R61 v. T61 for a student

Hi everyone,

I think I've narrowed down my new laptop purchase to a lenovo thinkpad, but not sure I want the R61 or the T61.

I'd configure the lowest/ cheapest versions, since I don't do anything on my laptop except word processing and web surfing.

I'm looking at getting a 14.1 inch version.

I do like to keep my laptops a long time, so I am wondering if the T61 offers better quality/ reliability than the R61.

Also, I noticed the cheapest R61 has a processor that is a "Pentium" as opposed to a "Core Duo"? What is the difference here and is that cheap processor a bad bet?

Finally, is there any practical advantage to getting the DVD-RW drive over just the standard CD-RW?

Thank you!

 

The thread Why bother with a T61 since there is a R61 raises the same questions that you have. It's long but worth the read.

In a nutshell, T61 14" WS is slightly thinner and lighter than R61 14" WS. T61 can be configured with options like mobile broadband (WWAN) that are attractive to corporate customers.

Intel has positioned the Pentium brand to be between Core and Celeron brands. Mobile Pentium Dual Core processors have slower clock speed, front side bus speed and smaller cache, otherwise they are just as capable. Make sure the Pentium processor you get supports 64 bit computing. That means it is a Core 2 (Merom) architecture, not Core (Yonah).

IMO, DVD-burner should be standard equipment. It will take fewer discs to back up your data.

 

The 14" T61 and R61 are nearly identical construction wise with the T61 being a bit slimmer and lighter. The T61 does offer some enhancements like WWAN or the workstation GPUs, but it doesn't sound like you'll use those. I think any CPU you get is more than enough for Internet and word preprocessing. The DVD burner is nice for backups or making the recovery discs, but not essential.

 

Thanks for the responses

I'd be looking to get the following processor on a R61:

Intel® Pentium® Dual Core T2370 processor (1.6GHz 533MHz 1MBL2)

Is this a good enough processor, considering the light tasks I'd be using the laptop for?

Honestly, my main concern is reliability and quality. If this processor is not something that will be lesser in quality/ reliability than the other processors at the expense of being slower, that is something I could live with

 

Pentium T2370 should be more than adequate for what you intend to do with it. There is no quality difference between it and a Core 2 processor: they all came out of the same fabs. A slower processor may be more reliable because it emits less heat.

 

hey look at this way. you going to school and you would to purchase something cheap and worth while for 4yrs right ??? so you now something Tseries would be the right choice they come with a core 2 duo- 2.0 or 2.1ghz and 1gb harddrive. i think that is enough of power for a student. but you know something man they are have a sell right now and i would advice you to get a thinkpad t serie. it very similiarly priced with the R series. so i think the T series would be a better deal.

 

As others have said, I think the R61 would be the better choice for you. It is inexpensive and more than adequate for your needs. The build quality will last you throughout your student career. You'll also end up saving $100+ as well for school products.

Make sure to purchase it with the integrated graphics to save on battery as well.

One recommendation I do have is to purchase at least a Core 2 Duo processor in the T5000 family so you can insure your notebook will take on any basic tasks in the future. 2GB of RAM will also help.

 

The notable difference between Pentium Dual-Core (Yonah) and Core 2 Duo (Merom or Penryn) is lack of 64-bit support, and less cache. But, as already stated, the original poster plans to do just basic stuff with this machine, which means they probably won't use a 64-bit operating system or upgrade to 4GB of RAM, making it unnecessary. I don't think the cache will be a big deal either for the OP's needs.

I agree, a Pentium Dual-Core is plenty fast for surfing, word processing, etc. Just a note to the original poster: The Pentium Dual-Core processor is basically a rebadge of what Intel used to call the Core Duo processor (are you confused yet? Intel certainly doesn't help make it clear in this case ) After releasing the Core 2 Duo, Intel modified the Core Duo slightly and turned it into a budget dual-core laptop processor, but didn't want to keep the same name.

I'd go with the R61, and get the system with Windows XP for best performance, rather than Vista. And I agree with ZaZ; having a DVD burner can be really useful on a number of occasions, including lessening the number of restore disks you make. Since you've saved money elsewhere, I'd make sure you get 2GB of RAM, either with the laptop, or by getting a 1GB module and then buying another 1GB via mail-order (you'll probably save $20-30 this way) which will help your performance.

EDIT: Based on some changes msb0b made me aware of, what I previously mentioned here on the CPU is not always correct --see page 2.

 

I would upgrade to T8100. I think pentium series is 65nm processor. I think 45nm T8100 would be cooler.

 

I agree with sreesub. I would not get an outdated processor if you can help it. You'll already be a step behind. You'll thanks yourself later if you get something more up to date. At least get a Core 2 of some flavor.

 

On the contrary, the linked processor spec page shows the Pentium T2370 is 64-bit capable. It is very much a Merom core.

 

Really. I'll have to look into the specs. My understanding was that all the "Pentium Dual Core" processors were Yonah-core (thus my 64-bit statement). Perhaps this has changed; either way, it sounds like I'm incorrect.

EDIT: Checked Intel's spec page. It does indeed appear that Intel is using Merom (Core 2 Duo) cores for their label in addition to Yonah-core models they have used, making it a pain to keep straight. I wish they did a better job with their nomenclature on this one.

 

+1 for T series, im loving my thinkpad and problem free for over 3 years and counting

 

T-series vs. R-series: I'd definitely go with the R-series in your case.

CPU: On the R61, I think the baseline processor is the T7250, with the option to upgrade to the T8100 at no additional cost. You might also want to consider getting the T8300 for an extra $37.50.

Display: I would highly recommend upgrading the screen from WXGA to WXGA+ on the 14.1" R61 and from WXGA to WSXGA+ on the 15.4" R61. You'll be looking at the screen anytime you use the computer so it's probably the worst thing to try and cut costs on. I think WXGA is too low of a resolution to have on a 14.1" screen, let alone a 15.4".

RAM: Configure it with 1GB (1 DIMM). Then separately order a 2GB DIMM online on newegg or some other site

Coupons/Deals: Don't forget to look into the various eCoupons and deals available!