Just ordered the X61. Can't wait!

I originally ordered the T61 but decided that I don't really need the graphics performance and would rather have a small, light portable laptop so decided to order the X61 instead. It came to the exact same price. I figured that if I really wanted good graphics, I can always buy the ATI expresscard graphics cards.

$1089 CDN + tax (EPP + 10% off)

Processor Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7500 (2.20GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Operating system Language Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic - English
Display type 12.1" XGA TFT
System graphics Intel GMA X3100 GM965
Total memory 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Language US English Keyboard
Fingerprint Integrated fingerprint reader
Hard drive 100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Bluetooth Integrated Bluetooth PAN
WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (US/CAN/LA/AP)
Battery 8 cell High Capa Battery (X60)
Power cord 65W AC Adapter; NA, LA, (2pin)
Publication Language English US Publication for Vista

I can't wait. My first ultraportable laptop! 3.1 lbs!

Future plans once I receive the laptop:
1. Add another 1 GB ram to total 2 GB
2. Buy the Creative X-Fi Express Soundblaster audio card: http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=669&product=16642
I need the Optical out to get digital surround sound.
3. But slim external USB 2.0 DVD burner. Cheaper than getting the dock.

What do you guys think about this? I was debating between the X61 vs. X61s but went with the X61 because of better CPU. I read that the screen for the X61s is lighter and 20% brighter but the additional cost wasn't worth IMO as I would normally have it hooked up to my 22" Dell LCD monitor.

Also, can some X61 users give me their opinion of this laptop? Any pros/cons? Thanks.

 

Great if you travel a lot and are always in the move and need a laptop. Why were you interested in an ultraportable?

 

Well. I'm a student so I would be carrying my laptop to school frequently. Having a light laptop will be much easier on my shoulders.

Just wondering, is the PC card slot on the X61 a expresscard slot or the old PCMCIA slot?

 

Good luck on your x61. I have the s version and am very happy.
One question one piece of advice.
" I figured that if I really wanted good graphics, I can always buy the ATI expresscard graphics cards"
Do you think you can install a graphic card in the x61?
I don't think so.
And get a 2 gig stick instead of a 1gig, they are dirt cheap and then you will have the max addressable (by xp anyway).
I think you made a mistake on the trade off for processor power vs brighter/lighter screen, but its a matter of choice so enjoy.
I run Photoshop and editing programs on my s and frankly see no need for any additional power.

 

congrats. You are going to enjoy it

 

Congratulations on your purchase.

A few things though:

1) I was unaware ATI released any external video solutions. Especially via the Express Card slot. I've never seen one and I tend to keep myself up to date on the latest hardware, do you have a link?

2) The X-Fi Notebook Audio card is a cheap knockoff of the desktop version with maybe 20% of the features. Not only is it not worth the price but it will not be much better than the onboard sound. I would highly advise against purchasing it.

 

I wish you good luck and enjoy you purchase
I ordered a similar T61 last week. I would rather wait for 3 weeks to get my thinkpad instead of picking up a HP in a local futureshop.
There are some issues about the shipping. When do you expect you thinkpad to arrive?

 

I was pretty sure I saw ATI expresscard graphic cards somewhere.

Also, I have a 22" LCD monitor that I would normally use the laptop with so a better screen is not essential. I would definately not be doing Photoshop on the dinky 12" screen all the time.

 

I want to get the Creative sound card so I can get optical out. I need that for my stereo system for 5.1 digital surround.

 

To get 5.1/7.1 you have to purchase this as well:

http://us.creative.com/products/pro...&campid=20445&WT.cg_n=Campaigns&WT.mc_id=3863

Even after purchasing that I have seen reviews of people having trouble with it not working properly in games etc.

 

Why did you get the Merom 2.2/4 instead of Penryn 2.4/3 ? just curious what your reasons are.

 

I don't need that. My speakers have Optical in and the Sound card as optical out. That accessory provides only analog sound NOT digital sound (e.g. Dolby Digital surround)

 

The Penryn is not an option to select, otherwise I would've chose it. But I just read a thread today here saying that the Penryn would be out by next month so I think I might cancel my order now.

 

I don't believe the X61 has a ExpressCard slot.... unless the X61/s does and the tablet doesn't. Mine just has a PC Card slot.