photographer buying thinkpad for 1st time

[allen]

I’m completely new to this thinkpads forum, been reading a bit here and there. I’m not nearly as technically savvy on all this computer stuff as it seems so many on here are, but I think I’m a bit better than the average computer user, which is what would bring me to a forum like this instead of just making a decision.

i currently use a desktop pc. I’ve been traveling more and more for work and want a laptop to do work, on photos, while I travel. I also want it to just be my only computer, for home and travel. So I don’t have to deal with having 2 computers. i've used thinkpads before, but never owned or purchased one.

using CS2, winXP pro, main uses are RAW file processing, so far just large batches of 4mp files, eventually 8mp or more... and 160mb film scans, 320mb with layers, sometimes larger. Color correction and retouching. Will use external CRT while home, but will do this stuff on travels as well.

this is the configuration i was thinking:
15" T60
2.33ghz dual core processor, 2GB RAM, 8x dual layer dvd burner, 100GB 7200rpm drive,

questions about thinkpads and options for this type photography work:

difference between the t60 and t60p?

what is the ultrabay on a thinkpad? is it an extra slot that can fit either a 2nd battery, or a 2nd hard drive? or is it where the optical drive goes?

It looks like right now I have a choice between the 128mb video card with FlexView IPS screen, or a 256mb video card with no IPS? are the IPS screens that much better?

the price comes to around $2500 or more... are the specs i have overkill for what i'm doing?

are the t60 thinkpads about to be drastically updated and i should wait until that happens, like core 2 duo?

is there a method for partitioning a laptop hardrive that’s better/different from what I do on my desktop? I currently just have 2 partitions on the main drive, 1 for OS and software, and a 2nd for all my personal data, photos, music, documents etc.

is there anywhere I can see these T60’s in person? Please not my location, new york.
Is there a big difference between 14” and 15” options? I figure there must be if they always offer the choice…?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks,
allen

[devilsrejection]

difference between the t60 and t60p? better specs

what is the ultrabay on a thinkpad? is it an extra slot that can fit either a 2nd battery, or a 2nd hard drive? or is it where the optical drive goes?

you hit the nail, it's a multi use bay, you can stick any of the things you just mentioned inside.

It looks like right now I have a choice between the 128mb video card with FlexView IPS screen, or a 256mb video card with no IPS? are the IPS screens that much better?

for color reproduction ips is recommended, not as good for video according to some, but i'm fine w/ it

the price comes to around $2500 or more... are the specs i have overkill for what i'm doing?

a dell will do the same thing, but that's not why your looking at a thinkpad wink wink

are the t60 thinkpads about to be drastically updated and i should wait until that happens, like core 2 duo?

64 bit means jack right now, and won't mean jack for a while since 2gb of ram is considered a lot. if you want to wait then go ahead. i don't recommend it.

is there a method for partitioning a laptop hardrive that’s better/different from what I do on my desktop? I currently just have 2 partitions on the main drive, 1 for OS and software, and a 2nd for all my personal data, photos, music, documents etc.

same technique you used to do that to your desktop you can do to your laptop

is there anywhere I can see these T60’s in person? Please not my location, new york.

in ny, j&r.

Is there a big difference between 14” and 15” options? I figure there must be if they always offer the choice…?

as someone who is on my feet a lot i would get the lighter 14 inch, BUT since your editing pics i would get the 1600x1200 lcd. ANOTHER BUT, have you considered the Z61p? 1920x1200 and fully loaded for 2.2k

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks,
allen

np allen

Note from Moderator: Is there any new information in this message, or did you just quote the OP?

update: i made my answers bold hehe, my mistake

[RonS]

difference between the t60 and t60p?

The 'p' models typically come with high-resolutions screen (SXGA+ on the 14" models, 1600x1200 on the 15" models), and high-end graphics, currently the v5200 on the T60p. They also come with big, fast hard drives and are fairly well loaded with most options.

what is the ultrabay on a thinkpad? is it an extra slot that can fit either a 2nd battery, or a 2nd hard drive? or is it where the optical drive goes?

Exactly. You can remove the CD drive and put in a second battery or second hard drive

It looks like right now I have a choice between the 128mb video card with FlexView IPS screen, or a 256mb video card with no IPS? are the IPS screens that much better?

I've never seen a 15" screen without IPS. Can you provide model numbers?

the price comes to around $2500 or more... are the specs i have overkill for what i'm doing?

