T500 / T61 owners, (take the poll!)

How is it for using on your lap, on the couch, coffee shop, house to office or even frequent travellng?

How often does your T500 leave your desk?

Do you wish you had a smaller, lighter notebook, (T400?) based on how you've used yours to date.

 

Well, one of the main reasons why I bought my T61 (the 15.4 inch model) was for a desktop replacement. And, I must say, it fit's the bill perfectly. This laptop is "just right" for my needs. I take it in the living room on my lap, to school, and while away. The only time I wish I had the smaller screen is on the airplane. With the 15.4 inch screen, and the small tray tables (in coach that is), it JUST BARLEY fits. However, if the person sitting in front of you decides to put thier seat back to take a nap, you're screwed. I had that happen on my first flight with my T61. We boarded the plane, took off, got my laptop read to watch a movie (with the seat in the up position in front of me, the screen *just barley* opens to a 90* angle), then the person sitting in front decided to recline the seat, and my screen practically shut closed lol.
Anyway, I'm rambling on about this lol, so yes. I would say for 99% of the time my 15.4 inch screen is the perfect size of *my* needs. If I was a VERY frequent traveler (flying at least once per week/ever other week) then I would definitely get the X300/X301 for my travel needs.

 

the larger screen seems worth it then, I've heard it's not bad for weight on the lap and it runs cool as well.

 

To some degree it's a personal preference. My last last notebook was a 15" T42, which wasn't bad, I just prefer something smaller.

 

I've come to the conclusion after buying my T500 that I'll probably never be completely satisfied with using a small screen for a lengthy period of time (and as you'll read below, I consider every laptop screen to be small), so considering that I still needed a laptop that was reasonably portable, I'm pleased. I don't like screen resolutions lower than SXGA+/WSXGA+, so a 15.4" laptop fits that bill. On the other end, a 17" laptop really would have been too bulky. I have used the T500 on my lap and my stomach while laying on the couch and also had it in my lap while sitting straight, and it hasn't been a problem comfort-wise.

That said, my desktop monitor at home is 27" and consequently, nothing really compares to working on my desktop PC. I'm not one to ask about ever wishing my computing equipment was smaller in general.

 

Love the power of the FX 570m GPU in the T61P but I would much rather have the chipset that is in the T400 for the CPU/power options.

Also prefer the smaller LED display of the T400.

Size wise the difference isn't that great. I do prefer a 14" display for a notebook because it is more mobile and should weigh less.

Voted for the T400.

 

I have a T400 and am glad my laptop isn't any bigger. Keep in mind that I take mine to classes with me (University) and the protability is quite nice. I kinda wish I would have plunged on a x200 though.

 

That is another great option that isn't listed.


Awesome machine.

 

I went ahead and ordered my T500, (Lenovo.ca). With all the tons or research and testing I've done I hope it's the right choice. The timing was right for the price too, save almost $900.

I also like the larger screen but am concerned a little about the weight trade off ... not a whole lot heavier than the T400 though and I get the LED 1280 x 800 screen = larger more readable fonts ... with the idea of being able to read and write for hours on end with not blurriness or squinting, can't wait!

Now to wait 3-4 weeks, bummer.

 

Super choice on the T500. My T61's screen is also a 1280X800, and LOVE it. (I very seldom do multi-task operations).

 

Build quality, High resolution screen, powerful graphics, great battery life , display port, ultrabay for second hard drive and lots of raw processing power packed in t500 made it a ideal purchase. i don't mind the extra weight. i carry this everywhere i go.

one thing i hate is the keyboard flex. glad it is solved fore newer models. hoping mine gets replaced soon

 

I love my TP but the problem is its heevy. X series would have been a better choice as far as weight but you gotta compromise as the screen would only entertain ants.

 

15.4" screen is a good size for desktop replacement style usage which is how I use my T61p now. It's not the most portable thing when comparing it to my EEE 901, and I wouldn't lug it around if I had a choice.