Thinkpads Forum

I believe the latest T-series can be had with either a 14" or a 15" display.

My question: is the 14" model physically smaller (LxWxH) than the 15", or does the 14" just have a bigger bezel and both are physically the same overall dimensions?

And if the latter is the case, what would be the benefit of going for a 14" display?

The 14" model is physically smaller than the 15". In my opinion, the real-world difference is that the 14" feels MUCH smaller than the 15". If I spent most of my time running between locations with my laptop, I'd own a 14". If I spent most of my time working at a desk, I'd own a 15".

Thanks very much, Ron!

The 14.1" model is almost 1 lb lighter than the 15.0" one.

How much do you travel? I've found the 15" just fine for travel, and I agree with RonS, the 15" does seem noticeably larger. My 15 incher also fits into either one of my laptop bags, even though it has the WWAN antenna on the side of the LCD, to make it even wider, but traveling with it should be no problem.

However, if you're CONSTANTLY on the go, and you need to do a lot of in-flight work, I'd suggest one with a 14.1" screen, as it would be noticeably more comfortable in a cramped airline seat!

Also consider this. If you decide to get a 15", and you don't need more than 3GB of RAM, get one with either an SXGA+ or UXGA panel. Only those models will have an IPS Flexview LCD, which, if you've never had one, will be a stunning experience in and of itself. You'd have to get a T60p, though, as the T61/p's no longer have these screens.

So it all depends on what you need (want) it for. I know I wouldn't want to do any extensive work on a plane with a 15" one, unless I was flying first class.

The experience of owning a 14" T60 and a 15" T42, as well as periodically using a 12" X32, I can say:

In a standard sports backpack all feel the same, because the weight difference is small compared to the weight of the backpack and other items you might load it with. When traveling with a shoulder bag or just carrying the laptop from office to office, the difference is noticeable.

On a coach seat in an airplane the difference is furthermore noticeable. Really the only laptop moderately comfortable for use in such conditions is the 12". If anything, the 15" Flexview is better than the 14", because on planes you are often forced to tilt the screen forward in a weird angle, and the wide viewing angles of the Flexview come very handy here.

I'd get the 15" only if it's Flexview SXGA+/UXGA, meaning you get a T60/p Core Duo. Otherwise, there is nothing in the 15" screen which makes it worth it. I would not even consider a 15.4" - it's just a huge monster.

the SXGA+w/WVA and the UXGA screens; are both are considered flexview LCD?...is one "better" than the other?

pilote wrote:the SXGA+w/WVA and the UXGA screens; are both are considered flexview LCD?...is one "better" than the other?

Yea, the UXGA one. It has IPS. Flexview is merely what IBM/Lenovo calls their IPS models, from what I understand.

Crunch wrote:

pilote wrote:the SXGA+w/WVA and the UXGA screens; are both are considered flexview LCD?...is one "better" than the other?

Yea, the UXGA one. It has IPS. Flexview is merely what IBM/Lenovo calls their IPS models, from what I understand.

threads here imply that SXGA+ is IPS/Flexview...can you confirm that it is not?

dr_st wrote:T
On a coach seat in an airplane the difference is furthermore noticeable. Really the only laptop moderately comfortable for use in such conditions is the 12". If anything, the 15" Flexview is better than the 14", because on planes you are often forced to tilt the screen forward in a weird angle, and the wide viewing angles of the Flexview come very handy here.

I agree. I have been using 14" T42s - but I recently started syncing my files to an X61s for travel. Much better in coach. I think the 14" widescreens might be OK in coach as well - it's the screen height that matters. My plan is to move move up to the T61p for every day (in a week when the new T9xxx CPUs come out) and just use the 12" machine when I fly.

pilote wrote:threads here imply that SXGA+ is IPS/Flexview...can you confirm that it is not?

LCD sticky also says:

IPS screens are available only in the SXGA+ or the UXGA resolutions (typically with X1400 or the FireGl cards only). Please note that IPS screens were never ever available in 14" models, in any previous/current T-series thinkpads.

LCDs on T60/T60p - types, availability and other discussions