ordered a T61 - some questions about my order

THINKPAD T61
INTEL CORE2DUO PROC.T9300
MSWIN VISTA ULTIMATE 32
14.1"WXGA TFT,W/ CAMERA
NVIDIA QUADRO NVS 140M
4GB PC2-5300 667MHZ 2DIMM
160GB HDD,7200RPM
DVDREC8XMAXDUALLAY,UBAYSLM
PC CARDSLOT EX CARDSLOT
INT.WIRE.WIFI/LINK4965AGN
INTEGR.BLUETOOTH PAN
7 CELL LI-ION BATERRY


Yeah, I know, a little late to be asking questions right! Except I am reading about 64 bit vs 32 bit vista and am wondering if 1GB of the 4GB of ram I ordered will be useless because I am getting 32 bit vista? I would rather stay away from 64 bit vista at this time just because of some software I may use being only coded with 16bit installation procedures that I read 64 bit vista doesn't support.

Also, I just noticed on lenovo's website that the 7 cell battery is no longer available. Only the 4, 6, and now a 9 cell is there. How much longer would the 9 cell last than the 7 cell? Does the 9 cell extend much further from the back of the laptop? If it does stick out a lot further then I think I would be happy with the 7 cell, as it already sticks out about as much as I would want a battery to.

Sorry for my rambling... I'm not all that computer savvy but I thought I did my homework before ordering, and now I am having buyers remorse already! lol.

One last thing that worries me -- my order isn't schedule to ship for almost 4 weeks. By then do you think it will only take maybe 8 weeks until the successor to the T61 is released? Although I guess it would take another 1-2 months to get that ordered delivered. This was a big purchase for me, so I think I just need someone to please just tell me to calm down and enjoy my new computer when it arrives

 

welcome to the forums MrMcgee
the general rule of thumb is if you can wait, wait. buy the laptop when you need it.
since you will be using 32-bit vista, your computer will only be able to see up to 3.2 GB or something around there. The 9 cell might last maybe another hour or so longer than the 7 cell but don't quote me on that. The 9 cell shouldn't extend that far out from the back of the laptop, but I'm not too sure since I have the 15.4" model not the 14.1" model. The new successor to the T61 might be released in the summer with Montevina.

 

upgrade to 4GB from Lenovo is not worth your money. You should just do the upgrade yourself to save LOTS OF MONEY. I would change the order to just be 1GB and then buy 2x2GB of DDR2-SODIMM memory from newegg.com.
That will cost about $70 after mail in rebate PLUS you will have your spare 1GB 1DIMM(make sure you don't order 2DIMM from Lenovo) of memory (to sell, for example).

 

agreed with Ref, bump the RAM down to the minimum config if possible and install RAM yourself, unless you don't feel comfortable opening up your computer...

 

I'd probably get the 5400rpm hard disk instead of the 7200rpm. A lot less heat and quieter. If you don't think it matters, running cool is good for the overall health of your laptop if you plan on keeping it for a while.

Not sure if you really need Vista Ultimate.

1GB and get the upgrades is a good price break.

 

You are all correct, but actually the VISTA and memory upgrades from Lenovo are at an all-time low in price. Yes, you save a little money doing the upgrade yourself on the memory, but it is not like most PC manufacturers charge, nothing near. It is like a $150 upgrade from 1GB to 4GB, and a $75 upgrade to VISTA Ultimate. Yes, I know that memory is less than 1/2 that, but maybe he doesn't want to fool with it. Also, VISTA Ultimate is very worth it, if for no other reason than the built-in imaging, IMHO, and there is a lot more in it than that. With an Ultimate system image, you can restore bit-for-bit from DVD's to the exact way it was backed up. Similar to any good backup program, but it seems to work perfectly, which most backup programs don't. Also, I am very much in favor of 7200rpm drives. The Hitachi's that you will get are very cool running and quiet.
I think it is a fine configuration.

Again, the memory and OS upgrades are nothing like the ripoff prices charged by SONY and others. Apple is about the worst for gouging on upgrades.

