Why is the Z61 more expensive than the T61

I just configured a Z61 and found that it costs more than a similarly configured T61, even though the T61 has the newer chips. No, I did not make a mistake, as I configured a T61 with integrated graphics. BTW, what do you all think of the Z61?

 

Newer technology is always cheaper than older technology. But Z61t's have been heavily discounted at some places since it's being replaced.

 

At time i bought it, Z61 is cheaper than T43 for the same configuration (plus a webcam).

 

i really like my z61t, but i can't believe that anybody in their right mind would pick the z61t over the t61 at a cheaper price.

the only benefits i can think of is that the z61t has an S-Video out and a firewire port (which are both actually kinda nice). oh, and it also offers the titanium lid (which i like as well).

but on the other hand, (off the top of my head) the T61 is thinner, has an optional expresscard slot, the santa rosa chip, better integrated video, turbocache, batterystretch, and better cooling. it seems like a landslide victory in my opinion

if i could trade in my z61t for a t61, i think i'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

WOW T is cheaper right now. But PLEASE convince me of that sentiment cool!
Because the thing is, now the T61 is actually thicker than both the T60 and Z60t!

I know t series used to be slimmer than corresponding z, r, etc. T60 (15.4) is quite a bit thinner and lighter than my Z60m anyways.

But NOW according to lenovo (im looking at 14.1" here)- the t60 is actually a fraction LARGER in EVERY dimension (.1, .3, .08) over z61t!

Considering the way I want to configure, the T DOES come out cheaper for me partly b/c it allows you to add 1440x900 w/o adding mic and camera (z61t requires adding the last two along w/^resolution to the tune of $80 vs $30)-- btw guess the molds for those additions will be there regardless?

Anyways, knowing that the t61 is thicker than both t60 and z61t, now I'm sitting here trying to figure out the actual advantages of the T series (in 14.1 wide) over Z60t in BUILD (not processor, graphics technology etc):

-roll cage? (or do all tp's have this since 60; thought my z60m has it).
-more advanced cooling system (I know this is an advantage of t61 over t60, no clue if translated to z61t or not).
-blingy ti vs black (ymmv)

Yeah, minor aesthestic point. here's others i like about z:

-OFF CENTER SCREENset in bezel on t61 14.1"wide, looks centered in z61t
-all pics of t61 (except first few in video tour) show just "Thinkpad" logo on case. all pics of z61 show ibm logos (should be nonfactor).


What else am I missing on T > Z??? (talk me out of paying more for the "lesser" thinkpad).

 

my T61 shows IBM ThinkPad logo on both screen carter and palmrest

 

Nice.


One other possible difference- Z61t... matte display (w/1440x900)?

 

Another part of the price diff:... Doesn't the z61t still have a magnesium alloy case, whereas the T61 is a cheap plastic case with a magnesium roll case under it.

 

Both the z61t and T61 have cases made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which is a quite expensive material, in case you don't know.

 

The Z61t is built better than either the T60 or T61. No keyboard or palmrest flex, and no gap or movement when the lid is closed.

I just bought a T60 less than a month ago (chose T60 over T61), but if the new Z series BIOS with Intel VT had been released when I bought the T60, I would've gone for the Z61t instead.

 

So the Z60t is actually a pretty good deal? If so, I am glad that I had that coupn for an extra 15% off and ordered it last week. I kind of felt some buyers remorse, but it looks as if it will all work out for the better. Sure the T61 has the better specs (processor, screen resolution, turbomemory) but I am mainly using the notebook for school work anyways.

 

what the? now i'm confused. maybe somebody would be interested in buying mine from me?

it's fully loaded (T7200 2GHz Core 2 Duo, 2Gigs Ram, 100GB 7200RPM HD, fingerprint reader, ABGN Thinkpad Wireless, 1440x900, Silver Lid).

a very preliminary thought, but one that i'd be willing to think about (especially now that it's summer, and don't need my laptop as much now).

but on the other note. i never knew that the t61 was thinner than the z61t. did you pull that from the TA book? that's interesting, because from Andrew's review, it seemed that the t61 was just BARELY thicker than the t60.

either way, though, the z61t is not that much thicker than the t60. for some reason, though, it just looks a lot thicker. it's kinda weird.

anyways, i think the t61 and the z61t are very comparable machines. if you are just looking at build quality, they should be very similar. i think there has not been enough time for the t61 to have been tested thoroughly, but if it's anything like the t60's, it should be quite solid.

 

Yeah t60 slimmness over t61 and z61t are les sthan a tenth of an inch, pretty much a non factor (not vs my z60m though, which is huge at 1.5" thick). The t's look thinner because they taper more (like 1.09-1.2" thick, vs a mroe uniform 1.22 all the way).

Only other thing I found out about t over the other series- according to andrew's review, the case material itself is different on the t series than the others. No clue.

I'm going T. Just haven't decided whether t60 or t61. Either is considerable portability advantage over my 15.4 z60m (t60 ws, which is the same screen size as z60m is 30% less volume! and t61 50% less volume in 14.1wide). I think I like the magnesium lid + plastic/composite over the all plastic+composite w/roll cage in lid. And also temperature is huge factor for me, so lower speed c2d's are actually my preference. The 1.66 in the 15.4 T60, you probably feel no heat AT ALL with integrated graphics and hte slower hd.