gives combined w/
4 cell: 6.8hrs
8 cell: up to 10 hrs

see pg 3

these numbers are VERY generous, my X31 is upposed to get up to 6, but i really get around 4.

I may be replacing my X31 w/ an X40 soon, or i'll probalby get a SFF. My X31 has been my main comp all this yr and its worked very well. But I feel some gaming need.

Well you battery life is directly affected by the battery's age, and whether or not you are using wireless... Constant use of wireless will drop running time anywhere from 40-50% over normal. You also might have adjusted your power management settings so that the screen stays bright on battery etc...

Every manufacturer over-rates their battery life expectancy, using an ideal environment where variables like disk access are minimal and power management settings are optimal.

Furthermore... IBM publishes a .pdf detailing battery life by model specific SKU..... So there is a battery run time spe for each individual T41, t40, x40, x31.... I have a t41p -2373-GGU and get different battery life than say a 2373-CGU. I could have a bigger faster drive, or a different TFT screen than the other model, maybe i have a burner, or maybe I have a faster processor and more memory. That's why IBM publishes separate batttery run times for every specific sku within their models. You may not find your model on the list if it was a "special build", but you will find a base sku that will give you the rough estimate of battery life you should expect.

I did a real world bench mark of an X31 running the system battery and the big one that snaps underneath (x40 can do same but is different battery due to different chassis).... We could get 11 hours running the two batteries together, in a non wireless environment with factory default power management. We then went wireless for demostration purposes and were able to get roughly 5.5 hours out of the battery combo.

Send me a private message if you would like me to email the battery .PDF to you.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: WackyDan


Well you battery life is directly affected by the battery's age, and whether or not you are using wireless... Constant use of wireless will drop running time anywhere from 40-50% over normal. You also might have adjusted your power management settings so that the screen stays bright on battery etc...

Every manufacturer over-rates their battery life expectancy, using an ideal environment where variables like disk access are minimal and power management settings are optimal.

Furthermore... IBM publishes a .pdf detailing battery life by model specific SKU..... So there is a battery run time spe for each individual T41, t40, x40, x31.... I have a t41p -2373-GGU and get different battery life than say a 2373-CGU. I could have a bigger faster drive, or a different TFT screen than the other model, maybe i have a burner, or maybe I have a faster processor and more memory. That's why IBM publishes separate batttery run times for every specific sku within their models. You may not find your model on the list if it was a "special build", but you will find a base sku that will give you the rough estimate of battery life you should expect.

I did a real world bench mark of an X31 running the system battery and the big one that snaps underneath (x40 can do same but is different battery due to different chassis).... We could get 11 hours running the two batteries together, in a non wireless environment with factory default power management. We then went wireless for demostration purposes and were able to get roughly 5.5 hours out of the battery combo.

Send me a private message if you would like me to email the battery .PDF to you.

On my T40 the 6 cell gets 4.5-5hrs real time battery usage this is with the wirelss radio ON.
On the 9 cell I get about 6.5-7hrs Wireless radio ON.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: eriqesque

Originally posted by: WackyDan


Well you battery life is directly affected by the battery's age, and whether or not you are using wireless... Constant use of wireless will drop running time anywhere from 40-50% over normal. You also might have adjusted your power management settings so that the screen stays bright on battery etc...

Every manufacturer over-rates their battery life expectancy, using an ideal environment where variables like disk access are minimal and power management settings are optimal.

Furthermore... IBM publishes a .pdf detailing battery life by model specific SKU..... So there is a battery run time spe for each individual T41, t40, x40, x31.... I have a t41p -2373-GGU and get different battery life than say a 2373-CGU. I could have a bigger faster drive, or a different TFT screen than the other model, maybe i have a burner, or maybe I have a faster processor and more memory. That's why IBM publishes separate batttery run times for every specific sku within their models. You may not find your model on the list if it was a "special build", but you will find a base sku that will give you the rough estimate of battery life you should expect.

I did a real world bench mark of an X31 running the system battery and the big one that snaps underneath (x40 can do same but is different battery due to different chassis).... We could get 11 hours running the two batteries together, in a non wireless environment with factory default power management. We then went wireless for demostration purposes and were able to get roughly 5.5 hours out of the battery combo.

Send me a private message if you would like me to email the battery .PDF to you.

On my T40 the 6 cell gets 4.5-5hrs real time battery usage this is with the wirelss radio ON.
On the 9 cell I get about 6.5-7hrs Wireless radio ON.

On my t41p which has the 9 cel, I get about 6+ hours off of it just doing my work - non wireless..

Wireless drops me down to about 3.5 hours.

My t40 had about 5.5 hours tops without wireless and a standard batt.