how much is this laptop worth ???

[97tbird]

A friend has the same type of laptop i have for sale; and as my wife's ThinkPad R50 is getting old, I thought this might be a good back up or an extra laptop if I can get it...I like mine, and think it could be a good investment if the price is right...esp. due to the track point mouse which me and wife both can't do without.

what do you guys think is a fair price?

Here are the details:

2004 model; little use afaik, and in very good condition.
Model: Lenovo ThinkPad R60
T2400 intel CPU, 1.83 GHz
(Intel Core Duo)
512 MB RAM (I have a 1GB stick I can add which makes it pretty fast, just like what I have)
Windows XP pro
80 GB hard drive
DVD burner
Built in wireless.
15" screen (not WS)

here's a review online:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2961

Let me know what you guys think is a fair price, and also let me know if you need any more details.

Thanks

 

[bepperb]

Lenovo's carry their value better than any other notebook. If this were a Dell/HP/Gateway... I'd say 150. For a Lenovo I'd pay 250, and wouldn't be surprised if they would ask for more.

Really, a fair way would be to go to ebay and look at completed listings.

 

[SuperDave456]

Laptops depreciate to ZERO in 2 years. Desktops in 4.
If you are looking to back stuff up get an external backup device. This machine is to old to do much.

I would give them 20 bucks and install Ubuntu.

I have several old machines that I have installed ubuntu on and have been pleased. If you do go this route install the "restricted" files in the package install manager as that is all the cool Java and other video viewing drivers that make cruising the internet fun.
Also the ndiswrapper is a good tool, it allows Windows based drivers to be used. I have to have that one to get my wireless deviced to work.

It takes some research, but Ubuntu requires lower hardware overhead and is more stable then windows. These older machines just arn't worth the price of Windows.

 

[CivicFan]

For a very good condition, I think it's worth maybe $100

 

[97tbird]

thanks so far - i'd like to give my friend the best price, he's a good guy - so keep the suggestions coming...
ebay looks like bidding hovers around $200, with "buy it now" prices about $300, which I think will be never met...

hmmm...i am just thinking this is not a wide screen either, so only about $150-200 may be fair.

 

[CivicFan]

How much is he asking for it?

 

[97tbird]

He says he has no idea and asked ME what I think.

 

[Familyguy]

I'd say $100-200 depending on how generous you're feeling. The battery is probably already well past its prime. For $400 you can get a brand new laptop that will be substantially faster, and already be loaded for bear in terms of memory/disk/video performance/etc.

If it was me, I probably wouldn't pay anything more than a token amount for it unless I needed it for spare parts.

Good luck.

 

[SrDriver]

Noticed that Best Buy has some Laptops starting at just over $300.00.

New battery, more ram, etc.

Could be even less if you have one of their Reward Zone Cards.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Or you can get a brand new Asus EeePC for under $300. I would say around $150 for that used R60.

 

[97tbird]

you guys are right - I talked to the friend with the going prices; he's going to keep it after all...and one can get a better deal buying a new laptop..

I am AMAZED how laptops have become cheaper...however, as my wife and I both need the track point mouse, our choices will be pretty limited when we're ready to upgrade...AFAIK, only Lenovo has the track point in all models, and Toshiba has it on some models...

My R60 with 1.5GB ram is pretty ok for now...but wifey's 8 yr old R50 is not so hot anymore...and I think we'll lean towards a Lenovo when the time comes...

Our laptops have been great for heavy use: great keyboards, fast enough (in most cases) and rugged construction...but the newer ones with wide screens are very tempting..

again, thanks for all the comments and your time..

 

[Volvohead]

Trackpoints are fantastic. Effortless. After getting used to one, I find touchpads a major PITA on other models.

You find plenty of used Thinkpads out there, because they just hold up better than most others. My 5yo T42 flies along on Win 7, and Lenovo STILL supports all the best ThinkVantage features on it. Their PM always doubles my battery run time. Lenovo seems to be taking good care of older Think owners, just as IBM did. Idea support may not be as good.

A "loaded" new T series with the right e-coupons hovers around $1k.

 

[97tbird]

yep - TrackPoint is the bomb!