Configuration - what matters, what doesn't?

I'm getting a Thinkpad for college (and it happens that VPI sells them, so I can get one from them). Basically, there are a variety of ways to configure the 14.1" SXGA+ T60, but what makes the most difference?

Processor: Seems like the 1.83 and 2.0 are in our ideal range. What are the advantages of one over the other?

Graphics: Does graphics card memory make a difference? Mostly, I'm wondering about the diff. between the 64 MB and 128MB and higher ATI's.

Hard drives: Should I spring for the 7200 RPM drives, or does it really make a difference?

Battery: Should I get a 6 or a 9 cell? It seems like the 6 cell would be good enough since it would fit within the case and I'd be near an outlet most of the time anyway.

Thanks for any advice. We're looking to keep the budget under $2k, by the way.

 

You won't see much of a difference between the 1.83 and the 2.0, so go with the 1.83

The 6 cell should do you fine and l can't really answer the rest without knowing what your doing.

BTW, what part of jersey are you from? l'm in Hunterdon county.

 

I'm in Howell, in Monmouth county.

This will be for general college use. I'll be hooking it into various chemistry-related equipment (chem is my major), and using it for fun otherwise (surfing the web, listening to music, ripping music, playing games occasionally).

 

apart from what Unreal said here are some pointers:

1. Core Duo (like Pentium M) can work at various speeds depending on power management profile. So if you see a CPU at 2.0Ghz vs 1.8Ghz it is really only about the last 0.2Ghz speed bump. Most of the time both CPUs would work at their lowest speed. That is why in normal use it's not noticeable which CPU is faster.

2. Graphics card make a difference, especially if you're going to play 3D games (or plan to use Vista if it ever get released) So a discrete graphics option such us ATI is preferred and the more memory the better (unless youc are about battery life)

3. 7200rpm drives are fast but also noisier, consume more power, and vibrate more. I don't personally see benefit of using that drive unless you do a lot of video editing on the go. A 5400rpm drive is a good compromise.

4. 6-cell battery should get you approx. 3.5 hours normal usage (ie. web browsing, word-processing, wifi on). A 9-cell abttery should add 30% more but it's also heavier (noticeably heavier). I'd go with 6-cell unless you are a road warrior.

Hope this helps

 

I hardly notice my 7200RPM drive, but it is the 15" model so it is thicker. Get the 128MB for gaming.

 

I don't think you should stress too much about 1.83 vs 2.0. I doubt you'd be able to notice much of a difference, if any at all. Between the two, I'd probably pick based on the other specs of the computers.

I've never used a 7200rpm harddrive, but people say it is a noticeable difference in speed. There may also be an increase in noise and heat, though. Someone else would know better than i do.

As for the battery, I have a 6-cell and a 9-cell. The 9-cell is good if I'm going to be away from an outlet for more than a few hours, but it also adds a good amount of weight, so I use the 6-cell whenever possible. I think it's nice to have an option, especially for things like plane trips, where I don't think the 6-cell would make it. I would go with the 6-cell as a default, though.

I actually bought an extra power cable off ebay that I keep at school, so I just have to bring my computer with me in the mornings. I also use a blank bezel in the cd-bay and keep the DVD burner at home, to cut a bit more weight, since I hardly use it at school.

 

I hardly notice my nine cell, but as noted it does add a bit of weight.

 

OK, thanks for the info. I'm probably going with the 6-cell because I'll be near an outlet basically all the time anyway. But does anyone else have any experience with 7200 versus 5400 RPM drives? Obviously my computer here at home uses 7200 RPM, and I don't want things to slow down when I get a lappy.

 

btw u should consider more memory ram, either upgrade yourself for cheaper or buy through ibm...1gb memory ram is much better than getting a 7200 rpm and any core duo in performance

 

Oh don't worry, I noticed a significant improvement in everyday use after upgrading my Dell 4550 to a gig. The windows closed immediately, it was nice!

Anyway, Virginia Tech posted a configuration of the T60, which seems to be almost exactly what I want. I don't know if they'll be offering any other T60 configurations, but if I'm stuck with this, it's pretty close to what I want.

Thinkpad T60
Item #C6020

Key Specifications
Part Number
Processor Intel Core Duo T2500 (2GHz)
System Memory 1GB DDR2 533MHz (512x2)
Display 14.1" SXGA+ (1400x1050)
Video ATI Mobility Radeon X300 128MB
Hard Drive 80GB SATA 5400rpm
Optical Drive DVD +/- RW/CD-RW
Ethernet Integrated 10/100/1000
Wireless 802.11a/b/g
Modem Integrated V.92 56k
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Warranty 3 Year Limited Warranty with Total Coverage

Total
$1883.00