I’ve worked with a Thinkpad of the I 1500 series in my last job. This web site doesn’t list the 1500 series, only the 1200 and 1400. So some parts of this review may not apply to the 1200 models.
The I series is the low-cost series that IBM put out to compete with other cheap offers. To complete the circle: there’s also an A-series (’’All in this machine’’), a ’’T’’ series (’’T’’ = Travel) and an X-series.
The Good
The good about the IBM thinkpad is that it came with Windows 2000 pre-installed. This notebook works fast and I never had any technical problems with it.
It comes with a good choice of software and all the hardware that you need (CD ROM, 56k modem, track point mouse, sound chip). Neat detail: the backlit keyboard - very useful on flights.
The Bad
On the downside I have to say that this low-cost series does not deliver the usual IBM quality. A weak lid, batteries lasting only an hour at the end of my job (up to two hours when it was new), poor speakers, 8 pounds = heavy.
You get what you pay for. I would recommend a different brand, e.g. Siemens-Fujitsu or even Toshiba.