Misc. ThinkPad buying advice (T410 vs X201, X61 vs X130e)

[luncheon]

A friend of mine is about to change his T61 for a newer model, and he's between two very different laptops:

Either a (second hand) T410 or an (also second hand) X201. Both cost about the same when similarly kitted (i5 500M series CPUs), and he's planning to have 8GB of RAM and a SSD drive on whatever he chooses. Considering he will chose similar CPU+RAM+HDD specs for any of those two, and leaving aside the obvious compromises (portability vs expandability/battery life, screen size, etc.), is there anything else to consider when choosing one over the other? Any flaws/issues to considering when shopping for any of these?

Likewise, I have some money aside that I'll use to buy a second-hand X61 for my DSLR backpack (the T430 doesn't fit there!). I just need a compact computer with some disk space to backup memory cards while on the field, and do some Lightroom or Photoshop work on it. However, my girlfriend might be buying a bigger notebook for herself and may leave the X130e aside so performance wise, what do you think would be best?
A 2GHz C2D w/8GB DDR2 DRAM and a 128GB SSD from the X61, or the 1.6GHz dual-core E450 Fusion, w/8GB DDR3 and a 128GB SSD from the X130e? I do know the X61 is way more durable (i.e. a proper ThinkPad) but the X130e has a couple of advantages on its own, like the quite nice (LED-lit) WXGA 11" screen, an internal 3G modem already there (which should be of great help on the field) and of course it's still on warranty being only 5 or 6 months old.

Any input will be welcome!

[ajkula66]

I've got all the machines listed, apart from X130e.

Between X201 and T410, I'd choose the latter, hands down. More workspace, about equivalent battery life and not that much bulkier/heavier.

I'd also have no issue choosing a X61 over its younger and poorer sibling. You can find a very nice X61 for $200 or so, that would include WWAN and a N card...my own X61 has all of the above and outright flies with 4GB RAM and SSD...

My $0.02 only...

[luncheon]

I've got all the machines listed, apart from X130e.

Between X201 and T410, I'd choose the latter, hands down. More workspace, about equivalent battery life and not that much bulkier/heavier.

I'd also have no issue choosing a X61 over its younger and poorer sibling. You can find a very nice X61 for $200 or so, that would include WWAN and a N card...my own X61 has all of the above and outright flies with 4GB RAM and SSD...

My $0.02 only...

Thanks for the input!! Great advice, truly appreciated!

Ok, so for my friend T410 it is. We're thinking of 8GB DDR3 RAM, an internal 64/128GB SSD for the OS + 500GB Ultrabay HDD for files, and a 6 or 9 cell battery. I reckon he should be good to go for the next 2 years with that...

As for me we'll see. IF I can find a neat X61 for a decent price (the local price is around AR$ 2000, or about 350USD) I'll grab that, otherwise I'll stick to the X130e (which my gf bought at a sale at work brand new for AR$1600, or about 250USD)... Two things in favor of the X130e: apart from the price, it uses DDR3 RAM so it will cost a lot less to upgrade to 8GB.

Anything else you guys think I should consider?

[jdk]

X130e over X61, here's why:

If the T430 is having trouble fitting in your bag, you may find the same issue with the X61. X61 is much taller than the X130e, and almost as tall as the T430. Check out this Facebook image:



I also don't understand the "proper Thinkpad" being more durable argument. I've had X60/X61s torn apart several times and there's not much to them. The palmrest of the X61 gets very hot, and the LCD cover is prone to flex. Conversely, the X130e is designed for abuse. X61 is faster overall, but the X130e has better resolution, durability, is more portable, and is FREE for you.

[luncheon]

Thanks!

Actually I never looked at it that way, an X61 SHOULD fit my camera bag (it's more of a width problem than height) but now that you mention it, I'll have to borrow one from a friend to check. I said the X61 looks sturdier but I've never actually torn apart the X130e for comparison so I may have to take your word for it...

Just spoke to my friend, he won't sell the T61 but repurpose it as an internet box for his mother so it'll stay in the family... He's out of town right now, so we'll shop for a T410 next week.

PS The X130e won't be free; I'll have to chime in with part of what my gf's new notebook will cost, but it will be cheap that's for sure...

[ajkula66]

FWIW I have both T410 and X61 (with WWAN) for sale and have no problem shipping them internationally.

Drop me a PM if you're interested.

[luncheon]

Well this noon we picked up a minty T410 for my friend, and just reinstalled W7 Pro x64 on it. Paid a fair price for it! It's quite snappy stock, with 4GB of RAM and the 320GB HDD. It's really really mint! In the next few weeks he'll be buying the SSD, 8GB DDR3 RAM, UltraBay HDD adapter and a expresscard USB3 adapter. That would leave him with a laptop good for the next two years IMHO.

My GF opted out on replacing the X130e and will buy extra RAM for it next week. Took measurements and an X61 may just fit into the bag so I may be picking one up in a week or so.

Thanks to everyone for the advice!!