Need Advice on Thinkpad T60(14", 15") versus Z61t

I'm exploring a notebook for mainly 'business' use; but not ruling out other uses, except for gaming and high-end graphics work. I got much help on this forum via earlier posts and reading other threads. While it helped me limit an HP choice to the nc6400, it prompted me to take a closer look at the Thinkpad line, specifically the T60 and Z61t. I'm still in a "top-down" decision mode and not ready to fill out out the FAQ (at least not in an 'informed' manner).
1) Do certain features clearly distinguish the T60 and Z61t?
2) What are the pros of the T60 15" Flexview screen? Do you think it's worth the higher cost? Is it superior in general or only for certain tasks, i.e. text, web, graphics, movies, etc. Does the optional 15" XGA get a high rating or does it 'come up short'?
3) In what way is either 'limited' with respect to hardware components?
4) Do you think the average 'business' type would prefer one over the other? If so, why?
5) Are the optical drives fixed or removable?
Your opinions are appreciated.

 

2) XGA comes up short universally. About the FV, some people say it's worth it, other not (me included).

5) All ThinkPad optical drives are removable.

 

1) i think the big difference (for the time being) is that the z61t is a widescreen 14 inch model and the t60's 14 inch is only available in full screen.

they say the t60 14 inch WS is on the way, though.

other than that, for you i think there won't be a big difference, since it doesn't seem like you are too interested in the webcam, firewire port, or media card reader (only available in the z61t) or the discrete graphics card and express card slot (only on the T60).

one thing is i would definitely recommend not going with the 15 inch if you plan on carrying it around with you. i just received a z61t w/ extended battery, and at 4.9lbs, i feel that it is a little too heavy.

if you can afford to wait a month and prefer the widescreen ratio, i would get the 14 inch WS T60. i think it'll be a little bit thinner than the z61t since it'll most likely lack the webcam and media card reader, and you'll be comfortable knowing that it's the flagship T series.

 

To Zeus - I'm interested how you see the Flexview screen as "not worth it?"

Re Itzcoolz's Reply - Ok, the Z61t only comes in widescreen, whereas the T60 is fullscreen. I think I prefer the full screen look. I suppose the 'weight' factor is a 'personal thing' (like a carpenter's choice of hammer) and dependent on each person's situation. I'd be mostly carrying it to and from my vechicle and up the elevator at work.

I note from Andrew Baxter's review (Feb15/06), that the T60 15" 'loaded' is about 6.4 lbs while a closely configured T60 14" is about 5.2 lbs. I'll have to give some thought to the 1lb difference.

 

Rowe, if you prefer the fullscreen ratio, I would definitely take out the z61t from consideration, unless the webcam and media card reader are very important to you.

I would put in my vote for the T60 14". I do understand that weight is subjective, but an extra pound (for the 15 inch) is a lot more than it looks on paper. for perspective, the ultrathin x60 is ~3.6 pounds, and the difference between my z61t and x60 in weight is quite significant.

it also depends on how many other things you carry around with you. i don't have any personal experience with the different screens, so take my advice for what it's worth. good luck with everything.

 

If you want to game or run consumer multimedia software, don't get any of them with the fireGL chips. I found out the hard way that even though the firegl chips are just as capable of the consumer GPUs, many programs will not detect them as being directx or opengl capable and will refuse to run.

second life is one, just as an example... there is no reason why second life should not run on my T41p but since it doesn't detect a consumer gpu, it won't run at all. Idiots. As I said, lesson learned the hard way.