r61 or t61 - what are the main differences?

I'm in the process of getting a couple of build quality issues sorted out with my Dell m1330, as well as the notorious CPU whine. In the meantime I'm exploring other options. Thinkpads aren't the most elegant design in the world but their build quality seems to be second to none. I've a couple of questions...

- What are the main differences between the r61 and the t61?
- Is there a CPU whine problem with them?
- Is is possible to get a glossy screen, similar to the m1330? If not, how do the Thinkpad screens compare to Sony/Dell glossies?
- I'm based in Ireland; is there anywhere online that puts together personally-specced Lenovos, similar to how one can do so with Dell? It seems to be difficult to get a 14.1 widescreen (pref with the largest resolution possible) Thinkpad with 2Gb of RAM and Vista Home Premium...
- What's Lenovo support like over here in Ireland/UK?

Many thanks for any replies.

 

Hi there,

Here are my thoughts:

1) The T61 and R61 differ mainly in terms of their build. The R61 is just much thicker, especially at the back. There is no other visible difference as far as I can tell. Lenovo typically markets the T61 as a 'business class' notebook.

2) I've used the T61 before, and there is no CPU whine (whew).

3) Thinkpad screens aren't the prettiest out there. I find the Sony and Dell 'glossies' better in terms of display and quality. Remember, they build Thinkpads for functional usage, not so much for movie watching / gaming.

4) I think you can try www.lenovo.com and see if they have support for the UK? I'm here in Singapore so I wouldn't know much about their support over in the UK - sorry I can't help you there.

 

1) Main differences between the 14.1" R61 and T61:

- about .2" thicker
- uses a standard height (12.7mm) optical drive
- lacks the option of an FX 570M found on T61ps (it still has an NVS 140M optionally)
- only 14" models have the roll cage
- lack of WWAN options

15.4" differences are a bit more numerous. The 15.4" R61 lacks an LCD roll cage and uses less durable materials in the covering (ABS plastic). Those aren't the only ones, though, mind you.

2) CPU whine is commonly found all over the board. I have the issue when on battery power, but it's barely noticeable to me, even when it's dead silent in the night, which is when I use my TP for the most part. I really have to listen to it to be able to detect it.

3) The R61i has a glossy screen. Matte Thinkpad screens tend to be labeled as very dim (less than or around 200 nits of brightness). If you're going to be working in bright office conditions, the matte screen may be a problem for you.

4 and 5) I have no idea, sorry. Perhaps you could locate an Irish member here and inquire about it.

 

This question has been asked so so many times. There is the search button that you can use.

 

This has been discussed many times - you should be able to get most of the information you need about the differences by searching. I also know how annoying the CPU whine can be from the three HP's I owned - but my R is nice and quiet. I haven't seen many complaints about it on this forum so I think you'll be safe. You should start a new thread with Ireland/UK in the title, maybe you'll get better response about ordering and support.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=215126

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=160526

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=122190

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=147546

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=174329

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=177805

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206651

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=138239

 

From my past experience, UK/Ireland support is fine.

 

Many thanks for all the replies. Very informative indeed.

Hopefully my m1330 will get sorted out but if that's not to be the case I can see myself checking out a 14" R61. The T is too rich for my blood...