t61(p) options questions: XGA vs SXGA+, 128MB ok 4 aero?

[ibm111]

Hello Gurus,

Any input would help

1) What is comparison between XGA (WXGA) & SXGA+; Seems XGA is easier on eyes than SXGA+ (as this makes icons smaller). Decreasing resolution on SXGA+ makes things blurry.

2) Is Thinkpad only brand with matte display - again, so its easier on eyes.

3) Dell says 256MB graphics best for Vista AERO ? lenovo is only selling 128MB for (W)XGA - what should I do ? Should I wait or get 128MB ; OR else get T61p SXGA+ (with 256MB) that comes with broadband card.

OR
Else get integrated graphics (intel GMA) as that can use more of shared memory ?


4) Any pros/cons of using 5400RPM hard disk vs 7200RPM. I heard 7200RPM makes laptop hot and takes more battery power.

5) When is disk encription required - if you have password-locked your laptop-screen and have fingerprint reader ?

6) What is comparison between verizon or cingular for broadband card in t61p

7) Is it possible to ask for keyboard with softer keys ?

What's better - 15in vs 14inch for code development ?
15.4Wide is bigger screen (30% more) and 1lb more weight.
Any other differences ?
Is 15inch keyboard same size as 14inch ?


Thanks a lot

Mike

[SHoTTa35]

1) XGA vs SXGA+ is personal preferrence mine being SXGA+. XGA resolution isn't enough for some people especially those viewin large spreadsheets or even just long emails (websites). You'll scroll lots more..

Business machines usually come with matte displays since the screens reflect less light in bright offices. So any business machine should have that option normally.

You don't 256MB for Aero. 64MB is the min recommended for Aero with 128MB is better.. The intel card will run Aero just fine.

You listed the one fault of 7200RPM drives.. they use more power. Some will argue that the benefits outweight the negatives. The heat generated too is also bad and all that for some people but as i said, some people wont complain about that


Verizon vs AT&T (Cingular) is a question of how it works in your area. Verizon is faster in general but AT&T isn't "slow" by any means. Sure it's not wifi but it is what it is... If you have 3G from verizon and AT&T in your area... get the laptop cards and test it first as you have 30 days to do so.

Softer keys, well i find most of the keyboards "quiet" but some will say there are some that are more "clicky" then others. None of them are like desktop keyboards tho... those the older ones uses to actually CLICK too. Oh man.

For developing code i guess you'd need longer VERTICAL resolution so anyone with a higher resolution should benefit. Size depends on the user... i like 14" ones cuz they are lighter but they portable to me at the same time

[SafeHarbor]

If you're planning to run Vista, the biggest improvements, in my opinion, come from the faster hard drive and the most RAM you can install. This is 3 GB for 32-bit Vista.

I don't have 3 GB in my T61p yet, but my desktop does. It routinely runs at about 61% to about 75% committed through the working day.

My 61 sits at 55% committed right after boot, and it has 2 GB.

I think that 3 gigs is the sweet spot for Vista.

Lamar