Andrew

 

Note that Vista Business also has this same backup capability as Ultimate and costs far less. Aftermarket programs such as Acronis TrueImage can also do this very well, for less money.

$150 to go from 1GB to 4GB is still a bad deal, even if it isn't as bad as Sony or Apple. I can find a brand-name 2x2GB kit for $75 shipped without searching, or one can find a single 1GB module (to upgrade the 1GB single-module config to 2GB) for $28 after shipping, and that's also a brand-name module. It takes less than 10 minutes, and a small Philips screwdriver to do the upgrade, it's about as much hassle as clipping one's nails. I know very few people that are willing to spend double for something based on a ten-minute "hassle"; heck, the pittance I'd charge a client when upgrading their RAM in this manner would amount to less than a third of that extra $75 they'd pay Lenovo for the RAM to come preinstalled, and all of the aftermarket ram has a lifetime warranty rather than the one Lenovo provides.

 

I understand, and agree about the memory. Some people simply don't want to undo screws on a new computer, and a $75 savings might not be huge to them.
Also, if it ever has to go to depot repair at Lenovo, they will need to remove the upgrades, meaning doing it a second time. The screws are easy to strip.

I didn't realize that VISTA Business had the imaging, thanks.

Andrew

 

lucky for me i know the techs at my school and we are a certified IBM / Lenovo repair shop so they keep any upgrade i do to the computer that doesn't void warranty

 

I think frys is selling crucial 2x2GB for just $60 shipped AR.

 

SOLD OUT.

This is one reason that $150 for 4GB from Lenovo is not that bad. To get 4GB for $60 you have to find it from Crucial or Corsair in stock, do a rebate submission. If you want a 2nd tier brand, you have to test it after installation and hope for no DOA.

Andrew

 

Along with Crucial and Corsair, I find that Kingston (including their ValueRAM line, which is their best buy for notebooks), and OCZ are both good, and can be found from plenty of vendors. I'm running 2x2GB of OCZ; I traded a friend my 2 1GB modules and some cash when he found out his 1st-gen MacBook Pro maxed out at 2GB and couldn't take the 4GB he'd bought.

 

I got 2x2gb of ram from Newegg on sale for $89.99+tax and S&H.
Could have got it for less but the RAM I ordered is highly recommended.(more money).


Lenovo does have fair pricing on RAM though... considering most computer builders charge alot more for RAM.

 

Which RAM did you order from Newegg?

 

I got 2 x 2gb of Crucial RAM from Buy.com when they had it on sale for like $80 or something. No rebate required.

 

Outpost.com (mail-order division of Fry's) has some great deals on 4GB kits.

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/5468099
Corsair for $74.99

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/5472719
Kingston for $72.99

I've ordered RAM from them a number of times, and it has worked out very well. They can have very competetive specials compared to NewEgg's and ZipZoomFly's (my other two mainstay retailers) prices.

 

Lonewolf: and even cheaper, http://shop1.outpost.com/product/5247587?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Patriot for $69.99.

 

Just as good, Aleph, I didn't see that one.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!

This forum is great, thanks for all your replies. I reordered my system with some changes, but decided not to install my own ram just because the price difference wasn't too much. I just wouldn't be very comfortable opening up my new laptop even though as everyone said it wouldn't be very hard.

I'll let you know how I like my new T61 when it arrives (fingers crossed for no dead pixels ).

 

The 9-cell battery extends out about .9" from the back on my 14" T61p. In my opinion, maxing it out to 4GB just means you're set for the future when and if this do change quickly to say 64-bit and you won't have to throw out a stick if say you ordered 1GB or 512MB and you were wanting to max the system out.

I upgraded myself. It was a cinch. 2x2GB G.SKILL, Cas Latency 4, and Timing 4-4-4-12 (spent $99--on sale now for around $85). Rawr.

 

I agree, Lenovo has almost made it inexpensive enough to upgrade the RAM at the time of the order. At least you will know who your warranty is through!

Andrew