About to buy a T61p

Hi,

Right now, there's a 28% off sale, plus a 10% coupon. With this huge discount, I'm finding it hard to resist taking the plunge.

I'm going to college and I'm dead-set on getting a T61p. I'm a huge ThinkPad fan so anything else is out of the question.

The configuration I have in mind is as follows:

T61p
15.4" widescreen
T9300
1GB RAM (I'm running Linux and don't need much RAM. However, I'm going to get it in one stick so if I need to upgrade, I can just pop in another)
Quadro FX 570M 256MB
100GB 7200RPM HDD (don't need much space)
WSXGA+ monitor (is WUXGA worth it?)
DVD Burner
Intel 4965AGN wifi
No Bluetooth
Integrated WWAN (it's free, so no harm here)
9 cell battery
Windows Vista Home Premium (just in case I need Vista, Home Premium is better than Basic)

Everything else is on lowest settings.

It comes out to $1184. That's a crazy low price and it's driving me crazy.

Problem is, in June, Centrino 2 comes out. Should I buy it now?

Another thing I've been considering is to buy it now, then depending on the situation in June, sell it and buy the newer T-series.

What do you think?

 

It's a great deal. It's not like it will be outdated either. You should be able get alot out of a T61p for many years IMO.

 

Cool, thanks.

Should I get a warranty upgrade?

 

The 3 year mail-in warranty at $100 is a very good offer.

 

What kind of problems will that protect against? I'm really perfectionist and careful with my stuff but over four years of college, who knows what can happen .

How about the screen? The forum seems to suggest that the WSXGA+ one is of higher quality.

 

Any more input?

 

I don't think the WUXGA screen is that good from what I hear, at least the 15.4" panels. The panel is said to be quite dim compared to the WXGA and WSXGA+ options(lower nit rating). Just wanted to let you know.

Also, how many years are you planning on keep the laptop?

I got the 3 year Depot warranty for $100. I would have gone for the 4 year, but it is like a $100 more and I don't think it was worth it for me at this point. Plus you can always upgrade the warranty later.

I don't know about waiting for the new models. I am sure they will be quite expensive. Just look at the price for the X300
Right now the prices are insanely good. Who know what the future will bring, but some guesses would be blueray drive, SSD hardrives, LED backlite panel, web cam etc.

 

I think my plan will be to wait until around June and buy the current models. It should be cheaper than it is now right?

 

Of course. Either that, or you could get the new stuff.

Don't buy until you need is the mantra.

 

I'm looking at prices and I cant seem to find anything better than 1107.87 same spec's but with a t8100. can you tell me what coupons you used? I only used the USPGRANDSAVINGS code

 

Do you mean USPGRANDSLAM?

It's possible that some of the discounts have ended. Don't worry though, prices will only go down from here.

 

i went ahead and ordered mine last night.

it's basically configured the same. I figured by the time the new models come out and reach the prices for the current models, it'll be 6 months-1 year, and i can't wait that long. I don't think the prices on the t61p can drop much more.