ThinkPad T-Series: UK Look Before Buy Issue

Hi,

I am in the market for a new laptop and I'm thinking about a ThinkPad T61. I do a lot of heavy image processing for my work and I also need to be pretty mobile. From a size perspective I'm deliberating between a 14.1" and a 15.4", but I'm also unsure about screen resolution and brightness. Some reviews on the latter two issues have left me a bit anxious about buying without seeing it first. The last thing I want is a powerful machine that gives me eye strain!

So my question is: does anyone know if it is possible to see these machines in the UK before buying them? I'm based in the South West of the UK. I called my local dealers but they don't have anything in stock.

Calling the Lenovo helpline was an utter waste of time. I asked them if there was a "showroom" type place or major store that stocked the T-Series in the UK. They said they were not sure and that I should check their website!

Any advice?

Thanks,
Karen

 

I had the same problem, I ended up buying the US just to get the spec I wanted at a decent price.

To test screen sizes etc, went to PC world or a Tescos Extra and looked at 14.1 inch models of acer etc with the 1440 x 900 resolution to make sure I was happy with it before buying a T61.

If your working from the same place alot then you could hook up your T61 to a widescreen monitor, which is what I do (see sig). Glad I went for the 14.1 in the end, as the 15.4 would be a little to big for me to travel with, when I do.

 

Thanks KnightUnit

Came across some other models with a 1400x900 screen resolution and I found it a bit on the small side. Can't imagine spending serious amounts of time looking at that resolution. Lowering it made things even worse as it gets a bit squishy/blurry.

Combining that with the mad price of it in the UK, I had a bit more of a look about. Checked out the Dell XPS 1330 online today ... it runs at 1280x800 which seems like a nice resolution for myopic little me. Plus it seems I can get the specs I need.

The fact that the XPS 1330 comes in red and is sexy-as is not influencing me in the slightest

Cheers,
Karen

 

If you live in London, I remember Micro Anivika (spell?) used to sell thinkpads, try go to one of their shops.