New to this Lenovo business

By all means, I am not an expert on computers although I used to design them and build them. Sometimes I get shy to invest any money in them, that's why I built my last desktop. But now I want to stay mobile, so I took the plunge and bought a notebook from Lenovo (which I have not received yet). But is coming.

It is scary to hear the different problems some of you are having with wireless, the beeping, etc. with the ThinkPad T61P. The reason why I went with Lenovo is that I do a lot of mechanical design using Solid Works. So, after purchasing SW2008, I thought it would be nice to have a notebook to be able to do my work in 3D away from my home office, I opted for the T61P because it is the only computer manufacturer, besides Dell that can provide as built a Nvidia Quadro card with open GL to run 3D programs, although, I am not sure until I get my system if this is going to work. I could have bought the Dell Pro. but the price was $1k more than what I paid for this Lenovo.

The Dell can be had with Nvidia Quadro 1600, and the T61P, comes with the optional Nvidia quadro Fx570M. So I am not sure what I am getting into as far as graphics supporting Solid Works program. And although it is kind of late to change my mind. I already ordered the system and is in its way. I am hoping some of you good guys out there have already purchased the same bird and being used with Solid Works, can tell me what to expect.
I will really appreciate it. P.S. I ordered the computer on Oct. 29 and today I got an email that it has shipped. Great! It's two weeks earlier than expected. Also, I am not sure what to expect fron the WSXGA screen. Any insight? Again, thanks for your feedback!

 

I would take what you read here with a grain of salt. The people here tend enthusiastic and a bit overly dramatic about the issues they encounter. They are also only a very small slice of Lenovo's customers, the vast majority of which are happy campers. That's not too say there hasn't been problems. The T61p is a fine machine. I'm sure it's going to work out well for you.

 

Solidworks constantly releases lists of approved graphics cards and drivers that have been tested with their system and guaranteed to work 100%. I would check on that list to see if your graphics card is one of the approved ones. Keep in mind, though, that just because your card isn't on the list, does not mean it won't work - they may have not tested that card with those set of drivers.

Solidworks is VERY good with hardware compatibility, and if you end up having any problems with the program I would advise you to contact the team that publishes these approved graphics cards.

 

Yes so far I have been using my T61 for two weeks and I have encountered absolutely no problems. I am very happy with my investment.

 

An important thing to remember is a majority of people who come to forums that are specific to a brand such as Lenovo are only the ones whom are having issues.

In other words, it is essential to remember that only a small minority of people experience issues with their ThinkPad and when they do, they come here.

Thats my take on it anyways

 

Actually, I can't wait to get my "T--". Sean S, is right about the list of graphics cards that are approved by SolidWorks, but not always complete. As soon as I receive my new computer and use it with SolidWorks. I will provide feedback to similar users of SolidW. Cheers!

15.4" Lenovo T61P (/w Windows XP Pro)
Intel T7500
Nvidia Quadro FX 570M
2GB of RAM
100 GB 7200 RPM HD orks.

 

Spot on. I couldn't agree more.

It is also worth mentioning that quite a few of the users on NBR are quite young, and sometimes some cannot help acting like such either. Often they have not had much experience with notebooks and tend to base their experience on what other people write on forums - making it real. And often they have a hard time adjusting their expectation levels to what is realistic and common amongst the majority of customers.

There are definitely valid issues and comments out there, but I would suggest you to use a bit of common sense and take many things with a grain of salt as Zaz also mentioned.

The T61p is a sturdy and fast machine. There are never any guarantees when it comes to somethings as complex as hardware and software, but I can assure you that ThinkPads (including the T61p) are not more problematic than their competition. I'd rather like to think that they are more sophisticated and better built than most.

As for SolidWorks, they have passed/approved most, if not all desktop Nvidia Quadro FX cards. But none of the Mobile Workstation versions like the 1600M or 570M. I wouldn't be too worried about the compatibility though, as the Mobile Nvidia Quadro cards are designed to be able to manage the same tasks as their desktop equivelants, albeit not always at the same speeds.

 

The other issue with notebooks in general, which certainly has a bearing on Lenovo as well, is the price points for notebooks have come down quite a bit in the past few years. Yet people still expect service/quality like they are paying yesteryears price. I don't know if that is a realistic expectation. The alternative is to raise the price back up to $2-3k for a averagely configured notebook and a majority of people won't have a notebook becuase they are too expensive.

 

Sometimes I think there's a bit of competition going on to see who can wring the most drama out of an insignificant "problem".

That doesn't mean that we wouldn't all like to have that perfect notebook or that actual problems shouldn't be addressed, but in the real world, the perfect notebook just doesn't exist. ThinkPads weren't perfect even when IBM made them and charged a princely sum for them although the 600 series came the closest to it.

