Question: T61p under light (not heavy) load.

Hi guys and girls, I have a question for you

A friend is thinking about a laptop. The primary use is for college studies, but he is also an occasional gamer, not that heavy, but still plays some graphic demanding games. I have a T61 (not a gamer) and I think the best for him is a T61p, but he is concerned about the temperature and the battery life. I did some search here and I know the quadro 570m demands more power and can get somehow hot under heavy load; however, does it underclock when not used under heavy load? I ask that because I read something about powermizer (didn’t get exactly what is it and how does it work with vista) and I was wonder if the t61p, under light load, would run closely as cool and save as battery life as a quadro 140m or an integrated card. Is it possible? And for the owners of a t61p, how has the experience been?

Because if it was possible, it would be the perfect solution: a powerful graphic card running 100% when necessary and saving energy when unnecessary.



Thanks!

 

Well I got the 9 cell battery with my laptop and I easily get 3 hours of battery life (I have the T61p 15.4"). This is with the screen set at full brightness and just general use (browsing the internet, writing papers, listening to music). This laptop actually runs really cool. I use it on my lap a lot and it never gets too hot. I am just an occasional gamer as well and this laptop is perfect for my needs. I really think he would like a T61p.
Tim

 

Powermizer helps, but the T61p still draws more juice. Heat is a non issue unless gaming, then it gets hot.

A T61p under light load with 9 cell battery should get around 4-4.5 hours under light load. Adding an ultrabay battery will give another 1-1.5 hours.

I've gotten close to 6 hours (9 cell + ultrabay) on my T61p with wireless N on and using Excel, Word.

I personally enjoy the power of the T61p and I think the batter life is fine, but worse case scenario I can just pick up another 9 cell if I need.

 

I get about 2 hours on my 6 cell on th max battery life setting browsing the web and lisning to music. It runs really cool even after playing games for like 4 hours straight. its also pretty light.

 

I keep my screen at around 5 bars brightness, which after proper calibration actually looks quite good. Raising the brightness kills the battery quick. As Tim said, 3 hours is about right at full brightness.