New Thinkpad T61

[HaxorNubcake]

Intel® Core? 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/o Camera
ntel GMA X3100 GM965 w/ 1394
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Intel® Turbo Memory hard drive cache: Intel Turbo Memory 1GB
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
PC Card Slot & Media Card Slot
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (11n disabled)
4 cell Li-Ion Battery
Modem cable (RJ-11): PSTN cable

Comes to a total of $1485.

I will likely also get the 2 year depot upgrade with 2 year thinkpad protection for $199.

Does this seem like a good deal/buy?

 

[jkresh]

good setup, you might want to consider wsxga+ if its on option (depending on your eye sight and how much screen realestate you want).

 

[Parasitic]

What's the difference between this and the T60?
I'd get the T60 since it doesn't look substiantially different (besides the 965 chipset and 800FSB) and is currently on sale (I think still).

 

[StraightPipe]

can you get a bigger battery?

I've always been a fan of getting the biggest one possible (since that has a huge effect on how mobile you really are).

I usually prefer the type that are soo big, they stick out the front and make a palm rest.

//dont know jack about the T-61

 

[sil0nt]

Definitely go with the larger battery.. especially with the 7200rpm drive. Is there a reason you chose the Intel graphics card over the Nvidia 140M?

 

[Brainonska511]

Better battery life with the Intel graphics. Also, the 7200RPM drive does not eat significantly more power (a few minutes maximum is lost).

 

[HaxorNubcake]

Originally posted by: sil0nt
Definitely go with the larger battery.. especially with the 7200rpm drive. Is there a reason you chose the Intel graphics card over the Nvidia 140M?

I don't really need a discrete card, and I'll enjoy significantly better battery life with integrated graphics.

I'll likely get the 6 cell battery. Hopefully it won't stick out too much.

 

[CptObvious]

Somewhat OT, but based on this article, does this mean the T61 lids are now made of plastic rather than magnesium alloy?

 

[DanDrop]

Personally, i'd wait for more offerings from lenovo in the coming weeks... unless you really need one right now.

I've been reading that the T61 series will have better vid cards (at least 256mb Nvidia Quadro version), sxga screen, 15.4 widescreen version.

 

[coolVariable]

If you haven't had a laptop with the eraser point mouse control (or especially if you are coming off a touchpad), I would recommend checking it out at a store before buying.

Most users much prefer the touchpad over the eraser style mouse and unless you are used to it (and have been using it for a while) you will probably hate it.

 

[HaxorNubcake]

Originally posted by: coolVariable
If you haven't had a laptop with the eraser point mouse control (or especially if you are coming off a touchpad), I would recommend checking it out at a store before buying.

Most users much prefer the touchpad over the eraser style mouse and unless you are used to it (and have been using it for a while) you will probably hate it.

The t61, like most thinkpads, comes with both a touchpad and 'trackpoint' I believe. Otherwise are there any other potential problems/regrets that I may have with this system? I'd like to order it soon before the sale ends.

Thanks!

 

[Busithoth]

Have you played with any other laptops hands-on? I'm a big thinkpad fanboy, but that doesn't mean one shouldn't kick the tires of other models. It's a big purchase (in my opinion), and is worth the extra work/time to verify you're making the right decision for you.
I agree, though, that the 6-cell battery should be minimum. and the trackpoint nipple is a wonderful thing, in most everyday uses. gaming, no.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: CptObvious
Somewhat OT, but based on this article, does this mean the T61 lids are now made of plastic rather than magnesium alloy?

Composite......Not plastic. And if you've ever seen magnesium chassis crack... then you'd agree that composite is better.

 

[gus6464]

I keep hearing that the new Thinkpads under Lenovo are not up to par compared to the old ones under IBM.

 

[vtohthree]

Originally posted by: gus6464
I keep hearing that the new Thinkpads under Lenovo are not up to par compared to the old ones under IBM.

I'm assuming it's more of a placebo effect. And it only gets worse seeing that they no
longer have the "IBM" badge on them anymore. I admit, even I'm less inclined to get one
now that they no longer have them on.

As much as I'd want to say it's true(just because IBM no longer "owns" it), it shouldn't be because Lenevo also recieved the same thinkpad design team, and I'm pretty sure they are still manufactured in the same places. The T60 was supposed to be released next anyways, reguardless of the lenovo take over.

It's like buying a brand new Mercedes Benz that no longer has the Mercedes logo or badge on it anymore and instead they stamped a Chrysler one on it.