R 61 & T 61

R 61: Intel Core 2 Duo T7250(2,0GHz) 800Mhz Intel 64 Technology, 1GB RAM PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2, 160 GB 5400rpm HD SATA 150,14.1in 1280x800 WXGA, Intel X3100, Multiburner CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav,Thinklight, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion (Up to 3,6 hr), Microsoft® Windows® Vista Business, Weight (2,4 Kg), Limited Onsite Warranty 1 Year. U$S 1416.30 + taxes [I'm in Argentina; this is why the prices are so high].

T61 (7661-HU1 14.1'' and 6464AS7 15.4''): Intel Core 2 Duo T7500(2,2GHz) 800Mhz Intel 64 Technology, 1GB RAM PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2, 160 GB 5400rpm HD SATA 150,14.1in 1280x800 Widescreen anti-glare, Intel X3100, Multiburner CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11ag, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet,UltraNav, Thinklight, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion (Up to 5,7 hr), Microsoft® Windows® Vista Business , Weight (2,4 Kg),Limited Onsite Warranty 3 Years. U$S 1669.30 + taxes.

As my HP Pavilion is almost dead, I've thought of buying one of the above notebooks. I use the computer mainly to write, which is what I do for a living (I use Word, a couple of dictionaries, etc.) and sometimes for gaming. I'm not sure if the investment is worth it. The reason I've thought of a ThinkPad is its durability. I'm looking for a notebook that won't have any problems for the next 6 years or so. But I don't know whether I should buy the R 61 or the T 61. The disavantage of the former is that it only has one year warranty.

Thanks for your help.

 

Since you're interested in using this for the next 6 years, I'd think the T61 would be the better choice. Better warranty, and the T series generally has better build quality than the R.

 

That is not true. While that was the case in the past, the T and R series are now nearly identical build quality wise. The T series is a little slimmer and lighter. The T series also has some higher end options like WWAN and the workstation cards.

I would think Lenovo would let you upgrade the warranty, but I don't know how it goes in Argentina since I never been. While buying a well built notebook and taking good care of it are good steps, there are no guarantees it's going to work for six years with out a problem. I don't know if it's available down there, but the Dell D630 is a well built machine and may be worth a look as well.

 

Thanks for your answers. Actually, a few weeks ago I received a Dell catalogue, in which is the D 630 and other D models. The price is nearly the same as the price of the T 61, but the T 61 seems to be much better.

 

Each has their own virtues. The Dell has very good battery life especially with the modular battery.