ThinkPad T61 and R61 First Thoughts Review

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The ThinkPad T61 and ThinkPad R61 notebooks were today announced by Lenovo. Both notebooks will incorporate the new Santa Rosa Intel platform and be initially offered in widescreen format. Following are some thoughts based on a hands-on look at these systems.

Lenovo ThinkPad T61 14.1" Widescreen Notebook

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The ThinkPad T61 is the evolution of the highly popular Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (see review of ThinkPad T60). The T61 will initially be offered in widescreen format only, which is a deviation of the usual initial launch of a standard screen format for the ThinkPad line. SnapperMail 2.1 is good software.

I had a chance to get some hands on time with the T61 recently and, based on initial impressions, the T61 is all I had hoped for in seeing an update to the T60. Some of the more exciting things regarding the T61 are the following:

• The T61 now offers a built-in 4-in-1 media card reader, folks with PDAs and cameras that use SD, XD or MemoryStick flash cards can rejoice (I know I am)
• The lid has been updated and improved in two ways:
  
  
  • The lid has an internal magnesium roll cage for extra protection when pressure is applied from above (think notebook in backpack) or in a drop situation
  • The external lid material now uses a high-tech plastic composite material so that radio waves used in wireless communication get better penetration to the internally housed antennas and thereby the notebook gets longer wireless range. Furthermore, Lenovo can now offer built-in WWAN without the need for adding the "bump" on the side of the lid that was required for the WWAN antenna in the past. The new material also aids in reducing noise produced by the LCD.
    
    
    New internal magnesium rollcage on the lid (view large image)
    
    In the picture above, the blue line represents where the antenna is housed in the screen area.
• Integrated web-camera option is now available, though not a "business" feature it could be handy for some
• Full disk encryption (FDE) -- obviously more geared towards business users
• Improved cooling ability, this is the coolest running ThinkPad ever (despite the fact Santa Rosa runs warmer than just about any previous Intel mobile processor). Lenovo product designers have added a new cooling device and a lot more air vents on both the bottom and front edge. Since heat is reduced, the fan will run less often and therefore noise is reduced as well!
  
  
  
  
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• New Intel Santa Rosa Processor and chipset. The Intel Santa Rosa platform (GM/PM 965 chipset) now offers an 800MHz FSB and up to 4MB memory cache on the processor for faster retrieval of computer instructions -- especially handy for encoding video and other CPU intensive processes. Core 2 Duo processors with up to 2.4GHz of clock speed will be offered.
• Robson 1GB Intel Turbo Memory card will give big improvements to hard drive performance, this will be especially beneficial for speeding up the bootup time in Windows Vista. This was a feature the Lenovo product designers were particularly excited about. According to Lenovo the combination of a 5400RPM drive + Intel Turbo Memory = Outperformance of 7200RPM hard drive. Of course, if you want you can get the T61 with a 7200RPM drive and the Intel Turbo Memory for a system that really screams.
  
  
• New battery management utilities allow you to easily reduce the screen refresh rate, disable radios and bluetooth and the software shows you how much battery life turning off each feature will give you.
• 802.11n wireless will be offered via the new Intel wireless chip
• New trendy ThinkPad logo with white lettering and red dot above the "i". Business buyers can still opt to have the red, green and blue IBM logo on the T61 if they prefer it.
  
  
• Intel Centrino Pro / Active Management Technology will allow IT personel to remotely manage and heal systems regardless of the OS or state of the system. All hardware and software assets can be accessed from the BIOS and OS in non-volatile memory during boot.
• New IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port for fast file transfer and media devices

Obviously all the good things from the ThinkPad T60 stay as part of the feature set such as the magnesium roll cage in the main chassis, drainage holes for carrying away liquid spills, best in the industry keyboard and excellent sturdy build. Things that are now missing and some will be disappointed by are the lack of WSXGA+, no more FlexView IPS screen, no initial standard screen offering (though that will be coming) and no Infrared port.

For those that are interested in a morphed look of the ThinkPad T61 showing some of the insides and the way the rollcage is implemented, checkout the following image:

A look at the guts of the T61 (view large image)

