Thinking of buying a T61 - Need Advice

[flipteo]

My T42 has a few non-functioning/worn out components. Specifically, the USB ports (the well known issue), dead LCD (backlight), and worn out trackpoint buttons.

I'm currently debating between either fixing it up, or, just getting something newer. Kind of a "what's the best use of my money?" question.

Should I forget the repairs and just put that cash towards a whole new laptop, I'm pretty much settled on a T61.

There are so many knowledgeable people here, so I figured it would be wise to seek some counsel.

I know about the nvidia gpu issues, but is there anything else I should look out for? Have there been any other variances within the T61 line when it comes to durability? Like, was one LCD size more prone to failure than any of the others? Or, anything else similar? Looking for every little bit of info that I can.

Horespower wise, my T42 meets still meets most of my needs, so I definitely don't need a top end T61.

But, I'd sill like to get the most bang for my buck. More horespower is cool, especially when it's a good value.

So with that in mind, would a Penryn be a smarter buy than a Merom? Worth the extra cost? And they supposedly run cooler too, right? Anything else I should know/consider when it comes to CPU's?

When it comes to screen size/resolution. I think I'd like a a 4:3 screen, but those seem to be a lot harder to come by and therefore more expensive - so, I'll probably just go widescreen and get used to it. One issue I have in regards to this: Ever since the backlight went out on my T42, I've had it hooked up to an external CRT monitor. If I get a widescreen T61 and hook it up to this monitor, will there be problems (for certain things, it will be still be worth the trouble due to the superior picture)? The CRT monitor is, obviously, 4:3. So does that mean the sides will be cropped? Or, black bars on top and bottom?

When it comes to an OS, ideally, I'll install Linux and everything will work flawlessly. But realistically, something won't work, or won't work well enough, so I'll go back to Windows. Been running XP Home on my T42, but the T61 will likely have Vista installed, with a COA, but no discs (due to who I'll likely be buying from). That's cool. XP meets my needs, but the clock is ticking on it, and from what I gather, Vista will probably be a better fit for the T61 anyway? The best fit? I imagine the T61 I get will have 2 gigs of RAM.

[ZaZ]

Worth is a difficult question to answer because your and my definition probably vary. Just my own opinion here, but if you got to spend anything more than $100 you're better off getting a new machine. You'll get a better performing dual core machine that gives you access to bigger faster hard drives and SSDs.

If the T42 meets your needs, there's no reason to get the nVidia card, which may or may not be a problem down the road. Anything manufactured after 08/08 should be less prone to problems.

If you want a 4:3 LCD, some 14" T61s offered it.

Penryns generally run cooler so they would in my opinion warrant spending extra money to get.

You shouldn't have any trouble hooking up an external monitor, regardless of the aspect ratio.

I'm running Linux on my R60e. It runs like a champ and is still very good as an everyday machine, though is no longer a top performer.

[flipteo]

Worth is a difficult question to answer because your and my definition probably vary. Just my own opinion here, but if you got to spend anything more than $100 you're better off getting a new machine. You'll get a better performing dual core machine that gives you access to bigger faster hard drives and SSDs.

If the T42 meets your needs, there's no reason to get the nVidia card, which may or may not be a problem down the road. Anything manufactured after 08/08 should be less prone to problems.

Yeah, I guess what I'm trying to do is acquire a T61, in good shape, with specs that will keep it relevant for as long as possible.

But then again, my T42 started breaking down well before it's technical specs became a hindrance (still not a hindrance for the most part). So likely, the same thing will happen with the T61. Maybe it's wiser for me to focus more on getting a T61 with "low miles", so to say.

Thanks for your input.

[ajkula66]

But then again, my T42 started breaking down well before it's technical specs became a hindrance (still not a hindrance for the most part). So likely, the same thing will happen with the T61. Maybe it's wiser for me to focus more on getting a T61 with "low miles", so to say.

Honestly, a T61 is a much better-built machine than a T42, and can be expected to last quite a bit longer, presuming you choose an Intel-based unit...

While T4x units were downright gorgeous, their longevity - possibly excluding the T43/p - left a lot to be desired...

[flipteo]

Honestly, a T61 is a much better-built machine than a T42, and can be expected to last quite a bit longer, presuming you choose an Intel-based unit...

This is great to know. Thank you.

[Cigarguy]

A buddy of mine recently bought a T42 for $150 (boozo). For what he need it for, it was anemic and pathetic. Just sold him one of my mint 14" T61 for $160 (4 GB RAM, docking station, printer, 128 GB SSD, Win 7, T9300) and he's very happy now. It does everything he wants, is zippy, runs cool and quiet. I'm gonna see what I can do with his old T42 and ship it off to a charity in Cambodia along with a couple other T61.

Some good bargains on T61 and T400 if you look around. Nice thing about T400 vs T61 is native SATA II support, support for faster Peryn CPUs and DDR3 support. DDR3 is nice as 2x2 GB DDR2 is about $60 in Calgary vs $35 for 2x4 GB DDR3. There's some good deals in the marketplace on this forum. I bought a super nice T400 from Canadiandude a while back and I'm very happy with it. Canadiandude is from TO and is an outstanding guy to deal with.

[ajkula66]

A buddy of mine recently bought a T42 for $150 (boozo). For what he need it for, it was anemic and pathetic. Just sold him one of my mint 14" T61 for $160 (4 GB RAM, docking station, printer, 128 GB SSD, Win 7, T9300) and he's very happy now.

