IBM R51 Laptop/Notebook

I bought this laptop computer so I would not be tied down to my desktop and to have a dependable backup computer in case my desktop computer went down which happens from time to time with even the best of computers. I choose an IBM because of thier track record of making good solid dependable laptop computers and I specifically was looking for one with Windows XP installed. This laptop does everything I expected from it and more. It can read CD and DVD disks formatted on my Vista desktop computer. I have watched DVD movies on it. I like the trackpoint device, the little joystick in the middle of the keyboard, better than the touchpad, a personal choice. What don't I like about it? Well, not much. It is a bit low on volume with the built in speakers but it is okay if in a quiet enviornment. But that is easily offset by the wireless internet and high speed cable connections built in. I can't really compare this to other laptops as it is the only semi-new tech laptop I have owned but I do feel others would have to be something really special to top this one.

As in all things, some perspective is in order. Why are you buying a laptop/notebook/netbook? Your own honest answer to that question is of paramount importance. IF you view a laptop as a TOOL used to perform real WORK, rather than as a multimedia plaything, then you will find the IBM Thinkpad R51 a very capable and useful machine. Running Windows XP, you can actually get things done: From Schoolwork to Internet Research to running a Business. It will do that and more. And, it will do it RELIABLY. There won't be any AC plugs coming loose and burning out, there won't be any graphics chips coming unsoldered from the motherboard. It will, quite simply, work.

The R51 IBM laptop is a great computer. Bought one new and still using. Bought one used on ebay and it is equally as good. Wish they were made in USA not China. We must have more US products.

Just might be the best 15" laptop IBM has ever made! With it's 1.7Ghz Pentium 'M' Processor, and only 512Mb ram(upgradeable), this laptop just flies! You can run it all day, and it won't even get warm! A really sweet machine!!

Nice notebook, reasonably rugged (not quite a ToughBook(tm) but much more durable than the cheapies that suffer HD crashes at the drop of a hat). Good battery life (not just run-time, but also overall life span - my roomies teenager wore out the battery on a NEW HP in 7 months while my well-used R51 shows no measurable loss of life). The ThinkVantage ToolBox package includes an excellent Rescue and Restore backup utility, hard-disk Active Protection to protect against bumps and jars, a Power Manager that is configurable for a very wide range of usage patterns.