Upgrading from a T61...which one now?

I'm new to the forum but have been a lurker for awhile. I currently have a T61 as my primary business computer but it is a bit outdated and the 80GB HD is maxed. For the last 2 years I've had client provided laptops (currently Dell Latitude E6500 15" heavy brick which is way too big), so the T61 has been used for Quickbooks and has transformed into the wife's primary computer. I travel extensively so size/weight is a big consideration. I also want something with a better screen (brightness, etc.) than the lame one in the T61.

I've narrowed it to the following with pros/cons of each:

X201:
pros: small, travel friendly size; full sized keyboard much like T61's; can get performance of T410 is a small package
cons: is the screen too small? (I'm good with the T61 screen size but much smaller would be tough)

T410:
pros: can get it beefy and reasonably priced; screen size;
cons: might be too big? (doesn't seem all that much bigger than T61);

T410s:
pros: slim, perfect for travel; full sized screen
cons: HD only 250gb; various issues (palm rest, flimsy, etc.);

I want it pretty "beefy" performance-wise so it will last for the next few years. I don't game, really watch videos, etc. but it will be primarily used for business. SAP, Excel, Word, PPT, etc., plus some organizing of personal pictures, website surfing, Skype, the usual. 75% business / 25% personal. Price isn't a huge consideration but I'd like to get something on sale within the next week. SPP or education are options.

If anyone has gone from a T61 to one of the above machines, I'd really appreciate your input. I'm leaning towards the T410 but I'm open.

Thanks!

 

T410.

 

You might want to look at the X201t if you want a better screen. It's not much brighter than the T61, but it has a much higher quality screen. If you can't decide whether you want a 12" screen perhaps you should go look at some.

 

T410 has a similar thickness to your T61, and if you don't mind the latter, then the T410 is your natural choice for the upcoming upgrade.

 

T410s doesn't have the various issues you listed IMO.

 

Based on this feedback and where I was leaning anyway, it's either T410 or T410s. I'm on the computer 8 hours a day and lug it back and forth to a hotel each night, so T410s sounds like it would be easier in that respect. 250GB HDD seems to be the biggest limitation and I'm not so sure it really is.

I've read the threads of T410 vs. T410s so no need to rehash. However, how is the overall "bulk" of the T61 vs the T410? Things like getting it into a backpack in airport security, lugging it around at work, etc. If it's slightly bigger than my T61 but smaller than this brick 15" Latitude, I'm good with it. I know the dimensions but would appreciate real world feedback. Not sure I need the T410s but it would probably be the best for my needs. Ugh, tough decision!

2 other quick questions:
1. No gaming, so integrated graphics should be ok, right?
2. Sounds like the screen on the 1400X900 is much better quality-wise than the 1280X800. Let me know if anyone disagrees.

 

I used a T410s for six weeks and decided to swap it with a colleague's T410. If you're going to lug the notebook back and forth everyday and will mostly be using it plugged-in on a desk, then a T410s would make sense. (BTW, the T410s HDD/SSD is 1.8" form factor.)

1. Right.
2. Go for the 1440x900.

 

Another vote for 1440X900. Integrated graphics are more than adequate for office and everyday tasks.

 

If you travel a lot then the T410s. I just got my T410 yesterday and it is not very big or heavy.

 

T410s has slower 1.8" HDD.
Its not a problem if youre using SSD tho.

 

I personally vote for the standard T410, it shouldn't be that tricky to lug around in comparison to the T61. I still have my T61 14.1" and recently took it on holiday with me from the UK-Paris-Hong Kong-Amsterdam-UK without any problems, so I would believe the T410 to be no less different in that respect.

Considering the standard model is also cheaper than the T410s, you can also use the extra money to upgrade the system on certain parts (or use as extra spending money for your holidays!)

 

I appreciate all the feedback. Considering the 1.8" HDD in the T410s and the fact that I wanted more capacity than the SSD offers (or even the 250GB HDD), not to mention price, I might be leaning more towards the T410. I don't think it's that much larger than a T61 which I'm comfortable with. However, if the T410s 1.8" 250GB isn't THAT much slower and the price difference isn't massive, I might for that the T410s. Tough choice!

Hearst555 - If you had your T61 and T410 in each hand and were blindfolded, would it be that big of a difference in weight/bulk? What about in a backpack or shoulder bag?

 

If I recall the T410 is lighter than the T61 (2.23kg vs 2.4kg) so you may feel a slight difference in weight if you just picked them up blindly, the dimensions are pretty similar so there shouldn't a big difference in terms of bulkiness between the two.

In a Shoulder Bag they be OK but they do bog down if you have to carry it for a long time (like hours - I was carrying around my T61 in an ill-fitting 15.4" bag for more than 6 hours on a day out in London and it did tire my shoulders!) which in that case, you may be better off with the lightest machine you can get (T410s, X210). But if you don't carry it around for hours on end then the standard models should be sufficient for your needs.

 

Consider too the T410s hasn't got a 9-cell option. X201 has a 9-cell option, as does the T410.

There's other thin-and-light models with optical drives worth a look at: 13" Toshiba R700 (3.2lbs/1.4kg), 13" Dell E4310 (4lbs/1.8kg), 14" HP DM4T (4.4lbs/2kg).

 

T410 it (likely) is! Now, waiting for the best deal in the next week. I appreciate all of the feedback. I think configuration wise I'm all set - I5, 500GB 7200RPM, WXGA+, Intel 6300 are the biggies. Thanks again.

 

Just noticed the T410s has a free upgrade ($400 value) to multi-touch screen in SPP. Nicely spec'd it comes to $1244. Now I have a dilemma. Does anyone have the multi-touch screen on a T410s? I most likely wouldn't pay for the upgrade but since it's free, it is tempting. Does anyone have a T410s (or other thinkpad) with that option? Feedback is appreciated.

Here is how I spec'd the T410s:

Intel® Core™ i5-560M Processor (2.66GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD, Intel Core i5-560M Processor (2.66GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm - Low Halogen
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Bluetooth w/ antenna
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
2 yr Onsite Warranty Next Business Day

 

Looks good, add 3 year warranty, SSD and perhaps buy spare 6 cell battery in case you need longer battery life.

 

Digging more I see the weight and size difference between my T61 and a T410 is pretty minimal. The T410 is slightly longer, less wide and about the same depth and weight. Given how it can be loaded up with features at a lower cost, the T410s with it's higher cost/slower HDD space (not to mention less capacity) doesn't seem to be worth it. Saving a pound in weight isn't much if it means giving up lots of other stuff. Anyone else have this dilemma?

 

Pulled the trigger on this for $975 pre tax. Free upgrade to 4GB RAM and 500GB HDD pushed me over the edge. Wish me luck!

T410
Intel Core i5-560M Processor (2.66GHz, 3MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight (WWAN antenna)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 5700MHD - AMT
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera, 2.0 MP
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
6 cell 2.6Ah Li-Ion Battery - Dual Mode
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)

 

Good Luck!