T60 6 cell vs 9 cell

Hi everybody, I'm looking to pick up a T60 now that they have C2D. Since they're also being offered with a free 9 cell battery upgrade so I'm wondering how much more weight it adds, vs how much more time it actually adds. I'd be getting the 14" version with the ATI X1400, and I'm looking to get about 4 hours of battery life with normal use (internet, office, maybe light gaming). Is the 6 cell capable of doing that or would 4 hours+ require the 9 cell?

 

My 14-inch T60 with x1300 does not get close to 4 hours with the 6-cell.

Chris

 

you'd need the 9 cell because the C2D and especially the x1400 is a power pig.

after the battery has been used awhile, you wont even get close to 4 hours anymore.

 

I too, have a question about the 9-cell battery on a T60:

How much (size-wise) does the battery stick out of the back of the T60? About an inch? Also, those of you who own a T60 w/ a 9-cell, is it annoying having that extra bulk? Does it look abnormal?

Thanks,
Matt

 

I hardly noticed the one on my T42, but liked the 50% more battery life. It adds about a half pound of weight to the machine.

 

Looks-wise, the 9-cell looks fine, and it also adds quite a bit more battery life. However, it adds a noticeable amount of weight (in my opinion), enough that I prefer to use the 6-cell when I can. I can't really quote you numbers on time since I hardly have to run it all the way down, but I'd say I probably get 2-3 hours with the 6-cell, 4+ with the 9-cell. that's with my x300 pentium m 2.0ghz, wireless mostly off, brightness all the way down.

I think which one you get depends on your usage. I generally carry around the 6-cell + power cord, and only use the 9-cell when I know it will be more than 3 hours before I'll be able to get to an outlet. The 9-cell is great for those long periods of class or trips, though. For my use, I wouldn't be happy with just a 6-cell or 9-cell, so I probably would take the free upgrade to the 9-cell and purchase a 6-cell for general use.

 

Hey ZaZ, just a quick question: why did you go from a T42 to the V3000T? I have the dv2000t on my short list, but thought I might pay the extra for the Thinkpads reputation and durablity. Any thoughts on comparison? Thanks.

 

I too got the nine cell with my core duo t60, as it came for free - I'll be getting a six cell for increased portability soon though, the nine cell DOES stick out and DOES add weight.

On the other hand, with minimal screen brightness, I can get over six and a half hours

On average though, I see some4~5 hours off mine, and i have teh x1400 as well.