Thinkpads are a joy to travel with. I think you're buying the right machine. Concentrate on the video card (i.e., v5200) and the 15" IPS screen, which can't be upgraded after purchase. You can always upgrade the hard drive and memory later if needed. You probably wouldn't notice the difference between any of the CPU speeds that are currently available.

are the t60 thinkpads about to be drastically updated and i should wait until that happens, like core 2 duo?

It looks like the T61 is coming out at the end of the year, and that the 15" screens will be discontinued, because Lenovo can't get the 15" parts anymore. Very sad. The performance difference between the T60 and T61 isn't worth delaying for, in my opinion.

is there a method for partitioning a laptop hardrive that’s better/different from what I do on my desktop? I currently just have 2 partitions on the main drive, 1 for OS and software, and a 2nd for all my personal data, photos, music, documents etc.

That's really up to you. I keep everything on one partition and have had no problems.

is there anywhere I can see these T60’s in person? Please not my location, new york.
Is there a big difference between 14” and 15” options? I figure there must be if they always offer the choice…?

OfficeDepot sometimes has a few on the floor. Probably not 15" though.

[allen]

thanks guys,

right now on the lenovo site, i dont see a 14" with the IPS option. and no 15" with v5200 option.

so it's either 14" v5200, or a 15" with IPS, and it's looking like i dont need the v5200 quite as much as the IPS.

9 cell batt vs. 6 cell? did i read the 9 cell batt protrudes from the notebook?

Employee friends and family discount - anyone else notice the choices seem to be older models?

i've seen the 14" T4X series in person, but never seen any 15" T series in person

[archer6]

It looks like right now I have a choice between the 128mb video card with FlexView IPS screen, or a 256mb video card with no IPS? are the IPS screens that much better?

I've never seen a 15" screen without IPS. Can you provide model numbers?

All 15" displays on T60 / 60p models are IPS/Flexview. The 14" models are all non-Flexview.

the price comes to around $2500 or more... are the specs i have overkill for what i'm doing?

Absolutely not, what you are accomplishing is future proofing your laptop so that it will last you and provide the type of performance you want now and into the future.

Thinkpads are a joy to travel with. I think you're buying the right machine.

I agree with this one, I have traveled constantly with both 14" and 15" ThinkPads and they are very mobile. A ThinkPad T series has been my main computer for years. I do not use a desktop.

are the t60 thinkpads about to be drastically updated and i should wait until that happens, like core 2 duo?

It looks like the T61 is coming out at the end of the year, and that the 15" screens will be discontinued, because Lenovo can't get the 15" parts anymore. Very sad. The performance difference between the T60 and T61 isn't worth delaying for, in my opinion.

I have read recently that there is only a 7 or 8% performance increase with Core 2 Duo, and therefore I see absolutely no reason to wait. The minimal difference not only will likely be unoticeable in real world usage, but the price premium will overshadow any slim gains in peformance. Not only that, once you try your new ThinkPad and find out how fast it is, I'm sure you will be happy now and for a long time down the line.

Is there a big difference between 14” and 15” options? I figure there must be if they always offer the choice…?

The only difference other than the size, is again Flexview and a small price difference. There is little noticeable difference in battery life either. So I believe it's a matter of personal preference in terms of size and resolution.

[archer6]

right now on the lenovo site, i dont see a 14" with the IPS option. and no 15" with v5200 option.

Unfortunately the Lenovo site does not represent all the various models. Here is a link to a pdf file that lists all current models: ThinkPad List

Here are 2 links to Lenovo authorized resellers that have large inventories and eliminate the hassle and frustration of having to order your computer from Lenovo and then wait for several weeks without and concrete delivery date.

Euclid Computers

CostCentral

I have used both these resellers to purchase quite a few ThinkPads and have had good luck with both of them. The main advantage to Euclid is they do not charge sales tax, so there is a savings there. In addition, I have found they always perform as promised. Whereas, Cost Central has confirmed inventory before I placed the order, then call me back the next day and say there are on backorder. They also have a longer order processing time. Euclid is same day.

9 cell batt vs. 6 cell? did i read the 9 cell batt protrudes from the notebook?

Yes, the nine cell protrudes out the back of the computer creating a rather bulky appearance and feel. Unless you truly have a need for the larger battery, I would suggest the six cell as it's flush with the back and bottom and does not protrude at all. I have them both and have rarely used the nine cell.

[RonS]

Quick clarification - I'm pretty sure that the 15" XGA screens (1024x768) are not IPS. I've never actually seen one, though.

[archer6]

Quick clarification - I'm pretty sure that the 15" XGA screens (1024x768) are not IPS. I've never actually seen one, though.

