Hi, like your comments on this config

I do some programming work, prefers cheap but reliable notebook which can last me 4-5 years. I will carry it around every chance I get but will more probably use the desktop machine when at home.

Configuring an R61 from Lenovo's website.

- T8300 (or should I go for T9300? Is it significantly better?)

- 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 (I've read that I should upgrade independently to save money. On the other hand what's preferable between 1 and 2 DIMMs?)

- Vista Business (I've read this allows you to dual boot Vista/XP, right)

- 14.1 WXGA+ (I assume this all boils down to preference, doesn't it)

- X3100 (Won't Photoshop CS3 struggle with this? I also play Civilization IV but can accept some minor lag in the later parts of the game)

- 160GB HDD 5400rpm (Are there better deals?)

- DVD-Recordable

- Bluetooth

- 6-cell

 

get 2gb of ram vista will crap out on you with one

 

If you get 1gb RAM definitly get it as 1 dimm and buy another 1gb stick to upgrade to 2gb. And like dondadah88 says, Vista and 1gb don't work well together. You will need 2gb or more.

The T9300 definitely help for programming if you compile a lot of stuff or do any Flash work. But the T8300 is good and fast enough too.

I'm not sure if the graphics card will have an effect on photoshop. I'd recommend a dedicated card.

14.1" R61 is a really good machine.

 

nice config.dont worry.`

 

CPU: The T8300 is probably good enough. If you have the extra money to spend on the T9300, it may be worthwhile, but focus on upgrading the RAM and graphics card first.

RAM: 1GB (1 DIMM), 1 stick of 1GB, 1GBx1...all these are synonymous. The R61 (like most laptops) has only 2 slots for RAM. 1 DIMM means you get a single stick of 1GB RAM, which then only take up one slot. Thus, you then have room for an additional stick. Configure the R61 with 1GBx1 and then buy a 2GB stick separately somewhere else online.

Display: WXGA+ is the way to go. I think WXGA is too small a resolution.

Graphics: You may want to go with the 140m over the X1300.

Harddrive: It may be worth the extra ~$25 to go from a 160GB 5400rpm to 7200rpm.

 

Yep, that's what i initially thought about the choice between 1 and 2 DIMMs. Having two generally means you'll need to replace one in order to upgrade. First it puzzled me why Lenovo would "recommend" two, as seen in the notebook configuration page, instead of one. But it's clear now.

I've already entered my order. The things that changed from my OP were:

- 2 GB, 1 DIMM. As someone said, 1GB would not be acceptable for Vista but I had planned to upgrade as soon as the laptop comes in. Anyway, this will quell any initial urge to do so at once.

- 140M looks like x3100 wouldn't serve me well enough.

Thanks for your inputs.