Purchasing T61i 14.1" widescreen

I am currently on a more than 4 years old emachines m6805 that's been acting funny (screen has all sorts of faint spots, power plug is acting funny, etc, though it is still very fast after a couple of upgrades). I think it is time for me to buy a new computer. If I am admitted to grad school, I am going to need a new laptop I can bring with me to school. If I am not admitted to grad school, I will need a new toy to help cheer me up.

The past 4 years I have felt it was a huge mistake to get such a big and clunky computer. I remember I picked it because of the 64-bit processor (hahaha). My m6805 is way too heavy and way too big to take around with me. This is why I really would like the power of a T61 in the size and weight of an X61. We can't get that (the x300 is another story, but the weak processor and $1000 premium just doesn't make sense right now). However, I am still picking with T61i, with a few concerns.

This purchase will be my trusted steed for the next 3-4 years. I am writing this post because I have been researching (day dreaming) for the past 6 months and want to share what I've learned so far.

I decided to get the T61 14.1" widescreen for the following reasons:

1) Build quality of the Thinkpads is notoriously superior to all other Windows machines (except maybe the Panasonics which are even more expensive). This is really the main reason I am not waiting for a deal on the m1330.
2) I like the way Thinkpads look. It's a real tool, not just a toy.
3) I can get the new 6MB cache processors for a great price right now. Only other computer I have looked at with the option is the m1330, which is more expensive and with worse build quality.
4) I prefer widescreen over the standard that the x61 has.
5) Integrated disc drive.
6) Larger hard drive than the x300.
7) I don't game anymore, so I prefer the extra battery life of the T61i over the T61p.
8) According to Lenovo data sheets, the T61 has a brighter screen than even the ultrabright x61s.

Concerns:
1) It won't be portable enough.
2) Screen won't be bright enough relative to other laptops I could get.

 

The 200 nit widescreens are fairly bright for matte screens as opposed to the standard 150 nit screens which I have. If you want a really bright screen, you should consider a glossy screen. I personally find the 1050 resolution of SXGA+ to be more useful for things like Office and Internet. The 14" R61 is almost identical to the T61 just a bit heavier and thicker, but costs less.

 

I'd suggest to go with the WXGA+ (1440x900). You would appreciate the larger desktop space for all sorts of applications.

 

bought it with wxga+. i also bought a usb tv tuner and will buy the 28" hannspree lcd monitor tomorrow (i don't own a tv...it's kind of a social need...kind of)

i am such a consumer whore!!! it's kind of depressing. oh well...i've been working hard and saving money. hopefully this will satisfy me.

 

At 1400 SXGA+ is nearly as wide as WXGA+, but much taller which is more useful for things like Office and Internet. I suppose it would depend your needs. The widescreens are brighter which is a plus.

 

good choice on the monitor. I have one as well and it's amazing.