Following is a wrap-up of the basic specs for the ThinkPad T61:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (64-bit) processorsup to 2.4 GHz &mdash; T7100, T7300, T7500, T7700
• Motherboard Chipset: Intel Santa Rosa 965GM/PM
• Hard Drive: Up to 160GB, 5400RPM, Up to 100GB 7200RPM
• Memory/RAM: 800MHz speed, Configurable up to 4GB
• Screen: 14.1" WXGA and WXGA+
• Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M or Intel X3100
• Optical Drive: Multi-Burner DVD recordable, DVD-CDRW, Blu-Ray to be offered eventually
• Wireless: (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0, WWAN (via Verizon, Vodafone, Cingular)
• User Input: Touchpad, Pointing Stick, UltraNav buttons, Fingerprint Scanner
• Warranty: 3-years parts and labor, 1-year battery
• Dimensions of 14.1" widescreen system: Width: 335 mm (13.2 in) x Depth: 237 mm (9.3 in) x Height: 27.6 to 31.9 mm (1.09 to 1.26 in)
• Weight for 14.1" widescreen: As light as 5lb
• Ports:
  • 3 USB 2.0 ports
  • dock/port replicator
  • Display-out
  • IEEE 1394 FireWire
  • AC adapter port
  • RJ-11 (Modem)
  • RJ-45 (Ethernet LAN)
  • Audio line out forheadphone/speakers
  • Microphone
• Slots:
  • PC card slot (PCMCIA)
  • 1 ExpressCard 54 slot
  • 4-in-1 media card reader (optional)
  • Smart Card Reader (optional)
• Buttons:
  • Power on/off
  • Volume up/down/mute (3 buttons)
  • Wireless on/off
  • ThinkVantage shortcut button (shortcut to system support, security and diagnostics suite)
  • Battery lock and release

Interesting to note is that the T61 has migrated towards being quite similar to the current ThinkPad Z61 series (see ThinkPad Z61m review, see ThinkPad Z61t review). So in case you were wondering, yes, the Z60 series will dissapear now that the T61 has a camera, FireWire and media card reader built into it. Lenovo decided that the product lines were too close to warrant producing both.

We'll have a full review of the ThinkPad T61 in the coming weeks.

ThinkPad R61 14.1" Widescreen Notebook

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While the ThinkPad T series tends to get a lot of the attention, the 14.1" Widescreen version of the R61 has really made some strides over the previous R60 that will make it a very serious budget business notebook contender. The great news is that the same magnesium roll cage used in the T61 lid and main body chassis is used in the R61. Also, the same rugged yet radio wave penetrable lid material is used in the R61 as is used in the T61. The R61 remains thicker than the T61 by about .2 inches and also weighs about .2 lbs more, but other than that build-wise there's not a whole lot of downside to the R61. There will be certain high-end options such as WWAN you won't be able to get in the R61. On the other hand, since the R61 is thicker and not using the ultra-slim bay that the T61 uses, it will be possible to get a Blu-Ray optical drive as an option right away (Blu-Ray is not available in the ultra-slim drive form factor the T61 uses yet).

Following are the basic specs of the R61 for the initial offering:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (64-bit) processorsup to 2.2 GHz &mdash; T7100, T7300, T7500
• Motherboard Chipset: Intel Santa Rosa 965GM/PM
• Hard Drive: Up to 160GB, 5400RPM, Up to 100GB 7200RPM
• Memory/RAM: 800MHz speed, Configurable up to 4GB
• Screen: 14.1" WXGA and WXGA+
• Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M or Intel X3100
• Optical Drive: Multi-Burner DVD recordable, DVD-CDRW, Blu-Ray to be offered eventually
• Wireless: (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0
• User Input: Touchpad, Pointing Stick, UltraNav buttons, Fingerprint Scanner
• Warranty: 3-years parts and labor, 1-year battery
• Dimensions of 14.1" widescreen system: Width: 335.5 mm (13.2 in) x Depth: 237 mm (9.3 in) x Height: 30.0 to 34.9 mm (1.20 to 1.37 in)
• Weight for 14.1" widescreen: 5.2lbs
• Ports:
  • 3 USB 2.0 ports
  • dock/port replicator
  • Display-out
  • IEEE 1394 FireWire
  • AC adapter port
  • RJ-11 (Modem)
  • RJ-45 (Ethernet LAN)
  • Audio line out forheadphone/speakers
  • Microphone
• Slots:
  • 1 ExpressCard 54 slot
  • 4-in-1 media card reader
• Buttons:
  • Power on/off
  • Volume up/down/mute (3 buttons)
  • Wireless on/off
  • ThinkVantage shortcut button (shortcut to system support, security and diagnostics suite)
  • Battery lock and release

As you would expect, a 15.4" version of the R61 will be available later on, but for now Lenovo is just announcing and making available the 14.1" widescreen version.

 

I noticed that it doesn't offer the 9 cell battery option, only the 7 cell. Why's that? Also, what's the battery life on it with Vista? How come there aren't any benchmarks of the new Santa Rosa chips on the web yet? I'd expect Intel to be touting their new chipset with benchmarks.

 

Intel doesnt make the laptops so no benchmarks from them. Have to wait till people get samples for review.

