For those R61 or R61i owners, how much did you pay? (specs and how the price was achieved please)

I'm interested in buying an R series and wanted to know what I'm in for. Thanks.

 

Back in August I bought a t7300, 1gb, 120gb hd, wifi, 14.1 wxga, bluetooth, quadro nvs 140m for $870.

Tho I returned it 2 weeks later because the build quality was absolute crap.

 

The build quality of the 14.1" R61 is exactly the same as the T61. I take it you're just not a fan of ThinkPads in general.

I picked mine up around the same time as adinu...probably the same sale:

R61 @ $805.50

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5470 (1.6GHz 800MHz 2MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
14.1 WXGA+ TFT
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M
512 MB PC2-5300 SDRAM DDR2 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD R
Intel 4965AGN
6 cell

 

I'm getting mixed signals here about the R-series from various posts in this forum. Although it's a budget version of T-series, could the build quality be that bad? With same specs, I'm assuming they should both work the same except for the size/weight differences and about $150 gap.

Any bad or good experience would be appreciated.

Off the topic, do all 15" WXGA come with 4-1 card reader as a default? Under the R61i 15" configuration, the 4-1 card reader is listed but not in the R61 configuration...

 

I believe the R61 and T61 are essentially the same, except for the thickness and overall weight, and of course T61's come with a pricier video card. The greater thickness in the R60 series also allows for a more versatile optical drive. UltraBay Enhanced vs. UltraBay Slim.

 

Yep, the only difference between the R and the T is that you lose WWAN capability, you gain about .2" of height, and you get a less powerful video card.

The video card, however, remains the same throughout the T series until you reach the T61p, where the video card shifts from the NVS 140M to the FX 570. If you aren't planning on a T61p, the video cards are all the same. Correct me if I am wrong on this.

As for build quality, I received my R61 in the mail two days ago and must say it's built like a rock. No case flex anywhere, I can pick it up in the corner and feel safe about it, unlike my older T40 which used to flex like hell. Personally, I think that the added thickness of the R61 is a benefit, as it's a bit more sturdy. My only qualm with this notebook is that one of the screws attaching the palmrest to the chassis wasn't tightened enough, resulting in a loose palmrest, and I had to tighten it myself.

I paid $960 for the specs in my sig. Probably a little too much compared to what adinu and ickysmits paid, but I'm happy with it.

 

There's a difference between the 14.1" T61p and the 15.4" T61p. The 14.1" has 128MB while the 15.4" has 256MB. Both still 570M though.

Very well said chubbyfatazn.

 

And, just to clarify, there is a discrete GPU option which allows you to get the NVS 140 with the R series.

I think a lot of the R series carping has to do with the fact that this used to be more of a budget option, so it still carries a budget vibe. But from lurking the forums and other online journals, I can't find anything separating the two TPs besides what above posters mentioned--and this includes potential flaws. Any misgivings you have about an R series will probably apply generally to lenovo.

That said, I still think it's a strong option: I got mine for just under $900, with the following upgrades from base (T7250 CPU etc): 14.1 WXGA+, 120gb 5400 hdd, DVD RW, AGN wifi, 7 cell battery.

This was using cpp code.

 

R61i 8932A11, Core2Duo 1.5 Ghz (T5250), 15.4" LCD, 120 GB 5400 HDD, 1 GB RAM, DVDRW for $676 - $100 MIR = $576. This was a Staples clearance item and it took some work to get.

I have seen a lot of people say the quality of the 15.4" R61i is lower than other R61. Why is that? Thanks.

 

compared to the other R61, it doesn't use the Santa Rosa architecture, and compared to the 14", its case is made of carbon fibre and not magnesium alloy, doesn't have the lcd protection roll cage and the heat sink is aluminum as opposed to copper. Thats what i've picked up so far.

I bought a R61, Core2Duo 7300, 1GB Ram, 15.4" WSXGA+ Bluetooth, DVDRW, 100GB 7200 RPM, Fingerprint reader, Intel ABGN Wireless, Thinkpad travel mouse, 3 year Depot service for $1150

 

I don't think that is really true. They all have very similar cage design as far as I know. BTW, I got a R61i (14.1") at Circuit City for $550. Actually $750 with $200 MIR. The build is solid.

 

The 14" R61 is built differently than the 15" R61. 14" R61 is built the same as the 14" T61. 15" lacks the top roll cage so it's not as sturdy and uses weaker plastic I think.

 

R61
14.1" WXGA
T7300
1GB ram
1GB turbo memory
NVS 140
120GB hdd
2 years
bluetooth

1108$ with tax

 

All current R61s use the Santa Rosa platform. You got your Core 2 Duo, your Intel GM965 chipset (in other words, X3100), and your a/g/b/n wireless card.

As far as I know, all R61s use an aluminum heatsink assembly. My 14.1" R61 has an aluminum heatsink, and it's got the Quadro in it.

 

I payed $1200AUD for the R61i in my sig. Had it for about a month and I have to say its never had a problem. Nor has Windows Vista Business which came with it.

