Question about T61

I am thinking about buying a T61 in acouple months and I had acouple questions.

I was thinking about installing ram chips in the computer myself to save money. Is this recommended? Is it hard to do?

I saw that it only came with an option for a 6cell battery. Anyone know how to get a better one?

Im buying the computer for college, architecture major. So ill be doing renderings and stuff. Anything else I should know? Anything new coming out down the line in the next 3-4months?

Where do I find online coupons like this site offers for dell

 

it's suggest by most people online that you install additional ram yourself, but you'll have to get the minimum amount from lenovo when you order.

you can get a 9 cell battery i think.

might want something better for rendering? might be good enough depending on the processor/video card you get

i think theres a sticky for the coupons you can get in the lenovo/ibm section

edit: coupon thread right here - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=231598

 

Well the specs I was looking at getting are..
2.5ghz processor 6mb cache
the 256mb quadro video
1gb ram - going to upgrade to 4gb
100gb hd with 7200 (dont need the space i got externals)
1gb turbo
and i dont know what version of vista.
I got a friend that can give me a good cracked version of ultimate

but they only had an option for the 6cell nothing else i guess i got to call for that?

with 3 year damage warranty and the coupon it came to 1550ish..

anything else recommended

 

If you upgrade to 4gb and use a 32 bit versoin of Vista, you will not be able to address the entire 4gb. You would probably only see about 3.25GB You will need a 64 bit version of Vista to utilize all 4GB.

Skip the Turbo Memory, it does not really help with performance especially with 4GB installed.

 

well i mean it was only $32.. but would u recommend a 64bit. id have to see if the programs would work. its autodesk programs if maybe you know of them?

 

(1) It is much cheaper to install RAMs youself.
(2) Turbo Memory is a waste.
(3) You can't configure a T61p with a 9-cell, you have to buy a seperate one...
(4) AutoCAD 2008 works with 64-bit
(5) If you are not planning a clean install of vista, then better stick with business 64-bit, sure you can go all the way up to ultimate, but...
(6) I'd rather spend that money on a 160GB 7200rpm. It performs much better than 100GB models, and ...
(7) Yes, the new T-series will debut next month with Intel's new Montevina platform. It has better CPU, better graphics, LED-backlight screen and longer battery life etc....In 3-4 months it should be generally available, but expect the price to be a bit steep. So the choice is yours, get the cheap cleared-out T61 or the expensive new T-series.

 

I'm looking to buy this myself.. personal opinions:

1. 6 cell. Yes you're stuck with it through ordering. Which sucks because I swear I've read people here who ordered the same laptop months ago with a 9 cell. I don't think it's *that* bad though. How often will you be away from an outlet?

2. Be wary of a bad cracked OS. Not sure if this is even OK to talk about here. Regardless, I think Business 64-bit isn't that much pricier in the t61p package.

3. Just addressing the above advice. If you're looking at this laptop like I am, then you're probably concerned about cost. This is a really solid option for what you're looking to do at the balance of cost and power IMO. If you need it now I would not wait just for the new T-series, or Montevina in general. Technology updates every time we blink, after all.

 

I see what you are saying and I thank you for the advice. However the battery is a bit of a problem for me and the fact that I can wait is another problem. I am up in the air with the fact that the new models are going to be out in acouple months and they might be alot more in cost and then ill be kicking myself because I should of bought the t61p now.. Unless the other ones are really good.. No one knows