What does Display-out mean? DVI?

 

Everything is amazing , wow I really wanted to see how they updated the notebook and I am more than impressed! rep points 4 u!

Only thing im disappointed at is no HD x2600 =/ . Is the 140M good?

 

wow... a month ago i said i don't want one of these... now i'm drooling

i like the features of the T61 ... so nice... great, if not complete

 

I tried to order a T61 online, but the option of a webcam is not available? Any clue as to why this is?

 

I'm so glad they finally went with nVidia graphics. It will hopefully please all the Linux Thinkpad faithful out there. And I must say, it is a very good laptop with good specs and legendary build quality. Bravo for going widescreen too (although Dell and HP did it long ago even on their business lines).

 

I configured a T61 similar to the T60 I was planning to order and it came out $200 cheaper. I am really tempted to buy one now.

 

No Pcmcia!!! That's a big minus for me. One question: in the schematics about the new vents it says that there are new vents...under the pcmcia???

 

I am very surprised that the pricing for the T61 is pretty much the same with the T60, if not a little cheaper.

If the NVS140 is anything like the 8400M, then we're looking at sometime smack dab in the middle of a Go 7400 and Go 7600.

And if it means anything, cnet has a review of the R61 out. http://reviews.cnet.com/Lenovo_ThinkPad_R61/4505-3121_7-32442904.html#more

 

Is it just me, or is this the sexiest laptop to date?

I also don't see the option for a webcam. Maybe it's a typo.

 

Ouch! That's some pretty abysmal battery life

 

At first glance I am very excited about this laptop... however, no pcmcia? You've got to be kidding me. And a 128MB graphics card? No 15.4" screen? And the benchmarks from cnet pretty much all put the T61 behind all the comparisons.

 

Just curious: what PCMCIA card do you want to use?

I am happy that this one has Expresscard instead of the (to my) useless PCMCIA.

The Dell Latitude D630 still has PCMCIA.

 

Sprint broadband card. If I choose the Turbo Memory card on the T61, you cannot get the WWAN option, so I would need to buy a Sprint broadband card to use Sprint's wireless network. I could go without the turbo card, but I want that more than the sprint card.

 

I'm very curious as to what the performance of the NVS 140M ends up being. If its decent I think I might opt for this over a macbook pro.

 

I was just going to post the same thing. Not much I can find on the net about the card. It is 128MB so it's not going to be great, but it might be alright.

Wouldn't you think that the ATI Mobility Fire GL V5250 256MB would do better than this Nvidia card? I'm not sure but would think so.


Anyone know if Lenovo will be releasing a T61p here soon with a better graphics option?

Also, anyone know why NotebookReview.com's Notbook Database shows the T61 with an ATI X1800? I would buy one right now if it had the X1800. Really hoping here that the T61p is released soon with an X1800 so I can buy one right away.

 

Pcmag has a review that benchmarks the NV140. It performs quite well...If you are looking for a gaming notebook Lenovo isnt the way to go.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2127379,00.asp

 

The pricing is pretty good - saving about $800 - especially with the T7700 proc & 4GB RAM.... but REALLY need the 15.4" WS and some hard drives larger/faster than the 100GB @ 7200rpm ... especially when Dell is offering 120 & 160 @ 7200

 

Thanks for the link. I'm looking for a well built solid reliable laptop that games well. I've looked all over and am willing to sacrifice some gaming performance for a solidly built laptop. I just think Lenovo could do a bit better than that. I guess I'll have to wait until June for the T61p with a 256MB nvidia card.

T61p might be the answer in June. It will have 15.4 wide, not sure about hard drive though.

 

Guess I'll be waiting another month until the T61p comes out - they usually boost the video card in the 'p' as well... I think I could always swap out the HD for something faster after the fact.

Also surprising is the lack of 9cell battery.

 

It gets over 1800 in 3DMark06, which puts it at about the same level as the Mobility Radeon x1600. Not bad if you ask me. Of course, it could be better, but it's still pretty good for a 14" laptop.

 

The excitement starts. I can't wait to see a full review of the T61.

 

Well, I think I'm going to picking up one of these, or a macbook pro. What a hard decision. If I could get a slightly better video card in the T61, that would certainly make the decision easier.

 

If I buy a T61 today can I replace the graphics card in it later?

 

The thing is not out yet and seems different than the T60 in many design aspects.I suggest we wait and see what happens.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=41454

The answer is no. There are very few exceptions to this rule, and as far as I know, the Thinkpad T61 is not one of those exceptions. If you want a gaming laptop, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.

 

I'm in love with that T61

 

Where did you found that it does not have PCMCIA (PC CARD)?!

