Hello everyone at comp sys laptops,

I'm writing about the quality of the cases of T40 thinkpads. I was
under the impression that they were supposed to be sturdy, yet I have
been dissapointed after handling one. When I pick the laptop up on
one corner, I can see the case flex. I will probably be returning it
because, if such attributes are common on a top of the line model, I
would presumably see it on "lesser" models. Thus, why spend the
premium? (not considering aftermarket support...)

I've found a mythical worship of Thinkpads among everyone I've talked
to about buying laptops, and I think it's misleading - to IBM's
advantage. Perhaps certain brands, Like Mercedes-Benzes, don't live up
to the myth when we meet them in reality (The 1999 M-class and 2000
S-class come to mind).

I would be relieved if someone on this board could tell me that all
T40s share this problem. Or if someone could tell me that this an
anomoly and if I exchanged this machine, the problem will disappear.

thank you

All I can really say is...

We the consumer want Thinner, lighter, longer running, bigger screens,
quieter and CHEAPER laptops.. something's got to give and I guess the
ability to use it as a projectile weapon, then pick it up and use it as a
computer went...

I agree the IBM is slightly cutting corners on the "feel" of the high end
laptops.

But I also think that some people take picking appart "loose" batteries,
creaky palm rests, barely noticable fan power noise issues, and especially
body flex (on such a thin machine) too far....

I suggest that if you don't "get" IBM.. then you should by another brand and
see for yourself if they are truly better than everyone else...

Al...

"stephen" <mailinator@mailinator.com> wrote in message
news:cb0bf93.0401022051.7df2ce9c@posting.google.co m...

Unlike any of the other issues you mention, body flex will actually
damage internal components in the long run (i.e. past warranty). If my
thinkpad came dirty with a scratched lid, loose battery, loud fan
noise, and burned my lap every time I used it _but without body flex_
I would keep it in a heatbeat and and feel satisfied with my purchase.

Consumers give IBM excuses for thier incompetence. I had also
suspected the thinness would explain the flexing until I picked up the
1.1" Powerbook from Apple. Tthe 15" screen size didn't cause a creak,
zero flex.

"Alan Adrian" <ara__@SPAMNOT.wanadoo.nl> wrote in message news:<3ff981c8$0$10118$3b62cedd@news.wanadoo.nl>.. .