My new Z60m

After a few days of use, I have to say I'm impressed. I have the 2529-01U (1.73ghz, 1MB, 40gb, x300, etc.) Tech specs aside, here are a few impressions:

• The titanium lid is substantial. I don't think it will bend as easily as my last computer.
• I find the 15.4" screen large enough to use as a primary work computer.
• The keyboard feel is fantastic, and the overall build quality is better than many computers in this price range.
• There are a lot of nice user/interface features, such as the ThinkVantage button, that lets me quickly jump between wifi hotspots, and other useful settings. I like how the hard drive parks during shocks.
• Screen brightness was a real concern, so I opted for the Max Bright screen. It is so much better than my old laptop (a Ti G4), which caused eye strain in glare conditions.

No buyer remorse on this one.

 

Nice!
I was thinking of getting same 2529 -01U model.
My only concern is the portability. How heavy is it? And how are the viewing angles on Max Bright?

 

At 6.3 lbs, it isn't the lightest notebook out there (a whole lb more than my old Ti G4). However, it more than compensates with its sturdiness. In terms of viewing angle, I can read this page at about 60 degrees off perpendicular.

 

Thanks.
One more question: how long did you wait for your z60m? I heard it takes a month or so?

 

How long did I wait? Oh, perhaps 20 hours; I had my ThinkPad the very next day. They shipped the extra memory, and it was installed and running that morning.

 

How about dimensions?

I hear the x60m is a beast...how do you feel it compares to the powerbook?

I have an Al Powerbook, and I am now officially spoiled with the thin-ness of this computer. I cant imagine going "up" to a 1.5+ inch thick computer...maybe the overall size compensates?

 

I second KurtS on the Z60m. I've had the 2529-02U model (750 M processor, 1.86 Ghz, 80 GB HD, with free 512 MB RAM for a total of 1 GB, WXGA MaxBright screen) for about one month now. I was one of the early horror stories about waiting over two months, but it sounds like supply has caught up with demand now. The Max Bright screen is probably one of the best, if not the best, matte screens on any laptop computer. I haven't been able to compare it with the FlexView screen you can get on some 15 inch Thinkpad T42 and T43 models, which is noted for its great viewing angles. The MaxBright is definitely brighter, however, as it is rated at 300 nits while I think the Flexviews are 200 nits. In fact, when it's plugged in, I usually have to turn down the brightness a notch or two in a normal room, because I don't even need all of it. The viewing angles, vertically or horizontally, are excellent, as KurtS notes.

Of course, having the 1 GB of RAM is pretty slick, too. The titanium lid is cool (cool-looking, and cool to the touch) and gives it a classy look (I'm not a Thinkpad purist who insists on black). The construction is very solid, with no flex in the lid at all, because it has a deep cowling around the lid plus the titanium. It is a quality piece, with stainless steel hinges and a magnesium "roll-cage" chassis. Battery life is very good for a bright 15.4 inch screen at around 3 to 3.5 hours. I think the normal 6 cell battery is more than adequate and the extra bulk of the optional battery is unnecessary for most people.

It is not a lightweight piece at around 7 pounds without the AC "brick," but I have found it easy enough to take on airplanes, to the coffee house, etc. The Thinkpad expandable carrying case for $50 is quite compact and fits it snugly with no excess bulk. If lightness for its own sake is your thing, get a Z60t or another computer. But you will miss the MaxBright and the extra real estate on the 15.4 inch screen.

 

Yes, my Z60m is larger overall, thicker, and one pound heavier. When I first got my Ti powerbook, I considered the light construction a real benefit for travel. However, when a small bump damaged a hinge and bent the "titanium" cover, I've wanted a sturdier machine ever since. The additional weight and dimensions are a minimal tradeoff to me for extra durability and less eye strain.