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    Getting a new 15.4 T61- please comment on specs

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ctrlaltdel, May 26, 2008.

  1. ctrlaltdel

    ctrlaltdel Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Guys,

    So I'm about to order my first Thinkpad and these are the specs that I plan on getting. Please comment on the processor, screen size/resolution, and wireless wan. Should I downgrade to the T8100 2.1GHz (will it make a difference in battery life, heating, etc)? Also, is the 15.4'' screen more clear with WSXGA+? Finally, I'm not an expert on this but apparently for $8 extra, I can get my T61 configured wwan ready with an integrated antenna but no provider card installed. What does that mean? Do I need my laptop to be wwan ready if I'm going to college and can get internet through the university service? Thanks for your help.



    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T8300     (2.4GHz 800MHz 3MBL2)
    Genuine Windows Vista Business
    15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
    Intel GMA X3100 GM965
    2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
    UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
    120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
    DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
    Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
    No Bluetooth
    Wireless WAN Ready - Integrated Antenna with no Provider Card Installed
    6 cell Li-Ion Battery
    6465: Express - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
     
    ctrlaltdel, May 26, 2008
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  2. Pascal_TTH

    Pascal_TTH Notebook Geek

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    T8300 is nice : powerfull and don't heat too much due to 45 nm process. I would not recommand to downgrade.
    GMA X3100 : If you don't plan to run games or 3D application, it will save power and battery life.
    WXGA+ : I advise to switch to WSXGA+ but read about DPI to be sure you won't find any text too small.
    WWAN ready: good to have feature.

    If you plan to keep your T61 for some times, switch to 3 years warranty.
     
    Pascal_TTH, May 26, 2008
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  3. ctrlaltdel

    ctrlaltdel Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm not sure which resolution on the 15.4'' widescreen T61 will be the most similar to my current monitor.

    My computer monitor (16.5'' diagonal, 13'' width, 9.5'' height) currently has the following settings, which I think is very comfortable:


    1024x768 pixels
    96 dpi
    color quality: 32 bit

    Please help! :eek:
     
    ctrlaltdel, May 26, 2008
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  4. Pascal_TTH

    Pascal_TTH Notebook Geek

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    [​IMG]

    Closer to 96 dpi is 15,4" WXGA (1280x800), but it's a very small working area. WXGA+ (1440x900) should be fine for you (not listed on the graph).
     
    Pascal_TTH, May 26, 2008
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  5. ctrlaltdel

    ctrlaltdel Notebook Enthusiast

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    On the Lenovo website, the 15.4'' T61 only has two options: WXGA (Resolution: 1280x720,1280×800, 1280x768) and WSXGA+ (Resolution: 1680×1050).

    Sorry if this is a stupid question..Will the font on the 15.4'' WSXGA+ be similar to my current settings or much smaller?
     
    ctrlaltdel, May 26, 2008
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  6. Pascal_TTH

    Pascal_TTH Notebook Geek

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    Oups, it's true ! 15.4" is not aviable in WXGA+. A lot of people find WSXGA+ quiet small for 15.4" screen. WXGA looks too big and you don't have much room to work on the desk. 14.1" WXGA+ should be fine for you imo.
     
    Pascal_TTH, May 27, 2008
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  7. elfroggo

    elfroggo Notebook Evangelist

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    You don't need WWAN for college internet access. Built in wireless card and ethernet port will be just fine.
     
    elfroggo, May 27, 2008
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  8. jimmygoon

    jimmygoon Notebook Enthusiast

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    the WWAN wiring is free though, so I would get it and get a provider card later... rather than not getting it now (for free) and then having to get an ugly express slot card later.

    Also, apparently the verizon card is free? (make sure, but I think its a mail in rebate of some sort) I wish I would have picked up on that one, I have verizon... oh well... it already shipped.
     
    jimmygoon, May 27, 2008
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