New on Thinkpad looking for a T60

[powermi]

Hello, i would like to introduce my self first.. I am from Spain and I love computers since i were a kid. For years i have been using POWERPC computers from Apple, even now i do almost everything on my powermacs and powerbooks. I love these machines for its architecture, is so reliable that you could even trust your life on them.. as i am moving away from OSx to Linux in all of my computers i ve realized that the performance on the powerbooks is not so good as on the desktops. So i am planing to sell a couple of them and get an x86 laptop to run Linux on it.

Thinkpads seem to be quite durable and reliable.. and after look for some info on the forum i have checked that most of people thinks that the T60 is a really good machine that could last for decades.

So here am I, asking for advices to get the best T60 i could. i would like to know if screen is the same in all models? and the reliability and how easy is to replace components? what about the case and keyboard? any other thinkpad model that could mach on my needs?

Thanks a lot.

[brchan]

The T6x series are fine machines. Solid build quality, durability, and have excellent keyboards. However, unless you care about 4:3 ratio screens and IPS displays in some T60 models, I would go for a T420 or T520/W520. These models retain the classic keyboard, and although they are widescreen, offer better overall durability, better hinges (don't loosen as much like the T6x or T400/T500/W500), run cooler (most cases), and are much faster. Sure, the screen in the 14" models lack the contrast and viewing angles of the IPS displays in the T60, but are much brighter nevertheless. Also, the FHD displays in the T520/W520 models are better than the old IPS displays in color and contrast, although they don't have as good viewing angles since the displays are TN, not IPS.

[rumbero]

..., asking for advices to get the best T60 i could. i would like to know if screen is the same in all models? and the reliability and how easy is to replace components? what about the case and keyboard? any other thinkpad model that could mach on my needs?

Let me recommend you some good Linux centric reading, to first get an informed overview about possible options:

www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T60
www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Installation_ins ... inkPad_T60

Also, while T60's are nice machines, going one step further by the T61 would provide you much better computing options:

www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T61
www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Installation_ins ... inkPad_T61
t61.wikispaces.com

Best of breed are hybrid machines of both generations, conveniently named "Frankenpad", which quite a few members (including yours truly) are running as their daily drivers:

thinkwiki.de/Frankenpad

Just be aware that T6x machines are around up to 8 years old and, if you do need contemporary performance levels, you might be better off with a more recent Thinkpad model. It all depends on your actual needs, though.

BTW, if you happen to be from the Barcelona region in Spain, feel free to contact me off-list (Spanish broken here, too). I might be able to help you finding a worthwhile T6x machine, if not even a high end Frankenpad.

[FryPpy]

Thinkpads seem to be quite durable and reliable.. and after look for some info on the forum i have checked that most of people thinks that the T60 is a really good machine that could last for decades.

Not could - it is. Mine is 7 years old and it still alive (but heavily modded

i would like to know if screen is the same in all models?

You can read "LCDs on T60/T60p - types, availability and other discussions" topic. But quick summary is. T60-series have 3 sizes - 14" 4:3, 15" 4:3 & 15.6" 16:10. Only SOME 15" 4:3 have that glory IPS LCD. In every size there are some resolution options (eg XGA, SXGA+ & UXGA in 15" or XGA & SXGA+ in 14"). In some resolution there are some LCD models that can be placed on factory (eg 14" SXGA+ can have LCDs from Samsung, LG or Toshiba). Some info about LCD (size and resolution) can be gathered from MTM (printed on sticker at bottom or shown in main BIOS page). T61 series added 14" 16:10 size but removed 15" 4:3 from production.

and the reliability

T6x is reliable and adequate for linux development when it is not bottlenecked by RAM size (java or massive virtualizations) or GFX (if you plan to use 3D GFX programms or OpenGL programming). T60 have 3GB of RAM cap (even in x64 OS!!!!). While T61 can handle 8GB (but 4GB modules are expensive and not a factory option). T60 have ATI GFX (X1300, X1400 or FGL 5200-series (of T60p)) + intel 945GM (GMA 950). T61 have intel 965GM (GMA X3100) and nvidias (NVS140m and FX570m). BEWARE nvidias - they mostly error prone due to nvidia bug!!!

how easy is to replace components

Very EASY! Most things are fixed with screws and little with glue or snaps. There are HMMs that have step by step illustrated instructions about process of installing or removing any components. There are some video tutorials about disassembling Thinkpads. This is not only about T6x? but about most Thinkpad.

what about the case and keyboard?

Mg Frame is covered by black plastic or paint. T60 15" 4:3 have plastic lid. 7 years of work can make older everyone. And scratches and "paint holes" can occur - but it is all depend on previous usage. 15" 4:3 model have weakness in Mg structure frame near left fan outlet. If it is cracked left hinge become not stationary. And yes on 15" models hinges can have some loose (with good frame) but it is acceptable because it is only couple of mm. Keyboard is very "unusual". Fn Ctrl and navigation block (PgUp, Home etc) have unusual (to the other brands) disposition, but when my fingers remember this keyboard it becomes the best notebook keyboard i ever work with.

any other thinkpad model that could mach on my needs?

Actually you not described your needs well. What weight you can carry - or it is a desktop replacement? What screen (notebook) size you want? What special things (webcam, touchpad, WiFi, WWAN) needed?
T6x series is an optimal choise.
R6x series are thick and can have less options but can be cheap.
X6x series are ultraportables. They screens are 12" and they weight is less. But they have no CD/DVD (it is in the dock / media slice), no touchpad (only red trackpoint) and no NVidias or ATIs - only Intel GFX.
You can increase your searches with X20x seriese in ultraportable (X201 reinvented touchpad). Or may be even T(R)400 or T(R)(W)500 series can be fine.

[powermi]

Thanks a lot for the replies! As I said, most of my daily computing is done on old G4 PowerMac. My only desire is reliability and durability. BTW I would like to carry not to much weight. My PowerBooks are between 2, and 2,3 kilos.
I like the T60, but the T61 seems to be a really good deal. Which model I should look for? What is the best screen quality? 15"?
How much ram the T61 could handle with?
I live near Madrid. But next time I'll go to Barcelona I'll tell you.

[theterminator93]

The T60 supports up to 3GB RAM, the T61 officially supports up to 4GB, but you can install up to 8GB.

I myself have a pair of T60s, one I use for work on a daily basis and the other I've been fixing to sell. Both are 7+ years old and running flawlessly.

[brchan]

If you want the best reliablity and durability, you should choose any 14.1" T60 model or the 14.1" widescreen models (non Nvidia gpu). The 15 inch models are prone to cracking near the vga port or left hinge. Also, 14.1 inch standard ratio (4:3) T61 models are prone to snapping at the right hinge.