what do you all think, X61T now, or wait for X200?

I've finally decided to go back to school (CIS), and classes start on August 27th. I really don't think it will be a big deal if I don't have a laptop right away, though it would be nice.

The thing is, the current Thinkpads have some really good deals going on, and I can't decide if it's worth it to wait for some niceties but pay more. Things like the full size keyboard on the X200 are very tempting, as are the prospects for a better screen (which probably won't happen anyway.) And I haven't caught any indication if the X200 battery will be of the new X300 style, or if it will stick out the back (X300's being preferrable.)

If I bought now, I'd probably end up with an X61T for the sake of the better screen, even though I have no use for a tablet. Obviously, I'd rather have the full size keyboard, the lighter weight of a non-tablet, yet retain a better screen (though not necessarily the resolution.)

I'd like to know what YOU would do, not what you think I should do, and give me your reasoning the best you can.

Oh, and what do people think. Will having more mag alloy in the exoskeleton make up for not having a roll cage anymore?

 

I'd wait, why get a tablet if you don't need it? It's only heavier like you mentioned. It seems like you really want full size keyboard and a good screen... so if i were you, i'd wait and pay extra. I don't want to be unhappy with a machine that I will be using for several years.

 

The X61 keyboard right now is better than most other notebooks in my opinion. I wouldn't wait for that reason. I really liked the X61s I got to review last summer. It had the 180 nit ultralight screen which I thought was pretty good though I'm not overly picky about these things. The X200 is all speculation right now. The devil's in the details which will know more about when it's released and reviewed. I suppose if you want a widescreen that might be a reason to wait. There's no indication the quality will be any better. Supposedly the X200 will get 3, 6 or 9 cell batteries. My guess would be the 6 and 9 will stick out the back in some way.

 

Sometimes the older technic ist more reliable, cause it is tested in the field of
normal usage!

If you want a reliable and comfortable machine, then go now with the X61.

 

+1

I recently picked up an X61 and am totally thrilled with this little machine. The keyboard is a dream. I'm still amazed that they can put a full sized keyboard on a machine of this size. And it doesn't sacrifice power for size. It was ordered with the 8-cell battery and I've been able to squeeze out 6.5 hours of life from it. This thing hums along just as quick as a T61p that sits next to it (screen size and resolution aside). I commute on a bike in the summer and this was a logical choice to reduce carried weight (by 4 pounds). Couldn't be happier. If you are looking for ultra portability and see a nice sale, come back here, grab a coupon code and go place an order. You won't regret your decision.

 

And, compared to the price of the new model, the current one will be MUCH cheaper. You can pimp it all the way up for less than the price of a basic model of the X200

 

On the other hand side - for someone (like me ) who buys a laptop for 4-5 years - the difference in an initial price is not so significant, while a possibility of purchase a new battery or compatible UltraBay device is also a factor.

 

but if he can wait y not?
i'm sure the prices of x61 will drop even further when x200 comes out... right?

 

That's the thing, I've never actually taken note how Lenovo handles new product releases. I know they generally aren't shipped for some time, but are they available on the website right away? Is one able to buy the old model for some time, or does the new model replace it immediately?

I'm sure I could find old model from the tabook kicking around for some time, but I want to customize, damnit! And you can't get the really big discounts on the prebuilt models from third party vendors, either.

 

It depends, how productive will you be over the next few months? In my case, not very productive, so I'd wait.

X200 will definitely have a better screen, also, I think it has the same style battery as X300, as well as lower CPU voltage meaning longer battery life.

 

My general preference is not to buy the first widget off the assembly line.

 

I wouldn't hold my breath for models with Montevina technology. I have sread reports on other websites that Intel hasn't received all the necessary FCC approvals for the all the new wireless hardware involved.

I saw somewhere that the offcial launch for the stuff will be July 15 for some manufacturers but some of the stuff won't be available until later in the year.

 

Sorry for raising a dead thread...but I'm having the exact same debate right now. The X61t is A LOT cheaper right now with all the discounts than the X200...I don't know what to do Is the X200 worth the several hundred dollar premium over the x61t?

 

From a performance perspective probably not.

 

but perhaps it runs much cooler (it should)? Even notebookreview's X61s review noted that it ran kind of hot, and the fan was slightly loud. The review for X200 showed it was incredibly cool, and the "owl fan" was whisper quiet. Maybe that is worth it then.