ibm r61 vs t61

Can anyone help please. I use my pc a lot but primarily for e-mail and surfing and need to replace it. I occasionally do some light graphics (home improvement software and a few rounds of golf). The graphics card isn't extremely important...battey life is more important than speedy graphics. A slow moving golf ball is actually truer to my real golf skills; I don't need, and actually prefer, that my kitchen cabinets not move to the opposite side of the room in lightning speed!

Each below is configured with the same processor (although the IBM site makes it more explicit that the t61 has Centrino). It is't as explicit on the r61 site. Given that the processor numbers are the same, am I correct to conclude the r61 processor is also Centrino? I've configured each with XP due to the desire to not replace some software; however, is my understanding correct that the processor is capable of working with Vista should I want to switch in the futue? Cost difference is $140. Only other differences I see are the screens. Which is better for my need which is not clarity in sunlight. Sharp text is a bigger concern. If either is really glossy, I wouldn't want it. Other thing is the graphics. Again, each are the same but I don't understand every thing about pc cards so if anyone can explain the difference there too, I'd appreciate it.

One last thing before I forget. What's the one DIMM vs two DIMM memory thing all about? I read a comment somewhere from someone who "went with 1 for expandability"... I didn't understand what that's about either.

Thanks!

 

Centrino isn't just the processor alone. I believe it's the whole Intel package (Core 2 Duo, Intel ABGN, Santa Rosa Chipset, etc.). Don't even think about whether your notebook is Centrino or not, just purchase a notebook with a Santa Rosa Chipset and Core 2 Duo processor and you'll be fine either way.

You will be able to switch to Vista any time.

I doubt you'll need a smart card so stick with the express card X3100.

DIMM is the stick of memory. For example, if it lists 1GB RAM (1 DIMM) that means you get one stick of RAM (system holds 2 sticks max). So if you get 2GB (2DIMM), then that means you'll get two 1GB sticks. When that someone said they went with "1 for expandability", it means that they'll have another slot for another DIMM of RAM later down the road.

 

If you do not plan to be traveling much with your laptop but rather uses it only at home, then the R61 should be just fine. It's just a bit heavier and thicker. The T61 is more light and portable. If you don't really have a budget restriction, go the T61 route. If your main concern is getting the best PC for the smallest money, take the R61.

I would take a 160 GB hard drive if I were you. The price difference is not too much and you never have enough storage space. It feels up quite fast.

If you can upgrade RAM yourself, openning the laptop, etc., then your ok with 1 GB. If you prefer notr messing inside the PC yourself, take 2 GB of RAM right away. Vista really like 2 GB or more to run well from what I read.

 

I would suggest upgrading to the T8100 Core2Duo (2.1GHz), which costs the same.
It's built around the newer Penryn core with a smaller manufacturing process.
It's gonna be slightly faster than the T7250.

 

The R61 and the T61 are virtually identical EXCEPT:

1) If you want WWAN (with Verizon or so) the R61 will need a PCMCIA card whereas the T series can have it built in.

2) If you want the mobile workstation line (which you don't).

3) The price difference is dramatic

4) The T is slightly lighter and slightly thinner (but not by much).

5) The R uses Ultrabay Enhanced drives and can accept T series Ultrabay Slim components but *not* the other way around.

6) The R has its headphone jacks on the front (bad) whereas the T has them on the side (better). EDIT: the both have them on the side but with the price difference you can get a nice USB sound card.

My advice: the difference in price is dramatic, especially if you use the USPSAVEMORE coupon before the 10th on the R series. Just go with the R series and use the money on something that actually will make a difference. With a savings of 200 dollars you can do a lot.

 

I almost forgot to mention: my comparison is only valid between the 14 inch models. If you're going to go 15 inch definitely go T because the R61-15" isn't as rugged.

 

I have a 14" T61 and the headphone jack is in the front.

 

Yeah, all 14.1" widescreen models have them on the front. The 14.1" 4:3 T61 has them on the left side.

 

I see. He mentioned the T61 and R61 in the same sentence and the only size similarity they have in common is that they can both be widescreen. That's why I thought he meant widescreen since he did not distinguish widescreen R61 and 4:3 T61.

 

Thankyou everyone. Apparantlly there is concern about the r61 15.4 not having a rollbar and that it's casing isn't as nice as the 14 inch r61 nor all the t models. I have a r51 from 2004. I actually like the casing. Is the r61 15.4 casing the same as my old r51. If so, great. It has held up tremendously. That I can tell, the old r51 does not have any rollbar either. Does anyone know if that is true because I then know that the r61/15.4 (which I haven't seen live), is exactly like the r51..both casing and rollbar. I'd be just fine with that and could move on with other concerns. Namely, the LCD. Here are the r61 15.4 choices

WXGA or WSXGA+; each with BT and camera options. Which of either is glarey? Documentation for my old r51 just says TFT. Which option here comes closest to that. Sharp text is my #1 concern; I don't need to work outside.​

R61 14.1

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WXGA TFT or WXGA+ TFT. I'm liking the reference to TFT cause the r51 had it and I like it. But now I'd like to understand the significance between WSXGA+ (15 inch above) and the WXGA+ TFT here. Is the "S" in the former an indication that it'll be a glarey screen when used in-doors?

The t series option on the 14.1 are the same as the r61 14.1; t61 15 inch options are WXGA TFT (already covered above) or WSXGA+TFT. This latter option is something different than anything mentioned above. Sorry to be so tedious in my note but Lenova don't make it clear if it's the "S" or the "+" that makes the screen clearer in sunlight and again, if either or both of these result in in-door glare, I wouldn' want them. Finally, when I read the pop up with LCD descriptions, some include numerous resolution readings, while others state just one. Can I presume that where only one is noted, lower resolutions could also be set?

 

Any time you see the word 'VibrantView' then it's a glossy screen. Anything that does not include that word is a matte screen; matte screens are better for outdoor and indoor offices. Doesn't matter if it has the + or the S or whatever. WXGA(+) and WSXGA(+) are resolutions, not the determinant of glossy or not.

The 15" R61 should have the same lid as your R51; both having lack of rollcage. Sharp text will most likely not be a concern; just turn on ClearType.

You can always decrease resolution but not increase it past its native resolution.