Thinkpad T61, First lappy...How'd I do?

Rate My T61 Build please.

  • Great build for price/performance!

    Votes: 8 53.3%

  • Mediocre

    Votes: 5 33.3%

  • Horrible

    Votes: 2 13.3%
  • Total voters
    15
  • Poll closed .
B

BrinNutz

Supreme [H]ardness
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Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
5,552
Well, this will be used mostly for email and such...A lot of word processing and the occasional game of CS when I'm bored at class.

Here are the specs, including the 4 year warranty. I think I did pretty good, considering the discount we get.

42X2727 INTEL2DUO PROCESSOR T7250

 46P4166 VBB MICROSOFT WINXP PROFESSION

 42V9437 SBB MSWIN XP PROF US ENGLISH 42V9324

SBB 14.1WXGA +TFT,W/OCAM 42X0906

SBB NVIDIA QUADRO NVS 140M MEDIACARD

 41W2063 VBB 2GB PC2-5300 667MHZ 2DIMM

 42V8195 SBB KEYBOARD US ENGLISH

42V9330 SBB UN(TRACKPOINT+TCHPD)+ FING.R 42V8701

SBB 80 GB HDD,5400RPM

 42V8714 SBB CD-RW/DVD-ROM COM,UBAYSLIM

 42X0903 VBB PC CARDSLOT ME CARDSLOT

41W1501 SBB INTELPRO/WL3945ABGUSCNLAAP

62P6054 VBB INTEGR.BLUETOOTH PAN

42V9338 SBB 6 CELL LI-ION BATERRY

39T6442 SBB COUNTRY PACK NORTH AMERICA

42V9354 SBB LANG. PACK US ENGLISH

41C9336 LENOVO THINKPAD PROTECTION EXTENDED SERVICE AGREEMENT - 4 YEARS - CARRY-IN


I have highlighted what I think is important.

Now, on the website, this came to over $1500 (don't know how much more though), but I ended up paying about $1200.

I do have a few questions. I was told, after I specifically asked, that the NVidia Quadro NVS 140M is DirectX 10 compliant, and after googling around, I found that it possibly is the equivalent to the 8500GT or so.

What I want to know, is what's the benefit/downside to having a Quadro instead of a GeForce series.

And, finally, how would you rate it? Good build that will last awhile??
 
What would y'all change if anything? I see a few pretty good results, but one mediocre..

I could have upgraded the CPU, HDD, and Optical..

Here's why I didn't:

CPU:
Not going to be doing much more than web/word processing/chat except for the very rare CS game during class..LOL

HDD:
I have 74gb Raptors in my Main rig, with a few externals, but I install all programs to my Raptors, and I have plenty of room on there, so no need to waste money on extra space I don't need. I've got a 40gb FireLite which is nice and small..

Optical:
I don't need to burn CD's on this, since I can do that at home. I've got a media card reader built in if I need to copy from one device to another...=)
 
If it were me (based on what you are using it for), I would use the small business account (you don't have to have a business to use it, make one up), and get the vostro 1400 for 549. Has a 9-cell battery also which will give you terrific battery life. I will come back with the code for ya.

Vostro 1400:
w/ XP: 65029-bqpcjdx
w/ VISTA: 65029-bqpcjd4

Vostro 1500 (15.4" screen):
65029-bqpckvf

Just go to dell.com and put those in the seach box.
 
kenham40 said:
If it were me (based on what you are using it for), I would use the small business account (you don't have to have a business to use it, make one up), and get the vostro 1400 for 549. Has a 9-cell battery also which will give you terrific battery life. I will come back with the code for ya.
Click to expand...

Rock on..I'll take a look at it, but since my mom works for IBM, she's pretty much set on buying an IBM, LOL
 
visionviper said:
Hard to go bad with a T61 or any Thinkpad for that matter :D
Click to expand...

Awesome...

I did a lot of reading and research on this, and found that they are pretty reliable notebooks. The T61 came out on top on a lot of comparisons and got hella good reviews from CNet I believe.

I just configured a Vostro with everything I have, and it's more expensive.


I forgot to mention I have 4 year Warranty and Protection (screen break) included in the $1200 price of my lappy...

I know I don't need all the power I've got in it, but I have a feeling I may be using this more then my desktop once I get it...
 