 

Thats the same configuration I got! I purchased a day after you. 10/30. Mine has an ESD of 11/30 though? Maybe I will get an email tomorrow saying its shipped?

 

Well, I see there is a lot enthusiasm out there. Great!. Some like to get on their soap box. I posted a thread inquiring on the expectations of the Lenovo T61P to run Solid Works 2008 in it. Never got an answer, just a bunch of sagacity. For those who use adanced 3D modeling programs such as this, I would like to iterate the suitability of this machine.

If you are looking for a notebook to run SW, or any other CAD/CAE program, I highly recomend the Lenovo T61P. I was fortunate to receive the notebook qucikly. I ordered it on Oct. 29 and received it on Nov. 1. I was impressed.
The Nvidia Quadro FX570M seems to do the job very well. Have no problems working with multi-windows for slddrw, prt, assemblies and compiling mathematical equations. I worked on a 50mb file, and opened separate windows to perform data analysis and had excellent dynamics and rotation results without cascading or locking up. I am glad I got 2gb ram, that helps too. The 15.4 inch wide screen is nice too with good resolution and it is pretty bright. I like the thin profile and the rubberized feel. I most say, it is a nice looking piece of equipment with nice touch keys, keyboard (well laid out). I will not elaborate on the speed, but the Intel Duo T7500 at 2.2Gh is plenty fast for working with big 3D files.

 

louaa I don't think you will have any issues with your T61P running Solid Works, because you got 2 gb of RAM.

There is an issue a lot of people have been reporting lately related to 3D graphics but it only is an issue if you run 4gb of RAM. Also, Lenovo engineers are looking into the issue now so they will probably resolve it eventually.

My T61P had this issue and was very unstable on 4gb of RAM but it worked absolutely rock solid stable on 2gb of RAM. Since you are running 2gb of RAM I doubt you will have issues with anything.

 

Answering your question is not a requirement. The help you get here is free, you may wish to keep that in mind.

 

You might want to adjust that attitude of yours, considering that people are trying to help you - regardless of whether you feel you got the answer you were looking for or not.

Couldn't have said it better.

 

You have to admit he has a point though.

 

No, he does not.

He is worried about the issues he has read about on NBR... he gets some views on these issues and why he might want to take some of them with a grain of salt.

He asks about Solid Works... people don't have a 100% answer but still let him know that he shouldn't worry.

As Zaz also mentioned, people are giving out advice for free. If you have high expectations or are not satisfied with the answers - I suggest you try again (by asking nicely) or seek professional (paid) help.

Most people here, including myself, try the best we can to help other users. Being immature, rude or ungrateful is uncalled for, regardless of whether you are helping or asking for help.

When you then receive help and basically tell people that you couldn't care less about the advice that was given - it is not so odd that people react.

I frankly see too much of this on NBR from so-called Internet warriors who sit behind their screens and act like kids who don't know how to be nice. Just because you are on an Internet forum doesn't mean you should treat people differently than what you do in real life. Simple as that.

 

JabbaJabba,

You are far to judgemental regarding other forum members views! I beleive everyone is entitled to share their opinion! Telling someone to chill seams a lot like a "internet warrior"

Just my .2 cents

Please do not send me a personal email. Nothing I just said requires you to turn me-in or has an attitude.

Sircas, a forum member also

 

I think the "soap box" bit and the sagely advise comment is where things went sideways. They were uncalled for. I understand the OP is looking for someone with experience doing exactly what he intends to do. Folks jumping in with their similar, but not exact, experiences is certainly better than dead air. Chalk it up to frustration at not getting the exact answer he was looking for, and maybe he wanted a quick response to make a purchasing decision... Let's just move on.

 

I don't think I am. You will find that I only comment on attitude or behaviour when people are either being rude/insulting or racist. It is no different if it is directed at me.

You are right, everyone is entitled to their opinion, as long as they keep to the rules on NBR. Here's a small quote from the forum rules:

"While debating and discussion is fine, we will not tolerate rudeness, insulting posts, personal attacks or purposeless inflammatory posts. Our decision is final in these matters."

I'm a NBR user as well - not a mod. But I am still going to voice my opinion when I feel people get out of line.

 

I don't think his post contained any of those. He stated that because his main question wasn't definitively answered (though he did receive some advice and suggestions), he was now going to answer it himself in case anyone else had the same question. I didn't think it was rude of him. However, rudeness is very subjective and some people are more sensitive than others. It is also hard at times to tell what someone's intent is with a post since you don't get to read their body language or hear the inflection in their voice. Misunderstandings are common on forums.

 

Precisely my point. I'll give the OP the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

 

Your point is valid, but in this case, he sent me a PM where he couldn't help but once again mention how I go on about my "soap box". Nothing to misunderstand. That is offensive to me, especially considering that I, along with others, was trying to help him. Regardless, not wasting more time on this/him.