Which should I buy? (R60 or X60)

I must have a DVD recordable drive. With that in mind I configured an R60 with a T2400 (1.83) processor for $1500.

The X60 I like because it's smaller/lighter than the R60 but it only comes with a T2300 (1.66) processor and getting it with a DVD recordable drive makes the price a lot more than the R60.

Anybody have any insights? Sounds like the R60 will be faster and cheaper and the sole advantage the X60 will have is it being smaller. Everybody agree?

 

The intermediate option is of course the T60, though that might be more expensive than either.

My question is what you need the DVD recordable drive for. If you only need it in a home setting, then you might be better off with the X60 and a USB recordable drive, which can easily be of better quality than those available on the Thinkpad models (you can also get an external optical drive case and an optical drive and pop it in yourself).

Of course, if you need to be able to record DVDs anywhere, that's not so much of an option.

 

Thx for the advice.

I looked at the T60, but to get a DVD recordable it was more expensive. And I configured the R60 the same as the T60 and according to CNET the T60 and R60 scored EXACTLY the same in performance.

I'm interested in the DVD options you mentioned. I need the DVD recordable for recording backup disks of important work stuff. So it doesn't NEED to be integrated into the computer. But I assumed this was the more economical and simpler method to reach this goal since I do NEED at least a CD-ROM integrated into the laptop.

If you have advice on a better approach please tell. Thanks a lot man.


here's a link to the CNET review (note the performance graph): http://reviews.cnet.com/Lenovo_ThinkPad_R60/4505-3121_7-31879280-2.html?tag=sub

 

you can get a DVD burner in an external USB-powered case for ~$80 USD. So unless the built-in upgrade is cheaper than that, the external is better.

In common benchmarks similar-spec T and R series will be close - look at the R60 review here. The T is thinner and lighter, somewhat better built, and has some options (FireGL, IPS) not available on the R. The R has firewire.

 

Can anyone recommend a good external USB-powered case for a T60 laptop? Reliability of operation being most important selection criteria.

 

http://www.centrix-intl.com/details.asp?productid=433

 

This has a DVD Burner for around $1500.