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    T60: Which Size?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Compugeek, Jan 4, 2007.

  1. Compugeek

    Compugeek Newbie

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    I've finally decided to buy a T60, but I don't know which size to get. I want the laptop to be as thin and light as possible, but also like what I've heard about the quality of the Flexview screen and the real estate space of the widescreen. Battery life is also a concern. I would prefer to not have to upgrade to the 9-cell battery or ATI graphics card (assuming that Aero Glass will work fine with the Intel graphics chip).

    This will be my first laptop, though I am familiar with the 15.4" HP/Compaq NC8230 and the 14" Thinkpad R50. I thought that the screen on the HP was nice, whereas the R50's screen was merely okay. I also thought that the R50 was too thick and heavy for a 14" laptop (which is why I chose the T60 instead), but that the HP's weight was tolerable for its size.

    So I guess my question is this: Is the Flexview screen really worth the extra bulk and lower battery life? If not, how does the quality of the widescreen (WSXGA+) compare to the 14" screen (SXGA+)? Thanks in advance!
     
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    It is difficult for me to give you an answer as to what you value since we just met. Everyone is different. Some can carry a 17" all day while others struggle with a 14" notebook.

    Having owned a FlexView ThinkPad, the screen is fantastic, but it is not as mobile in my experience. I am writing this on a 14" R60 which uses the same panels as the T60. The viewing angles are obviously more narrow, but it is good enough for what I do. The FlexView is the best notebook screen I have used so I'm guessing the wide T60 is not as good though I have not seen it. If you want to be really mobile with lots of battery life, the x60 with eight cell battery might be an option.
     
  3. paqtrick22

    paqtrick22 Notebook Evangelist

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    maybe you should think about what you really want:

    1. go for the 14inch t60 with 9-cell batt, with the x1400 just in case, if you want something mobile

    2. go with the 15inch standard t60 for that flexview if you want something that will not only amaze you but the others as well. let them drool with the screen's power

    3. don't you want something like z61m for the widescreen? hehe. i think the t60 wides are having light leakage problems, you can see an example in this section. my Z does not have that kind of leakage.

    i hope you can carry a 7lb. laptop package (laptop+cords+etc) maybe around 30mins. while walking or standing. if you can, then you won't have any problems regarding weight :) trust me, i walk around about an hour or so with 7lbs almost of the Z61m plus the 3+lbs of messenger bag
     
  4. wtm0325

    wtm0325 Notebook Enthusiast

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    take note tht u hv to give up svideo port if u choose 14", if connecting lappy to TV for movie watching is ur habit, 15" is a MUST
     
  5. EagleDevil

    EagleDevil Notebook Evangelist

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    As paqtrick22 said, it comes down to what you need. From your post it sounds like you're not looking for an entertainment notebook (TV and gaming), but for something portable and practical.

    If that's right, I'd go smaller. As one of our posters here likes to point out, people tend to go smaller over time, and there's a reason for that.

    The 14-inch T60 with integrated graphics will have very good battery life. If you go for the SXGA screen (is that possible with integrated video?), I can vouch that it's good enough quality for things like watching DVDs on the road.

    Then again, I have a desktop to use at home. If it's going to be your only computer, I can see the argument for the FlexView.

    Chris
     
  6. scoot1212

    scoot1212 Notebook Consultant

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    I have a T60 widescreen with the LG/Philips screen and I have minimal leakage. I would say it's on par if not a little better than any other laptop I've seen or owned. It all depends on your luck.

    Scott
     
  7. paqtrick22

    paqtrick22 Notebook Evangelist

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    hey scoot1212... you're right. it all comes down to luck. we can't have an ordering system wherein we can choose what brand comes with our lappy's parts.

    eagledevil... good point there. if that would be your only computer then opt for the 15in with flexview.

    if you still want something in between of the ultraportables and desktop-awe systems, go for the 14in T60. try to configure one like that of EagleDevil's sig.

    btw, i think the sxga+ screen is only available with ATI graphics cards. i could be wrong.
     
  8. yuckwheat

    yuckwheat Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm asking myself the same question.

    I would really like a 15" SXGA+IPS TFT FlexView but can't seem to find one on the Lenovo Canada site with a s-video out! Is there one?
     
  9. EagleDevil

    EagleDevil Notebook Evangelist

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    Is that anything like "shock and awe"? ;)

    Chris
     
  10. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    The FlexView is only available with a discrete graphics card. The 14" SXGA+ can be had with the Intel card.
     
  11. The Oatman

    The Oatman Notebook Consultant

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    I had the same dilemma and ended up going with the flexview. I love it but 15" definitely does not feel as portable as 14". The colors and viewing angles are great though and since I am a bit of a photographer it was truly an easy choice in the end. If you are looking for a lot of mobility I would look closely at the 14" unless you have a particular need for the Flexview or are just nitpicky with color fidelity; not only is the IPS larger, it's heavier and draws more power.
     
  12. Compugeek

    Compugeek Newbie

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    Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm leaning toward the widescreen, since it offers the extra screen real-estate and the difference in battery life isn't that big. I quoted several widescreen configurations during the holiday sale, so I also save a lot of money.
     
  13. benplaut

    benplaut Newbie

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    14" 4:3 is the ultimate screen size, IMO.