FOUND: Thinkpad Z61T

[Harryc]

Odd request you say . I have been looking for what seems like forever for the perfect Z61T model Thinkpad. If you have one to sell/trade please send me a PM. As an example of what I am looking for (or close to it);

Product: ThinkPad Z61t 9440-AMU

Original description: T7200(2GHz), 2GB RAM, 120GB 5400rpm HD, 14in 1280x800 LCD, Intel 950, CDRW/DVDRW, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, IEEE 1394, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 4c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro, (Titanium Lid)

[billp117]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/sys/1126330980.html

How about this?

Bill

[underclocker]

Harry, it's not odd at all. Once you know the various ThinkPad lines, that model becomes one of the most sane picks out there. I recently found one on eBay and now my wife is thrilled with her machine. I refer to the model as the holy grail of the Z61 line. The exact model I picked up is below, but the important spec.'s are titanium lid, camera, wifi/WWAN type and LCD type. The other parts are easily upgraded.

The machine is full featured, a reasonable weight, fast and a beautiful design. This one is a work of art - and it's not for sale! Good luck with your search.

ThinkPad Z61t Model 9440-2CU:
2.0 GHz Intel T2500 Core Duo
14.1" WXGA+, 1440X900 LCD display
100GB hard drive (5400rpms)
CD-RW/ 8X DVD-RW Multi-burner
1GB SDRAM (1 DIMM)
Bluetooth
Modem
Built-in Camera and microphone
Fingerprint Reader
Intel 802.11 a/b/g wireless
Verizon EVDO built-in
3-in-one memory card reader
Titanium LCD cover
4-cell battery

[Harryc]

@ Underclocker, thanks for posting. I had forgotten about the WXGA+ LCD option on these. That is also an appealing option to think about. EBay is what it is ... for the patient it usually pays off. Something tells me that I'd grow a long beard waiting for a model like you've found for your wife. Enjoy it.

@ billp117 , thanks for the link.

[underclocker]

I was a little concerned that the resolution might be too high for such a small LCD. However, after seeing it, the difference between WXGA and WXGA+ is hardly noticeable. I did some thinking and calculations. In my mind, I had been comparing WXGA+ to SXGA+, but the difference between WXGA and WXGA+ isn't nearly as dramatic as between XGA and SXGA+. 1280 X 800 vs. 1440 X 900 isn't a big deal. 1024 X 768 vs. 1400 X 1050 is a big deal, especially on a 14" display (I stick to XGA with 14" and SXGA+ with 15" standard ratio displays). Go for the WXGA+ if you find one, it's quite nice.

I will admit that I did wait years until I found this machine at a price I was willing to pay.

[Harryc]

Agreed about the WXGA+ on a 14" machine. My T400 is similarly equiped, so I am used to that resolution.

[dr_st]

As someone who spent quite some time looking for just the same (the "perfect" Z61t), I can tell you that they are almost impossible to find. The following are important points when looking for something close:

1) WXGA+ screen. Most will find WXGA simply not sufficient for serious work.

2) DVI output support. If you want your Z61t to support DVI output through the docks, it has to be equipped with the latest motherboard revision. Originally, only the Napa-Refresh Z61t models (which came with Core 2 Duo CPUs) have this feature. This means, that any model with a Core Duo CPU will not support DVI-out through the docks, a deal breaker for some.

3) Lid (black vs titanium) is a matter of personal preference for the most part. Objectively, the black lid is a bit lighter (approx. 100g, according to Tabook), whereas the titanium lid is naturally sturdier. Some prefer the classic black look, others prefer the original metallic look.

The above three things are what I believe are the most important to consider, since none of these components cannot be changed without considerable work, and lots of money spent.

Other components, like CPU, Bluetooth, Fingerprint, WWAN - you can in principle upgrade if the machine you choose does not have what you need. Camera might be a difficult upgrade, though, since it requires both a special LCD bezel and a special LCD cable.

[Harryc]

dr_st , thanks for the tips. I absolutely need DVI out thru a dock, so that limits my choice to a Core 2 DUO model.

[dorronto]

Harry,


I can agree with most of the above concerning a z61t. I bought Ed's (underclocker) old z61t and it's beautiful. It has the standard resolution, CoreDuo cpu, and no fingerprint swipe or Bluetooth but looks and runs like brand new.

Good luck,

Ron

[dr_st]

dr_st , thanks for the tips. I absolutely need DVI out thru a dock, so that limits my choice to a Core 2 DUO model.

Yep, and make sure it's one of the original Core 2 Duo models, since some people upgraded the CPU. The model number will show you the original CPU, and if you want to be sure, you can look at the HMM to see which mobo was shipped with that particular model. The DVI-capable say "DVI".

[dorronto]

just curious Harry........

Any luck finding your perfect z61t ??

Ron

[Harryc]

No luck Ron. I actually gave up for the time being. I will lock this thread, and thanks to everyone for the tips.

[Harryc]

Well, they say that 'good things come to those who wait'. Due to the kindness of a forum member who spotted this thread, I am now the proud owner of a Z61t

Product: ThinkPad Z61t 9440-AMU

Original description: T7200(2GHz), 2GB RAM, 120GB 5400rpm HD, 14in 1280x800 LCD, Intel 950, CDRW/DVDRW, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, IEEE 1394, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 4c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro & Vista Bus.

It has a bad LCD. So after consulting with a Z61T expert (Underclocker) I have a WXGA+ 1440x900 LCD on order. Otherwise in mint condition with the Titanium lid which I was looking for. I have plans to install a 250GB WD Black HD also. I'll post pics in the "Pictures of your ThinkPad & desk setup" forum after it's done. Might be interesting to see it next to an X301 and a T400 ...

[emtee3511]

Awesome!