Help with T61 config order

I've decided to order a T61 for my husband. He's retired but does some consulting work on the side, with possibly a little travel in the future, and the T61 sounds like just the thing (although am watching those delays with an interested eye before placing the order). Some questions, though:

1. CPU: Although I have many desktops, this is our first laptop. I normally would always order the fastest CPU to eke as much life out of a machine as I can. Is that pretty much the case here, too, or is there not a heckuva lot of difference between the T7500 and the T7700?

2. OS: Planning on going with XP Professional. If ordering from Lenovo, do they just slap the OS on or do they tweak it for laptop usage?

3. Hard drive: Was planning on going with a 7200rpm (as I would with a desktop) but wondered if that would be too hot and/or too noisy for a laptop?

4. Warranty: How important is it to get a warranty with these laptops? Always felt extended warranties were a waste of money but admit laptops are an unknown to us. We would have no problems with taking a laptop apart and swapping items in and out on our own, changing out hard drives and the like, but if a warranty over and above the normal 1 year is recommended, what would you advise? And how is this different from the "Protection Services" Lenovo offers?

5. Screen: What about dead pixels? Is Lenovo gracious about exchanges or returns due to a dead pixel on the LCD?

6. Pointing device: I know the old man wants a separate mouse to use with the laptop. Are Lenovo's offerings of scrollpoint mouse, scrollpoint pro mouse, or thinkpad travel mouse any good or is it best to just buy a normal desktop-type USB mouse?

7. Batteries: I assume the 9-cell is preferable because it will give you more time, which is what I'll order. Is it a good idea to also buy a backup battery?

8. AC adapters/chargers: I assume the laptop comes with an AC adapter. Is it advisable to order yet another one? And would I also need a battery charger only if I bought a backup battery?

9. Lastly, is Lenovo the only place to order the new T61 or are there other reputable online places?

 

1. The difference between T7500 and T7700 is not noticable. It is surely not worth the >250$ upgrade.
2. They usually have some programs loaded which help you configure battery life, wireless connectivity and such stuff. Very useful.
3. The difference between 5400 rpm and 7200 rpm is noticable in performance. But not in terms of heat or noise.
4. Thinkpads are sturdy notebooks. I would personally go for 1 year warranty.
5. You should contact Lenovo for that, I would'nt know.
6. The best is to get a normal desktop type USB mouse. They are much cheaper then what Lenovo asks for them. Take a look at Logitech or Microsoft mouses.
7. Backup battery is not needed in my opinion. Unless you do a lot of traveling, and you really need to work for 8 hours straight.
8. The adapter is included. I wouldnt order another one, not needed in my opinion.
9. I thought that it was only possible to configure and order it at Lenovo. Not sure though.

Good luck.

 

Hey, I am going to answer as many questions as I can now but I am going to go do some research for you to find the rest.

1. CPU: The T7500 2.2Ghz is great, plus the T7700 is a $500 upgrade for only 200Mhz of speed (not worth it in my opinion). P.S. They have a special going on for the T7770 but still it is more money than I think is necessary)

2. They will do some tweaking for their Lenovo software (battery settings, wireless controls, etc.)

3. 7200rpm should be fine and I don't thing that heat will be a problem. Maybe someone else can confirm that for me.

4. Warranties are a personal thing. What we like to see is dead pixel guarantees and with laptops, Accidental Damage Protection. Lenovo offer this through there "Protection Services". Now on-site is a little overboard for you because if they can do it on-site, it sounds like you are fully capable of doing it yourself instead of paying the extra hundred dollars. The 2 or 3 year "Protections Services Depot" warranty is what I would recommend. I am not sure what Lenovo's Dead Pixel Policy is, again someone else may be able to tell you.

5. See Above.

6. Really, any mouse will do fine for a business man. I would recommend the Lenovo Scrollpoint Pro Mouse just because having a scroll wheel is really nice (I have no idea what the difference is between the Pro model and the standard model).

7. Um, backup battery...not so much with a Lenovo because they should be really easy to get if you do need to replace it.

8. The laptop should come with one AC Adapter. Don't buy an extra because the Lenovo power bricks are so small and lightweight that it is just so easy to carry them with you.

