Thinkpads Forum

thinking about buying my first laptop, a 15" t61 was wondering which would be best? widescreen? or standard screen? I mostly surf the web using KDE/ubuntu, sometimes watch a movie every other day.. maybe once a week

Anyway to hook hdmi to these computers?

I guess the newer nvidia cards don't fail after 08/8? do they come with a hdmi slot? has anyone sued nvidia over this?

what would be the best WIFI upgrade for war driving?

going to be carrying this on bicycle, What would be a good carry case? or protective case for backpack

I have the widescreen 15" and have mixed feelings.
For use, the extra width is GREAT
For travel, the extra width = more bulk and weight = not so good (compared to a traditional format like my 14" T23)

IMHO it all depends on how much you will be carrying it.
If you will be carrying it a LOT, then the bulk/weight becomes more of a factor.
I were to buy a travel computer, it would be an X230 or one of the ultrabooks.

IMHO, at this point, you are too late in the game to do anything about the Nvidia chip. It is past the period where IBM/Lenovo will replace the motherboard. I have that same problem w a defective Canon camera, I waited too long and the warranty repair/replacement period is over.

The 15" T61 only came in widescreen versions. for a standard (4:3) you would need to look at the T60p. It really comes down to personal preferance, if you really want a square screen (or IPS), you will have to take that. Personally I would reccomend you look at a T500, which will let you use more than 3gb ram (issue with the T60), no potential graphics issues (T61). If you can get away with intel graphics, a T61 would fit your needs, however for what you have described, with what I'm assuming will be lots of on and off cycles (or standby, it has the same effect), I wouldn't put money on a nvida card lasting particularly well (even a newer one, however I have no experience to say it won't, its just a gut feeling). I have an intel 14" T61, and it handles everything I throw at it (blue-ray rips, flash, basic solidworks and CAD software) - the only thing it won't play smoothly is video from my camera, which stutter occasionally during playback.

AFAIK none of the "Traditional" thinkpads have a HDMI port, however the T510 and later have display port that can be converted to HDMI with an adapter; anything older you will need to use VGA and a seperate sound connection.

EDIT: about what to use for biking, I would reccomend a backpack designed to carry laptops, as that will provide the most stability to the system; however tough thinkpads are, it is hard on them to swing back and forth, and from my understanding, it is better for your body to have the weight distributed evenly across your shoulders rather than in a messenger bag; what works best for you is very dependant on how you ride your bike, so you may have to experiment; just make sure the laptop is well cusioned.

might consider the t510. How well is it built compared to the t61? metal frame? great keyboard?

I think the t61 was the last thinkpad designed by IBM

does the t510 have the white list etc, are there bios hacks for them?

If you get a dock it'll have the HDMI, at least for those times where you have the dock.