Sl400? T61?

Hi.

I am trying to decide between the newer SL400 line and thinkpad T61. My primary workload will consist of mathematica 6.0 and python coding, with some occasional facebook/LaTeX editing (something which practically any notebook in the market should be able to handle, really) and some gaming during off-time (I really dont game much. Just tend to play one or two games obsessively. I have only been playing Oblivion for the past year or so)...

I expect to be able to carry around my notebook all day if needed, so the battery life and weight is an issue for me.

I know there are quite a few consumer grade laptops that might better suit my needs, but the legendary quality of thinkpad keyboards made me think they would be worth shelling out extra money.

From what I configure on the Lenovo webpage, the SL400 comes out being slightly better than T61 at a slightly lower/equal price... Yet I have been hearing some concerns over the build quality of the SL400 line, so I am rather torn on the issue.

I would appreciate any advice/recommendations. Thank you.

 

Whether the SL400 have build problems I do not know, what I do know is that the T61 offers far better protection features and is better build. Here are a few things you might or might not be aware off.

The T61 has...
- Carbon fiber emmbedded plastic shell.
- Magnesium alloy rollcage and chassis.
- water proof keyboard

 

I think the SL400 has waterproof keyboard, too. I'm not positive though.

 

yea its only spill resistant to 60cc's which is roughly 2 ounces lol.