Thinkpads R61/T61

I'm considering purchasing either a R61 or T61 but I had some questions about the battery. Does anyone know for the 14.1" widescreen versions of the R61 and T61, which batteries (4,6,7,9 cell) stick out and about how far?

 

I beleive that any battery upgraed such as 6 to 7 will stick out the back. So whatever comes with the base config won't stick out the back everything else will.

 

For the R61 widescreen, the 6 cell and up stick out. My 6 cell sticks out almost an inch. But the price jump from 6 to 7 cell didn't seem to be worth the performance however.
I think it's the same with the T61 widescreen..

 

thiru is correct: all but the 4-cell stick out. I went through this same quandary and ended up with the 6-cell because the upgrade price was so cheap (like $14 at the time).

Search on this forum and you'll find several posts with pictures of the 4- 6- and 7-cell batteries attached to a 14" R61 or T61 (I can't remember which).

 

what is the increase in battery life between a 4 cell and a 6 cell?

 

On the 14" widescreens, the 4 cell is flush, the 6 cell sticks out 1" , the 7 cell sticks out 1.08". I have not actually seen the new 9 cell in person, but from what the spec sheet says, the 9 cell will stick out 1.47".

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=184153&page=2&highlight=menos's+list

4 cell gives 37Whr, 6 cell gives 57Whr. You're looking at improvement of ~60% with the 6 cell. Keep in mind that buying any uprated battery when you buy the laptop is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than buying it alone later. In other words, if you think you'll buy a higher capacity battery later, add it as an upgrade now and just buy the 4 cell later.

 

I would get a battery sooner rather than later. There is some kind of big shortage. I see Dell has tripled their battery prices to 299.00 for a 9 cell, (really). It may not be long until lenono follows.

Also, I ordered my t61 with a 6 cell and a 7 cell as an extra. I wanted a second battery, and thought the 9 cell may be to big, (and heavy). I think it is interesting that with the linux options where the 7 cell is still available, (instead of the 9 cell) it is more expensive than a 9 cell.

 

Some people consider the 7 cell to be a superior battery to the 9 cell. It holds almost as much charge without being nearly as large and heavy as the 9 cell.