should I buy an X61, X61s, or neither? need to decide fast!

I had bought an X61s with ultralight screen a few months ago- but returned it because of screen problems.

But now I need a new computer ASAP and am not sure what to do. I've always been a loyal thinkpad user, but I'm getting discouraged. Here are some specific questions below. Note first 4 general things are: 1) that the x61s got so hot under my right wrist it would burn it if i didn't take breaks often-i'm hoping not to repeat that 2) I'm one of those people who like dim screens. the ultralight/ultrabright screen was too bright on its dimmest setting for comfortable use. 3) I also like the lightest weight possible, so I kept looking for options that would make it lighter (which is why I initially got the ultralight/ultrabright screen-big mistake- interestingly, they no longer offer that as an option). 4) the fan drove me nuts, but I can live with it. So comments on what I should do or on the specific questions below would be greatly appreciated. Need to take action in a hurry, but don't want it to turn out badly again!

Some specific questions:
I was looking at the choices they have available now for the X61 and X61s on the Lenovo site with the regular screen (I know, lame, but X300 is more than I want to spend right now). For the X61s they offer a choice of 2 batteries, the only one that is available without extra shipping delay of several weeks is the 8 cell battery; I don't want the 8 cell since it weighs 1 lb and I'm trying to keep the weight down. So I went to accessories to see if I could purchase a different battery seperately. Yet when I select the X61s, model 7768 does not appear. Model 7768 is the one currently offered on the Lenovo site. For accessories (for battery accessories anyway) only two models show up- I think something like 7770 and 7771. Anyone know what's up with that? Is that an older model of the X61S that lenovo is offereing since it's number is lower? I was hoping to purchase a slim line battery - is that not made for the 7768?or at least a lighter weight 4 cell. (plus I've been assumming I could switch between different types of batteries provided it's made for that line- is that right?)

or could i run the X61s on just the AC and not install the battery? I think the answer to that is No, but it would make it lighter if I could do that and if i'm forced to get the 8 cell battery.

Other important question: Heat under the wrist. Is there any difference in heat production under the wrist between the x61 and the x61s- they have different speed gHZ processors, so I thought maybe it might (?). Which internet card would produce the least amount of heat or does that not matter? -I think the card is underneath where it gets hot- I seem to remember reading some earlier threads on this forum or perhaps in x61 reviews on this topic. (I think they offer only 2 choices now for wireless connectivity; same choices both for the x61 and the x61s).

I could go try to get it in a store or another on-line site where returns are easier- but they cost several hundred dollars more and have fewer choices than getting it from Lenovo directly. Is there some brick and morter stores that carry a big selection of X61 line machine?

The x61s is a little lighter than the x61, but I could at least get the 4cell battery for that (without adding a shipping delay) and its a little cheaper.

If I go for "none of the above", what else thats lighweight - around 3 lbs. no more than 3.5 lbs with battery - and can be set to a very dim setting. and all with something affordable- not more than 1500 dollars.

 

All X61s (and X60s) models use the same batteries.

 

Wow. I've been reading this board and others for a while, and I have never heard a comment like that about any laptop... but I guess it helps you save battery power, eh?

 

I agree, the X61s screen is TOO bright at the higher settings.

 

Well the HDD is under the wrist.
Consider yourself lucky for the brightness comment.
It's a 20mm fan, how loud can it be?

 

If you like dim screens I got a R60 I'd love to sell you.

Supposedly the Intel WiFi card runs cooler than the ThinkPad card which I didn't think was that bad myself. The X is so thin you got to expect a little heat.

 

uhh, i don't have battery for my x61s, i just run it from the AC.
yeah the right palm area gets alittle hot, idk why

 

I read that the heat under the palm is due to the wifi card. The poster above that said the intel wifi card may not get as hot is probably right.

 

It's a trade off, though, the Atheros cards usually get better range in exchange for that heat.

Isn't that missing the point of an ultraportable, always using it on AC power?

 

only when i'm home obviously, i don't want to heat up the battery

 

i'm not the only one that likes dim screens- I guess I work in dimly lit rooms, plus something about the flouresent light might bug me, not sure. I find I get much more eye strain and fatigue when the computer is bright- doesn't happen when it's dim. I wonder how many folk who complain of eyestrain are responding to a bright screen, but don't realize it. anyway as i said the ultralight/ultrabright screen was too bright on it's lowest setting. I know the regular screen has fewer nits and is not as bright on it's brightest setting- tho i'm not sure that means it gets dimmer on it's lowest setting...

thanks for the info on batteries for all x60s series being the same and info on being able to run it without battery if needed. (the adapter seems to way less than the 8 cell battery...).

 

i'm not the only one that likes dim screens- I guess I work in dimly lit rooms, plus something about the flouresent light might bug me, not sure. I find I get much more eye strain and fatigue when the computer is bright- doesn't happen when it's dim. I wonder how many folk who complain of eyestrain are responding to a bright screen, but don't realize it. anyway as i said the ultralight/ultrabright screen was too bright on it's lowest setting. I know the regular screen has fewer nits and is not as bright on it's brightest setting- tho i'm not sure that means it gets dimmer on it's lowest setting...

thanks for the info on batteries for all x60s series being the same, info on being able to run it without battery if needed. (the adapter seems to way less than the 8 cell battery...and info on intel wifi card) At them moment i'm leaning towards going for what's cheapest-the X61 and with an intel wifi card, if I don't hear any other swaying comments. If I don't like it, hopefully in a year or so I can afford something else- maybe a LED screen and a ultra ultra portable with small screen like the one Lenovo is coming out with next month- this is getting expensive