Anybody going to upgrade their T-Series for the Z-Series?

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bdoviack · #1 Post by **bdoviack** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:31 pm

I just purchased a T43p last month and although it is a great computer, the new Z-series specs look very attractive. The Widescreen is nice but what really draws me in is the 4lb pound travel weight. Just wondering if anyone else has the same ideas. There are more pics on the forum (here is a link)

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=14515

Also check out E-week for more news from Lenovo

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1849982,00.asp[/url]

nirvana0001 · #2 Post by **nirvana0001** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:02 pm

what spec. is it?

#3 Post by **K. Eng** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:49 pm

The answer for me is no, because I don't like widescreen displays much. I'd rather have a 1400x1050 display than a 1280x768 display...

Widescreen to me means lost desktop space at the top and bottom of the display.

bdoviack · #4 Post by **bdoviack** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:56 pm

The specs for the upcoming Z and T series can be found in the link below. Be sure though to scroll down the page to find the model you want.

http://home.netteens.net/~billyy/Print%20Version.mht

msafi · #5 Post by **msafi** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:51 pm

although i'm really moved by the Z series, i don't think i'll buy one because, like many others, i don't need the widescreen. i'd rather buy the thinkpad tablet PC. my wife, however, does like viewing movies and things on her laptop, so she might be interested.

one very important questions though, do you know those toshiba and sony screens that are ultra bright, viewable from any angle, and have like thick protective layer ? i don't know what they're called, but they are really nice. just from looking at the pictures of this new thinkpad, i suspect it has the same feature. Can anyone confirm?

thank you,

msafi,

Navck · #6 Post by **Navck** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 1:23 am

K. Eng wrote:The answer for me is no, because I don't like widescreen displays much. I'd rather have a 1400x1050 display than a 1280x768 display...

Widescreen to me means lost desktop space at the top and bottom of the display.

As said.

rocketman · #7 Post by **rocketman** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 8:00 am

I think I'd go for it.

Onyx · #8 Post by **Onyx** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 10:00 am

I don't have either T or Z - I was seriously considering a T43 as an upgrade on my Crapaq, but held off as I heard rumours of the Z series.

There were several shortcomings of the T-series that I wouldn't feel comfortable living with, esp given its price in comparison to the competition. The hideous styling is another factor too.

If the Z-series lives up to Lenovo Thinkpad standards, it's got 1 confirmed customer.

Navck · #9 Post by **Navck** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 1:26 pm

But it looks like they neutured a poor Thinkpad and added a wider LCD to it!

STS06 · #10 Post by **STS06** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 1:40 pm

Too similar to the Dell 9300.....

I can understand if people want this computer...a widescreen built with IBM/Lenovo quality and etc.

When I think of IBM I think portability and great built...theses comps arent typically thought of as desktop replacements (at least in not in my mind)...but this is the doing of Lenovo I'm guessing?

Anyways, I guess if its built like a TP and is as reliable....I can see it doing well...but far too big for me....i'll stick to this great T42 and my desktop.

Steve007 · #11 Post by **Steve007** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 1:45 pm

bdoviack wrote:Anybody going to upgrade their T-Series for the Z-Series?

Why do you consider it an upgrade? The Z series from my understanding is pitched at a different type of user. The WS panel is the clue.....

mdarnton · #12 Post by **mdarnton** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 5:34 pm

I didn't think I'd like a wide-screen until my T41 was in the shop for a couple of days and I borrowed my wife's wide-screen HP. It was a bit of a downer for me to come back to the T41. I use Photoshop a lot, and it was nice to have all that space on the side for pallettes to go, out of the way. So don't knock it until you've tried it.

bdoviack · #13 Post by **bdoviack** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 5:48 pm

The reason I consider the Z-series an upgrade to the T-series is that it has everything the T-series has plus more (wider screen, SD memory card slot, FireWire (I think), same if not better chipset and graphics, and most importantly for me, lighter weight (for the 14.1" LCD) by half a pound.

One caveat though is that no one has yet tested or given feedback on the unit's quality and feel. I think that will be the critical decision maker for all those that are considering changing.

Hopefully it will be good news

tom2517 · #14 Post by **tom2517** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 6:36 pm

Steve007 wrote:
bdoviack wrote:Anybody going to upgrade their T-Series for the Z-Series?
Why do you consider it an upgrade? The Z series from my understanding is pitched at a different type of user. The WS panel is the clue.....

