Deciding between T60 or T61

This post has also been posted in the "What Notebook Should I Buy" forum...

I'm trying to decide which notebook I want to be my next one. I've been looking alot at the IBM/Lenovo T60 and T61 but I can't figure out which one to go with.

Here are what I need the computer to do:

• Microsoft Office

• Internet/E-Mail

• Music

• DVD

• Image post-processing (on a few occassions)

My main concern are battery life and the size of the notebook. I want a rather small one and nothing larger than a 14.1" but I also have a 12.1" notebook when I really need to travel light. The two ThinkPad's I've been looking at have the following specifications:

ThinkPad T60

• Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz

• 1024MB DDR2 Memory

• 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1400

• 14.1" SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 (4:3 format)

• 100GB SATA 7200RPM HDD

• CD/DVD-RW

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional

• Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth etc.

ThinkPad T61

• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz

• 2048MB DDR2 Memory

• 128MB NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M

• 14.1" WXGA+ 1440 x 900 (16:9 format)

• 160GB SATA 5400RPM HDD

• CD/DVD-RW

• Microsoft Windows Vista Business

• Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth etc.

The price of the two ThinkPad's are the same.

For my use I'm not in the need of a 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor but it's always nice to have something new. I really like the T60 because it's a bit more narrow than the T61 but the processor is a bit slower. Although I think the T60 has probably less power consumption and I think I will gain more from the 7200RPM in the T60 than the 2.2 GHz processor in the T61. I already own a 12.1" Fujitsu-Siemens so I'm not that really interested in the X-series.

So here are my questions:

• Which one should I choose ?

• How is the build quality between the two ?

• Should I upgrade the T60 to Vista Business (plus 40 USD) ?

• Should I upgrade the T60 to 2 GB memory (plus 140 USD) ?

• Will Vista consume more battery power ?

Thanks in advance...

Regards,
Jakob Laursen

 

I'd go with the T61, strictly because ATI has poor driver support, particularly with laptops. It also has several structural enhancements over the T60, in addition to a better cooling system.

I enjoy the resolution the T61 has as well, its my all-time favorite resolution for now.

As far as complete build quality, T60 VS T61 I'd say the T61 has at least a 10% increase, propably more. (There are a few drastic changes, but numerous subtle ones)

Vista shouldn't consume more battery power, just ensure you have your BIOS setup properly for maximum power saving in addition to the OS.

 

i think lenovo no longer sell t60 as they are the older model of t61.

 

Go with the T61, all round better spec and as UCS states, its the newer machine.

 

No brainer sir! T61!.

 

One thing to consider is that T60 is limited to 3GB of ram no matter what. The T61 will be able to see 4GB of ram using Vista 64-bit.

 

The T61 is overall the better machine but I really want the more narrow design of the T60. The T61 also come in a 4:3 design but that is almost twice the price of the T61 in a 16:9 design and with lower specifications. That's why I'm considering the T60 although it's an older machine... This is a difficult choice...

 

I disagree. The choice doesn't seem hard. Do you want to pay for a narrow design or newer and faster hardware?.

 

The T61 in a 4:3 design is almost twice the price and has lower specifications where I live (Denmark)... Sorry I didn't specified that in the first time...

The T61 is better, faster and newer but with my demands I will be able to get along with the T60 just fine...

Does anyone know how wider the T61 is compared to the T60, in metric measurements ?

 

I'm also from DK (Davs mester) and i am going to purchase the T61 next week. I believe that you can get the measurements of the T61 and T60 on edbpriser.dk

 

Hejsa I just fear the T61 will be much wider/larger than the T60, as I don't want to spend 1000+ USD just to get the T61 in a 4:3 design...

 

if you want slim..just go with a x61..they are especially cheap today with the 20% off code

 

I'm from Denmark, so I don't have the possibility to customize my own ThinkPad. The ThinkPads I can choose from are pre-configured so I only have a variety of configurations to choose from. I could use the CPP program but then I can't choose Danish keyboard layout and I don't know about warranty when bought from the US.

Where I live the 14,1" T60 with SXGA+ screen is about 2000 USD. The 14,1" T61 with SXGA+ screen starts at around 3600 USD.

I'm going to order today but I think I'll go with the T60 with the SXGA+ screen. I'm guessing the T61 is the better machine but the T60 is not bad at all. I just really want a SXGA+ instead of WXGA+.

 

Yeah, wide screen is not also my cup of tea.
I prefer 4:3 standard screen.
For me 16:9 is very ugly.

 

in the end. the thing that you need to decide is the screen. some people prefer 4:3. some people also prefer 16:9.

 

wow $3600 USD for a t61

 

16:10 (WSXGA+, WUXGA) is a good compromise, it is one of the more even widescreen aspect ratios available...

I would suggest the T61 in 4:3, because it is a newer model, and also NVIDIA has much better support for mobile GPU's.

If you want a lower-cost Thinkpad, look at the R61 or a T60.

 

Both the T60/T61 are roughly the same. T61 ++Postives:

Newer Model
Faster Processor (probably can't tell the difference in speed)
More RAM capabilities (4g vs. 3g)

T60
Has a Magnesium Lid/Cover!

Both are great!

Quality wise the T60 is made better than the T61!

Just my .2 cents

Sircas