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IBM ThinkPad A31 (1.6GHz Pentium 4, 256MB, 40GB, DVD/CDRW, Windows XP, 15

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Performance
Overall Rating	85
PC Worldbench 4: Performance word scores reflect comparions of PCs in the same category (power or value) running the same operating system. See Your guide to the Top 100 for more details.	Good: 90 (Windows XP - Professional)
Base Configuration	Outstanding
CPU	1.6-GHz/1.2-GHz Pentium 4
Screen size	15 inches
System memory	256MB of DDR-266 SDRAM
Hard drive	40GB
Graphics	32MB Ati Mobility Radeon 7500
Pointing device	eraserhead
Expandability	Two multipurpose bays, two PC Card slots, expansion bay port
Extra features	Good
Bundled removable-media drives	8X DVD-ROM and 4X/4X/24X CD-RW combo drive
Communications	#N/A
Extra ports	Headphone jack, Svideo port
Business suite	Lotus SmartSuite
Overall design	excellent
Battery life (mm:ss)	Average: 2:33
Weight: typical/minimum (in pounds)	Heavy: 8.2/7.3
Vendor's reliability / service	Good/ Fair
Support Policy	Three-year parts and labor warranty; free unlimited 24-hour/7-day toll-free support

User Reviews for IBM ThinkPad A31 (1.6GHz Pentium 4, 256MB, 40GB, DVD/CDRW, Windows XP, 15

Reviewed by: bgtrkchuck

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Everything.

Weaknesses: It's a little heavy after carrying it for a FEW HOURS. Hey, if you don't like the weight, buy a palm pilot!!

Overall Evaluation: This computer is one fine piece of equipment! I cannot say enough about it. I have found no flaws, never had a problem in the world with it! Battery life is two hours with the "Power Miser" setting at Maximum System Performance - that is everything running at top speed. If you switch it to "maximum battery life" I have had a battery last almost four hours (display dimmed also). I read one review on here that said something about how hot it gets. Well, right now I am on my couch, computer on lap, been here four hours surfing the web and I can barely feel any heat at all! I can't say anything about support with IBM since I have never had to call them or email them. The trackpoint (mouse thingy) takes some getting used to but I like it better than a touchpad or trackball now. Can't think of what else to say other than you can't go wrong with this computer in my opinon!
Reviewed by: tyofmaryland

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: Can be used as George Forman Grill Back-up

Weaknesses: Very HEAVY and it gets Dangerously HOT after VERY SHORT period of time. VERY SHORT BATTERY life. Very FLimsy and FIRE HAZARD.

Overall Evaluation: It's too heavy to be called LapTop. It gets VERY HOT after just 15 minutes of use. IBM should recall this STINKPAD "A31" 2652D3U, before someone gets hurt "burned" and sue them. Bettery life is pretty short (52 MINUTES MAX). It does not come with any manual. No decent sofware. No Software back-up CD. Very short Tech support warranty (30 days from the day it's shipped). Tech staff very rude and unhelpful. If you have any software problem after the first 30 days (problem with Windows XP Pro for example) you will pay $2.99 per minute for Tech support. IBM support will put you on hold for over 45 minutes during the call to keep the meter running. AC Adapter gets also VERY HOT after very short time(10 Minutes MAX). The DVD/CDRW drive is very flimsy and very easy to break. Battery loses strength and gets weaker every day (after full charge it still says it's only 82% full, even when it's plugged into electricity will need to replace battery after 3 Months. Fire Hazard