Just got a new T61

I was a bit disappointed at the T400 being delayed to August, because I wouldn't be able to have one for the start of school...so down at the last minute yesterday, I had a T61 14.1" and a Dell XPS M1330 priced out similarly and eventually decided to get the T61 despite its lack of an LED screen and slightly larger size because Dell's 9 cell battery costs a fortune ($150 ish) and sticks out like a monster (actually makes the T61's look petite in comparison).

Bad part is now I have to wait until July 28th for it to ship...

Total came out to $1096.11, or $1181.38 after taxes.

Specs:
Core 2 Duo T8300 2.4 GHz
14.1" WXGA+ LCD
Quadro NVS 140M
3 GB DDR2-667
Trackpoint/Touchpad with fingerprint reader
160GB, 7200 RPM HDD
8x DVD-RW drive
Intel 4965AGN Wireless
Bluetooth PAN
WWAN Ready
9 Cell battery
2 year depot warranty


Oh, anyone know what my battery life will be like with this configuration in normal use?

 

Waiting is always the worst...

I have a completely different computer but with a 15.4" screen, an 8600M and a 9 cell battery, I get about 3 hours normally. Since you have a smaller screen, an updated processor, etc., you'll probably get more-- perhaps 4?

 

Two weeks isn't that long.

 

Good job. I think you made the right decision. I am glad I did not choose the Dell XPS over the Thinkpad. I think I would have made a very bad mistake. Also we still don't have much definite info on the new Thinkpads. I am sure they will cost more and will take a while for the price to come down.

The prices are really good now so you got more for your money. I love my machine....

 

I get about 4 hrs at least with a similar setup. I'm also pretty sure the 9-cell for the T61 sticks out much more than the M1330's 9-cell.

 

The 2 weeks shipping time is just the standard quote for all Thinkpad orders barring any part shortage. My thinkpad was quoted a 2 week shipping date but shipped 5 days after my order was placed. I had an R61 2 months ago and that shipped all the way from China 3 days after the order was made thru Lenovo Canada.

So moral of the story is don't take the 2 weeks as gospel - it's mostly done to cover their asses in event something unforeseen occurs and some people just have bad luck.

 

Hi,

I am getting a T61, how did you build that one for such a cheap price. Please PM me, I'm a returning student and I'm trying to save as much money as possible. Thanks

Trojan

 

Here's a tip: NEVER go through your school for a notebook unless it's a mac. If you compare the "discounts" schools give to students to current configurations from regular manufacturers, you'll get a much better system if you avoid buying via school.

Macs are slightly different as school's the only place you can get an updated Mac with a discount. Apple is huge on marketing to people our age.

My system is a year old now and I still can sit back and laugh as my school tries to offer a lesser system than mine--for more than I paid.

 

Most of the time that's true.

However, for a T61 14.1, going through deals at my college's bookstore is within $30 of the best prices I've been able to come up with via CPP or SPP. The $30 difference gets a 4-year accident warranty instead of the 3-year I configured for comparison against CPP and SPP pricing.

 

I can't seem to use any coupons for CPP and SPP pricing. Anyone else having this problem? I find that only the students and alumni and regular purchasing the coupons stack

 

Well, it's still "in process" right now, so the 2 week figure seems to be correct as of now.