T61 or T500

After some research, I've decided to buy a Lenovo for the build quality. At this point, I'm trying to decide between the T61 and T500. I would like to have a T500 for the newer tech, but will not accept the lower quality keybord and such. So, do I get a T500 and replace the keyboard or get a T61?

Do the newer T61's still have the better keyboard or do the come with the newer one like the T500?

 

I am pretty sure that the T61 still has the old keyboard (without the weight saving holes that cause flex on the new models). If you want the newer tech you should go for either the T400 or T500 and get a T61 keyboard (the swap is easy) if and only if you find the keyboard to be unsatisfactory (there are several manufacturers and they all feel a bit different). Unless you need the DisplayPort on the laptop, I think the T400 may be a better choice because you can get the LED screen, a lighter package with better battery, and lose little to no performance. If you really want a high performance laptop and 15" screen, you should look into the w500 instead.

 

I heard that T61 keyboards will fit nicely to the T400, so you can have the latest model and a good keyboard. Though it does mean shelling out extra for the privilage plus there are different manufacturers for the same keyboard so it can be a bit of lottery what one you'll get. I noticed my R61e keyboard is slightly less clickier to my little sister's laptop of the same model.

 

Thanks

I would like the T500, but I'm having a hard time getting the configuration I want for the $1200 I have.

I would like discrete graphics, WSXGA+ TFT, Vista Business (for the XP downgrade), 160GB HDD 7200rpm, 3GB RAM, DVD Recorder, Wifi 5100 AGN, and a 3 year warranty.

I've been looking at this auction on ebay on the IBM store:

h*t*t*p://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-T61-T9300-2-5GHz-3GB-DVD-RW-15-4-WSXGA_W0QQitemZ220299982417QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220299982417&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

(remove * from url - it wouldn't let me post a url )

It has everything except ony a 100GB HDD, but of course, being a T61, it has an older processor and only DDR2 RAA. Then again, the price is only $1,059.

Is there way with coupon codes or rebates that I can get the cost of the T500 down to $1,200?

 

I have a T400 and I gotta say I don't know what the fuss is with the keyboard flex. If you have never owned a IBM laptop chances are you will never even notice the keyboard flex, especially compared to your consumer class notebooks.

 

It is going to be very difficult for you to be able to get that T500 config for only $1200 (even with discounts $1400 is about the best I can find). You could always get a small hard drive and only 1 GB of RAM and upgrade them later when your funding allows you to do so.

I checked out the T61 you have on eBay and it actually looks pretty good. It actually does have a newer Penryn (45nm) processor just like the T500 and has the same TDP ( List of Core 2 Processors). The only real difference is the slower FSB and DDR2 memory. However, I think there is very little gain from DDR3 memory (I think it helps the integrated graphics processor but that is about it) over DDR2, and DDR2 is much cheaper right now. You can buy a 320 GB 7200 RPM HD for only $110.

One big advantage of the T400/T500 over the T61 is switchable graphics. This means that the laptop has both a dedicated and integrated graphics processor. You can use the IGP (GMA4500MHD) when on battery and substantially reduce wattage, then switch over the the dedicated when you need the power. As a result, you will get much better battery life for productivity out of the T400/T500 (but if you tend to be plugged in this is irrelevant). You also aren't going to get 802.11N with the T61 you have on eBay.

It really is just a matter of what you need, and what you can afford to spend as they are all fantastic laptops. Personally I would recommend you get a T400 with a P8600 processor (only 25w TDP, should help battery life), WXGA+ LED, Wi-Fi 5100, Vista Bus 64/XP, switchable graphics, 6 cell (fantastic performance for the price and good weight/battery life). If you shop around you should be able to get that for about $1250 (less if you get limited RAM/HD and upgrade them yourself).

 

I am working on setting up both a T500 and a T61 as I type this.

The T61 keyboard is far superior to the T500.

It is true that the keyboard of the T500 is about the same as other consumer class notebooks, but that just means poor imo. But not unusable.

 

Great info.

 

Ok, I put this together on the Lenovo CCP site.

ThinkPad T400 $1,112.40

Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)

Genuine Windows Vista Business downgrade to Windows XP Professional

14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera

ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB

2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)

UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)

160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)

Integrated Bluetooth PAN

Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)

Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable

6 cell Li-Ion Battery

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)

Operating system - Genuine Windows Vista Business downgrade to Windows XP Professional

Operating system language - Genuine Windows Vista Business with Windows XP Professional Downgrade and Vista Recovery media US English

Display type - 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera

System graphics - ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB

Total memory - 2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)

Keyboard - Keyboard US English

Pointing device - UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)

Hard drive - 160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Optical device - DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)

System expansion slots Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot

Bluetooth - Integrated Bluetooth PAN

Wireless card - Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)

Mobile Broadband - Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable

Battery - 6 cell Li-Ion Battery

Power cord - Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter

Language pack - Language Pack US English

41C9170 3 year depot 9x5 Next Business Day $71.40

43R9118 ThinkPad Carrying Case - Expander $23.20

06P4069 Lenovo Optical Mouse $12.00

Estimated total: $1,219.00

It is close enough to my limit of $1,200. I have a few questions.

1) Is it safe to use the CCP site?

2) Is there any way to get a better deal on this?

3) Can I replace the keyboard with a T61 if I don't like the one on the T400?

Thanks

 

1) Yes

2) Probably not, but check Provantage for preconfigured models (read the tabook to verify specs)

3) Yes

 

Looks like this is the best deal. Thanks for the help. I'll be ordering in the next couple days.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the CCP site?

 

Information here.

 

I got a promo email from Lenovo about an hour ago. It included this code 'USPGO4SAVINGS' and said you can get an extra 10% off if you use it at checkout.

 

Thanks. I'll try that. Did it say how long it would work.

 

Any recommendations for where one might be able to pick up a T61 keyboard (other than direct from Lenovo, that is) to replace the one on the T500 here folks?

 

Darn, I guess I moved too fast in ordering mine. I only got 10% off. i didnt realize there were better deals to be had.

Anyone ever have any luck calling up Lenovo and asking for an additional 5% (2 days after placing your order)????

 

Actually I had great luck with calling in.

There were a few questions I wanted answered and the salesperson took care of that, and then gave me $300 off when I went with a phone order vs on the website. It worked out to about 17% discount if my quickie math is right.
Granted I got a T500 with most of the bells whistles - but I was pleasntly suprised at the resulting discount.

 

I am in a different situation....I already placed my order online??

 

How long ago did this happen? Also, have you received your machine yet? If so, then was your configuration right?

 

You can usually get a price match within 30 days. Just build a new quote with THE EXACT SAME SPECS and any relevant discounts. Then save the quote and work on getting a match.

 

Try eBay. I know there are a lot of keyboards for the T4x series floating around, there are probably also several new T61 keyboards as well (the T4x keyboards probably won't work because they don't have the Windows keys).

 

That was my first guess as well ... okay then. Thanks.