T61 versus T61p

I am looking to replace my Asus laptop with a Lenovo T61 or T61p.

I noticed the big difference between the two models is the graphics card. The T61 comes with the nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M while the T61p comes with the nVIDIA Quadro FX 570M.

I am looking of a 2.4 GHz. I also noticed that the T61p is only offered with the T7700 processor. The T61 is offered with either the T7700 or T8300 processor. From what I have read the T8300 is a newer and better processor.

I can choose a T61p/T7700 and that has a better graphics card. However, I can also choose the T61/T8300 and that has a better processor.

Any advice about these differences?

 

The difference in the CPUs probably isn't all that much. The $64,000 question is do you game or something similar where you'd that kind of card? If you do then the 570m card is vastly superior to anything else offered on a ThinkPad. If not, stick with the integrated Intel cards which runs cooler and gets better battery life. Good Luck.

 

Well if you play games you'll want the T61p for its graphics card.

As for the processors technically the T7700 will give you more performance since it has 4mb cache but the performance difference is really minimal and almost non existent. The real difference is that the T8300 will run cooler and use less power which obviously makes the laptop run cooler and the battery last longer.

I would definitely go for the T8300

 

I don't really need high-end graphics so the T61 with an T8300 processor is probably my best choice. I now have to decide whether I will buy the 14.1 or 15.4 version. I will buy an advanced mini-dock so most of the time it will be plugged in to that and I will use an external monitor. For the occasions where I do travel a 14.1 might be easier to carry. For moving around the house a 15.4 might be better.

What's the difference in size and weight between the two models? Is the 15.4 model easy to carry in your backpack or is the 14.1 model preferrable.

 

Both the T61 and the T61p are offered with the T8100 2.1GHz, T8300 2.4GHz, T9300 2.5GHz and T9500 2.6GHz.

I like to have more screen space so I opted for the 15.4'. It fits fine in my laptop backpack which I used to carry around a 14.1' Dell in.

 

I have the T9300 in my T61p. As I recall, it was quite a deal, about $65 to upgrade to this. You do want something to run as cool as possible, and as I understand it the Penryns do this.

 

If you dont live in America then theres only T7700 or T9500, which was one of my reasons y not going for T61P. The battery life of a penryn is higher.

From what ive seen, a 140m will stock at 1700, a 570m at 2000.
With tuning and overclocking ull get ur 140m up to 2713. Dont know how high a 570m can go though. But seeing as its the same sort of cooling, id guess it wouldnt go much further too.

 

Actually the T61P graphics card is MUCH better. The Quadro FX 570M 3DMark06 score with original drivers is around 4100. With newer drivers and/or overclocking you can reach anywhere's between 4300-6000.

 

I got both T61 and T61p. Quadro NVS 140m is not very powerfull. It can't drive only old games. Quadro FX 570m allow me to play any game fairly.


Both overclock friendly and at 600/900 MHz Quadro NVS 140m is pretty nice to play.


=> rabbuhl : Try to find a T61(p) with Core 2 Duo T8xxx or T9xxx. They are manufactured in 45 nm and have less heat.

 

Im talking of the 14" one ofc.
Seems one cant cto one of those on their site anymore though, strange.
Not powerful is rather subjective.It solely depends on what ones used to and what ones planning on doing with it.

 

I live in Europe. What is available to me is either a T61p (15.4") with a T7700 processor or a T61 (14.1" or 15.4") with either a T7700 or T8300 processor.

 

I buy my T61p with T9300 last week in France :
http://www.rueducommerce.fr/ordinateur/showdetl.cfm?product_id=432222

There is no more unit aviable. If you search in some european forums, you can find a lot of on line shop with nice Thinkpad offer.

Perhaps, you don't ask your self the good questions to choose :
- Do you need a lot of 3D power ? Yes => T61p
- Do size and weight mater ? Yes => T61
- Are you looking for high resolution ? Yep => T61p

Take care T61p have WSXGA+ or WUXGA resolution and it's quiet high for common users.

 

T61p Pros:
1. Screen size - widescreen + high res = plenty of work area
2. Screen resolution - 1920x1200 is amazing
3. Video card - it will play nearly any game at high settings

T61p Cons:
1. Battery life - it's bad - plan on getting a 9-cell
2. Size & Weight - one inch wider and 1.5 pounds heavier than the T61
3. Heat - it gets considerably hotter than the T61

 

I called the shop where I am going to buy the laptop and they have a T61p with a Intel Core 2 Duo T9300. That seems to be a good choice.

 

You can also try out Euclid Computers. I've written a review about them. (Check my sig)

The T9300 is what I have as well. Pretty good processor for the price.

 

Euclid Computers offers nice prices even when adding VAT, shipping, taxes and keyboard replacement (if needed).

 

unless you get the t61p, the 15.4 and 14.1 t61s can be configured with the same resolution, so in theory, you wouldn't lose any screen space by choosing the 14.1"...


it must of been a burden to carry around a 14.1 FOOT dell

 

14.1 did not have WSXGA+ resolution !

 

shahbazi was refering to you using the single inverted comma * ' * rather than * " *. Because * ' * means "foot" in length, and * " * means "inches"

Plainly, it's just another attempt of Americans trying to conquer the world.

And I know about the Dell's weight. I had a Inspiron 1501 that was ONLY 15.4". And it was 4kg!

 

Well I did get the T61p lol.