lenovo thinkpad T61 14.1" - how easy is it to install RAM and a new hard drive? + where to find 4 cell battery

My Asus Z70V has been abused enough, and I think its time to get a new computer. I'm very attracted by the Lenovo T61's build quality, ruggedness, and performance. I'm looking to buy one on ebay, where prices are steeply discounted, but I think it makes sense to buy a model with a great processor, and install more RAM and a 7200 rpm hard drive myself for a lower price.

How easy is it to remove/install RAM (say, one 2 GB DIMM, or two 1 GB DIMM's), and remove/install a hard drive?

Also, where can I find a 4 cell battery to buy by itself, as a more portable addition to the 6 cell that comes with the laptop? Can anyone provide me with the battery number, or some identifying information for it?

Thanks,
S

 

Prices are also steeply discounted at lenovo.com right now. Check cupon websites for a Lenovo coupon that is good till oct. 4th.

Ram is terribly easy to install, 5 screws, pop off the palm rest, insert ram, then go backwards to put it all back together. There will be instructions on how to do this in the instruction book that comes with your new T61. You can also find instruction on Lenovo.com as well as a video(I think.)

Hard drive should also be very easy, however I've never replaced the hard drive on a T61 so I don't know what it entails. I'm sure it is no more then a few screws to get past.

One problem with buying from ebay is that lenovo starts their warranties the day they ship the laptop. If you buy a 5 month old T61 from ebay (even brand new) you will be missing out on 5 months of free warranty. Thinkpads come with one year standard so in that case you'd only get 7 months of warranty. Any quality seller on ebay should have no problem giving you the part number and serial number of the laptop so you can look up warranty info at lenovo.com.

edit: oops I just realized you are in canada, I dont think the cupon code applies up there.

 

lenovo has videos and instructions on how to do this (as well as remove/install a bunch of other components) on their website. RAM should be a 5 minute job. HDD should be a 2 minute job. keyboard should be a 6 minute job.

 

You can access the memory by removing three screws on the bottom and popping the palm rest up to reveal the DIMM slots. The harddrive bay is off to the left and there is on screw holding the access panel to that. Really simple installs. As for the battery ebay all the way.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'll definitely buy extra RAM and a higher RPM hard drive at a later time and save some money.

Does anyone know if there are coupon codes for Canada? If not, I'll probably go with ebay and save a good $400 or so.

As for the battery - I tried looking on ebay for a 4-cell for the T61, and wasn't able to find an auction for it. Can anyone give me an exact model number, or maybe point to a specific auction?

Thanks again
S