Any z61m users? Please help.

Ok my local Staples has a Lenovo (IBM) ThinkPad z61m on clearance for $860 dollars.

It has 1 GB RAM and a T2300 processor (which is the intel core duo 1.66).

Should I pull the trigger? Basically I want a really FAST and DURABLE (since I want my laptop to last at least 3 years) notebook for college (NO GAMES).

The specs:
Manufacturer: Lenovo (IBM)
Model: Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m 9450 - Core Duo T2300E 1.66 GHz - 15.4
Screen Size: 15.4 inches
Weight: 6.6 lbs
Processor Options: Core Duo, Core Solo
Graphics Options: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Dedicated), Integrated, ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 (Dedicated)
Description: ThinkPad Z61m models are versatile and powerful to meet the most demanding work and home tasks. They combine the convenience and mobility of a notebook with the performance and functionality of a desktop. These powerful systems offer a bright, 15.4" widescreen with the option of either black or titanium models. They are only 1.4" thin and 6.6lb, making travel easy.
Specs: 6.6 lbs, Intel Core Duo (1.66 GHz) , 1 GB DDR II SDRAM , 15.4 in TFT active matrix , Microsoft Windows XP Professional

 

sorry double post.

 

I guess it would depend on what you are doing. Core Duos are kind of old school now, but for office and internet you won't likely see a difference. Hard drive speed and memory also play a large part in overall system performance.

 

Is this Staples US or Canada? Agree with Zaz HD and memory play a difference.. i am happy with the discontinued Z61m, but keeping an eye on the T61 very closely. Not sure if the Z series a good investment long term.

 

I say go for a new R61. It's got a CPU and mobo that is 2 whole generations newer than the 1.66 Core Duo. Starting price is only $859 and comes with Core 2 Duo T7100.

Now granted, there is less memory on the R61 and there is no dedicated graphics card, but upgrading memory is cheap, you can use Fatwallet and AMEX deals to bring down the price even more, offsetting memory upgrade costs and in regards to the video card, you don't even game anyway.

The R61 price I'm talking about is the 14.1" version- if you wanted 15.4", it'll be even cheaper. In short, the Z61 deal you're looking at just plain sucks.

 

I agree with johnny, that thing is just to old and the discount doesn't seem like it's worth it. Just get a R61, use all the discounts you can find and you'll have a brand new machine with updated specs.

A R61 might even have a better screen, I think one of the complaints about the Z61m was how dim it was. Not to mention it weighs a lot.

 

your gettin RIPPED
i bought one today for $585..worth it @ that price