About to pull the trigger on a X61s...could use some input

So, after weeks of dwelling and indecisiveness, I finally decided that I will just buy the X61s now and stop tormenting myself over it. I know a new model is probably right around the corner in the next 3-4 months but I figure it will be at least $300-400 more expensive. I think that the current big discounts is because new models are coming out. I only wish that the X61s had the Penryn LV CPU.

So here is my configuration from US Lenovo:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo L7700 LV (1.8GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)[1]
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic[12]
12.1" XGA TMD Ultralight, 2x3 UltraConnect II antenna
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)[8]
TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm Serial ATA (2.5")[4]
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ[10]
ThinkPad X60s Series 8 cell High Capacity Battery[60]
7668: Express - 1 Year Depot Warranty

Total = $1,217.16 after tax ($1150 before tax)

I think the price is pretty good already. I don't know if it will be any cheaper in a few more months but currently, this is the cheapest ultraportable I can find.

I know the X61 is about $150 cheaper but I like the longer battery life, lighter weight, thinner size, and brighter screen of the X61s.

Questions:
1) Should I have added the following?
-Intel Turbo memory
-160 GB 7200 rpm HD ($25 more)...but I have a 250GB 7200 rpm ext. drive already
-Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

2) Can anyone recommend a good inexpensive (<$100) USB 2.0 Slim external DVD writer? I heard the LG one is good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136136

3) I read that the X61s screen is quite flimsy compared to the X61 but does that make it weak structurally? I know the screen is thinner so that might be why but is it really delicate?

4) Any tips/things I need to watch out for?

Thanks.

 

the deal you posted isnt very good
check out the outlet

 

Really? I thought the price is pretty good already. I checked the outlet and couldn't find anything similar and the prices are not cheaper.

 

I'd skip on the turbo memory...my screen seems fine to me. I love the laptop...somehow I got a better deal than you were quoted and I got mine to my door mid December.

 

Really? Can you give me your specs and the price you purchased it at? (before tax)

 

1.8ghz ultra light screen
120 gb 5400 rpm drive
1 gb ram 1 dimm
vista business
turbo memory
fingerprint reader
bluetooth
abgn wireless
8 cell battery
3 year thinkpad depot warranty

I paid $1256 IIRC shipped with tax not including the ultrabase +cd rom drive I purchased also. The options I put in bold are the ones I never use at all...and if I were going to cut costs I would start there.

edit: just saw you said before tax...I wanna say tax was around $85 but that was including the ultrabase + cdrom drive. so maybe subtract 70 for tax on my quoted price. They had a nice 20% coupon and low prices on the laptops when I got it...either way you will enjoy the laptop.

 

You are right. You have better upgrades and only $50 more. Hmm...I wonder if I should wait then. Do you think it'll get cheaper in a few more months? I wonder what will happen after March 17th once the sale is over.

 

Turbo Memory is worthless. If you absolutely need a laptop now, just buy it. If not, the longer you wait, the better!

 

Ok I'm not getting the turbo memory. No, in terms of need I don't need a laptop right now. BUT, I want one...it's been driving me crazy. I don't know if I can wait that long... I've always wanted an ultraportable laptop. I don't know if it can get cheaper than this.

 

go windows xp.. better battery life and a lot faster.

 

I have my own copy of XP already so I thought I'd get it with Vista.

 

I literally just received my x61s a few hours ago. I don't think that is a very good price. I got mine from the outlet, here are the specs:

C2D 7500
Vista Business (don't get Basic, its is UGLY, actually painful to look at, Aero is nice)
Ultralight screen
2 Gigs RAM (recommended 2 gig minimum for Vista)
No fingerprint reader or Bluetooth ( I don't need it)
80GB Hard Drive 5400 rpm
ABGN wireless
8 cell battery
1 year warranty
x6 Ultrabase dock (which was not specified in the product description when I bought, but I opened the box today and there it was! Cha-ching! So much sweeter when its free!)

Total cost $1090

You're gonna have to spend some more $$ on more RAM with that one. Keep your eye on the outlet, check it every day. One day there will only be a few, the next day there will be thirty.

I like the Ultralight screen. it is a little brighter and thin. It is a little more flimsy than the screen on my r61 but unless you're handling the screen in a manner that you shouldn't be, don't worry about it, it is strong enough. It is thin and light though.

 

wow that is a great price. But I want the fingerprint reader, BT and 7200 rpm HD. But damn, with the dock as well eh? that's a great deal. Did it come with a DVD writer as well? I guess I'll keep an eye out at the outlet for a few days.

The cheapest one I can find that matches my CTO specs is this one for $1123:
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Le...b0457?&caSKU=766lvb0457&caTitle=ThinkPad X61s

For this price, my CTO order is better as it was $1150 before tax.

 

just buy it and enjoy it...you have i think 30 days to price match anyway.

 

no the dock wasn't loaded with anything, I would have $hit my pants if there was a multiburner in there. I'll have to pick one up now!

 

That's too bad...heheh...but I don't think my price is all that bad. I don't plan on getting a dock, just a USB 2.0 slim DVD burner.