Help selecting a Thinkpad T60

[zmyrgel]

Hi,

I'm just starting to take my first steps towards the Thinkpad world.
I'm planning on getting a new Thinkpad T60 laptop but I need assistance choosing a good model for me.

I plan to install and run OpenBSD and Linux on the laptop instead of Windows, gotta try to get a refund by declining the EULA. I should propably contact Lenovo support to ask about that before installing / running the Windows.

But the main issue is the size of the laptop. I have T22 and is just the right size, I think 14". But I also have 15" UXGA-panel with IPS so I'm trying to choose between the 14.1" and 15" models.

The size of 14.1" is perfect but I could get better screen on 15" by changing to UXGA screen which has much better picture than those of 14.1" screens. I've also read that the UXGA screen suffers from ghosting as it doesn't have response time of the 'normal' panels.

One thing I'd like to know is what kind of graphics adapter that UXGA-panel needs. It has the high resolution of 1600x1200. I could get a cheap thinkpad with 15" panel and change to UXGA but that would mean I'd had it with the Intel graphics adapter and I don't know if it has the juice to power the panel. Also Thinkpads with more powerfull graphics adapters cost a lot more than 'lesser' ones...

Other main concern is the power consumption of the UXGA-panel. I would like to have long battery life on my laptop so UXGA wouldn't be the best option I think but does anyone have any tests regarding the battery life with different panels?

[dsalyers]

Hi,
I plan to install and run OpenBSD and Linux on the laptop instead of Windows, gotta try to get a refund by declining the EULA. I should propably contact Lenovo support to ask about that before installing / running the Windows.

When I asked Lenovo about this it was not an option. However, the TABook lists several linux ready models which are supposed to have the option of a free dos with no windows installed. But, when I called last year they said they no longer offered it. But, they made it very clear I couldn't get any money back on the Windows version that came with the machine.

BTW, I run Fedora Core 6, and it works well.

But the main issue is the size of the laptop. I have T22 and is just the right size, I think 14". But I also have 15" UXGA-panel with IPS so I'm trying to choose between the 14.1" and 15" models.

The size of 14.1" is perfect but I could get better screen on 15" by changing to UXGA screen which has much better picture than those of 14.1" screens. I've also read that the UXGA screen suffers from ghosting as it doesn't have response time of the 'normal' panels.

One thing I'd like to know is what kind of graphics adapter that UXGA-panel needs. It has the high resolution of 1600x1200. I could get a cheap thinkpad with 15" panel and change to UXGA but that would mean I'd had it with the Intel graphics adapter and I don't know if it has the juice to power the panel. Also Thinkpads with more powerfull graphics adapters cost a lot more than 'lesser' ones...

From my understanding the only reason the UXGA IPS panels have a slower response time to "normal" panels is because the IPS screens are a pretty old technology that hasn't really changed. You should also check to see if it is possible to put the T22's UXGA screen in the T60 -- it may not fit correctly -- I don't know.

The Intel adapter can output 1600x1200. This isn't a problem. I do notice it to be slower drawing, but it isn't annoyingly slow for me.

Also, if you don't care so much about the IPS aspect of the display you can get UXGA and WUXGA LCDs that are not IPS. Another possibility is the Z61p which has a 15.4" widescreen WUXGA LCD. Or you could wait until later in the year when supposidly there will be a T61 with a WUXGA panel -- probably not IPS as there don't seem to be any current manufactures of WUXGA IPS panels.

[dr_st]

I've also read that the UXGA screen suffers from ghosting as it doesn't have response time of the 'normal' panels.

The difference is not as big as you might think. You may never notice it.

One thing I'd like to know is what kind of graphics adapter that UXGA-panel needs. It has the high resolution of 1600x1200. I could get a cheap thinkpad with 15" panel and change to UXGA but that would mean I'd had it with the Intel graphics adapter and I don't know if it has the juice to power the panel.

Unless you are playing 3D games, the Intel graphics adapter would have no problem with any resolution, even QXGA.

Other main concern is the power consumption of the UXGA-panel. I would like to have long battery life on my laptop so UXGA wouldn't be the best option I think but does anyone have any tests regarding the battery life with different panels?

It's true that the 15" IPS panels consume more battery. But since they normally come only on high-end models, with dedicated graphic cards, it's hard to say how much of the battery power is consumed by the screen and how much by the graphics card.

[zmyrgel]

Okay, thanks for the info.

I purchased the 14.1" T60. Atleast now I have nice battery life. Hopefully it will be posted tomorrow so I will get it next week

I plan to play some games on but not that much... few rounds of tremolous every now and then so I expect some performance from graphics card. The model has Radeon X1400 so it will be enough for my use.

Probably will install a dual-boot on it with OpenBSD and most likely Slackware or Gentoo. Shall see how it goes then.