Help a newbie configure =[

Hello, I will be a college freshman majoring in engineering, and I've decided that I would like to get a T61...but I'm confused about a lot of things.

1) What are the differences between a T61 and a T61P? For the 15' screens the T61 model number is 6465CTO and the T61P is 6459CTO correct? I'm asking because all I see is a difference in graphic cards...is there a quality/build difference?

2) What is the difference between WXGA TFT and WSXGA+ TFT (besides the price difference)? Is it worth the extra $75?

3) It is better/cheaper to buy memory from an outside source right? So I would order 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM) from Lenovo and buy another 1GB through somewhere like newegg?

4) Is the Turbo Memory really worth it? I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but unsure if it's worth $50 more.

5) Lastly, wireless cards. Lenovo offers 3 kinds:

ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ [subtract $5.00]

Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG

Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN [add $40.00]

I really don't see what the differences among the 3...is it always better to get the most expensive wireless card? What would you recommend?

I'd like the configurations that would ship the fastest...shipping is unfortunately a priority as I leave on August 31st and classes start on September 6th.

On the other hand, my college, Johns Hopkins does offer a student notebook program here:

http://it.jhu.edu/desktop/mcp/students/lenovo.html

But it seems to include unnecessary things like Windows Ultimate...and it's not available to buy yet. Is the school's a better deal?

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME

 

Most of these questions are answered elsewhere in the forums, but here's a quick, consolidated response:

1) There are a number of differences between the T61 and T61p, but it's primarily the nVidia 256MB graphics card and the 15inch WUXGA (1920x1200) screen.

2) WXGA = 1366×768, WSXGA+ = 1680x1050 (higher res)

3) Ordering RAM from elsewhere will probably be cheaper.

4) Jury is still out on Turbo Memory. It's pretty inexpensive, especially aftermarket through Amazon, so even if it makes a little difference it may be worth it. I'm thinking it may make a 5400rpm drive perform more like a 7200rpm, but very little benefit for a 7200rpm.... but from all that I have read on it, your mileage really varies.

5) The Intel cards cost more than the thinkpad (atheros) cards. A little price bump to get Intel, and a larger one to get Wireless N. I have had mixed results with the Intel card, but I would like to be future proof with N, so I went with the N even though I wasn't that psyched about the Intel card.

T61ps are finally starting to make it out the door, but I bet there's a significant backlog. That being said, I've heard people getting theirs shipped in just a few days. I don't think anyone has a good pulse on when Lenovo ships what, including Lenovo themselves. FWIW, my laptop (T61p) said 1-2 weeks availability when I bought it on 7/11 and it just shipped today/yesterday. Others have had 8/20 shipping dates and later orders and have received shipment notices already.

 

If you are going into engineering, you should probably get the t61p. The P series are performance notebooks meant for the high intensity type of computer applications you will be doing in your major. I wouldn't go with any school offerings. I go to Georgetown and they tried to sell me a configured t60 for almost 3 grand, and they considered this a bargain. Unless the school is directing you through Lenovo's website for educational discounts, it's generally not worth it. Also, you probably want this thing shipped to school, since it most likely will not arrive before you leave (but thats a gamble you'll have to take.) Make sure if you ship it to your school address, your credit card information has that address.

PS - You're going to love Johns Hopkins. Baltimore rocks.

 

The case and construction is the same.

WXGA is more commonly 1280x800 though 1280x768 and 1366x768 do occasionally make an appearance.

I'd agree on the turbo memory. It's a good idea that hasn't been completely fleshed out. In time they make better use of it. Some are reporting a bit better battery life with it.

 

I'm a fellow engineering student. Believe me, you want the t61p, especially if you take classes like finite element analysis. Some of the software is pretty graphics intense and uses the opengl drivers more than directx. The gpu in the t61p is designed for these types of applications and causes less waiting. I have friends that have lesser computers and literally have to wait 3-4 minutes while Pro-e loads up. My t60p loads pro-e in about 15 seconds.