Thinkpads Forum

I need a new Thinkpad to replace a T41p. Prices have come down (for Australia) so I'm leaning towards a T61p .... I just can't make up my mind which one. I currently have a T60 15" with 1400x1050 Flexview/X1400 which I have been very happy with.

I have 3 choices. All come with the following
2GB RAM (2 x 1 GB), 256MB nVIDIA Quadro FX 570M, CDRW/DVDRW, Bluetooth, 9c Li-Ion, WinVista Ultimate

Option 1
64585KM - T7700(2.4GHz), 100GB 7200rpm, 5.4" WUXGA 1920x1200, 3 year Express Warranty
AU$2200
Pro's WUXGA Screen, 3 Years Express Warranty, Cheapest
Con's No Wireless N, Only 100GB Hard Disk, WUXGA Screen (will ppi been to much?)

Option 2
6459A12 - T7500(2.2GHz), 160GB 7200rpm, 15.4" WSXGA+ 1680x1050, 1 year Depot Warranty
AU$2299
Pro's Wireless N, 2nd Cheapest
Con's 1 Year Depot Warranty, Slowest CPU

Option 3
6459A24 - T9300(2.5GHz Penryn), 200GB 7200rpm, 15.4" WSXGA+ 1680x1050, 1 year Depot Warranty + Free 120GB External USB HD.
AU$2799
Pro's Fastest CPU, Wireless N, 200GB Hard Disk
Con's 1 Year Depot Warranty, Most Expensive

For me the decision is really between Option 1 (the best value) and the 3rd (newest & fastest/biggest technology) I'm trying to decide with not much luck.

I currently have a T60 15" with 1400x1050 Flexview which I am very happy with. I must admit to being slightly nervous about the WUXGA panel and the ppi ratio. The WSXGA panel resolution is closer to the current ppi of my T60.

If I could decide positively about the WUXGA panel then Option 1 makes the most sense as I am only losing .1 GHZ, 2MB Cache, 100MB hard disk, "Free" 120GB USB and Wireless N but gaining 3 years Express Warranty (worth about AU$350), 31% extra screen area and saving AU$600. So all up the difference is marginal.

Does anyone have any input to assist my decision making?

Cheers

Well, after using a FlexView any of these LCDs will look crappy to you, that's the main thing.

However, WUXGA is slighly less crappy than WSXGA+ IMHO...

I concur, get the WUXGA. It is simply the best screen on T61/p platform.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately all vendors are now out of stock of the WUXGA model.

I'm now leaning towards waiting for the new T400/T500's in mid year. I know I'll pay a premium compared to the discount prices for the T61p's available now but hopefully I won't have to take a chance on the variable quality of the WSXGA+ panels, and rest of the new technology appears promising too.

Also I'm leaning towards the 14" not 15.4" format so the T400 appeals so long as it has reasonable video performance.

Thanks again.