Ordered R-60, having second thoughts since R- T-60 release. Advice?

I’m not sure where this ought to go, so if I’ve dropped it in the wrong spot, I apologize in advance.

I've something of a dilemma, folks, and as impolite as it is jumping onto these fora in this manner ( Mea culpa- I'll do better later- promise.), the issues I'm stuck with won't wait through the week and the end of Lenovo's Memorial Day sale. Timing conflicts, and all that.

You see, I've recently ordered (as of 4-27) a ThinkPad R-60, which, after receiving a notice last night, will be delayed up to another 30 days beyond the time I've waited already.)

As things stand, I'm [mostly] happy with the machine on order, but I have a few qualms which may prompt me to cancel the order in favor of placing another for the R-61 model recently added to their site's shop, particularly given that many of my concerns with the R-60 are, it turns out, allayed by the ThinkPad R-61's upgrades and alterations. In particular, the build quality of the R-61 strikes me as improved to the degree that it rivals the new T-61's. The improved lcd protection for the R-61 model is a big selling point; the NVIDIA GPU, which seems to offer a significant performance increase over the previous model’s ATI 1400 standard offers, from what I've read tonight, another significant improvement worth considering- especially since I was worried the ATI 1400 may be insufficient for some of tasks I expect may come up over the next couple of years- and, of course, y‘know … the occasional game here and there.

The only bit I really dislike about the current R-61 release is the smaller 14.1in widescreen (I prefer the widescreen version, but the smaller screen … I‘m unsure) vs the 15.4in I’d be getting with the R-60 on order. This won't be a problem for an hour or two here and there while on the road or in class, but for long sessions, well...

I should mention I will be using this system at home the majority of the time, and would love a bit of insight as to whether hooking up an external monitor (19-22in), an external keyboard/mouse, etc, allowing me to use the system as my primary around the house, would be workable. It would solve the 14.1in screen issue I’m struggling with and likely cement my decision to go with the R-61.

A couple things:

-Can I attach/detach an external (19-22in) monitor with little difficulty, and, assuming this is workable, is it as easy as plugging/unplugging it from the laptop and going on my merry way, or am I in for a significant amount of work to get things running smoothly? Does the brand of monitor matter? Do I need an adapter of some sort, or should I purchase one of Lenovo‘s docking stations?

(A pertinent personal note: I have no vision in my left eye. My right eye is 20/30 at best with corrective lenses, and varies to as low as 20/60- depending on fatique. I am concerned how much difficulty a 14.1in widescreen, assuming little more than a couple hours' use per diem might pose contrasted with a 15.4in screen.

My first monitor way back in the early-mid nineties was a 13in, and although my eyes (much younger then) went wonky after a few (3-4) hours, things seemed to go swimmingly for longer than I'd need the laptop's screen (assuming a larger monitor at home) for the periods I'd be stuck taking notes, etc, away from my house.)

-I've read the T-61 and the R-61 are nearly identical in build quality/toughness- certainly not the case with the R-60 I've ordered in relation to its T-60 counterpart. This being the case, even though I will carry this laptop as often as once or twice daily a couple of days a week for brief (1-3 hour) periods, it's not traveling farther than the local Uni. or a relatively calm workplace, and stands an average chance of getting knocked about slightly on an occasional [rare] basis. So, then: does the T-61 offer some manner of superior durability I've overlooked its available 14.1in model relative to that of the R-61 or should the latter meet my needs?

I've left a bit out, I'm sure- haven't slept in about 48 hours, and I'm a little punchy, but duty calls, and I won't have time for a more ordered post for a day or two at best (although I‘ll answer all replies in the interim). Apologies all around, and I'd deeply appreciate any assistance anyone has to offer.

-

Have to admit, I really like the R-61, even lacking the S-video and taking the battery issues into consideration, although if I had the luxury of waiting, I‘d hold out for a larger-screen model. Alas, I have no idea when those are coming.

Care to help push a fella over the fence while the Memorial Day sale is still in effect? Or rein him in, if he's better off sticking with the R-60 that'll be here in ... well, a month at the outside according to my delay notice?

*I am a laptop noob. To this point, it's been desktops for me. But I'm looking forward to the change, and the ThinkPad seems the way to go.

Again, thanks for any help anyone might offer.

 

Since you are going to have to wait and you prefer wide anyway, I personally would opt for the R61 though I suspect any of the machines would work for your needs. The 15.4" R61 is coming. I have heard next month, but it's all speculation.

Yes, you can hook your the R61 to a monitor using the VGA connector. The docking station which I have will get you DVI as well, if you care. The nice thing about it is you can just plug your notebook in without having to re-connect everything like the monitors, printers, scanners, etc.