I agree, Z-series is not an upgrade, it is just a different series of IBM/Lenovo computer. If anything, it's marketed more toward consumers, where as T-series are for corporate users.

ruthlessbrad · #15 Post by **ruthlessbrad** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 6:44 pm

K. Eng wrote:The answer for me is no, because I don't like widescreen displays much. I'd rather have a 1400x1050 display than a 1280x768 display...

Widescreen to me means lost desktop space at the top and bottom of the display.

Haha, most people I talk to don't realize this... widescreen just means less pixels at the top and bottom (unless, of course, you get the widescreen display by adding pixels on the left and right). It's just a buzzword to impress consumers and sell more units. Come to think of it, those pictues make me think that Lenovo did keep the height the same and just widened it... look at the spaces to the left and right of the keyboard.

bdoviack · #16 Post by **bdoviack** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 7:28 pm

As Ruthless Brad hinted, you are not losing pixels at the top and bottom, only gaining at the sides. The T-series 1400x1050 will now be 1680x1050 on the Z series. The 1024x768 will now be 1280x768. With more pixels anyway you look at it, plus lighter weight, I don't see how you can go wrong.

The new Vista beta 1 aka Longhorn has been rumored to have a sidebar in future releases. This would be the ideal situation to have the widescreen.

Once again though, let's wait and see how the quality and feel compares to current ThinkPads.

kaplanfx · #17 Post by **kaplanfx** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:02 am

bdoviack wrote:As Ruthless Brad hinted, you are not losing pixels at the top and bottom, only gaining at the sides. The T-series 1400x1050 will now be 1680x1050 on the Z series. The 1024x768 will now be 1280x768. With more pixels anyway you look at it, plus lighter weight, I don't see how you can go wrong.

From what I read, there won't be a nice 1680x1050, at least not for the 14 inch. The 14 inch will only come in 1280x768 which is nice but not great compred to the 1400x1050 already available.

-kaplanfx

#18 Post by **BillMorrow** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:21 am

personally, i will reserve comment until i actually SEE one..
IF i ever see one..

chipsicle · #19 Post by **chipsicle** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:47 am

Here is more details....

http://it.com.cn/f/notebook/058/18/159901.htm

Depending on build...I am in.

According to eweeks the z60M is suppose to be around 1500 bucks. If i priced a similar T43 it will run me over 2k.

All speculations right now. Gotta sit tight and see...

chipsicle · #20 Post by **chipsicle** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:55 am

As for the design....well Len. were selling a 13.3 widescreen of their own before the merger. I think they took cues from that and the exist lines.

Inky · #21 Post by **Inky** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:15 am

Oh no! I was SO happy with my brand new T42 and now...I can't be happy with it anymore because of this Z.

Just kidding. My 14" T42 is still absolutely perfect for doing what I got it for (writing) but eventually when I want to get a desktop replacement the Z series should be perfect for that, as long as they make it available with the top of the line CPU, GPU, etc.

-Inky

msafi · #22 Post by **msafi** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:51 am

why should the Z be more fitted as a desktop replacement? what's a 'desktop replacement' anyway? it all comes down to what you use your computer for, i guess!

Inky · #23 Post by **Inky** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:59 pm

msafi wrote:why should the Z be more fitted as a desktop replacement?

I'm assuming the Z is bulky compared to a sleek 14.1" ThinkPad. I'm guessing the bigger screen will also drain batteries quicker. It's a bit like the 15" Vs. 14.1" debate all over again.

msafi wrote: what's a 'desktop replacement' anyway? it all comes down to what you use your computer for, i guess!

Desktop replacement means I can replace my desktop system with it and not miss much. That means a powerful CPU, lot of RAM, big HD and a big screen, even at the expense of more fan noise (my desktop system isn't exactly quiet). If it uses a lot of power, no problem because it will be on A/C most of the time. And if it's bulky that's OK, because as a desktop replacement it will be used mainly on my desk instead of being carried everywhere--it's a low level of portability, mainly from room to room. When I need high portability and power savings then I can use my 14.1" T42.

