Korean Job Discussion Forums

braunshade · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Location: Somewhere better!

I am shopping for a secondhand laptop and have noticed that the IBM selection is much less expensive than other brands from websites such as usanotebooks and some other sites.

Do you know why? Is there anything wrong with IBM?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

hanguker · Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Location: Korea

I think it is because they are nearly extinct. I believe IBM doesn't even make notebooks anymore. They are marketed under Lenovo now. Maybe that's the reason.

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

...and didn't Lenovo go bankrupt?

rocklee · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul

I think they just don't appeal to the fashion/image conscious consumers. Their design have not changed since early 2000 so people want something new (I should know since I used to work with IBM on a couple of projects).

They are however one of the most dependable notebooks you can buy. Call it the Range Rover of notebooks - boxy and unchanged in design, but somewhat handsome and dependable.

Also, the Thinkpads (IBM notebooks) have always been made in China by pretty much the same company. That company has become Lenovo. Not sure how they are doing but they were making a lot of progress the last time I heard about them.

Ramones · Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Location: In Hell in my own mind...

IBM sold thier PC laptop division to Lenovo - a Chinese company.

IBM laptops may be old - this is why the prices are so low.

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

But great solid kit. Having been through much of the laptop range, inclduing Dell (1), Compaq (3), Toshiba (3), Samsung (1), and IBM (2) with the last IBM 3 months old, for me it will be IBM all the way.

I am not a "gamer" so need less power, just solid workhorse dependability.

The IBM support site is exemplary. My last machine was bought here, with Korean XP-home. Formatting and installing English XP-pro was almost a breeze as with basic connection all drivers could be downloaded - and are constantly updated.

braunshade · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Location: Somewhere better!

Interesting. Thanks for your responses. I will probably end up purchasing an IBM for under US$300 plus shipping to Korea. Sure beats paying more than 1 million won from the shops here!!

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Oh, please do tell exactly where to find them in the Yongsan area.

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Try Sinyongsan station: there is a shop there.