Thinkpads Forum

hi guys, Currently got a maxxed out T43p (2gb of ram, 2.26GHz, Samsung HM160HC running windows 7 ultimae) and i love it, however its starting to struggle a little with modern websites with loads of HD content etc, so looking to replace it (or should i say add another machine to my collection!)

basically im looking for another T series, and quite interested in the T60/T61, however im struggling to find the right machine, basically i love how the T43p is laid out, i love the size, shape everything. So im not looking for one of the wide screen models. I love the 1600x1200 screen on my T43p so basically im looking for the highst spec non widescreen 1600x1200 machine i can get!

correct me if im wrong with the following but so far from what i gather....

the T61 uses a 64 bit procesor while the T60 uses a 32bit
the T61 can unnoficially use 8gb of ram the T60 can only use 4GB (i assume really 3gb due to a 32bit OS if the above is true?)
both use SATA II (possibly need a modded bios to run at SATA II speeds?)

im quite happy to "make my own" thinkpad using a few different ones if its all simple enough straight swaps (screens etc)

so whats my options? Ebay UK doesnt seem to have much on it, and ive never bought from the USA so not sure how import tax works etc as all the thinkpads seem much cheaper from the US?

Martin_172 wrote:basically im looking for another T series, and quite interested in the T60/T61, however im struggling to find the right machine, basically i love how the T43p is laid out, i love the size, shape everything. So im not looking for one of the wide screen models. I love the 1600x1200 screen on my T43p so basically im looking for the highst spec non widescreen 1600x1200 machine i can get!

Your best bet would be building a Frankenpad from a T60 and T61. Neither of both machines are good enough IMHO, but joining their best parts into a machine which was never oficially offered nor sold is feasible. I am typing this on one of these hybdrid machines, composed of a 4:3 14.1" T61 Penryn mainboard with a T9300 CPU, 2x4=8GB of RAM, and which is contained in a 4:3 15" T60 chassis equipped with BOE Hydis UXGA (1600x1200) screen.

Further reading here:

forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=68248
forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=51632
forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=74413

forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=620807#p620807
forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=555899#p555899
forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=555881#p555881
forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=536550#p536550

T60 can use both, 32bit and 64bit processors, miaximum CPU for T60 is 2.33 GHz T7600.

I have T60p with UXGA screen and it has 3GB memory + T7600 CPU and I love it. T61 is out of the question for me because I don't want any of the nVidia cards due to them failing (though specwise I love FX570M) and Intel video is just not enough for me.

If you definitely NEED 8GB memory, then go for T61/60 Frankenpad but it is just easier (and MUCH cheaper) to buy just T60/p with UXGA screen.

Martin_172 wrote:the T61 uses a 64 bit procesor while the T60 uses a 32bit
the T61 can unnoficially use 8gb of ram the T60 can only use 4GB (i assume really 3gb due to a 32bit OS if the above is true?)
both use SATA II (possibly need a modded bios to run at SATA II speeds?)

Late T60s are available with 64bit (Core 2) CPUs, but the chipset limitation to 4GB (of which BIOS allows only 3GB to be used after address reservation to PCI devices) throws this key advantage of 64bit OS out of the window.

T61 can run SATA2 speeds after a modded BIOS, T60 cannot (again, chipset limitation, even though the Ltwbook mentions SATA2...)

Martin_172 wrote:so whats my options? Ebay UK doesnt seem to have much on it, and ive never bought from the USA so not sure how import tax works etc as all the thinkpads seem much cheaper from the US?

Import tax regulations may be different in every country - I advise you inquire with your state authorities.

Bottom line - I agree with rumbero and Raceboy. You'll get the best combination of performance and usability (nice screen) by building a T60/T61 Frankenpad as explained in the discussions linked to. The simplest thing however would be to find a high-end T60p.

Since you live in the UK, you should limit your T60/T61 search to Europe so you won't have to pay any import tax
As an example, check this T60p on eBay.de for 338 EUR inc shipping (appr. 271 GBP / $435).

• T2600 Intel Core Duo 2,16 GHz Prozessor
• 2 Gb RAM DDR2 (auf 3Gb- 25 euro)
• 100Gb HDD, ultra schnell 7200rpm (Erweiterung auf eine neue 640Gb HDD - 55 euro Aufpreis)
• 15 Zoll UXGA Display 1600x1200
• 256MB ATI FireGL V5200 Grafik

I originally bought the exact same config The only disadvantage of this config is the FireGL V5200 graphic card, in therms of heat and fan noise. However, its performance is quite good. It depends on your own preference on what is most important. You could swap in a T60 motherboard with Ati X1300 graphics or onboard Intel graphics if you prefer lower fan noise and heat.

You can get a T60p from US for much less money even if you pay import taxes and shipping than from ebay.de. Hint for prices: check BobA ads.

@Raceboy
Also with UXGA display? Keep in mind that the import tax will be around 20~25% of the item price... Shipping comes on top of that... So it has to be a very sharp deal if he buys from the US.

I did a quick search on eBay.com but I could not find any T60(p) with UXGA display.
On the marketplace I found 1 T60p with UXGA display for $389. With import tax that will be $466~486 + shipping... so it will be over $500 in total.

Mine was with UXGA display. I bought it for $115+shipping ($47) and import taxes were ~25 euros (20% VAT+ customs tax). It was missing a battery, AC adapter and HDD. Exterior was flawless and LCD panel was like new.

Backslashnl1 wrote:@Raceboy
Also with UXGA display? Keep in mind that the import tax will be around 20~25% of the item price... Shipping comes on top of that... So it has to be a very sharp deal if he buys from the US.

I did a quick search on eBay.com but I could not find any T60(p) with UXGA display.
On the marketplace I found 1 T60p with UXGA display for $389. With import tax that will be $466~486 + shipping... so it will be over $500 in total.

I just bought a T60p (T2500/2G/60G) on ebay.com with the UXGA screen for $189. Not in the best of condition, needs a battery and the keys are pretty worn, but everything works properly. The seller doesn't do the quality of refurb job I would do, but that was reflected in the price, and I feel okay tweaking/fixing the things I will want done over time. They're there, but may be a gamble.