So I am looking to buy a new laptop. I have been to all my local stores playing around with the different makes. Sony, HP, Compaq, Dell, etc.
Can a person go somewhere to “test drive” a Thinkpad? I have only seen them at ibm.com, and the really light X31 looks very inviting. I never use the disk drive or CD-ROM tjat mich, so leaving them home on a docking bay seems like a big plus for me.
But what if I dont like the ergonomics of it? The way the keys respond?. You know, all the little nit picky litttle things that you just can’t tell from a picture or brochure?
So how did all of you current THinkpad owners do it?
My company gave me my Thinkpad A30p so who am I to question authority?
Seriously, they are available from retailers. It may be bad luck that you haven’t got one near you. Having used many different brands of notebooks, I will say that the IBM (which is a very different model from the one you are looking at, but I think these are common IBM attributes) has the best keyboard I’ve ever used, one of the better screens, and the only Trackpoint device I’ve ever been able to use without serious frustration.
Downsides are that configuration is less convenient and flexible than others, especially Toshiba. Cost is a bit high, which is why the company is now buying Dell.