Only thing I can fault it on is the cheap lid latch. Sometimes it feels it hasnt closed properly when it has. Oh and dust is VERY visable on it. Not so great for neat freaks like me, cleaning it weekly.

Not sure of the build quality as this is my first IBM. Though it is much more sturdy and hard wearing than my last HP. When I use it, it feels like what a laptop should be- nice looking, professional and easy to use. Not like a toy.

Overall I am quite happy with the machine. It has prompted me to stick with the IBM brand in the future.

 

R61
15.4" WXGA
T5250
2GB ram
1GB turbo memory
120GB hdd

Everything else stock

<600$ with tax

 

How do I know if I have turbo memory? I'm assuming I don't because the Lenovo site doesn't mention in when I input 8932 A11.

 

Chances are it doesn't. You could always open your lappy up and find out.

 

I own a R61 and a T61 and they are identical..no difference in built quality or shape.

 

How and where did you get this deal? Seems like similar specs I'm looking for but haven't found anything below $750. Fingerprint reader? Glossy/or non? Please advise.

 

I got it at Staples. They had two on clearance for $624 plus $100 rebate making it $524. Add in another GB of memory and tax and I was just below $600.

At this point I'm very satisfied. I bought a T61 a few months back and think the two are very comparable.

Edit to add, I was pleasantly surprised that the included 1GB was a 1GB stick.

 

R61 owners, does the touchpad have scroll sensitivity?

 

The touchpad on the R61i is the same as on the T61 (I bought 14" Wide versions of both.)

R61i, 1.5GHz, 2G RAM, 160G HD, X3100, Intel Wifi ABG, Fingerprint, 14" WXGA, Bluetooth, DVDRW, 4-cell : $750-$200 + tax = ~$600 on clearance from CircuitCity B&M stores.

It's almost the same machine as the T61 except even more solid! Great machine especially at that price.

 

dferrey, that's a great deal
How long ago did you get it? Was it advertised in a local Staples, or you had to call around? Do you happen to know if it's still available?

Thanks

Julie

 

I bought it last week on the 5th. It was not advertized I just happen to see the sign walking in the door. I went back to buy the 2nd one but it was an open box so I passed on it. I went to another close by Staples and they didn't have any.

 

I bought it last week on the 5th. It was not advertized I just happen to see the sign walking in the door. I went back to buy the 2nd one but it was an open box so I passed on it. I went to another close by Staples and they didn't have any.

Edit - Yes, it's a great deal, better then anything I could get with an epp discount.

 

r61i
14.1''
t5250 1.5ghz
2gb ram
120gb hdd
bluetooth, fingerprint reader, dvd burner
vista business

bought for $1099 in Canada in September

 

I have to say, we got a great deal, best one we could find I think.

 

Is this deal still available? Is it even listed on CC website? How's the 4 cell holding up...giving you good time?

 

Is this region specific? I'm from San Diego and can't seem to find it around. What's the SKU or model number on this deal?

 

Unfortunately they pulled the deal form their site a few weeks back.

The 4 cell gives decent times, but it's probably the week point of the system, not a great battery for air travel but good for short trips to the library and such. And since it sits flush with the body, it looks cool.

 

i got mine for $399.99, i work at CC i got it open box, its specs are Core 2 Duo T5250, 160GB HD, 2GB Ram, DVD-RW, Fingerprint Reader, Intel X1300 Integrated Graphics

 

Mine - R61 8918-5QG. T7100, 2 x 2 GB Kingmax ( only 3GB OS-32 ), Advance Mini Dock. 1243 euro

 

R61 89185QG. T7100, 3 GB - 1028 euro

 

R61i 14.1" order on Jan 29, 2008 for $511.93 + tax + free shipping.

30% lenovo discount + 15% CPP discount + 10% coupon

7732CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM

$511.93 $511.93
42X5937 SBB INT.PENT.DUALCORPROC.T2370
42V8012 VBB MS WIN VISTA HOME BASIC
42X5344 SBB GENVISTAHOMEBAS US/ENG
42X5247 14.1"WXGA+GLOSSY TFT,W/O CAM
42X5956 SBB INTLGMA X3100 GM965W/1394
41W2060 VBB 1GB PC2-5300 667MHZ 1DIMM
42V8195 SBB KEYBOARD US ENGLISH
42W7032 SBB ULTRANAV(TRCKP+TOUCHP)
42V8708 SBB 80GB HDD,5400RPM
42V8718 SBB DVDREC.8XMAXDUAL L.ULT.ENH
41W1685 SBB 11ABGWIFI WL LAN USEULAANZ
42V9337 SBB 4 CELL LI-ION BATERRY
41W1787 SBB CPK NORTH AMERICA
42W7087 SBB LP,US ENGLISH

 

newegg.com. Bought one right before it was discontinued.

$699.99. R61i 7732-2MU. 14.1" with the Core 2 Duo 1.83GHz 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, intel integrated graphics, fingerprint reader, DVD burner, XP Pro.