Should I trade up my new Lenovo?

I've got about five days left of the return policy of my Circuit City-purchased R61i. I might be able to get a full refund, or may have to pay the 15% restocking fee.

I like this machine quite a lot though it has clear limitations. If I decide to keep it, it will have cost me only $850 [plus CA sales tax], after the mail-in rebate.

A Thinkpad ordered from Lenovo with all the options I'd prefer will set me back around $1500-1600 (not sure if there' d be any sales tax). However, the extra cost is secondary to long-term satisfaction.

[edit: actually, the customized T61 I want could be under $1400 - unless I'm missing some of the fine print, plus I'm still not sure about CA sales tax and S & H charges.]

The R61i a very 'nice' little machine, but I still have questions:

a/ Should I just learn to live with the R61i and be happy I'm saving a lot of money?
b/ Be content with less-than-mind-blowing performance on movies and 3D games?
c/ In any case, would a T61p (for instance) compare favorably on 3D graphics, games and movies to my previous laptop, which had ATI Radeon 9600 graphics? I'm making the assumption it would be as good and perhaps even better.)

[PS - Oh yeah... What makes a T61p a 'p'? I see no reference to 'p' on their website.]


Thanks for any feedback!
Dave

 

The laptop I replaced had a ATI FireGL T2 (9600 w/ certified drivers). The laptop performed very well for me, and continues to do very well. I do not play games but do perceive a noticeable improvement in performance in video editing and CAD applications. I would say that if you are wanting to be a future-proof (oxymoron when it comes to computers) as possible to return and purchase a better equipped laptop. If you are not happy with the R61i's performance do not keep it use your old laptop to get you through until you are ready to upgrade. Thats my .02.

 

I say take the R61i back and get the computer you want. But wait until there is another 10%, 20% coupon floating around.

 

If you're not happy with the computer, get one you want.

That's a lesson I learned by switching laptops twice until I found a T60 that makes me happy.

 

Thanks all so far for the input.
Please keep it coming.

(sadly, my previous [emachines 6805] laptop is on life-support awaiting further surgery, and may not make it.)

8>)

Dave

 

If you do take it back to CC, first exchange it for the absolute cheapest notebook they have. Don't open it. Then take it back the next day and try to get the restocking fee waived because it's unopened. Worst case, you reduced the fee.

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I never thought of that.

 

Icky thats' pretty tricky! I hope CC don't read that. [Of course, *I* would never do such a thing.]

8>)

Dave

 

Update: After a week of setting up the machine, tweaking Vista, and installing software, I just can't see the sense in dumping all the work and returning the R61i, just to order a T61 and wait... without a computer, hoping for the best.

So I'm thinking I might just keep this one for now, and wait for a better time to order a T61 (apparently it's peak ordering season right now, plus the big discount just ended).

When/if I splurge and get a T61, then I can probably sell this one without too great a loss, as it'll still be like new. (Also, that way I get to compare the two side by side.)

What do you think?

Dave

 

Good idea! They're only going to get cheaper and cheaper (I assume) so no point in buying one if you don't need it right now.