Questions Before I buy a Z61t

I'm about to buy a 14.1 inch Z61t but have just a few questions that came up as I did a configuration. I'm hoping there are some up here who can answer them.

1. Is bluetooth standard? I could not find anywhere that the 14.1 inch Z61t has bluetooth.

2. If I get it with the Verizon antenna am I obligated to activate it and start paying monthly? Or can I just have it and activate it when I'm ready to?

3. I saw that there is an option to get an "asset tag" for $12.00. Where exactly does Lenovo attach this asset tag?

4. Finally, and this is the most confusing of all. In the configuration, it shows that the Z61t comes with an "Integrated WiFi Wireless LAN Adapter" and says it's the "Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express Adapter" and the box is checked next to it. THEN, in the next option "Wireless LAN Accessories" it asks whether or not I want to pay $69 and choose the exact same thing "Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express Adapter." I do not understand this - am I missing something or do they just have it in here twice.

Thanks for any help you can give me. Getting a Thinkpad is a huge change for me, especially 14.1 inches after using an ultraportable with a 10.6 inch screen. Interestingly though, they both weigh the same. I think my eyes are now going to be happier with a little larger of a screen. I know I'm going to love the keyboard and that's real important for me as a writer. Anyhow, we'll see.

Thanks - Cath

 

link me to the site you are buying it from.
ill do my best to help. (and answer each of your 4 questions)

 

Thanks. It's at the Lenovo Website. Here's the link for the Z Series - I'm interested in the 14.1 inch Z61t:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/thinkpad/z-series/index.html

 

i think i can help a lil...

1st question..
bluetooth isn't standerd..
if ur config says its equipped with bluetooth then it is.. otherwise its not.. but a lot of product descriptions on lenovo website are full of mistakes.. so call them to be sure about ur product.

4th question...
don't worry abt wireless lan accessories.... as long as ur base config shows an wifi adapter.. next page just shows normally generated list of accessories without having any clue about whats necesarry or compatible.. i was once in ur position.. so i know..

and about 2nd question.. although i don't have any verizon antenna or anything.. but most prolly u r not obligated to activate it unless u want to.. when u r ready u can call them... and they'll help u activate it.. but don't take my word upon it.. may be some other experts here can give u better answear.

GooD LucK..!

 

Thanks - that's very helpful.
Cath

 

shamuaL is absolutely right.

 

if you're a writer i think a traditional screen would be better (eg T60) than the z61t. The characters on the T60 will be larger than on the z61t in XGA mode. In SXGA you can make the chars whatever size you like and it has more vertical space.

connecting wwan (verizon) is indeed optional... but the caard is expensive so why buy one preconfigured if you wont use it.

If you have the choice, for wifi pick the one with the (atheros) Thinkpad 11a/b/g card, it's better and got stronger reception than the intel 3945 card

 

I am concerned about the WXGA on the Z61t. Here's my dilemma - I really need s-video and I don't think it comes on the T60. I've been using a 10.4 inch screen WXGA Fujitsu so I'm wondering if the Z61t will be tolerable for me cause it will be so much larger than what I've been using for three years. Is there a huge difference between the WXGA on the Z and the SXGA+ on the T60 - a difference worth even finding other options for s-video? I appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks so much.

 

you can buy a cheap s-video adapter and plug it into a USB port or pcmcia slot, same goes for SD, serial or whatever... so i dont let the port determine my choice.

you are on the right track focusing on the screen.

with the SXGA+ you will see a LOT more (1400x1050) than with wxga (1200x800), especially vertically. Yes it's a huge difference. You should read up more in here about sxga+ (search these forums for SXGA) to see if it's for you, or look at one if you can.

 

Thank you so much for your help. I'm going to check out the adapter. With a previous notebook years ago I had to resort to using a scan converter for showing things on a tv. If I can just get a little adapter then I'm in business. Thank you SO MUCH for helping me go in the right direction here. Now I'm having a look at the T60 because the screen is VERY IMPORTANT to me in addition to the keyboard - those are my two greatest requirements. No problem - I easily shift gears - I want to get what's going to be the best for what I do.