-Inky

simscitizen · #24 Post by **simscitizen** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 4:06 pm

Total downer. 4.6 lbs for WXGA or 6 lbs for WSXGA+? No thanks. I'll stick to my higher resolution T43 in the <5 lb. category, and if I really wanted just a WXGA screen, I'd just spend $1299 on the 3.1 lb Acer Travelmate 3002WTCI.

STS06 · #25 Post by **STS06** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:44 pm

Inky wrote:
msafi wrote:why should the Z be more fitted as a desktop replacement?
I'm assuming the Z is bulky compared to a sleek 14.1" ThinkPad. I'm guessing the bigger screen will also drain batteries quicker. It's a bit like the 15" Vs. 14.1" debate all over again.

msafi wrote: what's a 'desktop replacement' anyway? it all comes down to what you use your computer for, i guess!

Desktop replacement means I can replace my desktop system with it and not miss much. That means a powerful CPU, lot of RAM, big HD and a big screen, even at the expense of more fan noise (my desktop system isn't exactly quiet). If it uses a lot of power, no problem because it will be on A/C most of the time. And if it's bulky that's OK, because as a desktop replacement it will be used mainly on my desk instead of being carried everywhere--it's a low level of portability, mainly from room to room. When I need high portability and power savings then I can use my 14.1" T42.

-Inky

So then the question is...why get a laptop to replace your desktop. This isn't only for you but for all of those that buy these "desktop replacements"...I'm just trying to understand the mentaility...no offense. i suppose short hauls and room-to-room moving would be the winning factor. I'd replace a desktop with another desktop and have a portable laptop that can do on-the-go stuff...especially when your replacement desktop (aka huge laptop) can easily be outperformed by a cheaper real desktop. Just my opinion...again, no offense.

Inky · #26 Post by **Inky** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:29 pm

STS06 wrote: So then the question is...why get a laptop to replace your desktop.

I'm not really getting rid of my desktop (tower) system. That's too useful for massive storage via multiple hard drives.

But I find "desktop replacement" to be a handy term for a bulky 15" flexview model (or an even bulkier widescreen). It's a souped up laptop with everything but the kitchen sink--which diminishes its portability, but I won't mind because I'll be using it MAINLY AT HOME. For things like watching DVD's, running iTunes, surfing the web, running a personal information manager, etc. I discussed the logic of this decision in more detail in this thread:

UPDATE on 14.1" Vs. 15" screen dilemma

-Inky

kanate · #27 Post by **kanate** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:40 pm

WSXGA+ in 15.4"? No way!

If it's WSXGA+ in 14"/13.3" wide screen or WUXGA in 15.4", that would be perfect for me.

I love my 15" UXGA flexview.

Onyx · #28 Post by **Onyx** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:16 am

It seems like the Z series are currently released/for sale in China and/or other parts of Asia. That's good news for me, as I'll be heading to HK in the near future - and might take a closer look at them.

Only 2 models in the initial release are disappointing though - very limited choices in configuration. The 60T is 14", GMA900 and 12x7 res. The 60M necessarily comes with 15", 16x10 and a huge weight penalty. The optical drives and processor options are tied to each model too. If only there was customisation like existing Thinkpad lines.

Shame about the styling too - it looks like they've been hit with the same ugly stick as all other Thinkpads.

As with bdoviack, I consider the Z series an upgrade to the T as well. For the reasons mentioned: all the specs of the T (including embedded security system) plus more. T owners will no doubt have a tantrum trying to stroke their ego and dismiss it as a 'consumer' grade line.... well, each to their own.

Wholesomer · #29 Post by **Wholesomer** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:35 am

Well, why wait then? You can get the authentic Lenovo designed and built laptop while you are in HK. Lenovo desktops and laptop are abundant in Asia. It should not really matter for you, unless all you want is a rebadge IBM logo on it.

I am happy with my T43 because it was designed and support by IBM. Here is a good discussion you might want to take a look.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=23848

tehsoul · #30 Post by **tehsoul** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 6:53 am

Onyx wrote:Shame about the styling too - it looks like they've been hit with the same ugly stick as all other Thinkpads.

actually you'll find that most people here (including me) find the thinkpad design far more appealing then any random dell/acer/sony laptop...

imo, it's the perfect no-[censored] corporate design

i dont like the z-series design tho (i dont see the advantage of any widescreen laptop)

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