Lenovo CANADA: Purchasing T60 but which one?

I've narrowed my laptop search to these four T60 configurations via the Lenovo Canada EPP site (all prices in CDN):

I'm having trouble picking a configuration , because the first thing I have to decide is what screen I'd prefer. It's either going to be 15.4" WS or a 15" FlexView. I really would like to have a FlexView because I have a very picky eye, but it seems like the 15.4" WS offer more real-estate to work with and have better configurations (more HD space, better CPU). Right now, I'm leaning towards the FlexView but I'm not sure if it's worth what I'm giving up in terms of other specs.

Any advice/comments on which config looks the best, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks..Yuckie

Here are my 15" FlexView options:

One has the better CPU (I'm guessing) and the better battery, while Two has a bigger HD, and the more advanced graphics card. Two is priced higher than One (what's the justification? I don't know).

I've highlighted the specs which are different across the configs.

1. Thinkpad T60 (2623K8U) (EPP/Friends Exclusive) - A Lenovo TopSeller Selection

Part Number: 6FND071
Price: $1,599.00
CPU: Intel® Core 2 Duo T5600 - 1830MHz
OS: Genuine Windows XP Professional
RAM/HD: 1024 MB, 80 GB
MEDIA: DVD Recordable 24X Max
Wireless: Bluetooth Wireless (1-05),Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (Mini-PCIe)
Screen: 15.0 SXGA+IPS TFT FlexView 1400x1050
Onboard Graphic Chipset: ATI Mobility Radeon X1300
Onboard Audio: Intel High Definition Audio
Included Modem: 56Kbps data/14.4Kbps fax
Hard Drive Controller: Serial ATA
Onboard Network Contoller: Gigabit Ethernet- Integrated 1000Mbps,100Mbps,10M
Battery Type: 9 Cell Lithium-Ion
PCMCIA Support: 1 Type I/II and 1 ExpressCard/54 or 34
External Speakers: 2 (Internal Speakers)
Warranty: Three years parts and labor (system battery: one year) ​

2. Thinkpad T60 (200772U) - (EPP/Friends Exclusive)

Part Number: 6FND066
Price: $1,699.00
CPU: Intel® Core Duo processor T2500 - 2000MHz
OS: Genuine Windows XP Professional
RAM/HD: 1024 MB, 100 GB
MEDIA: DVD Recordable 24X Max
Wireless: Bluetooth Wireless (1-05), Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (Mini-PCIe)
Screen: 15.0 SXGA+IPS TFT FlexVie 1400x1050
Onboard Graphic Chipset: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 HyperMemory
Onboard Audio: Intel High Definition Audio
Included Modem: 56Kbps data/14.4Kbps fax
Hard Drive Controller: Serial ATA
Onboard Network Contoller: Gigabit Ethernet- Integrated 1000Mbps,100Mbps,10M
Battery Type: 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
PCMCIA Support: 1 Type I/II and 1 ExpressCard/54 or 34
External Speakers: 2 (Internal Speakers)
Warranty: Three years parts and labor (system battery: one year) ​

Here are my 15.4" WS options, honestly I can't figure out what the difference between them is except the price.

3. Thinkpad T60 Widescreen (87445BU) (EPP/Friends Exclusive) - A Lenovo Topseller Selection

Part Number: 7FND003
Price: $1,649.00
CPU: Intel® Core 2 Duo T7200 - 2000MHz
OS: Genuine Windows XP Professional
RAM/HD: 1024 MB, 120 GB
MEDIA: DVD Recordable 24X Max
Wireless: ThinkPad 11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless, Bluetooth
Screen: 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT 1680x1050
Onboard Graphic Chipset: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 HyperMemory
Onboard Audio: Intel High Definition Audio
Included Modem: 56Kbps data/14.4Kbps fax
Hard Drive Controller: Serial ATA
Onboard Network Contoller: Gigabit Ethernet- Integrated 1000Mbps,100Mbps,10M
Battery Type: 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
PCMCIA Support: 1 Type I/II and 1 ExpressCard/54 or 34
External Speakers: 2 (Internal Speakers)
Warranty: Three years parts and labor (system battery: one year)​

4. ThinkPad T60 Series - A Lenovo Topseller Selection (87445BU)

Part Number: 87445BU
Price: $1,664.10
CPU: Intel® Core 2 Duo T7200 - 2000MHz
OS: Genuine Windows XP Professional
RAM/HD: 1024 MB, 120 GB
MEDIA: DVD Recordable 24X Max
Wireless: ThinkPad 11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless, Bluetooth
Screen: 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT 1680x1050
Onboard Graphic Chipset: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 HyperMemory
Onboard Audio: Intel High Definition Audio
Included Modem: 56Kbps data/14.4Kbps fax
Hard Drive Controller: Serial ATA
Onboard Network Contoller: Gigabit Ethernet- Integrated 1000Mbps,100Mbps,10M
Battery Type: 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
PCMCIA Support: 1 Type I/II and 1 ExpressCard/54 or 34
External Speakers: 2 (Internal Speakers)
Warranty: Three years parts and labor (system battery: one year)​

 

First, I would recommend you narrow your choice between a widescreen (WSXGA) and a standard aspect screen (SXGA) as these are two completely different machines. Ask yourself if you want a widescreen or standard aspect.

