Do I care about high-end graphics options on the T60/p ?

[SteveDC]

I see the graphics difference between the T60 and T60p. ("Extreme graphics" from ATI, in the words of the ordering page.)

For just the T60, it seems the basic Intel graphics would do, but I don't know about the ATI options.

I would be running Vista Business (maybe I want it just for that), but I am just doing word processing, spreadsheets, and reading PDF files. Nothing graphics intensive, in my view.

I understand that with the simpler options I may buy more battery life.

I did a search on this but did not find the issue discussed. If I overlooked something I apologize.

Thank you for considering my comment.

[dsalyers]

I see the graphics difference between the T60 and T60p. ("Extreme graphics" from ATI, in the words of the ordering page.)

For just the T60, it seems the basic Intel graphics would do, but I don't know about the ATI options.

I would be running Vista Business (maybe I want it just for that), but I am just doing word processing, spreadsheets, and reading PDF files. Nothing graphics intensive, in my view.

I understand that with the simpler options I may buy more battery life.

I did a search on this but did not find the issue discussed. If I overlooked something I apologize.

Thank you for considering my comment.

The Areo interface (not required to be used) on Vista is relatively resource intensive. However, I know others who have installed Vista on a system with Intel graphics and they say Areo runs fine (at XGA resolutions). I know the next version of Centrino (Santa Rosa) will have a better graphic system which is supposidly optimised to run Areo, but that isn't out yet.

Either of the ATI choices for the T60 series will run Areo just fine. But, as you know the battery life with these choices is not as good.

If you are planning to get a higher resolution display (SXGA+ or better) you may want to get the ATI x1400 or Fire GL v5250 as these will definitely run Areo. I do not know about the Intel card in those cases. However, you do not have to run Areo if you don't want to. And if you really don't care about graphics then the Intel card is probably the better way to go.

[SteveDC]

I would be getting the SXGA+ option. (1400 x 1050 res. on a 14.1 inch display, as with my current T40)

I don't really know about Aero. Haven't thought about it. I will now!

Thank you for the very helpful comment.

[xta]

I see the graphics difference between the T60 and T60p. ("Extreme graphics" from ATI, in the words of the ordering page.)

For just the T60, it seems the basic Intel graphics would do, but I don't know about the ATI options.

I would be running Vista Business (maybe I want it just for that), but I am just doing word processing, spreadsheets, and reading PDF files. Nothing graphics intensive, in my view.

I understand that with the simpler options I may buy more battery life.

I did a search on this but did not find the issue discussed. If I overlooked something I apologize.

Thank you for considering my comment.

with word processing, spreadsheets, internet, music, etc. the intel GMA integrated should be fine

lenovo blog post on battery life:

http://www.lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/?p=40