Thinkpads Forum

Hello All,

I have been contemplating selling my T61 (7661-E16) and my X61 (7674-WHL) and stepping up to a T500.

I just ordered an ultra-bay adapter from Tuss and I have a few 9-Cell Batteries and a docking station for the T61.

My question is ......do any of these items fit in the T500? If not then I'll steer my search over to a T61p with a hi-res display

Thanks as always

Ultrabay adapter and battery won't fit T500. Can't recall the dock...

That being said, the battery won't fit T61p either.

Thanks ajkula66,

Well that stinks. I was hoping at least my batteries would work in the T61p.
Ok, thank you for the info. I think I'll list my T61 & X61 and check out the T61p

Your T61 is a 14" widescreen, that's the problem. You could use that battery in a T400.

If you like the big widescreen T61p, you may want to take a look at W500 as well. These are very fine machines.

Since you have 14.1" Widescreen T61, the following parts are compatible:
1. With T500: AC adapter and Docking, wireless card.
2. With T61p (only 15.4" widescreen available in U.S.): AC adapter, docking, ultrabay driver, CPU, RAM, wireless, etc.
The battery from 14.1" W T61 won't not fit T500 nor T61p (it will fit to T400).
In my opinion, in your situation, it is better to get T500 than T61p. It is faster and more reliable.

Thanks Binh, I apreciate the input.
I was looking at the T61p based on the price point, but since I'm selling both units I still should be able to get a hi-res display T500.

If you get a T400, then the batteries will be compatible. But if 15.4" screen size is important then it's a T500.

If you like the T500 with high resolution there is one with a WUXGA LCD for sale right now in the marketplace.

Brad

Many people feel the T61p graphic system is superior to the T500, even the discrete models, but the cost of a T61p with the updated gpu chip is usually higher then the T500, and the older ones that have been selling cheap are often ones that have had their boards reflowed (or baked), so beware.

The advantages of the T500 are faster front side bus, and faster chips are made that support it. The ultrabay is full SATA compliant, which is a plus when running an SSD, but a minus when you have prior ultrabay parts like your new adapter that won't work in it. The T500 does use the same batteries as the T60 and T61 line (except 14 widescreen), and the same docking station too (as was mentioned).

Even though Lenovo fixed the graphic problems with the T61/T61p line, they knew it's reputation would suffer so discontinued it in sept 2008 (shortly after solving the problem), replacing it with the T500 that was more of a step sideways then forward. The graphics reverted back to ATI, since nVidia's reputation was bad at the time, and a few upgrades as outlined. The T510 line then reverted back to nVidia on the discrete models, but also went from 16:10 to 16:9 aspect ratio which many felt was a step in the wrong direction... but they did finally implement LED backlighting on the high resolution screens.

Enjoy your shopping, there are many to consider.

Thanks Tuss.

I am looking at a T61p with a manufacture date of 08/09. 1920x1200 display. It appears to be about $100 cheaper than a comparable T500.
As mentioned the investment on accessories has me rethinking my strategy. I got the T61 and like it, then wanted something a bit lighter and grabbed an X61. I was happy until I picked up a T43p for my daughter. I didn't know anything about them but the $75 price shipped hooked me.
No my life is forever changed as I realize how nice a display can look. Hers has the 1600x1200 display and it's AMAZING!

I'm already spending a fair amount on extra batteries, the SATA mod, and an SSD for the T43p. So I was looking for the best value for a higher res display. A frankenpad is not in the budget hence was leaning towards the T61p or a T500. After talking with some friends tonight I may not get near the nice display of a T43p but maybe I'll see if I can get a 1440x900 for the T61 and save some coin for the upcoming holidays. I toyed with the idea of doing the tablet display upgrade to the x61 but that doesn't make much financial sense either.

Fixed_Rider wrote:So I was looking for the best value for a higher res display.

You can look for a T60(p), they are available with the same beautiful UXGA Flexview as the T43p and it is faster, however they are not as fast as a T61. However, equipped with a T7200 / T7400 / T7600, 3GB ram and a SSD they are also very fine machines. And, the price is lower as a T61