X61 Purchasing Advice

I’m contemplating the X61 as my next laptop. I would normally post this thread in the “what laptop to buy” forum, but I’ve actually settled on the fact that the X61 is the right one… here’s why: I don’t necessarily travel, but I do lug my current laptop around town a lot and would like the convenience of taking it abroad if needed. I’ve become accustomed to a business-grade laptop, and I’m certain the Lenovo would even be a step up from my current Latitude. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve REALLY liked my D610 but it’s a little on the heavy side, and I think I’m just ready for an ultraportable.

Anyhow, I’m hoping to get some input from you Lenovo-gurus out there… Here are my questions:

I was happy to see that the X61 now comes with the Penryn processor, but I’m still a little concerned that the X61 itself will be outdated soon. What is the likely release date of the X61 successor? I haven’t seen too much, other than the rumor that a new T-series may be coming soon…

The price has dropped dramatically since it was first released… no big surprise, but do you guys think it’s bottomed out for the near future? I’m hoping to actually purchase in the next month or so.

Are there any discounts I should wait for? Right now they’re running a 25% off automatic, plus 10% off discount code. As it’s configured, before tax and shipping, I’m looking at around $1,100, which is a steal imo.

Finally, I’m not a gamer, but will the integrated graphics be able to run WoW without a problem? That’s the only thing I play…

Thanks in advance for the input.

Oh, and here's the configuration:
Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 (2.4GHz, 3MB L2, 800MHz FSB)1
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic12
12.1" XGA TFT, 2x3 Ultraconnect II antenna
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)8
TrackPoint
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)10
ThinkPad X61 4 Cell Enhanced Capacity Battery60
7675: Express - 1 Year Depot Warranty7

 

I used to have the x60s thinkpad and I loved everything about it except the screen. The build quality was exceptional and felt even better than the 14" and 15" big brothers. Battery life with the 8 cell was amazing it went like 7 hours and I was using Windows Vista! However the screen is what made me sell it. It is absolutely horrible. The viewing angles are really bad and the brightness leaves a LOT to be desired. The 13" Apple Macbook are known to use pretty crappy screens but when I compared my thinkpad to my friends Macbook it was almost night and day. The Macbook display was so much crisper and even the viewing angles were better.

This is why I decided to sell it and wait for the LED backlit thinkpads. I like to watch movies, view pictures, and write papers for school and staring at that ugly, dark, putrid display on the thinkpad really turned me off.

 

Here's the thing about getting the best price, it's difficult to do. If you want to talk in general terms the price will be lower as it's close to being phased out which the X61 is, but nobody here knows if or when Lenovo will go any lower. About the best you can do is watch it for a while so you'll know when the best price is. The lowest I personally have seen it new is about $800 for the base configuration. I'd say if drops to around there I'd buy. Maybe you could eke out a few extra dollars, but it wouldn't be worth it to me to keep waiting. They were offering some X60s at the outlet store for $600 a few months ago. You might want to keep an eye there.

There will be new ThinkPads this late summer or fall. The X200 is the replacement for the X61. It will be widescreen. There's a lot of speculation as to the stats, but it's a lot rumors for now. I got to review the X61s last summer. It I thought was a nice little performer. I thought the screen on it was pretty decent, better than my R60 which ain't saying much. Most laptop screens aren't that great now that the FlexView is gone. If you think the viewing angles will be markedly better on the new ones, I think you're in for some disappointment though a LED screen should offer better battery life and more even lighting.

 

Thanks Zaz, I read your review and it was very thorough... probably one of the reasons I started to look at the 61. And yah, the pricing thing is always tricky... wait too long and you're gonna buy an outdated machine, wait until a new one comes out and you'll be paying top dollar for it.

 

also, what the heck, i don't have the option to upgrade to vista home premium... why is that? i suppose that vista business would be my best bet? if there's no price diff with business and business 64, which should i go with?

 

Unless you have a specific reason for wanting a 64bit OS when get the regular Business.

 

yah, that's what i figured... thanks man

 

I was in the same boat at the end of April. Wait a little longer or start enjoying it sooner. Ordered it 4/28, it shipped on 5/5, and i received it 5/8. The estimated ship date was 5/22. A few days after I ordered, they dropped the price on initial price and upgrades. I configured the same setup, got a quote number, and emailed [email protected]. Three days later I got a notice that they're pushing the price difference through to their accounting department, and two days later I got an order confirmation for a credit of 68 bucks.

With regards to the screen, side by side with my Macbook, the Macbook's screen has better contrast, but it's much more yellow. The X61's screen has a more white/blue tint.

I'm loving it so far; what's funny is my fiance takes it to campus with her and everyone compliments her on how cute and small the X61 is.

 

if you wow on it, the integrated will leave alot boe desired. I have played warcraft 3 on my t61 integrated and I hage to turn all the effects on low, and resolution down to 800. It's still choppy. Integrated is fine for non gaming + it get's better battery life. But if you like gaming, you def need a discreet imho.

Also, its nice and portable, but hte highest resolution you can get is 750. Really, I would suck it up and get a 14" wit discreet it's 900 screen resolution.

 

@Takashi:

I think you should on this from a different angel, cause "outdated" is not really a good word for this.

You need to consider what performance you need and what price are you willing to pay for it. if you need more power, wait for the x200. but be prepared to pay up to $1,500 in more than basic configuration. If you don't, go with the X61.
I think there is a great advantage when choosing an already proven model. all the problems are usually known and all the fixed have been issued already.
But this is personally up to you if you need the extra performance, wide screen and some more minor upgrades.

 

id say wait for x200, if the "outdated" technology doesn't fit your need.