Worst Laptop I've Ever Owned: Lenovo ThinkPad T60

Let me start by saying that the IBM and Lenovo service reps have always been very pleasant to deal with. And I've talked to a lot of them. Frequently. Which is the problem.

My first laptop (back in the early 1990's) was a Toshiba Satellite. It was thick as a brick and weighed as much. When that died I used a desktop machine for a few years and then had a couple Sony laptops that worked well. I eventually bought an IBM ThinkPad T40, first because it had a full-size keyboard and second because ThinkPads had the reputation of being bulletproof. I have to say, the T40 was bulletproof — except for the wireless connectivity. It would drop frequently and then it would take 30 minutes to get back online. I spent all kinds of time on the phone with IBM service reps troubleshooting, installing software, installing drivers, uninstalling software, rolling back drivers. Nothing every improved the wireless issues — and some of what they told me to do made it worse. Other than the persistent wireless issues, it's still going strong.

Eighteen months or so ago I decided to treat myself to a new laptop. I threw down a bundle of cash for a fully-loaded Lenovo ThinkPad T60p with 4GB RAM, 120MB hard drive (I store most of my stuff on an external hard drive), an extra battery, the travel accessories pack, etc. And I've hardly used it since. I've sent it in for repairs three or four times now and they've replaced almost everything in it, and I've spent more hours than I care to think about on the phone with service reps, researching problems online, rebooting over and over, etc. It's been a complete nightmare. I just received it back from yet another trip to the service center (thank goodness I invested in a great service plan!) where they replaced the video card and the fan, and it's running about as fast as my mid-1990's Toshiba brick. When it runs at all.

I won't list the seemingly endless list of problems I've had, but suffice it to say that they've replaced the motherboard, the video card, the fan —and no doubt a few other things along the way. Oh, and the wireless has sucked from day one, too.

I'm using a Dell laptop at work and that will probably be my choice for my next personal laptop, as well.

Comments

[Will Von Wizzlepig]

Ouch, bummer- sorry to hear that, man!

It seems lenovo has strayed from the path...

I picked up a used T42 a while ago, and it's just like all of the other ones I have owned- pretty much no issues with it at all (knocking on wood).

Well, better luck with the next one...

[Steve]

Yeah - very weird. My T41 remains bulletproof except for the wireless, which has been all but useless since day one. Maybe I just got a lemon - that's definitely possible.

[Alan Singer]

Steve -- how can I contact you? I am interested in talking with you about one of your old posts. I have left my e-mail address when commenting -- please let me know. Thanks

[Ann]

I've had the exact same issues. What a nightmare.

[Sad about Thinkpad]

So I'm not the only one whose Thinkpad T60p sucks! I have had the fan system board replaced twice, hard drive crashed and now the video inverter needs replacing. The Lenovo service network is great, but what a hassle! I used to consider Thinkpads the holy grail of notebooks, but no more! Now I'm debating between an HP EliteBook and a Sony Vaio Z-series, before my Thinkpad warranty expires in a few months.