IBM Z60M ThinkPad prepurchase questions

Here are some terms in the IBM Z60M sales pages I wasn't sure of, (their sales reps were not available on Sat as advertised for me to ask):

1 What is the difference between and Extended Service Contract and the Warrantee Service Upgrade?
2 What is WiFi Finder Plus?
3 What is an Ultrabay Slim Drive?
4 What is DVD ROM Combo "V" (specifically, the "V")
5 What kind of port does WAN need?
6 Does anyone know if the fingerprint security thing can be completely disabled?
7 Can you use the fingerprint security thing instead of passwords for websites?
8 What is the "Mobile Workstation" option that is offered with this notebook??
9 Do all the notebooks come with an external power supply or is it an 'option'?
10 What is a "PC card", and what would it be used for?
11 Is a 15.4" screen that dimension diagonally across?
12 Firewire 800 is the fastest firewire, right? Do any of these come with that?
13 What is "DVD-I"?; my b.i.l. has this port on his powerbook and thinks I should get this on any new laptop.
14. "GB Ethernet", this is the "large phone jack" port that accepts the catV cable available in many hotels for internet, right?
MANY MANY THANKS!!

 

Dave:

Your list is a little intimidating, but let me answer what I can, and maybe the mods will move it to the IBM section.

9 Do all the notebooks come with an external power supply or is it an 'option'? Well, they all come with a charger.
10 What is a "PC card", and what would it be used for? Also known as a PCMCIA card, these are about the size of a credit card, and plug into a PCMCIA slot of the side of a notebook. Over the years, there have been PCMCIA modems, wirless cards, sound cards, GPS cards, etc.
11 Is a 15.4" screen that dimension diagonally across? Yes.

13 What is "DVD-I"?; my b.i.l. has this port on his powerbook and thinks I should get this on any new laptop. I think you mean "DVI". It is a digital input for an external LCD monitor, i.e., performs a task analgous (pun intended) to a VGA out. Generally, this will result in a better image.
14. "GB Ethernet", this is the "large phone jack" port that accepts the catV cable available in many hotels for internet, right? Yes.

 

Like Spaceman, I'm gonna answer what I can, except what was already answered by Spaceman.

(3) Ultrabay Slim Drive is one of IBM's 9mm optical drives (CD burner, combo, DVD-burner etc). These drives are not as standard as the 12mm drives, and tend to be slow, expensive and sometimes glitchy. Fortunately, the Z60m features Ultrabay Enhanced, which accepts both 9mm and 12mm drives.

(6) Yeah - don't want it - don't use it. I never used mine and I think it's not even enabled by default.

(12) Well, there is also Firewire-1600, but I think that all notebooks that have Firewire only have Firewire-400, and the Z60m is not an exception.

 

1. The 2 different forms of warranty are both the same price, but one is for Business, one is for Consumer. It lists this at the option to choose. Doing this wrong will screw up your warranty service.

 

%$#! Accidentally hit the "page back" button.

1) One is for business users, and one is for consumers, I believe. For the price, I would recommend considering the protection services, as well. So you know in advance: If you do decide to purchase damage protection, you do not also need to purchase an extended warranty; the warranty is immediately upgraded to the length of the damage protection. Don't know anything about Computrace theft protection.

2) The WiFi Finder Plus is a wireless signal finder that can be accessed more easily than your computer. In fact, it's the same as this: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=316526&pfp=srch1

11) Yes, that is the length of the screen's diagonal. Note: This does not include the bezel or case - only the screen itself.

Best,
Howie

 

Wow, this site gets the all-time award for prompt, friendly, eager, patient and accurate assistance! I can't thank you guys enough, I'll check back later to see if there are any other answers but for now, THANKS!

 

PS this computer could be purchased by my business or personally, which would you get, the ESC or the Warrantee?

 

Since I got a protection plan, I don't know which is which. A phone call should be able to clear that up. If your business will pay for it, go for it. I should have mentioned before that I have a Z60M and love it. It is significantly heavier than others of its size, but I always favor a solid build over almost anything (which has resulted in poor decisions, but not in this case).

Howie

 

Anyone want to take a crack at the remaining questions?
Thanks.

4 What is DVD ROM Combo "V" (specifically, the "V")
5 What kind of port does WAN need?
7 Can you use the fingerprint security thing instead of passwords for websites?
8 What is the "Mobile Workstation" option that is offered with this notebook??

 

4. Not sure about the V but a A CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo drive reads and writes CD media and reads DVD media. It combines the function of a CD-RW and DVD-ROM into one drive.

5. I think you mean WWAN which is the Wireless Wide Area Network which I believe you need to get pre-configured when you buy - Verizon Wireless Broadband access

7. I think so .. "Use your fingerprint to access Web sites and applications using Password Manager, a feature of Client Security Solution, available on select ThinkPad and ThinkCentre systems. Password Manager lets you store multiple Web and application passwords in a hardware-secured location, and access these passwords through a single passphrase or by swiping your finger."

8. The Mobile Workstation is only available on the T series

Found this good tip for getting a discount when buying - Thinkpad Discount Programs

Cheers

 

It would be much more helpful if you could supply a link. WAN needs a network connection or port either ethernet or WiFi both of which you'll have. I think you can use the fingerprint reader with website, but it works best with Internet Explorer. When they say Mobile Workstation they are probably mean a higher configed model like with the GL card, but again without being able to see it, it is hard to tell.

 

Thanks, mate!

 

I chatted with their sales staff this am and asked a lot of the same Qs again, here is what they had to add:

Firewire: Not available but also not needed as the USB is as fast or faster. And all my existing peripherals can use USB now.

No DV-I, but other ports will drive these devices usually.

No 25pin printer port but that is kinda old fashioned anyway.

No external internet switch.

No thumbwheel volume, apparently that just isn't an option at all - I really did want one but if I want IBM I get the 'button' volume controls.

The extended service contract is for thinkpads you purchase today, the warrantee service upgrade is for existing ownership (I may have reversed those!) and he specifically stated their is not a difference between business ownership and personal ownership.

I have not figured out the Wifi Finder Plus..... my computer right now finds all signals, he said the new computer will - I think windows does that. I don't see any need for it!

Same with WWan. I don't really know what it is, what it does or why I would need it! He said it allows a better 'range' for finding signals. (???)

He did not know what the V in their "DVD Combo V" is.

Yes the fingerprint thing can be shut off completely, and it can be used instead of passwords for internet sites.

So I guess I will shortly pony up a couple a grand and cross my fingers it will do what I want (unless y'all have anything else to add!)
Thanks,
Dave

 

Hey Dave,

He is right that USB will probably do the job for most peripherals these days, unless it is a camcorder which nearly all have a firewire port but may not have a USB. But it doesn't matter because Firewire (IEEE 1394) is available on the Z60m anyway.

A DVI port is a digital interface for an external LCD which produces a better quality picture than the normal monitor out connection. The normal monitor out will do the job but probably not as well if you have an LCD with a DVI connection. There is no DVI out on the Z60m but the advanced dock has got one, and a parallel port for a printer too.

WWAN is the Wireless Wide Area Network which allows you to get broadband connections anywhere including outdoors, but at a hefty price. This is not available in Australia so I haven't looked into it, but this link should have all the info you need ThinkPad Verizon Wireless Broadband access.

Best of luck!

Cheers

 

Very cool. Sounds like this is what I want. Good to see the Firewire there, thanks.
Should complete sale tomorrow and receive by March.
Will report back esp any bad things!