This is an interesting thread because it rather innocuously touches on two central issues that come up again and again on this forum:
1- Is the T60 the "perfect" laptop (or not)?
and
2- Do I have to worry about <something really minor>?
I've already commented (humorously, I thought) on another thread on the first issue (and got flamed for it). Still, my observation is simply that "while nothing is perfect, some things get [censored] close; close enough to inspire true devotion and fervent forum postings". I have liked ThinkPads (IBM or Lenovo branded) since my first model 365. I liked them even more when I got a 1500i model. I really "fell in love" with my 600X. So, when I went looking for a new one this year, I shopped for a ThinkPad. Early this summer before Lenovo changed its return policy (a fact that has, so far, not been commented on that I know of in this forum), I "auditioned" three current models: a R60, a Z60m, and a T60. I even looked at Lenovo's new 3000 series at my local Office Depot. I ended up returning the R60 and Z60m to Lenovo (yes, I paid for the return shipping so the "audition" wasn't free). I shopped for the best value (to match my uses and budget) on a T60. Once I found a good deal, I called Lenovo/IBM and politely asked for an additional discount. They obliged me with another $100 off and so I got a T60 (2623-D6U for $1200 plus tax). Not the fastest, not the very best video, etc., but a hell of a value.
I will say that each ThinkPad model I auditioned had its own advantages and disadvantages but the T60 was clearly "superior" to the others in ways that mattered to me. All of them were "nice" but the T60 is lighter, more rugged, and better-designed than the others. The fact that it is called the "flagship" of the Lenovo line makes total sense to me. It has compromises (as does everything in life) but it ranks--in my mind--as the finest laptop now available. Why? Well, in addition to what others have said, among the many strengths of the T60 are these things which are rarely mentioned:
1- The ThinkVantage suite of tools. Wow...have you checked these things out!? I say compare them to any other vendor (like HP or Sony, or the maligned Dell). You'll find that nobody has anything that even comes close. Talk about refinement and utility. Wow!
2- The built-in (hardware-based) security chip. If you care about the security of the data you put on your laptop at all then you won't want any machine that is not equipped with a TPM chip like the T60. Enough said. (Oh, and I love the fingerprint reader.)
3- The refinement of the design and the overall construction of the T60 are heads above all the competition, even Sony (which I think is a close second). HP has a nice new series (the DV2000) that is more of a MacBook knock-off (and a good one) than a T60-killer. The SZ series of Sony's is nice, but more fragile and "fussy" than the T60 (I know first hand because I helped my sister buy a SZ280 recently...couldn't talk her into a ThinkPad because she works for the US Government).
4- In spite of the complaints (and there will always be those) the service, support, and reliability of the ThinkPad line (which is being sold by Lenovo and supported by IBM) is clearly superior, even when compared to Apple's and HP's respectable efforts. And don't get me started on Dell....I own some of their products and I've helped many clients purchase and use them...but I don't recommend their laptops. Too fragile, too shoddy, too hard to get them to admit there's a problem and fix it. The cost of the extended warranty is also a big issue for me (the T60 I bought included a 3-year plan). Compare that to Sony or Dell, or HP. The winner? T60.
I could go on and on, but then I would sound like a devoted fan of the ThinkPad T60 (and I can't let any one think that, now can I?). So, I will just add this last comment:
It is helpful to compare issues and problems (such as the noise made by a hard drive) with other users. This forum is invaluable for sharing information. But, and it's a big "but", when someone is nervous or even paranoid (my words) about the standard noise produced by a machine, or about whether a power plug being redesigned is a sign that the end of the world is upon us...well, I have to point out that there are compulsive and obsessive people. They may never be satisfied or comfortable with their purchase. They may scrutinize every speck of dust that falls on their T60's screens....but that doesn't make their worries a big worry for others. It just shows their anxieties and compulsions. (Oh, and if anyone who reads this has an urge to flame me for these remarks, please don't. I'm entitled to my opinion, after all, as are you.
).
So, I'm gonna get back to polishing my T60 and making sure it has no specs of dust on it and that the noise of the hard drive is under 24 decibels. Oh, wait. Maybe I'll just post another reply on this forum instead....
nice,