Critique my T-61 Build

Looking at a T61 for grad school. I do not game but might need it for CAD, not sure yet. Please look over my build and let me know if I am over-shooting a little or if there is a better option. I know very little about the specifics of computers and thus relying on the experts (AKA - this forum) for advice. Thanks...

ThinkPad T61 with nVIDIA Graphics - 3 Year On-Site Warranty

ThinkPad T61 with nVIDIA Graphics - 3 Year On-Site Warranty
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T8100 (2.1GHz 800MHz 3MBL2)
Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Business
Operating System Language: Genuine Windows Vista Business - US English
System graphics: nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M
Total memory: 3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Hard drive: 200GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm with Disk Encryption
Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
System expansion slots: PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
Wireless card: Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord: Country Pack North America
Language Pack: Language Pack US English
Unselected Feature Attachment, Mechanical: Microsoft Windows XP Professional US English RCD
3 Year Depot Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection
Computrace LoJack for Laptops 1 Yr lic.
ThinkPad Bluetooth Laser Mouse

Total Price (before shipping) - $1765.65

 

Okay ya that looks good you could drop the Ram down to 1GB 1DIMM and then buy a 2GB stick and install it yourself when you get the laptop it is very easy to do and saves you quite a bit of $$$.

Other than that it looks great!

BTW is this the 15.4" or 14.1"?

 

Will installing it myself void the warranty? I would think the Lenovo would have a problem w/me opening the case.

 

No it won't void your warranty, especially considering that the RAM cover is designed to be opened .

 

No installing RAM does not void your warranty! thats why it is such a great way to save money.

Here is another potential build this is the Lenovo ThinkPad T61p 15.4" which has a much better graphics card than just the T61.


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T8300 (2.4GHz 800MHz 3MBL2)1
Genuine Windows Vista Business 6412
15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M (256MB Open GL)
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
200GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm with Disk Encryption4
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim5
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ10
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
6 cell Li-Ion Battery60
3yr Depot warranty
1yr LoJack

Total $1630.35

This is using the 10% off USPSAVEMORENOW eCoupon

 

Is it easy to access the RAM? I have added RAM on a desktop before, but never on a laptop. In fact, I am not even sure where the RAM access door is!

 

It is very easy check out these videos

http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/R61_T61/index.html
http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/R61_T61/index.html

 

I will do that. Thanks! Also, I just read the 'sticky' and it mentioned that the 'p' is a better unit. Can the T61 come in a 'p'? If so, how do I get that and is it worth it?

 

The build that I posted above is the T61p the difference is the video card it has a Quadro FX 570M which is much more powerful than the NVS 140M in the regular T61. All you need to do is go on the website and go into the T series on the far right it says Mobile Workstation click on that and the T61p is in there.

 

It does not say the P is better, but rather that the P models have higher end parts like the workstation GPUs and higher resolution screens as standard options. Those things are only better if you want or need them. Construction wise they are the same.

 

Can I still get a p in a 14"? I prefer the 14" over the 15". I am not sure if I need them or not, I guess I will compare the prices and see how much more it adds.

 

I know they where making them nut I can no longer see the 14" T61p on there website I would suggest calling to see if they are still available.

 

Lenovo tends to run 25% off discounts, so be sure to look for that.
Also, if you can use a Visa credit card, make sure to take advantage of the Visa cardholder discount through this link: http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrar...sacardholders&ConfigContext=StdAffinityPortal

Adding memory is super simple, even I could do it (and this is my first laptop).

If you're doing CAD stuff the FX570M might be the better choice. Be sure to check the post on graphics cards and their relative performance.

Hope some of that is helpful.

 

I have all but decided on the Thinkpad. I plan to get the T61 14.1" w/the following quesionts still to be answered:

- screen: 14.1 WXGA TFT OR 14.1 WXGA + TFT (the Lenovo rep recommended the '+ TFT' since the web cam might not be used - EVER! What is the difference between the two screens?

- graphics card: the only one listed is tthe nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M

- Hard Drive: I am planning to get the 160 GB @ 7200 rpm vice the 200 GB @ 7200 rpm b/c the 200 GB costs an additional $150. Thoughts? (a 250 GB @ 5400 is $37.50 more)

- What is 'Turbo Warranty' and is it worth it (1 GB for $37.50)

- Card Reader; I do have a DoD card that slides into a slot on my Latitude for encryption, which I would need this one to do.
- PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
- PC Card Slot & Media Card Slot
- PC Card Slot & Smart Card Slot

- Wireless LAN
- Thinkpad 11 a/b/g/ Wi-Fi wireless LAN
- Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965 AGN (+ $33.75)

- Integrated Wireless LAN
- No WAN
- Integrated Wireless WAN

- Recommend Power Accessories (what are they used for?)

- Essential Memory?

- Wireless Router
- not sure if I am going to buy one, but if I do, is this a good deal:
Belkin N1 Wireless Router ($116.99)


Thanks again!

 

By the way, you have all given me some great advice, especially jooooeee and Powerpack, however, I have gone back and forth between the T61 and the Latitude D630 and read and re-read this so many times, I can't keep the comonents straight, therefore, I might be asking a few questions that have already been answered.

 

I think you mean "Turbo Memory." And no, if you plan on getting at least 2GB of RAM, it won't make much of a difference in speed so I would advise against buying it.

On the wireless LAN: the Thinkpad 11 a/b/g works fine for my purposes, but some people swear by the Intel on this board (I think...) I think the Thinkpad 11 a/b/g does a swell job.

On the router: I don't know about the prices for the new wireless N routers, but you can get G routers for much cheaper if you don't require the absolute fastest speed.

As for everything I didn't mention, I don't really know. Sorry.

 

Thanks for the insight, I will pass on the Turbo Memory then. I am not sure how much I will order, but I will certainly add to equate to 3 or 4 GB RAM.

 

The WXGA is 1280x800 WXGA+ is 1440x900. The only difference is the amount of windows you can place on the screen without overlapping. It's basically the amount of 'space'. But, if you tend to get eye strain easily, it's better to go for the WXGA.

That's because the only discrete graphics card for the 14.1" is that. If you go for the 15.4" T61p, you'll get a much better card that'll be very good for your CAD. My attitude is since it's a majorly discounted laptop, coupled with the fact that the newer expensive models are coming out, why not pimp it out? The entry level next-gen T-series will be more expensive, but less powerful.

I'd recommend the 250Gb@5400. As it has a larger storage space. And because of the HD density, will be just as, if not faster than the 160@7200. Also, it spins at 5400rpm, so it generates less heat and noise and sucks less power.

Frankly, useless if you have larger than 2Gb of RAM. And it also seems to cause many BSODs

Sorry, can't help you here. Have no idea.

Well, I got the 4965AGN because it came with the package, but I'd be tempted to go for the 4965AGN if I were in your case. The N will come in handy. Then again, if you're not using wireless a lot, the 11a/b/g is fine.

This is if you want to be able to connect to certain cellular services, like verizon, I think.

Power Accessories? What's it contain?

It's much cheaper to buy the minimal Gb of RAM with the laptop, then upgrade it yourself. You could save up to $100. Installing the RAM is very easy.

I have a hunch that if you buy the same thing from outside, it'll be cheaper. By quite a bit as well.