The IBM ThinkPad laptop computers, including one of the earliest models, the ThinkPad R31, are popular for their portability and the range of options that make them good choices for business professionals. They are light weight and portable but have options such as docking stations and bays for additional drives, making them easy to configure to a specific need or situation.

Features of the IBM ThinkPad R Series computer include:

1. A long battery life and big, bright screens;

2. A secondary battery that you can swap with other features such as an optical drive or a second hard drive;

3. Built-in Wi-Fi capability even in the early models such as the ThinkPad R32;

4. And the ThinkPad distinctive pointing device, which is a red, rubbery button in the center of the keyboard that you use to move the cursor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the best notebook with ThinkPad R Series review articles

Independent editorial reviews provide you with expert opinions on the ThinkPad R Series computers. Be cautious of reviews by affiliate representatives or companies who earn revenue from the manufacturer of the products they review.

I recommend: Find several ThinkPad R Series review articles or set up a side-by-side comparison of the models you chose at CNET Networks, Inc. Read an IBM ThinkPad R Series review of the ThinkPad R32 laptop at PC World Communications, Inc.

Buy IBM ThinkPad R Series and Lenovo ThinkPads online

You can purchase current models of ThinkPad laptops from online vendors. Since IBM ThinkPads were so popular, you can also find refurbished models for sale online. Many refurbished ThinkPads are models that were formerly corporate lease equipment and will be very reliable computers even though they are not new.

I recommend: Buy Lenovo ThinkPad laptops from Newegg.com, where you can compare various models side-by-side or narrow your search by price, CPU type, screen size and other criteria. Find factory refurbished ThinkPads at TigerDirect, Inc., where the Lenovo ThinkPad R40e Notebook is one of the top sellers in the refurbished laptop category and where they offer service plans on products they sell.

Find ThinkPad accessories and ThinkPad R32 drivers online

You can easily find batteries for older ThinkPads, such as a ThinkPad R32 battery, at online vendors. Drivers are software files that tell a computer how to run or interface with a specific piece of hardware. You can download updated drivers for free.

I recommend: Search for laptop batteries by IBM part number or by exact laptop model name at Laptops for Less Inc. Download drivers for IBM ThinkPads from Lenovo Lenovo Support & Downloads, where you can also get user manuals and other product information. LaptopMemoryUpgrade provides memory for your IBM ThinkPad.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchasing a refurbished laptop such as a ThinkPad R32 notebook, decide which operating system you need. Older computers often run Windows XP. Know the system requirements for Windows Vista and whether Windows XP will be adequate for your needs before you decide.
• •  Refurbished computers may or may not come with all the accessories the computer originally came with. Read the description carefully so you know exactly what you are getting, especially with laptops like the ThinkPad R Series.