Some z60t concerns and a small review

Went to my local Office Depot today to check out the z60t on display, and have some concerns about it.

First being the Titanium screen cover. I had an image in my head of a thick cover that would be very rigid, and be almost impossible to flex. Similar to the older Compaq stainless steel covers that would not flex one bit. The cover turned out to be a thin sheet of metal, and didn't do much to improve the regidity of the screen. In fact the thing flexed a lot more than the t43 that was on display. The only strong point was that pressing pretty hard on the cover was not enough to distort the lcd in any way. I can only imagine how flexible the display would be on the z60 models that do not come with the Ti cover option.

Next was the screen clips. I thought IBM used metal clips, so it was a surprise to me that they were plastic. They are really flexible plastic pegs. While pressing down to show the flex to my friend, I somehow managed to pop the thing out of its internal track . So one clip was sticking straight out, and the other one is kinda wilted downward. The t43 on display, while having plastic clips, were much more rigid. They didn't flex, and felt VERY solid.

Screen brightness was almost exact between the t43 and z60t. I adjusted them all the way down, then all the way up and they were pretty much equal through the adjustments. While it wasn't on par with a modern shiney screen, it was fine.

Keyboards were the true winners though. Both were super solid, had VERY nice keypresses, and palm rests felt pretty solid. You could tell there might have been some flex in the palm rests where it is hollow under the cover, but they are worlds above any other laptops. You won't find something that is as stiff as a solid block of steel

I am kinda hoping that the z60m with being larger and a bit thicker won't have such a problem flexing. Also hoping they use some larger clips similar to the t43 for holding down the screen.

For those of have played with these in person, did you notice the same things?

 

hmmm.... I wonder if z60t is available in Office Depot nearby my home. If "flexible" issues is true that you found, I will consider Sony's BX then. In fact, I ordered Sony BX540B and wanting to cancel z60t due to extremely long wait of shipment. Sony SMB website claimed they will ship my laptop on 12/07/2005 via 1 day express shipping for $24 extra. I should receive it by the end of next week. After I received it, if I decided to keep it, then I will cancel z60t order.

 

I checked out the z60t in person at Office Depot. I don't see the flex issue you talked about. Screen was a big disappointment to me. Maybe background is too bright in the store, but the screen is hard to see when i set it to max brightness. Keyboard is sturdy and excellent. Ti cover is smooth and nice. And yes, beside the cover, almost everything on it is built with cheap plastic when compare it to T43 and Sony BX. If the screen can be a little bit brighter.. at least comparable to HP business laptop, then I will have no doubt getting it.

 

It wasn't overly flexible, but it had more flex to it (grabbing each upper corner and flexing) than the t43 without any titanium plate over the top.

What did you think of the little latches?

 

I wasn't at all impressed with the Z60T, either. It had plenty of flex, and I had no trouble pressing enough from behind to ripple the screen. The T43 had less flex, and I wasn't able to push in on the screen.

Is it possible that the titanium cover is just junk, and the plastic version is actually stronger (more like the T43)? If anyone has (or has checked out) either of the Z60's without the lid, I'd be interested to know your thoughts.

If nothing else, the Z60M should have a thicker lip around the screen, which should provide some extra rigidity. Definitely let us know.

What's a screen clip?

Howie

 

The latch on z60t I seen was actually broken. The screen wasnt sealed properly in the bottom of the screen. And overall, the z60t I see at Office Depot is a crap.

 

The 2 "clips" or latches on each side of the display that hold the cover down to the base of the laptop.

I was under the impression the Ti cover went OVER the plastic standard things, as it adds weight to the unit overall. I fear the z60t's that flex more than the Ti one

 

I have a Z60t and I believe it is built very well. Just as good as the two T series I've owned. The standard display cover is magnesium (that is what I have) and the alternative is made out of titanium. I have to press extremely hard on the cover to make the screen ripple. The display latches seem OK to me..a little flexible but they seem durable.

 

I went back to Office Depot today. I don't know if I was especially strong last time I went, or maybe I was imagining it, but I had to push really hard thoday, bracing the screen carefully. This is in contrast to the others (Toshiba, Compaq, etc.), which I could affect with an extremely light touch. I was a lot more impressed today and have reverted to my plans of getting a Z60M - not sure if a titanium model. From what I can tell, the titanium does go over something else, but I'm not sure.

Duffy, is the cover magnesium - or a plastic shell over some other magnesium component (either of which is fine)? Using magnesium definitely explains the weight some people have been balking about. Are you fairly pleased with yours?

Howie

 

Well, at my local Office Depot, the only other business grade laptop (ie: one with an ounce of metal on it) was the t43 sitting next to it. The only other thing that didn't flex a millimeter was the gigantic Toshiba Home theatre Quasimo (sp?) thing. Seriously... that sucker had a screen that was almost an inch thick

 

The cover is constructed out of the same material as the T4x series. It's a coated magnesium. Not sure what the coating is. It's tough though as I've never been able to scratch it in normal use. Magnesium is very light BTW.

I'm quite happy with the Z. Since I've discovered the fan control program located in the T forum I've been even happier. The only thing that would make the Z better would to have a slight increase in resolution.

 

since we're on the topic of the Z60 build, I figured I'd post these two slides from a presentation I got from Lenovo that might be helpful

 

I don't really know how well does the z60t built. I haven't seen a brand new z60t yet. All i've seen are crappy used and totured z60ts. I order z60t and will be shipped on 1/2/05 according to Lenovo's website. I also ordered Sony's BX540B and I should be getting it next week. I will be comparing both laptop and decide which one will be returned.

 

You'll like it..it's a great machine. Good luck on receiving yours in early January. I've had mine on order since October 9.

 

You know, that goes beyond depressing and well into the range of obnoxious.

Howie

 

^^ lolz

 

Where have you seen used and abused Z60Ts? I'll get those negligent owners to pay dearly for their unforgivable crimes!!

My local Office Depot doesn't have em.....yet, but from the pics I've seen, it looks very sleek and sexy, the only IBM I find athestically pleasing.

 

That magnesium chassis is beautiful! From the size of it, it looks like the chassis of the Z60m rather than the Z60t. I find myself repeatedly opening this posting just to look at it. And as a big fan of Formula One, I find it even cooler!

 

I seen the crappy ones at my local office depot. 2 office depot have the crappy ones.