z61m decision (size)

I will be buying very shortly, but the only thing that has prevented me from pulling the trigger on the z61m is the fact that everyone complains that it is a brick. However, when I compare Lenovo's specs for it's size it doesn't seem so bad compared to other notebooks I've seen or other people seem to like. For example:

Z61m: (WxDxH): 14.1" x 10.3" x 1.47-1.58"; 357mm x 263mm x 37.3-40.2mm weight starting at 5.94 lb (2.7kg)/6.33 lb (2.9kg);
E1505: Height: 1.42" Width: 14.02" Depth: 10.45" Weight: Starting at 6.18lbs
Asus F3JP: 6.5 lbs; 14.37” x 10.61” x 1.59” (from PortableOne's website)

It's only a hair thicker than the Dell E1505 and no so wide or deep and it's actually smaller than the Asus.

Do these specs tell the whole or real story?

I'm not too worried about weight because I'll have a good backpack, but size does turn me off. I should add that I'll be using it for college so it'll get carried around a decent amount.

 

I think people whine a bit because it's thicker than most other Thinkpads. It may be comparable to a e1505, but that is an all-plastic laptop and it's not thin by any means (I've owned one). The e1505 was noticeably thicker than my t60.

 

I personally would not get if you are carrying everyday. It is a bit heavy for it's size.

 

I had the same dillema but ultimate bought one anyway. I'm only going to be carrying it around a few times a week at most.

Haven't received it yet.

I wanted widescreen and the 14.1" seemed a bit small for what I wanted...

 

I read ZaZ's review on the z61m and I was turned off by the size at first. However, after carrying it to and from campus almost everyday, I've grown used to the size/weight. The size itself isn't so bad, it's mostly the weight, but like I said, I got used to it pretty quickly.

I think I'm fortunate because this is my first laptop, so I haven't had anything smaller/lighter to compare it with!

I'm VERY happy with my z61m and given the choice again, I'd make the exact same purchase (unless a T60 WS is available for the exact same price I got the z61m for!)

 

specs are just the other side of the coin. the other half is that in reality, you won't notice it if you are used to using "thick" laptops.

i have a compaq presario here that is 13in... i think it's thicker than my Z61m. also, the weight is justified by the size. so no problem there. or maybe you're thinking about the macbook pro's.... only T's can do that. and they are available in widescreens. so rejoice!

 

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to go ahead and get the z. The only last decisions I needs to make are about whether to get the titanium lid and 6 or 9 cell battery. I think I'm going to forgo the titanium to save that weight and get the 6 for the same reason. Does anyone want to convince me otherwise?

 

I have the titanium lid, and I find that it does not smudge or get fingerprints on it nearly as often as my friend's black T60.

Other then that, it's mostly a matter of personal preference!

 

Will the extra x ounces added by the ti lid actually make a real, noticeable difference in strength? The laptop will go into a well-padded backpack.

 

Hi,
I just got my Z61m day before yesterday. I love it! If you buy one I doubt if you would regret it. Yes its quite a lump but then it is best viewed as a portable desktop replacement. Unless you are small I don't think the travel weight is too bad. The titanium lid looks nice, stops it looking too boring.
It is meant to be a little stronger too. I found it impossible to find one in the shops to look at so I picked up a few of similar weight to give me an idea.
If you want true portability though you should maybe looking at an X

Good luck
Tony

 

If you don't need the extra battery life, go ahead and get the 6 cell.

 

I'm worried that it may be a tad larger and heavier than I want, but meh, its either in a bag or on a Desk so I don't think lugging it around will be too difficult I definately wanted a Desktop replacement machine, just not a 17" behemoth.

 

i think you should go with the 6-cell if you would not be travelling with it too often. what's the point of getting 9-cell if you're always plugged-in.

and the titanium lid is great. as one said earlier, you would not get smudges in it like the blacks. but if you want thinner lids, black is the way to go

 

I would also like to agree that if you're using your notebook mostly as a portable desktop replacement (plugged in most of the time), the 6 cell would be your best buy.

If in the future you feel that you need extra battery life, you could purchase the 9-cell and have two batteries, or just buy the Ultrabay battery like I did.

Make sure you do a search on threads about the Ultrabay battery though, some users have mixed opinions about them.