ThinkPad T61 Display Advice

I'm interested in purchasing a second hand T61 as a desktop replacement. I currently use a 17" TFT monitor (1024x768 resolution) and am wondering which screen size/resolution will be most appropriate - 14.1" standard, 14.1" widescreen or 15.4" widescreen?

I shall mainly use the laptop for browsing, wordprocessing, spreadsheets and basic photo editing. No gaming.

Portability is not an issue since the laptop will mainly be used at home. Also, I do not wish to retain the 17" TFT monitor so hooking this up to the laptop is not an option.

I'm tempted by the 15.4" widescreen, but these seem to appear infrequently on the UK second hand market.

Any advice would be appreciated since I'm scratching my head over this one.

 

If you're not moving it much, I'd tend toward the 15" because you can get a WSXGA+ screen, which I think is perfect for a 15" LCD unless you've got bad eyesight or something. You could also look the R61 or R500 too. They're a bit heavier and thicker than the T61, but still solid machines. About the T61/R61, stay away from the ones with the nVidia GPU. Good luck and welcome to NBR.

 

I agree with ZaZ. If this is going to be more of a DTR, I'd highly suggest the 15.4" wide at 1680x1050. The R61, R500, and T500 would also be good choices. Just make sure, as ZaZ stated, to not get one with NVidia graphics as they do have a higher failure rate.

 

Thanks very much for your responses. I ended up buying a second hand T61 with a 15.4" widescreen back in March. I avoided the nVidia GPU.

I promptly installed Linux Mint 9 Isadora and the laptop has been a solid performer ever since. Very pleased!