I see no reason for *anyone* to be unhappy with such a great deal. He must be a good friend, or you just felt charitable...

T42 is perfectly fine for XP, browsing and light office use. You can't expect an almost a decade old machine to run head-to-head with ones that are 3-4 generations younger, especially if the oldtimer is in stock condition with a 8-year old 5400rpm HDD...

There's some good deals in the marketplace on this forum. I bought a super nice T400 from Canadiandude a while back and I'm very happy with it. Canadiandude is from TO and is an outstanding guy to deal with.

+ 1 for Canadiandude. A stand-up gentleman through and through.

So now you own my daughter's unwanted T400, Cigarguy... ...all jokes aside, a fine machine indeed. Changed many (experienced) hands very quickly. Some nice upgrades, too...enjoy...

[Oro]

I recently decided to upgrade from my T43, which had a failed backlight. I had a T42p before that. I did a LOT of research, and decided to get a T61p. My experiences should be pretty close to what you will find:

1) As mentioned, as much as I respected the T4x, the T61 is indeed a better built machine.
2) Mine came with a T7300 on a later board. I did put in a T9300 - did not notice much difference in speed or lower temps. Nice to have, but not crucial. I had TPFC installed, so saw the temp inputs, not just going by "feel." I do not play any serious games on it or have huge graphics programs - if you did then the difference would likely be more important.
3) I flashed the BIOS (SATA II support, and more wifi cards), and I put in an Intel 5300 N card (cheap).
4) upgraded from Vista-32 to Win7-64 (so I can use 4gb RAM, or more (edit))
5) Watched closely and found a 128gb Samsung 830 SSD at Amazon for $70.
6) I shopped carefully and got an 08/09 build, so it has the fixed Nvidia card, and the 1680x1050 screen. The set up is much more pleasing to use than before.

With those cheap upgrades, the machine has performance to spare for me - oodles and oodles. The SSD was really unnecessary, but the deal was too good to pass up and I was curious to play with the technology. It does make the machine really, really fast.

I had to jump through two "hoops" to get a T61p that would equal about any T400. "Hoops" being flashing the bios and making sure to get a late-build one to avoid the possible Nvidia problem.

[RealBlackStuff]

Your machine can take 8GB of RAM!

[Oro]

Your machine can take 8GB of RAM!

Oh, I know that. But before it could only access 3.xGb of the 4 installed. I should have mentioned that so the OP understood that wasn't the limit for the machine.

[Cigarguy]

Your machine can take 8GB of RAM!

Yes but 2x4 GB DDR2 SoDimm are not cheap.

[DaKKS]

Yes but 2x4 GB DDR2 SoDimm are not cheap.

Not just not cheap, but practically impossible to find. Plenty places advertise it, but very few have them in stock.... As a general rule, DDR2 ram goes up to 2x2GB ram. DDR3 to 2x4GB. Beyond that it costs an arm, a leg and a testicle. And yes, you guessed correctly, women are buggered...

[Radioguy]

Well, there have been several deals/rebates/promotions during which they could be had at more reasonable prices (found via Slickeals, etc.). They have traditionally been from Newegg or Fry's, and were in stock at least for the first day or so after announcement. That's not to say they don't sell out when offered at lower prices, but if you're attentive you can grab some.

However, when I was in a position to upgrade, I had missed some of those deals, and wasn't patient to wait for the next, and so I found 2 sticks for about $38 a piece on eBay. I was still shrewd (or lucky) enough to find a matched pair in like-new condition from a seller with a good track record.

It took a few days panning through silt to find that gold, though.

[flipteo]

...I had to jump through two "hoops" to get a T61p that would equal about any T400. "Hoops" being flashing the bios and making sure to get a late-build one to avoid the possible Nvidia problem.

Yeah, on ebay, it's often hard enough just getting simple info from sellers, like the kind of CPU the unit has. Were nvidia gpu more important to me, I'd definitely need to stick with the Marketplace here.

That flashing of the bios thing to get it to recognize all 4 gigs is new to me. If I get a T61, it will probably have 2X1GB, and my first upgrade will be to swap out one of these sodimms for a 2GB one. I'm hoping 3GB will be plenty for me. Any other upgrades, as fun as they sound(!) will have to be down the road.

Though, I was just looking at used hard drives (non-ssd), and was surprised by the (low) cost. The 40 GB on my t42 is very small. A 500GB drive would be soooo sweet. No more shuffling files on and off of various thumb drives etc.

As expensive as DDR2 is in comparison to DDR3, it's still cheaper than DDR1 .

[ajkula66]

That flashing of the bios thing to get it to recognize all 4 gigs is new to me. If I get a T61, it will probably have 2X1GB, and my first upgrade will be to swap out one of these sodimms for a 2GB one. I'm hoping 3GB will be plenty for me.

Not needed/required in the least. Stock BIOS supports 8GB.

[Oro]

That flashing of the bios thing to get it to recognize all 4 gigs is new to me.

The flashing was to get the SataII support and more wifi card selection. When I edited my "laundry list" of observations, I was not clear (fixed that). If you have Vista/32 or 7/32 on it, that's what limits the RAM access and a reason I switched to 7/64 from the Vista/32 on it. The machine can go up to 8gb, but you also have to have an OS that supports that; not all do.