X61 Tablet - 7764 (bought for 679$ + taxes) - Sugessions & experience

Hi Guys,

I got x61t for 679$ + taxes through lenovo US site. Hopefully it should be shipped sometime next week or by the end of this month.

Below is the Machine config:

Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 LV (1.6GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
12.1" WVA XGA TFT, 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG (supporting Centrino Pro)
ThinkPad X61 Tablet 8 Cell Li-Ion Battery
1 Yr Depot Warranty

Has anyone bought X61T though this deal? If so, could you please help me with the below details:

**I am asking soo many questions, primarly because i havent yet got the machine with me. Please pardon me. ***

** What is the battery life (in hrs) for this machine, remember it comes with a standard 8 cell battery. I have read through some reviews it lasts for 5 hours with standard operational settings. But what is the max you can get out of the battery with screen brightness down to 50% and power settings at "power savings mode".

** How good is the wireless reception. It doesnt have 'n' but come with a 4965AG. It also comes with an 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna -> What does this antenna mean/do??

** for a tablet it comes with a glossy display. My question is, Would it be extremely reflective like the glossy displays on HPs, asus and sony notebooks? How would the display be in sunlight?

** Since the machine doesnt come with an inbuild DVD RW, can i use a USB powered DVD RW to install/upgrade my OS. The reason is, it comes with VISTA home premium, I would like to upgrade to either VISTA business or Ultimate that i would be buying in the next few weeks.

Now the PORT REPLICATOR: Below is the hyperlink of the PR that i got for X61T from overstock.com.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronic...s-Laptop-Port-Replicator/3000493/product.html

** Can i use an external monitor plugged to X61T through the port replicator?

And, without opening the notebook (x61t) can i power on the machine through the port replicator. Kinda, I dock x61t on the port replicator and can i use the power button on the PR to switch on the machine and to get the display on the external monitor.

I hope i am not confusing you.!!

 

We just bought 2 of these puppies as well, at nearly identical prices to you (added the 3 year warranty for $119, which I felt was a good deal).

I can't comment on anything else, as I don't have mine in front of me either - but I want to warn you that I think these tablets are going to take a while to show up.

I purchased one 2 weeks ago, it was suppose to ship friday, and now it's been postponed to 4/8.

i wouldn't be surprised if it got postponed again.

 

Six or possibly even seven hours should be possible if you turn off the radios and dim the screen. Also note that actively using the pen will draw about 2 watts.

2x2 means you have 2 transmit and 2 receive antennas, this is fine. You should get very good range. 802.11g is plenty for any residential grade connection. 802.11n is really only useful for copying files between computers on a local network (GigE is even better).

If the display is glossy at all, it will be extremely minor. My x200 Tablet has a very small amount of reflection due to the frameless bezel. Any gloss on your x61T should be a result of the plexi-glass writing surface. It won't be anything like an HP or Sony. The display should be adequate for use in the shade, but it may not be bright enough for direct sunlight (my x200 is, but it has a 285 nit LED display).

Any USB based optical drive will work for installing an OS. I pulled a DVD+RW drive from a broken Acer and put it in this $13 enclosure. It does the trick of installing an OS just fine.

I'm not sure if that port replicator will work. The x6x Tablet used a different Ultrabase than the x6x(s). As a result, you probably need a different port replicator as well. Additionally, that particular port replicator seems to be for IBM (<51) rather than Lenovo (60+) models. if you can find an x6x Tablet Ultra-Base at a decent price, that will allow you to output to DVI and charge the tablet without problem.

I think you made a great choice on the tablet. Enjoy!!!

 

Sean and Jon, Thanks for the input. I guess i need to dump the Port replicator that i ordered. I also had a look at the config of the PR just now. Didnt notice the compatability list while ordering. When it said X/T/R, i just got it assuming that it would work with X61T.

Anyways, I am more bothered about the battery life as i am always on the move. 6 hours would be perfect for me. I do not do any CPU intensive jobs. I work on word, excel and some surfing like checking the mails. So i guess with this it should last atleast 5 hours with the radios on.

Lets wait and see.

Thanks,