And by the way, #3 and #4 are the same machine, model #87445BU.

 

I have picky eyes too and the standard SXGA+ screen on my 14.1" screen is just fine.

I'm sure the people that do have a Flexview will enjoy their screens but I think the regular screens are being underrated. I don't watch movies from long distances nor do I watch them in 45 degree angle from any direction so I don't ever experience much degradation of picture quality.

According to CNET, the widescreen T60 is not very good in performance and battery life but once in a while, I regret that I did not get a widescreen version. If there was a 14" widescreen, I would have done that. I came from a 15.4" HP Compaq nx7000 widescreen so I do get a little bothered on a 4:3 aspect screen.

 

The thing is, as it is right now I prefer the standard screen aspect 4:3. But I think that's only because that's what I'm used to. I could probably get used to widescreen.

I don't think they are selling standard 4:3 non-flexview 15" T60 laptops on the Lenovo Canada website.

Let's for the moment say I prefer the standard screen option. Which of the above two configurations, is the better deal?

 

Pricing wise, the first one is the better deal because it has a more expensive processor and bigger batttery and costs less than #2, tho #2 has a better graphics card. Are the hard drives the same?

The better deal is the one that suits you more.

That said, maybe you want a 14" instead? (signifcantly smaller, thinner and lighter). Unless you're stoked for the flexview. But most experienced, repeat buyers get a smaller machine next time around.

 

Thanks SkiBunny, I've thought about the 14" SXGA's but The 14" configs on the Lenovo site don't look all that appealing. I really don't understand their pricing, none of their 14" SXGA which are priced below the 15" ($1599) have a Core 2 Duo Processor or at least the same not inferior RAM/HD specs.

And yes, the HDs are the same for 1 and 2.

I think I'm going to wait this decision out.

 

yuckwheat, I too have noticed the 14"ers with Core 2 Duo (under that price point) not having the same RAM and/or Video card specs as the 15" or Widescreen machines. Canada overall has a different pricing scheme and target it would seem. Ram can be upgraded, along with Hard drive, even the CD Drive, but processor and video card are the components that will remain.

 

go with 6FND071 without a doubt

 

Thanks for the reply Anna but what's your rationale?

 

hi,
did you finally decide which one to buy ?
I also have the same dilema.

The disadvantage of lenovo canada is that they do not have a configurator as rich as lenovo usa, where you can almost pick any combination you want.

I found the following on lenovo canada
Manufacturer LENOVO CANADA - IBM 8744J2F
Warranty 36 Months by Manufacturer
TP T60P 2GHZ 2GB 100GB VISTA BUSINESS FR- TOP SELLER
Processor (CPU)2: Intel® Core 2 Duo T7200- 2.0GHz 667MHz
RAM type: PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM- 2GB 667MHz
Viewable image size (diagonal): 15.4"WSXGA+TFT, 1680x1050 max resolution
Hard disk controller: Serial ATA 100GB SATA - 7200rpm
Graphics chipset: ATI Mobility FireGL V5250- 256MB/256MB
Graphics bus interface: PCI Express
Media interface type: EIDE 24x Max DVD Recordable
Audio chipset make & model: Intel High Definition Audio
Wireless Standard: Bluetooth, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Network card: Integrated Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet 1000/100/10
standard Feature: ThinkPad UltraNav Pointing device
Full size keyboard
Battery type(s): 9 Cell Lithium-Ion
Security Feature: Integrated fingerprint reader
Expansion ports: Heiewadphone / Line out, RJ-11, RJ-45, 3 USB 2.0, External
Microphone/Line-In, External Display (VGA), Expansion Bus port (for Dock II
or Port Replicator II)


I wanted the same ith a 15" flexview
NOT AVAILABLE
the problem is that the 15" flexvie comes with much less power

 

hi,
did you finally decide which one to buy ?
I also have the same dilema.

The disadvantage of lenovo canada is that they do not have a configurator as rich as lenovo usa, where you can almost pick any combination you want.

I found the following on lenovo canada
Manufacturer LENOVO CANADA - IBM 8744J2F
Warranty 36 Months by Manufacturer
TP T60P 2GHZ 2GB 100GB VISTA BUSINESS FR- TOP SELLER
Processor (CPU)2: Intel® Core 2 Duo T7200- 2.0GHz 667MHz
RAM type: PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM- 2GB 667MHz
Viewable image size (diagonal): 15.4"WSXGA+TFT, 1680x1050 max resolution
Hard disk controller: Serial ATA 100GB SATA - 7200rpm
Graphics chipset: ATI Mobility FireGL V5250- 256MB/256MB
Graphics bus interface: PCI Express
Media interface type: EIDE 24x Max DVD Recordable
Audio chipset make & model: Intel High Definition Audio
Wireless Standard: Bluetooth, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Network card: Integrated Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet 1000/100/10
standard Feature: ThinkPad UltraNav Pointing device
Full size keyboard
Battery type(s): 9 Cell Lithium-Ion
Security Feature: Integrated fingerprint reader
Expansion ports: Heiewadphone / Line out, RJ-11, RJ-45, 3 USB 2.0, External
Microphone/Line-In, External Display (VGA), Expansion Bus port (for Dock II
or Port Replicator II)


I wanted the same ith a 15" flexview
NOT AVAILABLE
the problem is that the 15" flexvie comes with much less power