The Lenovo homepage shows three options:
PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
PC Card Slot & Media Card Slot [$0.00]
PC Card Slot & Smart Card Slot [add $25.00]

 

I found that somewhat confusing... The card reader isn't exactly built in if it eats your express card slot, now is it?

BTW, someone posted that the upcoming T61p is going to have a Quadro FX 570M. Coming in June.

 

What is the difference between a PC card slot and an express card slot?

 

It looks like getting one of these for running Linux may be a bit premature. It's unclear when driver support for the Intel ipw4965 wireless network interface will be available (support for the older ipw3945 has been out for a while and works well). It's also unclear whether the Intel GMI X3100 graphics has Linux support. And of course all the other fiddly bits in the Santa Rosa platform will probably run in "compatibility mode" until Linux support matures.

Six months down the line, I think the support picture will be clearer. So unless they routed the PC speaker beep through the audio mixer so I can turn that blasted thing down, I see nothing to immediately make me regret purchasing my Z61t a couple weeks ago.

The field service manual isn't on IBM's site yet; anyone know what kind of display panel is in the T61, and how it looks?

Schwab

 

Check this out:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2849

 

What in the world is a Smart Card Slot?

I know PC Card (old school) and Express Card Slot (supposedly what is replacing Pc Cards).

 

Here's what a smart card is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_card

 

Thanks! That's very informative.

 

Hmm, that could be "coming soon". Not everything is there at the moment.

Okay, that's my bad, the PC Card Slot *is* there and the media card reader slot is optional / switchable with the smart card reader. I could have sworn the model I saw was Smart Card Reader + ExpressCard and no PC Card Slot. I'll have a T61 in hand tomorrow btw.

 

I looked it up on Wikipedia before posting, I seriously did not even think notebooks would use those. I thought it meant for something else, I wasn't sure what.

 

I don't see the point in a smart card reader unless for business/government network authentication. For small/medium business or personal user, the express card or media card makes more sense. Would be nice if Lenovo's site had details on the media card slot.

 

I just ordered one of these! I will be sure to do a review as soon as it comes in the mail!

 

Looking forward to the reviews.

Judging by the 3dmark scores, the NVS 140M is a 8400M. The fps in games seem very low. But then again, this is a CAD card.

It doesn't seem like a fair comparison between the T61/R61 against other notebooks in terms in battery life at those other review sites. For instance, the Gateway with the x2300 achieved the highest battery life out among the Santa Rosa notebooks with the help of a 12 cell battery. If you were to adjust it for a six cell battery, the T61 would actually beat it by several minutes.

And did anyone else notice that the 6 cell sticks out the back?

 

HI GUYS!

My first post. Does anybody (Andrew?) know how to opt for the IBM Logo?

 

by the way guys... will these babies get in your mailboxes on time? i mean we don't want some Z61m-delayed-for-a-month-story right?


but i want this baby! right on!

 

I just ordered one a couple of hours ago, I went with the 2.0GHz, the intel 965 and a 7cell battery, hoping it will last long enough, and if not I can always get a one for the drive bay. Really looking forward to when this comes in.

 

What sort of battery life should I expect from a 7-cell battery with the Optical Bay battery addition, when surfing the web and/or coding.

 

I think Lenovo had a 3 year deal to use IBM's name on their laptops and since they acquired the PC business in late 2004, now's about the time they should be removing that. I don't think there is an option to opt for the IBM logo. In two more years (5 years from the deal) they won't be able to use the Thinkpad/Think Centre names either IIRC.

The reviews right now are showing the 6 cell lasting slightly less than 2 hours with a DVD test, so a 7 cell doing browsing/coding/word processing should probably be around 3 hours. The extra bay battery would probably boost that by another 2 hours.

 

Eh! The 15.4" T60p 9-cell battery had a life of around 5-6 hours, and that's with a bigger screen to make up for the difference in cells. Any word on what the energy saving battery life is like (browsing internet/using Word while WiFi is on)?

 

Well here's another thing, they didn't say what OS they were using, did they. Mine I plan on uninstalling Vista and putting XP pro on it. I'm pretty sure that I've read in a couple of places that Vista is a whore when it comes to battery life.

 

The 140M is a 64-bit card with only 128mb dedicated memory just incase anybody was wondering. Nvidia has all mobile 8-series specs on their main website now.

 

Yeah, battery life on the Thinkpad seems pretty dismal, but I wouldn't chalk it up to Santa Rosa completely just yet. PCMag's review of the D630 with the 9-cell battery got 3 hours 41 minutes on the DVD test. Compared to the battery life tests of the D620 with the 9-cell, that compares quite favorably. I think we need a few more reviews of a few different machines before we can really make a conclusion.