Confused!

So I got my first laptop last week: a brand new T61 15.4" 9-cell battery. I really like the T61, but at the same point, a bit disappointed too. So much so that I am thinking about doing an exchange. Here is what I don't like about my T61 15.4":

1) I got an WSXGA+ resolution. I was lucky and got an LG screen. Love the screen, but not a big fan of the small print. I know it's a personal thing, but in fact, my eyes get a bit strained surfing the internet after 30min to an hour. Maybe because I am used to my 24" Dell Lcd on my desktop. I have tried to crtl +, but don't like the fuzzy letters and having to side scroll to read the whole page. I also tried decreasing the resolution, but as we all know, the screen is definitely less clear. I think the perfect resolution is 1440 x 900, but unfortunately the T61 doesn't come in that resolution. 1280 x 800. is a bit big, but I don't really mind it.

2) I got unlucky and got a Chicony keyboard. Hard to describe, but when I type, it feels a bit "hollow" as you struck the keys. My sisters T60 feels so much more solid when typing. Definitely nicer to type on the T60. But if I had to live with it, I would be fine.

3) An annoying creaking sound on the left corner of the computer. Everytime I use the palm rest, the left side creaks. Again, my sister's T60 is rock solid. Big annoyance.

4) The 15.4" is a bit bigger than I thought. Having looked at other 15.4" at stores, you don't appreciate the size until you get to handle it more at home. I realized I want my laptop more portable. But again, I could live with this.

5) There is a little movement to the battery when attached to the laptop. About 1 cm

6) There was also a strange high pitch streaking noise that happened only once from the laptop when I disconnect it from the power cord. Your guess is good as mine, but probably not a defect????

So I am contemplating doing an exchange to a T61 14.1" WXGA 7-cell battery. I know I am probably just being picky. I figure I have to keep this computer for atleast 3years, so I was thinking about eating the restocking fee (any way around this?) What do you guys think? Worth the trouble and restocking fee?

Thanks!

 

I think if you complain enough (or say there's something wrong with it, like the creaking [say it really bugs you, and that you expected more, blah blah blah. ]), you should be able to bypass the restocking fee.

It's up to you, but I'd return if it you're not completely happy. If you're going to be keeping the notebook for 3+ years, you better make your move now and get something that'll be happy with for that time, not something you'd be regretting.

 

I had the same dilemma and have ordered a 14.1 inch...still waiting for it to arrive...a little disappointed that wxga+ is not an option, but the wxga+ on my 15 inch strains my eyes. Hopefuly the wxga won't be that bad. It is also much larger than I expected...I am really looking for something portable

 

There's not enough to complain about to ACTUALLY deserve avoiding the restocking fee. It costs these companies money when people try to return products for personal, i.e. non-defective reasons.

1) Your fault
2) You can probably get them to exchange the keyboard under warranty, make sure you look up the FRU of the one you want.
3) Definitely annoying, but I personally wouldn't return a laptop for that reason.
4) Your fault
5) You didn't know that was a feature???
6) Weird, but if it only happened one time...

In summary: if you decided the form factor & resolution are too much, then sure go for an exchange. But don't be dishonest. Good luck!

 

I hope you mean 1mm. 1cm is a good distance.

I think all Thinkpads have a bit of battery wobble. I've thought about sticking something on the battery, like a piece of foam tape, to "shim" it, but it really doesn't bother me.

 

Sounds like buyer's remorse.

 

How does one get them to exchange a keyboard for me under warranty? And if they agree, how would I get them to get me a Alps or NMB?

 

hey buddy all i can tell you is that the 15.4 inche thinkpad is really nice. and it is portable other then than the other ones. like DELL. and hey look man i have the real NMB keyboard and all i can tell you is that i would trade my keyboard in for anything. and that is wat i did. i traded that in for a chicony one and all i can tell you this keyboard is really good man it doesnt feel cheap and the good thing about this keyboard is that it is really doesnt make any noise other then the other ones.

and yes the is a little bit of cheaking noise on the corner but you know something all you have to do it is that you need to allign the palm rest and then it is really good man. i really did fix that problem.lol

 

You call them up and tell them what problem you are having with the keyboard that warrants an exchange, not much to that. You can't specify them to send you one or the other, if you do, it will most you will most likely get a random one anyway.

 

lenovo has also been known to rebrand chicony's as nmb's...so be careful

 

I read that the creaking noise comes from the processor when it enters a low power state.

 

I was all set for a 15.4 till I actually used one in a store side by side to a 14.1. Never looked back and went right to a 14

 

I am sorry that you have found so many issues, but most seem to be subjective and personal, not necessarily design or build flaws. I am not a fan of the widescreen craze that has taken over and dominates the laptop industry as it is and will also say that I am smitten by my 15" IPS Flexview so all the other screen types and resolutions seem poor. Return it if you must as it is you that must be fully happy and comfortable with your purchase.