Should I wait?

[Grand_Agent]

So I was on the website today and configured a system, Its a bit pricey, But I feel it'll do what I need it to do, Any one have any thoughts? Esp. anyway to get a discount?

Description Part number Unit price* Quantity Price*
ThinkPad T60 Series - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
Edit 2613CTO $2,718.00 1 $2,718.00
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN: Integrated Wi-Fi Wireless a/b/g 1
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN 1
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7600 (2.33GHz, 4MB L2, 667MHz FSB) 1
Operating system: Genuine Windows XP Professional 1
Operating system language: Genuine Windows XP Professional US English 1
Display type: 15.0 SXGA+ TFT Flexview Display with Wide Viewing Angle 1
System graphics: ATI Mobility Fire GL V5250 256MB 1
Total memory: 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) 1
Keyboard: Keyboard US English � 1
Fingerprint reader: Integrated fingerprint reader 1
Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) 1
Hard drive: 100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm 1
Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim 1
Ethernet: Integrated 1Gb Ethernet 1
Wireless cards: ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ 1
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery 1
Power cord: Country Pack North America 1
Modem cable (RJ-11): PSTN cable 1
Language pack: Language Pack US English 1
Accessories and options:
3 Year Depot Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection 41C9334 $199.00 1 $199.00

[pianowizard]

Esp. anyway to get a discount?

Did you know you can get 5% - 20% off through http://usa.visa.com/personal ? Choose "Lenovo" in the drop-down menu.

[DavidNY]

I bought my T60 from Lenovo. It did not come with a travel bezel, however since you're working with graphics you may want to consider getting a HD adapter and having a second HD in there for your data. That's what I have.

[zern]

Sounds like we have similar requirements of our thinkpads.

I run Adobe CS2 and often has Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive (or InDesign), Outlook 2003, Word 2003 (multiple windows) and Firefox 2 (multiple windows and tabs) opened all at once. I also do a little bit of 3D work.

When I upgraded from my T43 recently, I went through a similar decision process. I ended up with a T60p, T7600 2.33GHZ processor, 14" non-Flexview 1400x1050, 2Gb RAM, 100Gb HD and DVD burner.

I strongly recommend you go with 2Gb of RAM. The 1.5Gb on my T43 did not cope well at all (neither did the Pentium M processor).

I also have a second HD adaptor with an 80Gb drive it in that I use for on-the-road backups. When I am not travelling, I backup to a pair of USB 3.5" HDs (300Gb each).

I personally dont like the Flexview. They are brilliant for DVD and games but when working i find them annoying as they are too reflective especially when there is lots of ambient light and I am working on something with lots of black.

I did look at the X series (underpowered and small res screen), and the Z series (with decent res and a good video card I am looking at the heavy 15" model).

This is my 3rd T series with the 14" 1400x1050 screen. It is still my ideal config.

Enjoy your new purchase!

[tomh009]

I run Adobe CS2 and often has Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive (or InDesign), Outlook 2003, Word 2003 (multiple windows) and Firefox 2 (multiple windows and tabs) opened all at once. I also do a little bit of 3D work.

When I upgraded from my T43 recently, I went through a similar decision process. I ended up with a T60p, T7600 2.33GHZ processor, 14" non-Flexview 1400x1050, 2Gb RAM, 100Gb HD and DVD burner.

This is something that I have been curious about: does CS2 take advantage of the second core of the Core 2 Duo, or is it basically running on one core, with the second core available for other apps?

I did look at the X series (underpowered and small res screen), and the Z series (with decent res and a good video card I am looking at the heavy 15" model).

I do my photo work (CS, not CS2) with my X31. The screen is small, but I am used to that limitation, and when I'm not on the road, I can use the external 20" 1600x1200 panel. But why do you say "underpowered", assuming you are referring to the X60? The only thing I can think of is that the X60 integrated video might not be suitable for the 3D work that you do?

[zern]

CS2 does appear to use both cores. I did a quick test: Opened Task manager to show processor loads (yes - the cores show up as 2 processors). In both Illustrator and Photoshop, when I started a filter or used a full-on distortion brush, the load on both processors went up noticeably.

The 2.33Ghz T7600 processor is noticeably faster than the Pentium M 1.86GHz processor on my T43. Far more than the clock speed would have you believe. I reckon the T7600 really makes CS2 fly.

When I last looked, the fastest processor on an X60 was a T5xxx series. This would be slower than the T7xxx series processors on the T60s. Ie the X60 is less powerful than the T60. The extra processor grunt is good for Illustrator and Photoshop especially if you use a lot of layers, filters and Illustrator effects. And of course, if you do any 3D rendering you know how crucial processor speed is to rendering time. My T60p effectively renders at about twice the speed of my T43.

