Which T61 configuration ?

My dad asked me if he could buy my not too old Lenovo T60 (specs. in signature) in exchange for a new notebook of my choice.

I've then found two configurations that I like but I don't know which one I should take and was hoping for a little help with that (I've highlighted what I like about the different configurations).

Here's config. 1:

- Lenovo ThinkPad T61P
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 @ 2.4 GHz (4 MB L2, 800 MHz)
- 14.1" SXGA+ (1400 x 1050)
- 2048 MB RAM
- nVidia Quadro FX570M 128 MB
- Hitachi 7200 RPM 200 GB HDD
- Gigabit LAN, Wireless (A,G,N), Bluetooth and Fingerprint Reader
- Windows Vista Ultimate 32 Bit

Here's config. 2:

- Lenovo ThinkPad T61
- Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 @ 2.5 GHz (6 MB L2, 800 MHz)
- 14.1" SXGA+ (1400 x 1050)
- 2048 MB RAM
- Intel GMA X3100
- Hitachi 7200 RPM 200 GB HDD
- Gigabit LAN, Wireless (A,G,N), Bluetooth and Fingerprint Reader
- Windows Vista Business 32 Bit

Here are my questions:

1. Is there a big difference between the two processors regarding heat, noise, and performance or should I take the config. with the better graphics card ?

2. Does the P-version have a better display ?

3. I never play games as I only use my notebook for Internet, mail, Office, music listening, movie watching and occasionally Photoshop. Considering that, which one would you take ?

The price difference is about 150 USD.

Regards,
Jakob Laursen

 

1. There's not much of a difference in the CPUs, but the better GPU on the first one will bring a lot more heat and will have less battery life.

2. It does not.

3. Give your needs, I like option two better.

 

1. well not really but I guess the T9300 have an edge due to smaller size?

2. I believe not.

3. well... if I were you... I would definitely pick the T61 then. I think the T61 would have more of a battery life also than the T61p due to the GPU...

(one thing... where are you configuring a T61p 14.1"? I dont see those anymore in the website... I am just wondering cause I actually wanted to get the 14 inch one... but had to get the 15.4 inch one due to Lenovo not having the 14 inch option anymore...)

 

It's not configs. I made on the Lenovo website. Where I live there are two major websites which offers pre-configured notebooks.

But I will probably go with T61 and the T9300 processor... Thanks

 

Yep go with the T9300 T61. Glad you wil get a 4:3 laptop, those are really extinguishing rapidly. I got a T61 with T8100 and X3100 and overall happy with it, although build quality is somewhat pathetic compared to a T42p real IBM.

 

Yep, that the reason I'm giong with a T61 instead of the T400. I really want a 4:3 ratio screen. I have no use of widescreen but I do like the higher vertical resolution offered by 4:3 ratio.

I'm aware that the build quality isn't up to par with the good old IBM's but considering what else on the market I still believe Lenovo offers the best build notebooks. I did consider the Dell XPS 1330 but I think it looks a bit too flashy... I really dig the boring black design of the ThinkPads

I just ordered the T61 config. and can expect recieving ot Tuesday. It might not be a huge upgrade from my T60 but it's a free upgrade. I really can't wait to see whether there are differences regarding build quality between the T60 and T61. Performance-wise I know there will be, whereas I'm most excited about battery life...