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    Critic my T61p build

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by amoeba, Nov 29, 2007.

  1. amoeba

    amoeba Notebook Enthusiast

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    ThinkPad T61 15 Widescreen - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
    Ships within 1-2 weeks** $1,023.75 $1,023.75

    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz 800MHz 2MBL2)[1]
    Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic[12]
    15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
    NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M (256MB Open GL)
    1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)[8]
    100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm[4]
    CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim[5]
    Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG[10]
    6 cell Li-Ion Battery[60]


    After 6% fatwallet cash back this comes to $961 free shipping + tax.

    1) Should I upgrade CPU? T73000 w/4MBL2 seems reasonable for $37
    2) Don't really care for Aero or vista so downgraded to basic
    3) 100G 7200rpm for $60. Think I can get cheaper from 3rd party?
    4) Didn't go for DVD writer. $70 seems steep and I have a desktop for that.

    Let me know what you guys think! About to pull the trigger.
     
    amoeba, Nov 29, 2007
    #1
  2. Arki

    Arki Super Moderator

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    Looks like a good build.

    I would recommend upgrading to the T7300, the 4MB cache will definitely help for the future and you really get a lot of bang for your buck with that choice. I also suggest you go for 2GB of RAM memory, Vista will run much smoother.

    Other than that, it looks all set to buy. You got a really nice deal on it too. Enjoy your T61p! :D
     
    Arki, Nov 29, 2007
    #2
  3. amoeba

    amoeba Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm gonna slap on an aftermarket 2G mem on it. Is 3G of ram better or 2G in dual-channel mode?

    May not run Vista but XP instead.
     
    amoeba, Nov 29, 2007
    #3
  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    The DVD burner is nice if only for doing backups and/or making recovery discs.
     
    ZaZ, Nov 29, 2007
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  5. 7evendeuce

    7evendeuce Notebook Consultant

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    I second the CPU upgrade. $37 is reasonable for sure. Also, you may want a 9-cell battery if you're going to use the laptop on the go...
     
    7evendeuce, Nov 29, 2007
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  6. mmp

    mmp Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've got pretty much the same configuration (upgraded to T7300) and Vista really hums with a clean install and 2gb RAM. I love my machine. If I did it again though, I would probably have gone with the stock HD and upgraded to an after market 7200 200GB HD for about $200. ($140 for you).
     
    mmp, Nov 29, 2007
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  7. amoeba

    amoeba Notebook Enthusiast

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    100G is more than enough for me. I don't store much except clean install + games. I even thought about ebay'ing the stock HD and buy an aftermarket. Seems like too much work to save a few buck.

    I'll definately go with the T7300 upgrade then. Anyone have thoughts on 3G mem vs 2G dual-channel for gaming?
     
    amoeba, Nov 29, 2007
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  8. hja87

    hja87 Notebook Guru

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    from what i've heard the dual-channel isn't that much faster...and that 3gb would be better than the dual-channel
     
    hja87, Nov 29, 2007
    #8