Just got T61 (first thinkpad)...some questions on finger/hand print

I have been a loyal customer for Dell number of years. But, I have been sick of their poor build quality. For example, I have seen that a part of the palm rest area of my current laptop (Inspiron 6000) was completely peeled off (I can see beige color) and Dell refuse to replace it b/c it's cosmetic problems. Also, the keyboard had faded finger-mark withiin 6 months.

I want to know if this would happen with my new T61. I knew the build quality is much better than Dell. But, the wear and tear (like keyboard mark) is unavoidable, I might consider to use a skin cover (any good one out there?). As for the palm rest, I doubt I can have the bad peel-off with Thinkpad. But, I may have some type of hand-mark there.
I found that Dell ships a kind of sticky cover (for palm rest and side area) that I can keep using this over the laptop. But, I don't find anything like this at my T61 and found no cover/skin for palm rest area. I guess they wouldn't replace the area (when they turned ugly) even with a "complete care"(total protection) b/c it's just cosmetic problem.

Please advise me what to do with my above concerns.

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

I think a Latitude would be a fairer comparison to a ThinkPad in terms of quality. Most of the newer Latitudes I've seen have been pretty nice. ThinkPads tend to get shiny after heavy use. I've seen some with letters missing. I've never used a skin before.

 

Day 2: I found that magnesium top cover is very susceptible to hand mark (especially with black color). Any way to clean them out? I don't have to worry (to have them stay) as long as I wipe them off?

 

I don't understand. The T61 doesn't have a magnesium top cover like the older thinkpads. It has a "soft touch" paint job that is pretty good about keeping finger prints from showing.

 

Okay. Whatever it can be called, everytime I touched the top cover, it has clear finger print (especially, with sweating hands). Initially, they look disappearing, but showing the marks after all. How to get rid of it?

 

The tacky surface on the top cover does tend to pick up fingerprints and grime. I'd recommend some mild soap or just plain water and a soft cloth. You don't want to use abrasives or rub too hard on it because the coating will get damaged.

The keys do get shiny with heavy use, but it doesn't bother me much at all. The lettering has not worn down at all though. On my thinkpad keyboard I have shiny keys on the wasd, r and spacebar from playing TF2 too much

One thing you don't need to worry about is the palm rest discoloring. It's not painted. It's a solid black plastic piece throughout so there isn't any paint to rub off. It does pick up some hand grim but this is also easy to clean off.

 

too picky. wear gloves when use then.

 

lol......

Really though, I don't barely have any fingerprints on mine. I carry the machine by the battery end and just open the screen when in use.

 

Its a plastic cover with a mag cage inside the lid

 

u might wanna try controlling the machine using your mind. that way u don't have to physically touch it: NO STAINS at all.

personally, i find that Thinkpads are the ones that have the smallest amount of stains compared to other notebooks like toshiba or HP or Sony.

 

I like the shine that my x61 keys are starting to get. As to fingerprints on the outside, I guess that doesn't bother me too much. I have used a bunch of laptops over the years, and the finish on my x61 has been by far the best.