R61e versus T43

I'm interested in buying a laptop in the $500-600 range for web use, email, writing, spreadsheets, etc. No gaming or fancy graphics. I'm reading good things about Thinkpads and think I want to try one. This will replace an old Dell Inspiron 1000 that used a Celeron processor and was pretty little slow (and died recently). For work, I also use a Dell Latitude 610 with a Centrino 1.73 ghz and 1gb memory, and XP Pro, and the Latitude is fast enough for me but is a bit flimsy and the keyboard is too small for comfort. At work I use it with a separate keyboard and monitor.

I've looked at T43s on the Lenovo refurb website, and they look pretty good. They sell a fairly well equipped T43 for $615. The T43 has a Centrino, wireless, discrete graphics and XP Pro and from reading it seems the T43 was a good solid computer. The warranty ion the T43 is only 90 days. T42s and T41s are about $100 cheaper, which might be the way to go if there is no significant difference.

Lenovo sells the R61e in the same price range as the T43, $597 with a Celeron processor, integrated graphics, 1 gb memory, and Vista Home. Of course the warranty on the R61e is better, and it is a more modern machine that can probably be upgraded easier. My experience with the Celeron processor doesn't give me much confidence in it. However, upgrading the R61 to dual core and discrete graphics kicks it out of my price range (I'm a cheapskate, don't want to spend more than I have to to get what I need).

I would welcome any advice on this decision. Is buying an older machine totally dumb? How would the speeds and usability compare, is Vista significantly better or worse than XP Pro, are there other issues I am missing?

 

hi there,
just to share a little bout my own experience, had a T43 (2669-A67, u can check e specs at lenovo support site) from may 2005 to december last year.. sold it off so that i can still collect some resale value.. otherwise, the notebook is great, namely because:

the notebook is slim - be it opened or closed, its stil slightly thinner den any other brands of notebook of comparable series/specs/screen size.
it has discreete graphics - i can play need for speed carbon with my 64mb graphics: smoothly. believe it? its true.
battery life - it should last you about 2 hrs plus, i didt took care of mine so it was bout 1hr 45 mins..
processing power + upgraded to 1.5gb ram, i would rate 6.5-7/10
ram supported was DDR2 533mhz, but i used a DDR2 667mhz ram, it can be down-clocked automatically by system. in SG its cheap now, not sure if ur side is same too.

if you're looking for a machine just for net surfing, word processing, jus e avg joe usage, a t43 would be great. ive jus changed to a t61.. just additional screen size and e "new" notebook feeling only.. what's more, a r61 is thicker and heavier.
a clean format w/o too much of bloatware would be jus nice.
im using xp even on my t61 - to me its more stable, less demanding and more friendly. even though im using vista for my desktop.

above are just my humble comments.
cheers!

good health & stay happy.
eugene

 

Buying a used notebook isn't dumb, but is more risky. It can offer great value especially if you don't need a lot of power. If you happen to be one of the unlucky ones who has something go wrong with it, it's almost cheaper to just buy a new one than get it fixed. If you get a new one you'd be covered while you break it in. I guess it's up to you whether you wish to assume the risk.

I don't know about your old Dell, but many older notebooks use slower 4200RPM drives which often makes them seem slower, probably more so than the Celeron CPU which is still a good for Office and Internet.

If the T43 is smaller it will offer better mobility which is something to keep in mind. I don't know if you saw this, but it has a Dual-Core CPU and might be worth a look.

Link

 

Thanks for the replies. Thanks also to Merc14, who posted an excellent guide to upgrading CPU in the R61e, and noting that NewEgg is selling them at sizeable discounts. The R61e is now selling there for $549. NewEgg has an R61i with core duo, XPPro and DVD dual layer burner for $649. The CPU is not as fast at the one Merc14 installed but at least that will get me out of the Celeron range. I think I'm going to buy the R61i, even though it stretches my price range a little. Then later I can upgrade memory and CPU. The T43 is attractive, but it seems overpriced for an older machine.

 

If you have BJs nearby stop in. The one near my house was selling Z61ts for $539 after rebates.

 

I ordered the R61i from NewEgg early this morning with core duo, DVD burner, 1 gb memory, and XP Pro. No BJs near and the online store doesn't seem to have that deal. Thanks.

 

Yeah, I love my T43, but I think I go with new tech, .
good luck with your new TP. Have fun with it.