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    X61 vs T400

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Arngrihm, Aug 26, 2008.

  1. Arngrihm

    Arngrihm Notebook Geek

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    Pity me for my indecisiveness for I've narrowed it down to these 2 lappies. I'll list the notables.

    X61:

    Intel Core 2 Duo processor T8300 (2.4GHz 800MHz 3MBL2)
    Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
    12.1" XGA TFT
    1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 (1 DIMM)
    Intel GMA X3100 GM965
    100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
    ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EU/LA/ANZ
    8 cell High Capa Battery (X60)

    Total = $1,003.85

    T400:

    Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2)1
    Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
    14.1 WXGA+ TFT w/ LED BL
    ATI Mobility Radeon 3640 with 256MB
    2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
    100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
    CD-RW/DVD-ROM, Ultrabay Slim5
    6 cell Li-Ion Battery60

    Total = $1,003.54

    Yes, I managed to configure them enough by 30 cents difference. All prices are Canadian.
    For school generally. Alot of photoshop/video editing. Little to no gaming. Portability and battery life is important to me mostly, and enough power for my tasks.
     
    Arngrihm, Aug 26, 2008
    #1
  2. BinkNR

    BinkNR Knock off all that evil

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    IMHO, it’s very simple—if you’re going to be doing image/video editing you’re going to want the larger screen—and the 2GB RAM (you don’t want to run Vista with less).

    T400.
     
    BinkNR, Aug 26, 2008
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  3. Arngrihm

    Arngrihm Notebook Geek

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    I didn't put more ram into the x61 because Lenovo's prices for ddr2 is unreasonable imo, the upgrading is cheaper with after market ram. The T400 does have a LED screen though which would be great for colors.

    Hmmm, perhaps I'm making an error in thinking a near ultra portable like the x61 with its 12.1'' screen was made for applications like creative suite?
     
    Arngrihm, Aug 26, 2008
    #3
  4. BinkNR

    BinkNR Knock off all that evil

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    The LED screen is great—ever since having one and the extreme brightness it gives, I can never go back to CCFL when it comes to my personal computer. As for the 12.1” screen, you’re not going to be happy doing video and photography on it. Granted, 12.1” makes it very portable, but you’re not going to enjoy doing what you do a lot of on it—that and the video card in the T400 is better as well.
     
    BinkNR, Aug 27, 2008
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  5. Faruk

    Faruk Notebook Evangelist

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    No doubt that you would enjoy the portability of the X61 - but I agree with BinkNR: the XGA screen or even the video card will not cut it for the work that you will be doing! Integrated graphics (especially the X3100) will be way too underpowered for you.

    You should go for the T400 for sure.

    Edit: Looks like I posted right when you made your decision :p
     
    Faruk, Aug 27, 2008
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  6. Arngrihm

    Arngrihm Notebook Geek

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    From what I gather, about the only thing going for the X61 is it's portability and not much else.

    T400: Everything else.

    Then my decision has been made. Thank you blinknr and faruk and pretty much everyone on this forum. You folks at Notebook Review have once again been awesome. Cheers!
     
    Arngrihm, Aug 27, 2008
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  7. gmoneyphatstyle

    gmoneyphatstyle Notebook Deity

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    How'd you get the T400 down to that price?

    The lowest I can get is $1,115.05 (for the same options you list above) using visaperks.ca
     
    gmoneyphatstyle, Aug 27, 2008
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  8. Arngrihm

    Arngrihm Notebook Geek

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    Check your PM box.
     
    Arngrihm, Aug 27, 2008
    #8