Lenovo ThinkPad R40
Intro
IBM R40--Solid, Reliable, Abuse-Loving Laptop
I needed a used computer for work projects, the key being I needed somthing to run Sketchup 3D while being portable enough to be lugged on a bike yet robust. After looking around I settled on an older R40 2682-CTO.
Specs:
The relevant numbers are 1.8ghz Pentium Four, 512meg ram, a rather low-end graphics card, SOUNDMAX onboard sound, and internal DVD/CDRW drive.
What's in the Box:
I got mine used from usedlaptops.com. Came with a power-supply, case, and wireless PCMCIA card. All of which I ordered with it for less that $40.
Design
It's a few years old in terms of style but it still turns heads. The basic black Lenovo/IBM styling turns heads even on the older models. It's nice, it's simple and it states "TECHNOLOGY" without being obnoxiously shiny or over-the-top colorful.
It blends into a work environment with no problems
Screen:
Older technology screen, best viewed in moderate light from a position directly in front.
Keyboard
As this is a P4 the keyboard does get warm. The function keys include the standard suspend/kill display/hibernate/screen brightness functions as well as a control for a case-light at the top of the monitor.
Touchpad
Standard IBM touchpad and Track-Point. Both of which work flawlessly. The pad is directly below the keyboard. Only gripe is I'd move the buttons further apart, some people like me have wide fingers.
Features:
LEDS
Capslock, AC power, Numlock, Battery, HDD. All the standard stuff.
Wifi -
This version does NOT have internal WiFi. I installed a PCMCIA NetGear card which works flawlessly.
Speakers
Two speakers. This is my biggest gripe. This is NOT an audio computer. They are tinny and distorted sounding. If you're going to do music, buy headphones or a set of Direct Sound Out speakers from Logitech.
Input and Output Ports
IR port. I have no IR devices, it does register in the diagnostics as operational.
Right Side:
This is where your DVD/CDRW bay is.
Left Side:
One USB, one PCMCIA bay, and the sound ports.
Rear:
External monitor, power, serial port, USB and S-video. All easy to work with, plenty of room between connections. Also the modem and network port are located here. Again, no problems.
Bottom:
Battery bay and lock, RAM bay, vents and docking port attachment. Nothing unusual here.
Benchmarks
Forthcomming,.
Size and Weight
6 pounds. It's heavy, but very solid. So far it's survived two major falls off my bike. It's a standard-sized notebook/laptop... by no means is this an ultraportable.
Heat and Noise
Runs hot. I have to use an aluminum heat shield between myself and the laptop otherwise I get warmed. The fan is very quiet, as is the hard-drive.
Battery Life
Abysmal. Even with a new aftermarket battery it sucks itself dry in less than two hours.
Software
* All the standard IBM doodads. The battery maximizer was most helpful.
* usedlaptops.com shipped it with AGV, Adaware, and Open Office.
* As purchased it shipped with XP Pro. Currently it's running Linux.
* Ubuntu installed with no problems and achieved maximum performance with no tweaking at all
Accessories
Power supply. I had to purchase wifi and a case separately for about $40.
Pros:
* Good solid reliable computer that can take physical abuse and stay running.
* Runs Sketchup 3d no problem.
* Accepts conversion to Ubuntu Linux with no issues.
* Good solid reliable computer that can take physical abuse and stay running.
* Runs Sketchup 3d no problem.
* Accepts conversion to Ubuntu Linux with no issues.
Cons:
* Abysmal battery performance, this is a plug-in laptop.
* Hot running P4 lap-toaster
* No two ways about it: The speakers suck. Plan on getting an external pair.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you need a cheap used laptop that can do light 3d work as well as surf the internet and word-process this is what you want. It's robust, it's easy to work with and has proven it can take real-world physical abuse and keep running.