Oops, sorry for the mistake on my part, you are 100% correct about this. I was thinking about 1400x1050 vs 1600x1200, both of which are IPS. Then, as you so accurately stated the XGA is non IPS.

Thanks for the heads up on that one....

[lbump]

There is a Lenovo mini-store in RCS Computer Experience located at 56th and Madison in Manhattan. You can see samples of most models there.

[IdeaDirect]

I do a lot of photo editing and the IPS screen is night and day. It is really an amazing screen. Plus with UXGA, you get plenty of screen real estate.
The color accuracy is excellent and you don't get much shift at various viewing angles. I bought the T60P just because it was one of the only IPS screens out there. There was an older Asus A6Va (or similar... I forgot) but the IPS is very rare.

[nick-m]

I bought my Thinkpad (2626DDU) just for photo-editing. I work on a pretty regular basis with all sorts of RAW files and I scan a lot of Provia 100F, 35mm and 120 and those come out to be huge, beautiful scans.

I've got a 2.0GHZ (T2500) CPU, 2GB RAM, 100GB 7200 HDD, IPS Flexview 1600x1200. First - this is the best screen I've ever seen on a laptop, period. I've seen many poor laptop LCDs with sub-par color reproduction and shoddy quality which were terrible for sensitive photo editing...this screen blows everything, good and bad, out of the water.

I do suggest 1600x1200 - it gives you a lot of screen estate and it's easier to work with large files in photoshop or whatever it is you do. IPS screen is just essential for this kind of work - with a regular screen, tilt it back a little and all the colors shift/slightly change! No such thing here....

The 14'in models, I believe, DO NOT offer IPS screens.

[allen]

awesome!

it's cool that the more and more i read on these forums it seems like there's a good amount of photogs on here doing work on thinkpads, that's always good to hear.
looks like i'll def have to get the IPS. i'm hearing more and more the faster video memory is more for 3D, which i dont do any of.

are there minimum video memory requirements for using my CRT and the laptop monitor at the same time?

thanks a lot!
allen

[IdeaDirect]

awesome!

it's cool that the more and more i read on these forums it seems like there's a good amount of photogs on here doing work on thinkpads, that's always good to hear.
looks like i'll def have to get the IPS. i'm hearing more and more the faster video memory is more for 3D, which i dont do any of.

are there minimum video memory requirements for using my CRT and the laptop monitor at the same time?

thanks a lot!
allen

I can't really answer this technically (others can chime in) but even with integrated graphics you can drive a second monitor. However, whenever you get a better graphics card, you also tend to get better screen resolution. The graphics card with the T60p UXGA can actually drive an external monitor at 2048x1536. This is an incredibly high resolution and would even look good on a 30" monitor. You definitely can't get that with integrated graphics. Also having a graphics card helps with screen redraws. (that annoying sluggish feeling when moving 100MB TIF files around the screen or scrolling in Photoshop). It is true though that things like Photoshop filters seem more dependent on ram and cpu rather than video card.

Now as an aside... I'm not a gamer but my brother-in-law bought me a couple games (Company of Heroes and Civilization IV) and they look amazing on the T60p.

[tsservo]

Just wanted to toss my hat in here... I too do a lot of photography work on my T60p - specifically a 2623DDU. I have the 1600x1200 IPS 15" screen with the 7200rpm drive and 1gb of RAM.

I couldn't be happier with this machine for this work. I also use Photoshop CS2 and Bridge and the machine handles this very well. The 1600x1200 is great for photo work, the colors are excellent and you don't have to keep worrying if your head is in the right place.

I also live in Egypt - not a cold location by any stretch. It's also incredibly dusty here. To date, knock on wood, I haven't had any heat or dust related issues. It just keeps working.

The 7200rpm drive is really nice for handling the large .NEF's that come off my camera. For extra storage space I got a 120gb 2.5" Samsung and a $10 external USB enclosure for long term storage. I keep this hooked up to the USB port almost all the time.

While not a light machine (I can compare this to my wife's X41T), it's by no means a burden when travelling. Battery life is also good, but I wouldn't do photo work with it unplugged as the screen dims and doesn't get back to full brightness until you plug it back in. Throws off my colors obviously.

I have color calibrated the machine with a Monaco Optix XR. Even though the screen is excellent, this helps tremendously.

Feel free to ping me with questions, but there's no way you're going to regret this purchase.

Oh, FWIW, I was looking at a MacBook and the screen on that machine lost the sale. I wouldn't do any work on that thing without a quality external screen. The T60p has one built in.