Which? IBM/Lenovo T60, X60 or X60s

Hi!

Currently I'm looking at purcahsing a new laptop. I just sold my old 15" powerbook and decided I would go back to windows when it comes to my portable pc. I know that the new macs with the intel chip supports Xp through the Bootcamp utility, but I'd rather have a full windows solution.

Next year and maybe as soon as September, I will be leaving for Germany as an exchange student. This means that I am looking for a very durable laptop that can take a beating and altough I'm careful with my stuff, I'dd rather ahve peace of mind.

I've grown out of the gaming phase, thus I don't focus on games anymore. This might narrow the search for a laptop since I don't need something that as a crazy dedicated video solution.

One of my biggest needs is portability.

Currently I have looked at 2 models from IBM. Note that I can get discounts and that even tho Lenovo/ibm laptops are usually more expensive than competition, I'll be getting it at a certain discount.


First model:

T60

T2500(2GHz)
1GB RAM (1x1024meg)
100GB 5400rpm HD
14.1in 1400x1050 LCD
128MB ATI Radeon X1400
CDRW/DVDRW
802.11abg wireless
Bluetooth/Modem
1Gb Ethernet
UltraNav
Secure chip
Fingerprint reader
6c Li-Ion batt
WinXP Pro
3 years warranty

Second model considered:

X60

Intel Core Duo T2400 (1.83GHz)
Intel GMA 950 (integrated)
12.1" 1024x786 XGA LCD>
512 MB DDR2 5300 (667mhz)
80GB 5400 RPM SATA
Intel Pro/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Intel 3945 802.11a/b/g wireless with dual built-in antennas, IBM Bluetooth 2.0
8-cell extended battery
Windows XP Professional
3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 4-pin Firewire (IEEE 1394) port, 1 Express Card, 1 Secure Digital
3 years warranty

I've had a thinkpad in the past and I really liked how no matter how many times I carried it around it still looked brand new even after 5 years.

I know the X series doesn't sport a cd-rom. I don't think I would mind having an external drive, since on the go I rarely if ever use the drive. Is anyone currently on an ultra portable laptop and regrets not having chosen an option with built-in drive?

What I'm asking are thoughts and tips fellow IBM/Lenovo users might want to share.

I was also wondering if there was a big advantage to go with the X60s notebook and if the low-voltage core duo cpu really made a difference. (battery life, heat, performance)

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

Hi - I haven't used the lenovos, but I'm sure you would get more replies if you posted this question in the lenovo area of the notebook manufacturers threads. I posted a question here that had some sager specific queries and still haven't gotton one reply in 28 views. After posting at the Sager manufacturers posts I got replies right away. good luck

 

I have the X60s...only difference b/t x60s and x60 is the x60s has the low voltage core duo...which basically equals longer battery life. I moved from a Compaq X1000 1.8 Pentium M. The X60s dual-core LV 1.66 is not as fast as the 1.8 P-M for everyday web browse, word...etc. The x60s with the extended battery last 6-7.5 hours...which is very good. With the X60 you would probably get 4-6 hours i'm assuming.

The T60 is nice with the DVD drive, but it then addes weight and lower battery life. Making less attractive if you are looking for an ultra portable. Only problem with no dvd drive is how do you transfer large files from one your laptop to another. I use my 1GB SD card....usually transfer Dixv of TV shows and anime.

If I had to do it again, I would probably get a X60 1.83 with extended battery. Have a balance b/t power and battery life. I wouldn't buy a laptop just for raw speed...becuase in 6 months your top of the line processor is no middle class, but you have to lug around a heavy computer.

 

I have a T60, similar to what you're showing there. Mine is in my sig. X1400 is way better than GMA950 if you do any gaming, 3D work, etc.

T60 isn't very heavy either (starting at 4.5 lb. I believe), though the X60 definitely has a big advantage in size. I suppose it depends what you do more. If you travel a lot, spending lots of time with your notebook on airplane trays, the X60, since it doesn't sacrifice performance. Otherwise, the T60 has a lot more screen real estate and a really nice 1400x1050 resolution.

 

They're both pretty nice computers, it's really just whether you want a 12" laptop or a 14". I think the 14" t-series is a very good balance between portability and usability. I carry mine around with me pretty much all day every day, and I never find it too much of a burden. The screen is also big enough (and has enough real estate) that it works fine full time, without me wishing I had a larger monitor.

However, the x60 is definitely better in terms of portability. That ~1.5lb or so can make a big difference when you're lugging it around all the time. If I were getting a computer now, I'd consider getting an x60 and an external monitor for home.

As for the cd-drive, I can say that I wouldn't have much of a problem only having an external. In fact, I bought a plastic placeholder that I use in place of my DVD-burner 95% of the time, in order to save a bit of weight. I use a USB drive frequently, all my music is on my computer, and you can put any DVD on there as well, etc etc. However, some people may need the optical drive daily. I could see situations where it would be annoying not to have the drive, so it'll just come down to your use. I think they are both great computers, it's just which one suits your needs better.

 

I would seriously consider the x60 if it had a touchpad in addition to the trackpoint. It's pretty silly that it doesn't.

 

I just got an x60 and have never had a rackpoint but I have to say it really is easy to use and I dont miss he touchpad one bit. The trackpoint is actually easier and has finer control and there is also a scroll button integrated with the left /right mouse buttons

 

I think if you need mobility and battery life the X is they way to go, but that SXGA screen will be hard to give up.

 

I like the trackpoint too, but it's nice having both options available.

Another killer is the complete lack of DVI output. You can't even get DVI out with the ultrabase.

 

This is my dilemma. Through EPP I can get a killer price on the X60 (300 less than the T60 I would get). I'll have to travel to school with it on the subway everyday so I'm thinking that the 3+ lbs of the X60 would make life easier. Going from my 21inch lcd at home to 12inch 1024x768 is going to be tough...

 

I have to say that is my biggest dilemma.
Since I'll be travelling for a minimum of 6 months and its very likely I will stay in travelling 'mode' for at least 1 year, I won't have an external monitor.

I'm surprise to see that the LV 1.66ghz dual core doesnt perform good as I thought it did.

Since I'll be in Europe, I will travel a lot by train so the T60 size should do fine.

The only thing I have to wait is for another extraordinary offer on EPP.

Thanks for the Feedback.

BTW anyone knows if lenovo's laptops can have a cpu update? or is the chip soldered in?

 

I believe they are socketed. You will void your warranty if you do so.