Having an external display does alleviate the limitations of the 1024x768. You really ought to be given a medal for using this res to do work LOL

The 1024 screen would have driven me nuts as I spend a lot of time away from my desk. I would love a 1600x1200 screen in a 14" form factor...

The X60 keyboard is also slightly smaller - not good for my big hands.

The other things against the X60 for me were: smaller HD, more expensive to get 2Gb of RAM, and the Intel integrated graphics. I could get more power, higher res, for less money. You pay for the small form factor i guess.

Don't get me wrong, if I wanted to spend the extra cash, I'd get an X60 for my non-graphics work - it is such a lovely little machine.

[dfumento]

For the extra $35 you should get the 802.11n option on the Wifi. It also comes with an extra built-in antenna.

[tomh009]

Great to know on CS2 using both cores -- thanks!

Anandtech's benchmarks (see http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2808) would suggest a 15% advantage clock-for-clock for the Core 2 over Pentium M. Now, your clock speed is 25% higher as well, so you should see a 45% improvement -- plus the second core. I think that would explain the zippy performance you are seeing.

The current X60s go up to T7200 (1706-HCU), so the T60 will be a little bit faster on that, but not a lot. The HDs are easily upgradeable (my X31 has a Hitachi 7K100), but the graphics could make a big difference in 3D (I don't believe Photoshop normally stresses the video as it really displays static images only.)

As for the medal, the low weight for me to carry around (whether for work or with my photo gear) is enough of a reward in itself!

[pianowizard]

Having an external display does alleviate the limitations of the 1024x768. You really ought to be given a medal for using this res to do work LOL

In fact, ever since I started using WUXGA (1920x1200), I have found that even SXGA+ (1400x1050) is quite limiting, which is why I am selling my faster T43 (SXGA+) and keeping my slower Dell Inspiron 6000 (WUXGA).

I sold my X60s last week because I decided that I won't need an ultraportable laptop for at least half a year. When I need one again, I will definitely get something with more than XGA, such as Fujitsu's 2.2lb Q2010 or HP's 2.8lb nc2400 (both 1280x800), or Panasonic's 3.4lb Y5 (SXGA+).

I would love a 1600x1200 screen in a 14" form factor...

Dell had one but I have forgotten what model it was.

The other things against the X60 for me were: smaller HD, more expensive to get 2Gb of RAM.

How can it be more expensive? It uses the same memory as the T60, namely PC2-5300.

[zern]

Ah - RAM for X60 is "more expensive" because it comes with a 512Mb stick. To get 2Gb or more, this meant either buying an expensive 2Gb stick to get 2.5Gb (and disabling dual channel in the process), or getting 2 sticks of 1Gb and throwing out the 512Mb stick.

The T60p already came with a 1Gb stick, and only required anther 1Gb stick to make 2Gb.

Buying a 2Gb stick (or 2x 1Gb sticks) is more expensive than a single 1Gb stick.

[bessel]

Since you use Photoshop a lot I think you'b better go for 15" Flexview T60p. Forget about the weight/size issues if you are a male - just work out more, it's really fine.

[tomh009]

Ah - RAM for X60 is "more expensive" because it comes with a 512Mb stick. To get 2Gb or more, this meant either buying an expensive 2Gb stick to get 2.5Gb (and disabling dual channel in the process), or getting 2 sticks of 1Gb and throwing out the 512Mb stick.

All depends on which model you buy ... nothing to do with T60 or X60 per se (though possibly with what models Lenovo has available on any given day).

[liliggyracin]

I actually disagree with you. We have 3 X60s and I hate the size of the keyboard. I would much rather have the size of keyboard like the t60. The X60 is a good machine but I just find it too small for my "Club" hands. Any laptop will take some use to get the feel of the keyboard down I know. I know we are standardizing most of our new Laptops for the company to the T60.

Recently its become critical that I take my work with me where ever I go.....Before I make the investment I wanted to know if there was any word on a new thinkpad T coming out soon (within the next month or so)?

My understanding is that there won't be a new T series model coming out that soon.

Since you'll be taking your laptop wherever you go, and since you have never owned a laptop before, I recommend you to find out whether you'd mind constantly lugging around 6 pounds of extra weight (i.e the weight of a 14.1" T series plus AC adapter) with you. You can do that by carrying a book weighing that much in your bag for several days. If you find that too heavy, you may want to consider getting an X60s instead, provided that the 1024x768 display gives you enough working area. The keyboard of an X60s is just slightly smaller, still big enough for comfortable typing.