9. I cannot imagine Lenovo being the only place that sells there computer but they make the most sense to buy from, they are not going to cheap you out or overprice you.

I hope this helps and if someone else could look over this for me to make sure that I am not crazy that would be great but for the most part you will do fine with a Lenovo.

Edit: Notebook Solutions, I did not see your post because I started to write mine before you posted yours, but I would like to say that I obviously agree with you.

 

I agree with what has been said, only thing to consider with the 5400RPM vs. 7200RPM is that the 5400RPM will give a bit better battery life. Sounds like that is not the biggest deal though.

Also as far as the processor really the T7300 or T7500 are both good options. Core 2 Duo is a big leap from past technologies (a 1.8ghz Core 2 Duo will be faster than a 3.4ghz P4) so really any will be plenty fast for time to come.

 

Well, what kind of demanding applications will your husband be running? Budget is also important, this system may be configured from under 1K to more than 2K, these are my recommendations for budget system:
1. For most users, even basic T7100 will do just fine, or get T7300 for more cache
2. OS will be pre-installed, there are some tweakings as mentioned
3. 7200 will be faster, but not that much. Some people get bigger 5400 instead
4. I would take warranty, extra $100 for 3-years a good deal
5. No idea
6. Any mouse will do, there are smaller notebook mice
7-8. The bigger the better but also heavier and it's protruding, your choice. You can also get an ultrabay battery, and charger for that, again - depending on your budget
9. There are plenty of retailers, it usually cost more, and you cannot change configuration, but especially with T61 you will get it much faster

 

here are the specs corrosponding to your questions on my laptop that just got stolen...
ive been using it for college and some light gaming...
1. pentium M (single core, 1.8 GHZ)
2. kept dells preinstalls
3. 5400 rpm HDD (didnt seem slow to me)
4. loved having my 3 year warrenty with accedent protection. kept me feeling safe while lugging it and large books around in my backpack.
5. i havent seen dead pixles on a laptop... thats a great question.
6. make sure to get a USB mouse, i dono if the t61 comes with a ps/2 port on it. but i havent seen any newer laptops with that option.
7. i had the smaller 4 cell battery, but i definitly would have appreciated a bigger one. if you can get a bigger battery definitly spring for it.
8. my mom has a second battery for her laptop and she never uses it.
even when i did it was a hassle to change out the battery and then when i did get home have to charge both of them.
9. ive seen lots of thinkpads on sale at different places. but if you want yours to be custom then i think you have to get it from lenovo.

 

This is such a great forum. You guys are so helpful. Appreciate the ability to bounce things off folks who have had laptops before and know what they're talking about so I don't make an expensive mistake. I'll definitely be sticking with the T7500; I agree the extra money for the T7700 doesn't seem justified but I do like peppy performance so will go with the 7500 and the faster hard drive, too. I will spend some time looking at the warranty/accident options. It does sound like I will benefit from the accidental damage protection so will read up on that. Thanks to all for clearing up my questions...no extra battery or adapters needed, for sure!

 

Good luck to ya and of course, ENJOY!

 

Can we know how much RAM you have chosen? I presume 2 GB.

 

Yes, went with 2 GB.

Edit: Just placed the order...always a bit of a thrill, despite knowing beforehand about the delays. We'll see how it goes. Ordered:
T61 15.4 widescreen WSXGA
T7500
Win XP Professional
2 GB ram
100 GB HDD 7200 rpm
CD-RW/DVD-R
9 cell battery

I did go with the 3-year extended service/damage protection agreement. I guess it's a small price to pay for that warm and cozy feeling, especially as this will be our first laptop and you just never know. I also threw in a scroll mouse and carrying case and headphones just to make it all that more special when he opens it up. Will check on what shipping estimate they have in the morning.

 

Woo hoo! You go granny!

 

Now you got that for hubby, what about the grandkids?

I could use another ThinkPad, but don't have the Granny.

 

Tholek, in my household we have the domino effect for desktops...as I'm a gamer, I'm always getting the latest/greatest and passing computers down to husband, son, daughter-in-law, grandkids. Those grandkids are *well* taken care of in that department, and I still have a few stored in the closet! Laptops are a new deal for us, though. But if and when I have a spare ThinkPad hanging around, I'll keep you in mind!