T60 vs. Z61t (buying this week!)

Yes, I did just register today, and yes this is also posted on NotebookForums.com .

However, I stumbled upon this board, to find a very active thinkpad community. So I am hoping you all can help me out.

I need help deciding between these two configurations and then also have some follow-up questions.

ThinkPad T60 Series - 1 Yr Depot Warranty - $1,379.00
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
14.1 SXGA+ TFT
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 128MB
512 MB PC2-5300 SDRAM DDR2 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
No integrated fingerprint reader
60GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (US/CAN/LA/AP)
9 cell Li-Ion Battery
1 Year Limited Warranty

ThinkPad Z61t Series - 1 Yr Depot Warranty - $1,274.00
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
14.1" WXGA+, Black
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 DVI pass through, (14.1"LCD & Core 2 Duo)
512 MB PC2-5300 SDRAM DDR2 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
No integrated fingerprint reader
60GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ
7 cell Li-Ion Battery
1 Year Limited Warranty

As you can see, they are almost identical. So I am curious as to which model is considered superior in regards to design and weight. (Considering that the T60 is on sale with reg. price $1,714.00 while the Z61t rang in a bit less @ $1,609.00 reg. price)

Next, I am looking at the screen size. I originally wanted the smallest form-factor I could get. Now forgive me for my stupidity, but what are the differences between SXGA+ TFT & WXGA+ (as I understand it, WXGA+ is wide screen while the other is not). What are the other differences I should be aware of?

Next, Graphics card. Please be aware, I am not a gamer at all. I am a student. I guess the heaviest tasks I perform are Photoshopping, Basic (HD) Video Editing and playback, Running Molecule Visualization programs. I assume these are not major loads. So I guess I would just go for the better card between the two (ATI X1400 128MB vs. Intel 950 DVI pass through) which I am guessing is the X1400?
The only thing I was wondering about is, the 950 mentions (with DVI pass-through when connected to Dock). Is there any reason that the T60 w/ X1400 would not provide DVI pass-through? and secondly, what kind of resolutions can I max out at with the DVI output (to my external HD LCD for example)?

Lastly, the network cards. Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (US/CAN/LA/AP) vs. ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ . Does it really matter. Is one going to be outdated soon (i am guessing not)?

Ok, So there are my questions and concerns. And I am so thankful if you've come this far (forgive me for rambling). I truly appreciate any feedback anybody may have as I make this final decision before purchasing.

Thank you so much.

 

I personally find SXGA+ to be more useful than WXGA+, but everyone is different. I have heard the DVI connector does not work on the Z61t due to the Intel 950 card. I haven't seen one myself, but the DVI does not work on my R60 which has the Intel card as well. I don't think there is much of a difference in the WiFi cards.

 

Great thanks!, I think I like idea of the SXGA+ as well. What about weight and form-factor? Is one superioir to the other. I would probably lean towards the thinner and lighter of the two....

thanks again.


*****EDIT*****
okay..so after some lurking...Im pretty sure the T60 is going to be my Final decision.

I just have a few more things I am wondering about. Is the 9-Cell battery going to add alot more weight to the notebook as opposed to the 6-cell? If so, Does this outweigh the advantage of longer battery life (in your opinion)?.

And finally, Is this a good price? ($1349-$1379) + tax. This is from the lenovo website, and seems to be the best price I can find right now (considering I am not opting for an extened warranty...should i be?) .

Thanks again, and I appreciate any help!

 

The Z61 is thicker and heavier than the T60. I do not know by exactly how much as I have never held a Z61, I only have my T60 to go off of. I really wish they had a T60 WS Titanium Edition.... /drool

The 9 cell does add some weight. I have it on my T60. Personally I dont mind the added weight as I can go for nearly about 6 hours on a full charge just using internet and email. As for the price, I dont really know. They are having some pretty good deals though (my T60 WS now is $200 cheaper in the exact same config). SXGA+ depends upon your preference... I have WSXGA+, 1680x1050. I believe SXGA+ is 1400x1050 or 1600x1200. I think you should go with the X1400.

As for the wireless card, get the Thinkpad. It is branded by Atheros, whose cards are of higher performance than Intel. It is also been discussed that Atheros may have better power management.

As for the DVI pass through with the X1400 I do not have the docking station with the DVI output, but I would believe that it would support most of the common resolutions that DVI panels use. I am sure that there are posts on these forums that go into more detail about it.

 

thanks for your help! Now I just want to make sure the price is decent....anyone?

 

well the price of z61 is better for 100$ less but since the T60 have the x1400 I just have to go with T60 price for a dedicated card and lighter too. You can't upgrade a video card nor the weight of the laptop

 

The Z61t is thicker than the T60, but it is lighter than the T60.

 

I would go with the T60. In fact, I did

 

i just came back from my school computer store and the new line of thinkpads ranging from z's to t60 widescreen seem to have gone down in quality. it has a lot more plastic feel to it with the exception of X60. the colors on the screen seemed washed out and the newer designs that are more "curvy" are kinda blah as well..

 

is that a general consensus on this board? Is there a notebook that you think I should look into that outweighs the T60? Or is this just a newly realized personal opinion?

Because I am about to pull the trigger on this T60.... what should I buy instead boradori?

 

The quality of my R60 and the other ThinkPads I have seen as of late has been very good.

 

it's a personal opinion of course. i don't know... you may want to ask someone who have used T60 for extended period of time. i'm positive T60 is still a solid machine it's just that i think the older thinkpads were built better using materials that were better. w3j reminds me of the old T series cuz it doesn't feel like asus used cost-saving approach in designing the notebook. one thing that i immediately noticed was the keyboard, which were still very comfortable to type on.