T60/61 options getting more limited?

[pipspeak]

In a few months I'll be in the market for a new Thinkpad to replace my current T43 and have been scouting the tabook. But when I go to the Lenovo website and try to find models listed in the tabook or try to customize a notebook the options are severely limited. Absolutely no non-widescreen 14" models, for example, very few 15" non-widescreen, very few 3-year warranties, etc. etc.

Are options getting more limited? I used to have fun picking a base model and adding options but now there are no base models on the website I'm interested in. If the regular 14" and 15" displays are being phased out then I guess I'll have to start considering some other manufacturer.

[Growly]

Are options getting more limited? I used to have fun picking a base model and adding options but now there are no base models on the website I'm interested in. If the regular 14" and 15" displays are being phased out then I guess I'll have to start considering some other manufacturer.

I'm also concerned. Over at notebookreview.com they mentioned that the T61 would eventually come in standard aspect ratio LCDs again (14" only) and that it would look exactly like the T60. If this is the case, then HOORAH!

But something tells me "exactly the same" means they've rounded the square corners I love so much. I suppose I'll just have to wait and see...

All the while my only chances of getting the 14" T60p are now diminishing. I've had to email several big resellers who claim they have stock, but they're overseas and they still charge quite the hefty sum! If they run out by the time this clears up, there'll be hell to pay :@

[furrycute]

Which other manufacturers are making 14inch and 15inch standard aspect ratio laptops?

[pipspeak]

Which other manufacturers are making 14inch and 15inch standard aspect ratio laptops?

Dunno yet... perhaps not any, in which case I'll top myself!

Even the 14" widescreen offered on the May batch of T61s don't have specs that fill me with glee. Anyone have one yet and care to comment?

[furrycute]

I think the prevalence of widescreen laptops is more a problem with the LCD manufacturers. For reasons that are beyond my humble mathematical background, the LCD manufacturers are able to cut out more widescreen panels from a prefabricated panel than they can cut out standard aspect ratio panels.

[anthean]

Which other manufacturers are making 14inch and 15inch standard aspect ratio laptops?

Last I checked, Panasonic (M a t s u s h i t a) is exclusively 4:3 screen.

Considering their fine build quality, I consider Panasonic a possible alternative, if somewhat spendy, to Lenovo.

But I would prefer to stick with Lenovo.

[furrycute]

A barebones Panasonic toughbook utilizing yesterday's technology (Core Duo instead of Core 2 Duo) will cost more than twice as much as a nicely configured T60p.

I will stick with my Thinkpads as well.