Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
So I've been using my T61 a few weeks now and I must admit that I can feel a difference between the to models. This small writing is based on my thought about the T61 compared to the T60 and my experience with both models.
I sold my T60 but I did own both of them at the same time for about 14 days or so... Both machines was with a 14.1" display with a SXGA+ resolution (I do not care for widescreen)...
The overall build quality of both machines was very nice. They're both very sturdy and the assembly and finish is also quite nice. I guess the biggest design difference is that the T61 display is off-centered by approx. 5 millimeters. That's more of a personal preference whether you like it or not not but when using the T61 you don't notice. I don't and I'm normally pretty focused on that everything is nice and straight. Actually it was the off-centered display which made me go with the T60 the first time..
Although my T60 and T61 was the same size the T61 just felt bigger. When standing besides each other with the lid closed the T61 was a few millimeters higher due to the internal roll cage in the LCD cover. Also, the roll cage creates a hump on the LCD cover... The T61 LCD cover have a small overhang on each side making it a bit wider when closed. I can't remember whether the widths of the base were the same...
The T60 was the better machine regarding assembly and finish. I didn't find any places on the T60 which would creak or make strange noises, even when using force... On the T61 there are a few places which creaks and one particular spot is in the keyboard bezel. Just in the area left to the "Esc" key I can actually depress the bezel a.5 millimeters. It isn't very much and you don't notice it when using the computer or typing or anything else, but it's there. I might call Lenovo to ask them about it... The keyboard bezel is very easy to replace so I might do that...
Also when running my finger around the edge of the LCD top cover I can feel that its more uneven than it was on my T60. Also, not something you would notice in everyday use.
One thing where the T61 is better than my T60 is when it comes to flex. On my T60 the palm rest areas would flex more than on my T60. The flex on the T60 were pretty bad over the "Express Card" reader and the optical drive. That and the palm rest flex is much improved on my T61. The keyboard is the same but I do feel that my T60 keyboard was a bit more responsive. It's probably because of the different suppliers of ThinkPad keyboards... But there's no difference regarding flex.
The "ThinkLight" was is a nice feature and I actually did use it rather often on my T60. I wasn't blinding and it would light up the keyboard just enough to use comfortably. The T61 doesn't light up as much so I actually don't use it as much as I did previously.
Both machines are very nice and offers great build quality. Although the T60 and T61 is almost identical in design, then I must say that I like the T60's design better. It's the (very) small difference that makes the difference. When it comes to build quality I do like the T61 better. The, almost, non-existing flex and the roll cage in the LCD cover just makes it better in that regard... I think the T61 is the better machine because of the improved build quality. Design is one thing but build quality is just more important (to me). Maybe I just like the T60's design better because it was my first ThinkPad... there's nothing as first love
Hope this is useful to someone... If not, then I've just had the pleasure of typing on the best keyboard in business
Some thoughts on the T61 from a previous T60 owner
Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Laursen, Sep 14, 2008.
