T61/60 LCD ? 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT prior to purchase - confused!

[phil san]

Had Dells for years and finally going for the T61.

However, after I found this forum, am I confused!!!!!

I will use the cpu for primarily spreadsheet and intensive database
applications - some graphics/ no gaming. However, for the $ I would want a good, clear, sharp screen. Chose the 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT.

What I am reading is since "flexview" is Not an option, the screens are more like all my Dells. ( white background looks matted).

? Is that the case and if so, I could wait for the T61P if there is any
change in screen.

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7700 (2.4GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)[1]
Genuine Windows Vista Business[12]
15.4 WSXGA+ TFT[]
Intel GMA X3100 GM965 w/ WWAN[]
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)[8]
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)[]
100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm[4]
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim[5]
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN[10]
9 cell Li-Ion Battery[60]

[ZaZ]

The FlexView is an option if you can live with the T60.

[ryengineer]

? Is that the case and if so, I could wait for the T61P if there is any
change in screen.

AFAIK, Flexview is not coming back, if you would like to buy a notebook with IPS, grab wherever you see a T60/p with one.

[pianowizard]

Phil san, I too recommend you to get a T60p with FlexView since display quality is so important to you. The most powerful models of the T60p should be comparable in performance to the average T61. Many units of the T60p still have close to 3 years of warranty left.

[phil san]

Thanks.

But from what I'm reading, Flexview is NOT available anymore.

Just concerned that the lcd 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT is good quality.

Don't care about side angle viewing and not a gamer.

[pianowizard]

But from what I'm reading, Flexview is NOT available anymore.

Flexview isn't available any more on Lenovo's site, but you can still get T60p's with Flexview on eBay.

[Johan]

Flexview isn't available any more on Lenovo's site, but you can still get T60p's with Flexview on eBay.

Well, yes and no! As discussed here a few T60's with Flexview/IPS are still available - but in Europe... e.g. here. If someone really wants one (while still in stock!), I guess it ought to possible to import one from e.g. UK to USA?

Best regards,

Johan

[phil san]

Not buying off ebay, not importing from europe.

I've seen several Thinkpads, just not the T61 15.4

Is the LCD repectable? I would assume so from a major mfg but
several posts I've read stated to beware?

[pianowizard]

Is the LCD repectable? I would assume so from a major mfg

Our friend Puppy is extremely picky about LCDs and has claimed numerous times on this forum that in general, unless you get a Flexview screen, Thinkpad displays are worse than most other laptop manufacturers'. Regarding the T61, have you read this thread and this thread? Both users find its display inferior.

If you don't want to get a T60p on eBay, you can try the Marketplace on this forum. Many forum members bought a nice model of the T60p back in April when it was on sale on lenovo.com. Some of them might be willing to sell it to you.

[dagordon]

But from what I'm reading, Flexview is NOT available anymore.

Flexview isn't available any more on Lenovo's site, but you can still get T60p's with Flexview on eBay.

The T60p Flexview is still very much available on lenovo's US site. I ordered one a couple of weeks ago and got it delivered last Friday.

[ryengineer]

Well, lcd screen is one heck of a vital part of any notebook, atleast for me, that's something you stare at most of the time while working, if not all. The views, the feel, the crisp sharpness can make your day...

[pianowizard]

The T60p Flexview is still very much available on lenovo's US site.

Oh right! I forgot about the 15" SXGA+ models! I was only thinking about the UXGA models, which had been discontinued for many months. So, OP, if you don't mind having only 1400x1050 on a 15.0" screen (I personally would mind), you can still get one on Lenovo US.

[phil san]

Very simple - view it. ( trouble is I can't find a nearby retailer or someone with this model)

After reviewing these posts and the supplied links, if the T61 -15.4 widescreen WSXGA+ is so poor, WHY are people BUYING them.????

I don't have a corporate account - want to spend my money but not for something that works well but looks like junk.

Agree with RYENGINEER - several hours in front of a screen daily should be pleasant.

[pianowizard]

if the T61 -15.4 widescreen WSXGA+ is so poor, WHY are people BUYING them.????

Display quality isn't a top priority for everyone. I always want the highest resolution possible, but don't mind non-Flexview screens with lower contrast and narrower viewing angles. I've owned 3 Flexview Thinkpads and 23 non-Flexview Thinkpads, and found all of them to be acceptable.

In general, people buy Thinkpads because of their good keyboards, solid chassis, trackpoint, above average customer service, etc., but not display quality.

[phil san]

Thanks - Thats what I want the T61 for - build.

Don't care about angle view ( on a plane I don't want anyone looking at my stuff ). I am not going to game. Just want a decent VERY good Internet picture.

BUT THE IMPRESSION I'M getting is the machine is solid but
a $600 cheapy is just as good in terms of LCD.

No offense to anyone - please correct me if I'm wrong.

[dagordon]

The T60p Flexview is still very much available on lenovo's US site.

Oh right! I forgot about the 15" SXGA+ models! I was only thinking about the UXGA models, which had been discontinued for many months. So, OP, if you don't mind having only 1400x1050 on a 15.0" screen (I personally would mind), you can still get one on Lenovo US.

Of course this comes down to personal taste, but I myself couldn't tolerate more than SXGA+ on 15". At 133.3 ppi, UXGA is really pushing it, IMHO. I suppose it matters what you're using the machine for. If you're writing and reading a lot of text, I think SXGA+ on 15" is a smart choice. Do your eyes a favor. (I have 27 year old eyes, btw.)