Lenovo T430 Business Laptop computer Intel i5-3320m up tp 3.3GHz, 8GB DDR3, 128GB SSD, 14" HD LED-backlit display, DVD, HD Webcam, 802.11b/g/n, HDMI, USB 3.0, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)

This isn’t a review of the Lenovo T430. You already know why you’re buying an older refurbished T-series, rather than a modern consumer-grade laptop in a thin and shiny plastic case with a fancy GPU; a laptop that’s disposable by design. This is a review of my experience with the T430 I received from this particular seller. I hold Amazon to a high standard in terms of allowing third parties to sell used hardware and MS Windows licenses as Prime partners, but after reading some of the reviews of this item/seller, I wondered if I’d be sending my next-day delivery right back! The T430 and Lenovo branded psu arrived enveloped in a custom air pillow. The pillow was inside a fitted box, loose inside a much larger box. This might’ve been disconcerting if a traditional hdd were inside, but alas, no damage. I was surprised by how clean the laptop was. Cosmetic wear is limited to the keycaps and trackpad, and the outline of some “Intel Inside”-type stickers removed on the lid. The key switches feel like new. I’m really kinda shocked by how clean the gaps and seams are (I shouldn’t be, since I paid for a laptop, not bits of food and the former owner’s DNA samples), The trackpad could use some tlc. It’s responsive, but the buttons are too easy to press and the texture is peeling up around the edges. It’s too small to be useful, anyway, and I prefer the Trackpoint device. The buttons on the latter feel great. My boring HD display must’ve replaced a damaged HD+ unit. I was psyched when I realized the laptop contains both integrated (Intel) and discrete (NVIDIA) GPUs. I’ll probably add a $50 aftermarket HD+ LCD for a big resolution increase. My battery is remarkably functional for its age. I’m able to get a couple of hours of average use before it dies. Not great, but I expected to be tethered to an outlet. I opted for an new extended battery regardless. My T430 also came with a Sierra Wireless Gobi 3000 cellular modem + GPS module installed. I have no use for the modem per se, but being able to synchronize the system clock almost anywhere (for free) is one of the coolest surprises I could’ve received in a system I’m using for portable JT65/FT8 amateur radio work, which demands a stable clock. My webcam isn’t missing, as others have mentioned The system came with a stock Windows 10 Pro installation, where the end user needs to finalize the setup process. Look underneath the chassis for a genuine SN decal. The start of the license key needs to be scratched off like an instant lottery ticket. I suspect the folks complaining about bogus keys don’t realize that. Funny. Amazon wouldn’t stand for sellers peddling pirated/fake Microsoft products! All the necessary drivers are preinstalled, and there’s no sketchy third party junk to remove. This laptop is awesome. I couldn’t have asked for a better deal on a more durable and feature-packed system. This seller delivered, and then some!

Reading the other reviews, it seems like there are at least a couple of vendors who supply these refurbed laptops through Amazon. Mine came from LapTop Of The Line, so my comments are for what I received from them and your experience may be different from a different vendor. I couldn't be more pleased with what I received. I've wanted a Lenovo ThinkPad for quite a while, and with a limited budget a refurbed machine is all I can afford. The T430 certainly meets all of my needs. Fast processor and plenty of RAM for what I do with a computer. Don't expect the T430 to be in the ultrabook class, though. They' chunky, heavy, and built like a battleship. Mine arrived in wonderful condition. In fact, other than the Intel and Lenovo stickers on the keyboard being worn, I would have been hard pressed to say it wasn't actually new. No signs of wear and tear or damage at all. Mine was shipped the day I ordered it, and arrived the next day; not surprising since I only live about 100 miles from the vendor. My only "gripe" is that the battery is showing it's age - I'm only getting a couple of hours out of a full charge, but that's to be expected of an older computer. I probably won't even bother replacing it because the computer never leaves my house so I'm always in range of an electric outlet to plug it in to. LapTop Of The Line includes a "getting started" sheet in the box, and they have a video at their web site showing you how to activate Windows. (And they put the Activation sticker on the back of the computer, not under the battery!) Overall, what I received is probably a little better than I expected to end up with, so I'm very happy with the computer and the vendor.

I was a little nervous buying this, pretty good reviews, but seller was Blazing Prices when I ordered. Currently has 94% positive 12 mo. rating, but only 89% 30 day rating, so it looks like customer service is going down. Well, I got the laptop, in generic box with the correct 90watt adapter, no instructions or anything else. Well packaged, laptop looks brand new, and I think never used (not even a speck of dust on the fan). I did check ALL of the hardware, webcam works, battery life 2 hours, all keys good. Only defect I found was dvd player could not read home burned dvds. Burned dvds fine, and they played on another computer, but not on this one. Commercial dvds and cds play just fine, so it has a slightly defective dvd player. I didn't send it back because who uses dvds anymore anyway, and I didn't want to chance getting one with more significant problems. I wonder if some of these "refurbished" units are factory seconds? Keyboard is very good, better than most other laptop keyboards, though not as good as the older ThinkPads (I have an even older X100e ThinkPad with a better keyboard). As others have said, very good hardware and specs for the $205 shipped that I paid. Fast booting, fast working... great machine. Windows 10 installed wo problems and activated with the number on the label on the bottom of the computer. You do have to scratch off the silver stuff covering the first 4 numbers. Anyway, I'm very happy.