Dont buy a Dell over the Thinkpad, I just recently had an Inspiron 1520 and it was clunky and had motherboard problems that they just couldnt resolve. Dont get me wrong, it had insane power for the price.
Thats the attraction to Thinkpads, and especially the T series which is their flagship, they're built to last, and you pay extra for that.
My T61 is similar to yours and it is very fast, can play all games up to the most recent ones released after this spring at great framerates, and is absolutely tiny compared to most consumer laptops.
 
sprtnbsblplya said:
Dont buy a Dell over the Thinkpad, I just recently had an Inspiron 1520 and it was clunky and had motherboard problems that they just couldnt resolve. Dont get me wrong, it had insane power for the price.
Thats the attraction to Thinkpads, and especially the T series which is their flagship, they're built to last, and you pay extra for that.
My T61 is similar to yours and it is very fast, can play all games up to the most recent ones released after this spring at great framerates, and is absolutely tiny compared to most consumer laptops.
Click to expand...

Will mine run them decently? lol
 
Thinkpads are great, I hate to say it though, but in my experience (our CEO has a top of the line thinkpad), since they went from being owned by IBM to Lenovo, quality control and build quality has went down. I am not saying Dell's is any better, just saying it's(thinkpad's) not as good as it used to be.
 
The T61 is awesome. I got one a few months ago and love it.

I have:
14.1" TFT+ no cam
T7500
2gb of RAM (I upgraded it...bought with 512mb and upgraded to 2gb since it was a lot cheaper)
120gb 5400RPM HDD (again I upgraded it...cheaper as I ended up with 2 drives)
Bluetooth
Fingerprint Reader
Vista Home Premium
Intel X3100 Graphics
7 Cell + Ultrabay Battery
Thinkpad a/g/b wireless

I love it. I did not go with the nvidia graphics as I do not want/need to game on it and the intel gives better battery life. I also got the ultrabay battery with the 7cell since I do not use an optical drive much. I get around 6hrs of battery with wifi and 7-8 without wifi!

I used the student discount and a sale and got mine for around $1300 w/3 year warranty.


I have heard a lot of people talking about this "Downhill since Lenovo took over" but it is not my experience. My T61 is just as nice as the other older Thinkpads I have used and way better than anything else I have used besides the panasonic toughbooks (which are tons of $$$$)
 
Well, since IBM doesn't make thinkpads anymore I'm not sure why she would be partial to them.

Just a FYI, there is currently 25% off thinkpads as a promotion.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/08/lenovos-holiday-sale-musters-25-off-thinkpads/

So you can probably get cheaper then whatever you're currently dealing with.

The Quadro video card will be good for CAD work, less for gaming. Get the cheapest RAM and HDD possible and upgrade them with aftermarket parts from Newegg.com for less cost. Thinkpads are very very easy to upgrade with aftermarket parts in my experience.

Otherwise, they're nice laptops. You could do better (Asus barebones, maybe?) or a used macbook pro but it doesn't look horrible and they make strong computers.

One other solution, skip the extended warranty (useless in my opinion) and get onsite coverage and accidental damage coverage.

WAY MORE WORTHWHILE. I had it on my X60 and it literally was next day. They overnighted me a new motherboard and sent a guy out to install it when it arrived.
 
Get the Thinkpad. Pay for quality, not features. It will always be worth it.
 
taylorwilsdon said:
Well, since IBM doesn't make thinkpads anymore I'm not sure why she would be partial to them.

Just a FYI, there is currently 25% off thinkpads as a promotion.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/08/lenovos-holiday-sale-musters-25-off-thinkpads/

So you can probably get cheaper then whatever you're currently dealing with.

The Quadro video card will be good for CAD work, less for gaming. Get the cheapest RAM and HDD possible and upgrade them with aftermarket parts from Newegg.com for less cost. Thinkpads are very very easy to upgrade with aftermarket parts in my experience.

Otherwise, they're nice laptops. You could do better (Asus barebones, maybe?) or a used macbook pro but it doesn't look horrible and they make strong computers.

One other solution, skip the extended warranty (useless in my opinion) and get onsite coverage and accidental damage coverage.

WAY MORE WORTHWHILE. I had it on my X60 and it literally was next day. They overnighted me a new motherboard and sent a guy out to install it when it arrived.
Click to expand...

Yea, I already got in on that when we ordered..=)

j-dawg said:
Get the Thinkpad. Pay for quality, not features. It will always be worth it.
Click to expand...


It was ordered before I posted..=)

My mom has one from 2003 that work gave here, and she's been all over the world with it and it still works fine...
 
j-dawg said:
Get the Thinkpad. Pay for quality, not features. It will always be worth it.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I USED to think....

Then I started reading things like this all over the place, which confirmed my own personal experiences:

"bobbyafra @ Apr 24th 2007 7:08PM

I am the Director of IT for a large manufacturing firm. We have been using the IBM/Lenovo lineup for over 9 years now. I can safely say that we are moving away from them as it seems that each release turns out a cheaper(in terms of quality), less reliable notebook. The last batch of T60's have been an absolute horror. I am saddened, but reality has caused us to look elswhere."

