Lenovo T61 in Canada

Hi All,

I just spoke with a friendly pre-sales representative from Lenovo Canada after waiting no more than a minute on hold. I had a few questions which I asked him regarding a Lenovo T61 14.1". Everything that will be mentioned should be taken with a grain of salt.

As we all know, the Canadian Lenovo site only has pre-built systems with virtually no customization what-so-ever. The rep mentioned that it will under-go an upgrade and have customizability options similar to the US site sometime after August.

Q1. I asked him about the webcam option on the 14.1" models.
A1. He mentioned that they will only be available sometime after August (around when the new site goes live).

Q2. Asked him about the 7 cell battery.
A2. He said that you can buy it separately, but at the moment, all the pre-built/pre-configured systems come equipped with a 6 cell or 4 cell. Again, when the new site goes live, only then can we customize it with the 7 cell.

Q3. Asked him about integrated graphics option.
A3. Same answers as before. The top seller models come equipped with the 140m (which has been said to consume a more significant amount of power than integrated). The integrated option will easily only become available when their new site goes live, again which is sometime late August/early September.

Q4. Asked him about local retailers around the GTA
A4. He mentioned stores like Grand and Toy, Staples, and a computer store on College and Spadina, which I forgot what it was. Anyone know?

Hmm... I'm really looking forward to purchasing a T61 w/ camera and integrated graphics (for the battery life), and with the 7 cell. Waiting until after August... bummer.

Maybe I'll look at the Dell XPS m1330 instead. I like the LED display

Any comments or questions?

 

The name of the store is Computer Systems Centre, it is located on the southwest corner of College and Spadina. Their website is www.csctoronto.com

 

Thanks, I'll give them a call and see if they have a T61 in store.

 

I gave their sales department a call and they mentioned that they have 2 T61 models on display/in stock.

The $1599 version (T7300, 1GB, TurboMem, 120GB, which is $1399 via visa perks) and the $1899 version(2GB, 160GB, forgot what else). I think that they're just the pre-built models on the Lenovo site.

 

Yes, lack of customization sucks, but here in Canada we get those pre-configured models very fast - in a week or so. In US, you will likely to wait until end of August for a customized T61.
Just to make you feel better

P.S. This integrated camera sucks anyway

 

Isn't it a megapixel integrated webcam (megapixel stills, vga video)? Regardless, it probably doesn't beat an external notebook webcam (those which are made by Logitech); but, if you can squeeze it into the frame and still retain the size of it, it would be nice to have it than not to have it at all. Just don't wanna look back and regret not waiting a couple months for it.

Hmmm.. in my situation, I'm looking to purchase a notebook before I go back to school in Sept, 07. I wouldn't mind waiting, at the absolute latest, until the end of August for a T61 with everything that I want. But, the rep told me that the new CDN site would only go live at the end of August. Factor in any delays to the new site, possible delays contributing to the build of a custom T61, shipping delays, etc... it might be well into September before I get it.. and that's not a risk I want to take.

Sooooo.... not quite sure what I want to do. I'm really hesitant to pick up a T61 with the 140m (the only option that's offered now) as I heard it makes a significant difference in battery life. 6 cell is OK, but wouldn't mind paying $20 more for a 7 cell just to know that I have it.