> As a general statement, I don't think anyone beats IBM for build quality, reliability and service. But those come at a price.

Oh yeah. And as an IBM employee, I have access to the EPP (Employee Purchase Plan). If you're looking at thinkpad models, esp. ones that're just about to be replaced by a new line, they've got excellent deals.

If a thinkpad takes your fancy, contact me privately and I'll look up the current deals. I can give "friends and family" access access to the order page, so if board people vouch for you, I'll consider you a friend.

One of my friends just bought an X31 for $999 through my access to the program. I thought about getting one for myself for a week, and by that time, they were long gone. Man, that was a steal.

Current specials are R40e's and T41s at the lower config ranges.

-brendan