My personal experience:

I have been the Director of IT for my company for 10 years (dec 24th is my anniversary date actually) and I tend to agree. I had been using Thinkpads exclusively until I received our first batch of Lenovo only (the ones without the IBM logo on them), and they have been nothing but problems. Since then, I have changed over to the Vostro line from Dell and have been pleased with build quality and battery life (with the 9 cell). My IT requests for problems have dropped since changing over as well (laptop only I am talking).

Personally I use a 17" MacBook Pro, but that's because I care for OS X.

To end out here, I want to say I don't dislike Thinkpads, I really don't; I think they are a great laptop. I just question the build quality since the move to Lenovo.
 
BrinNutz said:
Yea, I already got in on that when we ordered..=)




It was ordered before I posted..=)

My mom has one from 2003 that work gave here, and she's been all over the world with it and it still works fine...
Click to expand...

2003 was before the move to Lenovo.... She has a "true" IBM Thinkpad, which would explain her fantastic experience (my end users had the same experience with that year's models).
 
we're having lots of problems with the t60s and 61s at work as well, they are no where near the quality of the 42p's they are replacing. Lenovo has definitely reduced the quality now that IBM isn't calling the shots.
 
CFlux said:
we're having lots of problems with the t60s and 61s at work as well, they are no where near the quality of the 42p's they are replacing. Lenovo has definitely reduced the quality now that IBM isn't calling the shots.
Click to expand...

I believe that is true but they're still very well made. I prefer Apple but thats because nobody makes such a good laptop.
 
I would have got a faster hard drive. Other than that it is pretty good. Very nice notebook you got there. Much better than comparative Dell's and it isnt that much more expensive. Iv had a bunch of Dells my first year in college and didnt like any of them. Perfectly happy with my X61t right now. Excellent quality and Lenovo support was very nice when I had a screen issue.
 
kenham40 said:
That is exactly what I USED to think....

Then I started reading things like this all over the place, which confirmed my own personal experiences:

"bobbyafra @ Apr 24th 2007 7:08PM

I am the Director of IT for a large manufacturing firm. We have been using the IBM/Lenovo lineup for over 9 years now. I can safely say that we are moving away from them as it seems that each release turns out a cheaper(in terms of quality), less reliable notebook. The last batch of T60's have been an absolute horror. I am saddened, but reality has caused us to look elswhere."

My personal experience:

I have been the Director of IT for my company for 10 years (dec 24th is my anniversary date actually) and I tend to agree. I had been using Thinkpads exclusively until I received our first batch of Lenovo only (the ones without the IBM logo on them), and they have been nothing but problems. Since then, I have changed over to the Vostro line from Dell and have been pleased with build quality and battery life (with the 9 cell). My IT requests for problems have dropped since changing over as well (laptop only I am talking).

Personally I use a 17" MacBook Pro, but that's because I care for OS X.

To end out here, I want to say I don't dislike Thinkpads, I really don't; I think they are a great laptop. I just question the build quality since the move to Lenovo.
Click to expand...

I'm calling BS. For everyone "story" like I read, I read three more that say the new Thinkpads are the best yet. Lenovo has kept old IBM build-quality and have even added to it with the new roll-cage. I have a T43 and a T60 in the house, and the T60 is easily better.
 
I think Lenovo is a good value machine now. For the price its good, but you get what you pay for. The screens aren't the best, but they never really were. My T61p is apart of the panel lottery. It may come with an LG panel or Samsung. The LG is suppose to be better and brighter. Unfortunately I got the Samsung and it has an unpleasant amount of back light bleeding and its not very bright. You definitely won't want to use it outside in the sun, its even hard to use inside near a window sometimes. I also wish it had a digital video connection. It also sucks that it doesn't come with any install media or restore disc (or any media at all). Sure its on a hidden partition, but the default install is bloated and I wiped out the hidden partition to get more space.

I think non-business level service can be pretty bad too. Many people on NotebookReview forums have complained about delays (Months) and cs can't help you out much to change your order outside of canceling it and have you do it again. I've had to deal with there CS for a return and it wasn't exactly the best call center in India I've had to work with.

But again for the price its a good value.
 
JohnleMVP said:
I think Lenovo is a good value machine now. For the price its good, but you get what you pay for. The screens aren't the best, but they never really were. My T61p is apart of the panel lottery. It may come with an LG panel or Samsung. The LG is suppose to be better and brighter. Unfortunately I got the Samsung and it has an unpleasant amount of back light bleeding and its not very bright. You definitely won't want to use it outside in the sun, its even hard to use inside near a window sometimes. I also wish it had a digital video connection. It also sucks that it doesn't come with any install media or restore disc (or any media at all). Sure its on a hidden partition, but the default install is bloated and I wiped out the hidden partition to get more space.

