Product comparison (T61p 6459A12 v. T61 6460A18)

I have a T61p 6459A12 and Lenovo are offering to replace it with a T61 6460A18. Am I being duped or is this a good replacement ?

I would like to know what are the significant differences between the T61p 6459A12 and T61 6460A18.

I have compared the specifications for both and these are the obvious differences:

1. Operating System – Vista Ultimate (T61p) v. Vista Business (T61) – Not an issue for me

2. Video RAM – 256MB (T61p) v. 128MB (T61)

3. Graphics Chipset – NVIDIA NB8P-GL (T61p) v. NVIDIA NB8M-GS (T61) – I don’t do a lot of gaming.

4. Graphics Connectors – VGA (T61p) v. DMS-59 (T61)

5. Processor – Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz (T61p) v. Core 2 Duo T7700 2.4GHz (T61) – the T61 is faster

In addition to the above, what is the difference in the parts that are used between both machines – same or lesser quality ?

I don’t know what the differences in specs will translate to in terms of performance. Can someone help ?

Thank you.

 

Why is Lenovo offering you a replacement? Construction wise, they will be the same.

 

Because my T61p is faulty and they have offered to replace it.

Will the parts that are used in the T61 the same as the T61p or an inferior quality ?

 

Well the down grade of the video card is huge it will have a much larger affect on the performance of the machine than the .2Ghz of processing power.

Personally I wouldn't give up the T61p for anything but another T61p with the same or greater specs than the one I have.

(Are you still under warranty?)

 

Doesn't make any sense for Lenovo to replace your T61p with a T61. Get a replacement with the same specs.

 

I agree. Why are they trying to offer a lesser system to you? They should be offering an equal or better system if it's under warranty.

 

Hi jooooooooeeeeeeeee

Yes still under warranty. My T61p is less than 2 months old.

I have been having lots of issues with my T61p and it has been in for repairs twice and the fault could not be fixed. I am guessing they have offered a more expensive replacement to avoid the same fault issues happening. The next 'P' model up from the T61p 6459A12 is the T61p 6460A15, which is about AUD$1,500.00 more.

Apart from the AUD$600+ price difference (T61 costs more), what effect does the difference in video card mean ? I don't play games on my laptop or online. What about movie streaming like YouTube ?

Not that I don't value your opinion (which I do !) I would also like to hear what others think also.

Thanks

 

The significant price differential is due to the 3 years Express Service warranty on the 6460A18 vs the 1 year Carry In warranty for the T61p.

 

Thanks Chrixx.

So are you saying that the T61 is an inferior machine to the T61p, but the only difference why it costs more is because of the warranty (assuming that the increased speed for the T61 is balanced by the reduced graphics in the T61) ?

 

The difference between the T61 and T61p is the graphics chip. The FX570M 256 makes it a "p". Other than that, it comes down to the specific components as to which is the overall best value. Is it the same screen res? If you don't care about the higher level of graphics performance, then probably you didn't need the 'p' to begin with. I am not sure how valuable the longer warranty is, though, if they keep downgrading you when fulfilling the warranty. If this breaks, will they offer you a T41?

 

I would doubt that you would notice the extra .2GHz in the T7700. The graphics loss is more significant, since the mem-bus width is crippled, from 128-bit to 64-bit.

chrixx is right, the upgraded warranty makes up a larger portion of the cost.

 

Get the T61p and ask them to upgrade the warranty to 3 years for free or a discount for all the hassle you've gone through.
The old T61p is on clearance now as the new models with Penryn have arrived. Perhaps you could ask them for a Penryn model too while you're at it? Don't abuse their generosity though.

 

Thanks bsodder.

Given the problems I have been having with my T61p, maybe a T61 downgrade wouldnt be a bad swap !!! (jokes)

Therefore, given I have a T61p, it would be a downgrade to receive a T61 ??? Yes, same screen res.

Warranty is not a factor as I purchased a warranty upgrade for my T61p to 3 years (they pick it up from me).

 

Like what chubbyfatazn is saying, the speed increase isn't going to balance out the graphics card update. Whether or not you will notice the difference I don't know. You'll definitely be able to watch YouTube and videos.

I guess the choice is if you want the 3 year warranty.

Personally I would not go with this. If you got a defective machine that needs a lot of fixing they should offer you an equal or better machine. The warranty costs nothing to them.

 

If you have a 3 year warranty then this is a clear downgrade.

 

Chrixxx

I already purchased a warranty upgrade to 3 years with my current T61p.

 

Of course it would be a downgrade, the video card is the defining difference between the T61 and T61p.

 

Goodness me.
I just rang Lenovo Sales and they even said that the T61P 6459A12 is a better machine than the T61 6460A18 !!!

Difference in price is due to:
(1) Processor T7700 is better than T7500 - they even said that to the naked eye you would not notice a 0.2GHZ increase in speed

(2) Warranty - 3 years over 1 year

(3) Has a WCDMA/HSDPA wireless network also - don't know what this is but I would never use it anyway.

Sounds like I have been duped.

 

Clearly (10 chars)

 

Since you don't game, the T61 seems like a better fit. I'd ask for the price difference back.

 

It sounds like they are trying to tell him that the T61 costs more than the T61p he currently has. If he could configure a T61 without the useless upgrades it would be good.

They probably have a refurbished T61 sitting around that they want to get rid of.

"Has a WCDMA/HSDPA wireless network". This is pretty much useless unless you are specifically looking for it. You'd have to purchase a separate internet cellphone plan in order to use it.

 

Thanks everyone.

If I had a choice of buying the T61p 6459A12 or the T61 6460A18, I would pick the T61p (regardless of the price differential).

They have probably offered the T61 6460A18 because its more expensive and it appears to be an "upgrade" and better model, when in fact, it really isnt......

 

Correct, I don't know why Lenovo would want to give you a T61. That is essentially a downgrade. As many here have said, since you have the warranty, defiantly strive to get another T61p. If that was me, I would be quite upset that they were trying to offer me a lesser model under an equal coverage warrenty.

 

Downgrade is in the eye of the beholder. Since you don't game, why pay extra for the 570, card? All the other parts like the screen. chassis, keyboard are going to be the same.

 

I would have to disagree ZaZ.

If you had a T61p 6459A12 and someone asked you whether you would like to swap it for a T61 6460A18, I doubt you would agree to the swap.