random thinkpad questions

I'm considering purchasing a thinkpad (to replace my sony SZ), but have some questions... (that I haven't been able to find the answers to..) I think I'm considering the Z61 series, as it seems most similar to the SZ I'm accustomed to, but I might be flexible...

Will a thinkpad Z61 fit into a docking station for a T60? (My company has tons of T60 docking stations all over the place..)

I've read here that the normal batteries aren't interchangable between the Z's and T's, but can the expansion battery (that goes where the CD/DVD drive goes - ultrabay or something) be interchanged between models? (again, my company has tons of these batteries available for their stock of T60's)

Is there any Z61 series available other than the z61t? Lenovo's website shows vague information on a z61p and z61m, but I can't find any detailed information, or any links for customizing or buying them.

How is the battery life of the Z series with only the 'standard' 4 cell battery? how about with the 7 cell?

Does the Z61 series support 3 or 4 GB of RAM? One lenovo screen claims it does, but the 'customize' screens only show 1 and 2MB options...

What are the differences between the various thinkpad warranty and protection "upgrades"?

Is the webcam option for the Z61 worth anything? My Sony SZ has a builtin webcam, but the resolution for video is extremely disappointing.

Are the Z61 keyboards and pointing devices as good as the T60 keyboards/pointers?

Thanks in advance for your help
Gary

 

I'll get the ball rolling. The docking stations for the T60 can be used with both the Z and R series. The Z61m and Z61p are no longer available. You may still be able to find a pre-configured model out there. With the four cell, I've heard about two and a half hours. A lot will depend on the settings. The webcam is only worth it if you plan to use it. The one I saw on the Z61m was OK, nothing great. In my experience, the keyboards on the Z are just as good as the T.

 

my turn... haha

the z61p and z61m have been discontinued from being sold (allegedly because there is now a widescreen 15 inch T series).

there is confirmation that the next T series (the T61) will come in a 14 inch widescreen, which has fueled speculation that they might discontinue the z61t then as well.

the webcam on the z61t is alright, but I don't really use it that much and I don't have much to compare it with. I think the resolution is 640x480.

I have the 7 cell battery, and it would get a little over 5 hours with maximum battery life settings (lowest screen brightness and wireless off) and a little over 3 hours with wireless on. However, since i upgraded to windows vista, it has been more like 4.25 hours and 2.5 hours (but i'm still fiddling with it).

I've heard that the 4 cell battery is pretty worthless (like 2 hours or so w/ wireless on), but i can't speak from personal experience.

the keyboard is top quality and made by the same manufacturers that produce them for the T series.

going back to the fact that you are coming from a Sony SZ, i would suggest looking at a z61t in person before you decide to jump. It was slightly thicker and heavier than I expected. (It is maybe 40% thicker than a 14 inch T60). If you have time, I would also recommend waiting for the T61 to come out, since it will most likely be thinner and lighter (but it might lack a webcam and media card reader).

but don't get me wrong. i love my z61t, and I like that it's relatively unique in the Thinkpad world. but if the t61 14" widescreen was out, i'd definitely have a tough choice ahead of me.

 

my timeline just got much shorter. My boss (wife) likes the prices that lenovo has going on right now...

So the 15.4" WS T60 would be thinner than the z61t? That's surprising... At my office, they have no z's, and I've never seen any local brick and morter sell them - so I see no way to "touch and feel" before I buy.

Battery life is critical for me, and one of the (many) reasons I'm dropping the sony. I have a hard time justifying $300 for an extended battery from a company that's now known to produce faulty ones. In addition, I tend to run batteries down, so it becomes expensive. (My standard SZ battery is nearing EOL in less than a year... I only get about 2 hours from just web browsing with screen at 50%, 802.11g on, BT off, all other power savings set to max.) The thinkpad batteries appear to be quite a bit less expensive. There's also no solution like the "ultra bay" battery for the sony's.

My big problem is that I've become really comfortable with the 'thin and light' aspect of my SZ. If the thing had reasonably priced batteries, and decent tech/warranty support, I'd probably make do with any other issues. I had hoped that the z61 would be the best of both worlds, but it seems that they lack in thinness, and the battery life isn't as good as I had hoped (based on what I heard of t60 battery life.)

 

Max ram will be 3GB (chipset limit)

 

I've always tried keeping my laptops with a smaller screen... how is the T60 15.4" widescreen for use on an airplane (coach)? (some larger screens are a nightmare to try and use on an airplane as they can't be opened enough on the tray tables.)

 

Well, my recent flight on Alaska Airlines showed me that a 15.4" should be fine. I had my 4:3 14" with me, and the height was fine. And a 15.4" 16:10 is about the same height as a 4:3 14". I also had about two inches on the sides which a 15.4" should occupy. Plus, the trays slide out (something I had forgot). You might not have the most room, and most certainly will have to shut the lid if you need to get up. But it's fine in my opinion.

 

If you want a 'think and light' the T60 is definately in that catergory.

I recommend getting the one with 14.1" screen. It's smaller so obviously you save a bit of battery life--as opposed to the 15.4"WS.

 

I'm not 100% sure about the 15 inch T60, but I know for a fact that the 14 inch T60 is thinner than the z61t.

To clarify: the z61t is not a brick by any means, maybe like 1.25 inches thick. I would still classify it on the Thin and Light category, but at the larger end. The T60 would be right smack in the middle, and your SZ would be at the lower end.

 

oh god.. I just spent some time typing on a T60's keyboard. I'm in love. That thing is as good as my desktop keyboard... and the blackslash is in the right place!

 

To those that replied - thank you very much for your assistance. I've placed a thinkpad order:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=1914721

It's not a Z61, but I really need the battery life, and perhaps I'll enjoy the larger screen too.

Again, thanks to everyone with their answers to my questions.

 

Hey there nice comp, I am sure you will enjoy it.