Member Avatar for ep2002

Ok, I need to get a laptop & now I've got each person telling me theirs is the better laptop & I'm getting confused.

Pls. let me know your thoughts, but only if you know specifically that one unit is better than the other.

Thanks :) Michelle

First one is: (I got him down to $270, then he said $240 w/out the wireless card, but I need that in there)

IBM - T22

PIII 900MHz (256KB), 128MB RAM, 20.0GB HDD, 14.1
XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD,
8x-2.3x DVD, Intel combo, TV out, Li-Ion battery,

I have upgraded the ram to 512mb and windows xp
service pack 2 is installed on this system.

I am selling it for $310. The system does not come
with a wireless network card but I will throw that in too. Also including the Floppy drive.
2nd one...

IBM Thinkpad Model A30

mint condition , very good battery, no damage or issues, huge bright
LCD, 2 multibay slots

Intel Pentium 3 1.13ghz
256mb ram
20gb hdd
DVD-rom
floppy
15" LCD
2 USB ports
Sound
TV out with cable included
56k modem
10/100 Ethernet
wireless 802.1b
2 PCMCIA slots
2 multibay slots
a good 2hr battery
charger

$280FIRM

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Dani AI

Generated

asked which laptop is "better" and rightly pointed out a spec-based advantage. For a used machine the literal spec sheet matters less than condition, battery life, and upgrade path. A quick, structured in-person check will reveal which one is the practical winner.

  • Boot to BIOS and look for obvious errors; run any built-in diagnostics.
  • Check battery: unplug and time a realistic workload (web browsing, video). Battery health matters more than a small clock or RAM difference.
  • Run a memory test (memtest86) and a hard-drive S.M.A.R.T. check from a diagnostic CD/USB.
  • Exercise the display at both bright and dark images to spot backlight flicker and dead pixels.
  • Verify every port and device: AC adapter, optical drive, Ethernet/modem, audio, USB, card slots, and wireless connectivity.
  • Inspect for case/hinge damage, keyboard wear, stuck keys, and signs of liquid damage. Ask whether BIOS or HDD passwords are set and for recovery media/adapter.

Also confirm upgrade feasibility: find the service/parts manual from the vendor site, verify the maximum supported memory and the hard-drive interface, and check that replacement parts are still obtainable. If one seller includes original charger, recovery media, or a clear return window, that should influence the decision.

In short: pick the machine that passes these practical tests and gives a clear, inexpensive upgrade path. Minor spec differences are less important than battery life, working hardware, and seller terms.

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Member Avatar for cutepinkbunnies

I'd go with the first one just because it has more RAM and the specs are nearly identical, both are good name brands.

Member Avatar for ep2002

Thanks, but I wasn't asking about the specs, I was asking which is the better unit. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

The 2nd guy said he'd put another 100+ MB of RAM in there.


Michelle

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