I think non-business level service can be pretty bad too. Many people on NotebookReview forums have complained about delays (Months) and cs can't help you out much to change your order outside of canceling it and have you do it again. I've had to deal with there CS for a return and it wasn't exactly the best call center in India I've had to work with.

But again for the price its a good value.
Click to expand...


A note on the media/restore/bloat.

I dunno why you didnt get a Vista Anytime Upgrade disc, did you not go with vista? The Vista anytime upgrade disc also works for fresh installs.

Something unique to IBM is the restore config program you can download from their site. You can actually customize the restore before you do it to remove any programs you dont want. It works pretty darn well.

Also, my factory install was not really bloated much on my T61 compared to similar HP, Dell, etc. laptops I have gotten for customers. Lenovo keeps it pretty simple. But still, a fresh install is always the best!


Another thing I love about IBM/Lenovo is their close tie of hardware and software. Things like their battery manager which can see all the statistics directly from the battery (like real time power draw). IBM/Lenovo seem to make a lot of their own apps and they work really well plus well with each other. The network config app is another example of a really customizable really well made application. Much better than the windows Wifi program or other companies wifi programs.
 
Yay!!

Just found out it shipped!! Earlier than expected by about a week..I'm stoked!
Also found out my Wii shipped today..yippee!
 
Definitely, *DEFINITELY* do a clean install on the system as soon as you get it. A majority of Lenovo's software is pure junk, and will bog your computer down just as much, if not more so, than HP and their adware infested machines they sell at Best Buy. My university sells Lenovo laptops almost exclusively, and this has been a massive problem with their new Vista-based systems. Working in IT, I'm stuck dealing with the pissed off customers while the sleaze-ball computer store cleans their hands and walks away.

The IT Dept. was looking at replacing systems in a computer lab or two. Lenovo got wind of this and wanted in on the bidding action. They just got a big "LOL, hell no" in large part because of the problems we've had with their laptops and the complete lack of support from them on the issue.

Aside from that small rant, it looks to be a nice system. I've got a similar Latitude D630 in specs. My only recommendation would've been to consider a bigger battery (or two). I have a 9-cell and 6-cell media bay battery. Nothing quite like having 6+ hours of battery power at your disposal on long trips and whatnot. ;)
 
Ya, I dont know why but the factory install is bogged down, but if you do a fresh install and install all the lenovo stuff individually from their site it does not bog the system down...

Very weird, must be something behind the scenes different or something.

I am surprised your IT dept. has had issues with IBM/Lenovo, they have one of the best support teams out of all the major manufacturers.

I had an issue with my extended warranty not showing up right on their site, so I called in at 2 am (I was up, so I thought I would call) and got redirected to a Warranty/Contracts writer for IBM in Texas. Got nice personalized support and a number direct to the guys desk. They had some system issues and kept me updated through out the process that ended up taking a few days because of a holiday.

Cant say I was upset in the least with that kind of hands on support all for just being a standard customer with a simple issue ;)


and congrats BrinNutz!
 
Tracking info says it's just got to the US from China...yay...I wish it was made in the US...bah
 
NAV immediately got the boot off my T42p, but the bundled ThinkVantage utilities were actually quite useful. Hopefully Lenovo doesn't start screwing that up by piling on lots of useless crap on their latest machines.
 
Lenovo has screwed up the preinstall.

My Tablet came crappified. Took over 4 minutes to restart with Windows XP Tablet.

Cleaned it off and installed Vista and it was faster.
 
taylorwilsdon said:
As far as I know, there are none. Some of the sager barebones might be assembled in the sates but I don't think any major manufacturer actually has a plant here.
Click to expand...

Ya I have worked with a few OEMs that will slap a "Made in USA" sticker on but all they are really doing is the final configuration (putting in things like the Processor, RAM, Hard Drive that vary but are easily interchangeable). All the parts and such are still made over seas ;)
 
Grentz said:
Ya I have worked with a few OEMs that will slap a "Made in USA" sticker on but all they are really doing is the final configuration (putting in things like the Processor, RAM, Hard Drive that vary but are easily interchangeable). All the parts and such are still made over seas ;)
Click to expand...

They do that with a lot of clothing as well. Have the shirt or pants made in china and sell them as manufacture in USA or Canada. The only part made in North America is the Tag itself. A good and devious marketing scheme.
 
Just got the lappy delivered to my parents house and I happened to be visiting!!

Very nice, though there some very noticeable backlight bleeding on this thing...Other than that little bit, I'm very happy...Guess I shouldn't get used to expensive LCD's and try to compare them to a Lappy

Think they'll replace the screen? LOL
 
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