Ordered New T61 (thoughts)

I decided to go back to Lenovo for a laptop (hope I don't regret it). I settled on the T61 (widescreen). I was hesitant about getting the widescreen at first, but shallower width really sold me (plus I'm getting used to widescreen at home and like it for editing).

Do you all think I was wise to get the Atheros card over the Intel N offering? The system will be at home 75% of the time (wired) and 25% for travel (wifi/wired). I also got XP instead of VISTA as it's still quite a bit slower in almost any application than XP. Hopefully I can just skip VISTA altogether! So what do you guys/gals think, good value?

Here are the specs & pricing:

ThinkPad T61 with nVIDIA Graphics
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)
Genuine Windows XP Professional
14.1 WXGA+ TFT
nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
1 year onsite 9x5 Next Business Day

Total: $ 1,060.10 + tax

 

Looks great to me. Make sure to use any eCoupons when you can.

The offered Atheros, IMO, is the best wireless adapter choice.

 

you should have spent ur money on the ram instead of that processor :/

 

here is a eCoupons i used, saved me 130 something USPAPRILSAVINGS

 

I ordered through CPP and that coupon doesn't work there, but it was cheaper there anyhow.

As far as the ram I didn't think I'd need 3gb as I've been happy with 2gb on my XP workstation at home with editing. It wasn't too much to add it though so you're probably right

 

I'd change the 2GB two dimm to one dimm, so if you want to add RAM later you won't waste a stick. I know for the 15.4" T61 it doesn't cost any more, I'm not as certain with the 14"er.

Otherwise, a nice setup!

 

well, your specs are almost like mine. lets see who gets his order first

 

Good looking build.


CPP has a 5% eCoupon for the R61. I ordered a 14.1" widescreen R61 last week with simililar specs as yours.


I hope I get mine first.

 

Very similar machine to the one I received last week. It sounds like you got the exact same deal, mine was a little less, but without the fingerprint reader and on-site warranty. Also, i chose vista hp, and, glup, love it... So far the t61 preforms flawlessly. I think you will really lbe happy it.

I too was concerned with the ang wireless card. I didn't need the intel n, but wanted to know i could upgrade it later. I was worried about compatibility problems, (probably unfounded) with my 3 old abg routers. So far, the atherous card works great, but I remain confused about how easy/hard it will be to upgrade later. I called lenove in atlanta and was told that all t61's are easily upgradeable and include the complete 3 antenna system regardless of wireless card installed when purchased. However, when I pulled the keyboard off I could not see any signs of the third antenna wire. Although the card did look like it could be replaced easily. So this remains a mystery.

My only other concern is the battery life, but this was well documented and comes as no surprise. I chose the 6 cell also, because the new 9 cell appears way bigger/heaver, and kind of weird looking the way it curves. I would have preferred the 7 cell but was not an option. I since have just ordered one as an additional battery. Hopefully the 7 cell will provide 3 hours because the 6 cell only gets about 2.5.

Hope you enjoy your new machine, its is a fabulous configuration.

 

I disagree. Ram is easy and cheap to upgrade, the CPU is not. I like the processor chosen.