Thinkpads Forum

I started the T410 buyer's remorse thread. Since I got that computer, I have been using it on a day to day basis, trying to learn to like it. But, in the end, I just don't. I probably don't hate it quite as much as I did, though the other day I fired up my old T60 to get some files off of it, and was really amazed at how much nicer it was. I also picked up an X61 that has become my day to day computer for when I don't need a lot of processing power. Actually, I must say, I like Windows 7 even less than I like the hardware, but that's another story.

So, I am thinking that it might be time for that computer to go. But, it will have to be replaced with something. And, the biggest issue for me is the 16X10 screen that is just not very user friendly for what I need. To that end, I thought I'd see if anyone could tell me what the most powerful T61 with a 4X3 screen is. The plan would be to run Linux as the primary OS, with XP in a VM. Thus, a processor with virtualization capability might be helpful, though I guess it depends on what VM I use. Also, I'd like to run a 64 bit OS and be able to cram at least 8G of memory in, if that's at all possible. Thanks.

have a look at:
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T61 and
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T61p

how important is lcd size to you? it looks like you're limited to 14.1" and SXGA+ resolution in 4:3 format.
if i were working through this exercise, i'd probably pick up the t61/p model that had the components i wanted that aren't easily upgradeable or modifiable (wwan, fpr, bt, discrete gpu, screen res, whatever) and then slap in the fastest usable penryn (t9500, 2.6ghz), 8gb ram (unofficial max) and the fastest/largest ssd i could afford, and call it a day.

all that said, i'd likely never do it as lcd quality is pretty important to me. ips/affs/affs+ screens for me.

cheers!

T9500 is the best CPU you can get.

^^^
thought that's what i posted...

A T61 or T61p, CPU is T9500. X61 has a T9300 version with 2.5GHz 6MB cache if the 12" screen is not a problem.

Don't forget that a SSD would boost speed much more than a CPU upgrade.

Hello,
If you are going to buy T61, then stay very far away from the ones with Nvidia GPU unless you are not planning to use this computer for long. Nvidia Always fail, the only question is when?

Anyway, Intel GPU works better with Linux (I use Linux on T61 myself, and I am very happy), Intel GPU does not generate that much heat, so the laptop is much much more quiet and cool, plus they say battery holds better too. The only "downside" is 3D performance, but I suppose you are not using Linux for games

About the CPU, any cpu you can find on T61 will have virtualization technology, but I think you probably want T7300 or better. And if you plan to upgrade to penryn cpu - don't. Use that money for SSD or 7200rpm hdd and maybe more memory. Way better effect for money.

As stated above you should look for harder upgradable things on laptop, like WWAN, SXGA+ screen and so on what ever you would like to have on a laptop.

My T61 is wide screen model, and it's very nice machine. So if you find standard sized version - go with it.

Good hunting

Unfortunately, if you buy a T61 without the nVidia GPU, it's a low performance system and that's not what the OP is looking for. If you don't want to risk the nVidia GPU problem (it doesn't occur on every system), you can look at a 4:3 T60p. Make sure you clean out the cooling fan, heatsink and fins as they have a propensity to overheat.

sktn77a wrote:Unfortunately, if you buy a T61 without the nVidia GPU, it's a low performance system and that's not what the OP is looking for. If you don't want to risk the nVidia GPU problem (it doesn't occur on every system), you can look at a 4:3 T60p. Make sure you clean out the cooling fan, heatsink and fins as they have a propensity to overheat.

I have a NVS 140M, the old, risky version. Keep fresh thermal paste and don't strain it a lot and I am OK.

sktn77a wrote:Unfortunately, if you buy a T61 without the nVidia GPU, it's a low performance system and that's not what the OP is looking for.

I'd say that unless you're doing CAD or gaming, an integrated GPU should be fine. Apart from those sorts of tasks, the GPU really shouldn't matter.

sktn77a wrote:Unfortunately, if you buy a T61 without the nVidia GPU, it's a low performance system and that's not what the OP is looking for. If you don't want to risk the nVidia GPU problem (it doesn't occur on every system), you can look at a 4:3 T60p. Make sure you clean out the cooling fan, heatsink and fins as they have a propensity to overheat.

I think T61 with nVidia GPU and T61 with Intel GPU actually should have very similar performance, they can take same CPU, same amount of memory, same fast hard drives and both use same Intel Northbridges. The only difference is 3D performance, which I do not think the OP needs (his primary OS being GNU/Linux). Just thought it might be clever to trade 3D for a lot more reliability.

Thanks for all the suggestions. It sounds like a T61 w/ the Intel GPU and a SSD is the way to go. I don't need 3d beyond sketchup, but the ability to watch a video on youtube would be nice. As I am in no hurry, I think I can just keep my eyes open for when one pops up.

One question, my old T60, which has some major problems, still has a very nice screen -- 180 degree visibility, etc. It was replaced with about 2 months left on the warranty, so it is in pretty new condition. How hard would it be to cram that into a T61 in the event that the screen is old/dead/bad?

There is no T61 15 inch 4:3 model. Your 180 degree model is most likely a "flexview" called IPS display. These displays were only available in the 15 inch models.

To use this display, you have to replace motherboard, cpu (most likely heat sink) in your old computer. If you buy a ssd anyway, why not start with it. Your T60 may be fast enough - fingers crossed.

The intel X3100 (T61 intergrated) is what my system has, and it has no problem watching HD youtube videos, especially with windows vista/7 and IE9 - unless you are doing pro-type 3d modeling, the intel is all you need (I run FSX, Cod 2, Portal 1 - I keep the graphics within limits and don't have any problems) If you can get a 4:3 T61 with intel graphics and that is what you want, get it, since they are very nice systems (mine is widescreen, but battery life and performance should be comperable).

It's a 14". Maybe it's just a good 14"? Whatever it is, it is easy to look at and can be seen fron any angle -- much better than the T410.

The issues with the T60 are deep, but among them I seem to have fried the usb bus at some point so I think I'd need a new mobo to make it useful. Maybe a PCI USB card would work in a pinch? On the other hand, I had been under the impression that the HDD was IDE, but I just opened it up and it is SATA, so maybe an upgrade is possible. Neat.

ssd_thinkpad wrote:There is no T61 15 inch 4:3 model. Your 180 degree model is most likely a "flexview" called IPS display. These displays were only available in the 15 inch models.

To use this display, you have to replace motherboard, cpu (most likely heat sink) in your old computer. If you buy a ssd anyway, why not start with it. Your T60 may be fast enough - fingers crossed.

T60 hdds are SATA 1. They can deliver speed to up to 150 MB/s. You can put a PATA hdd in ultrabay. T61 are SATA 1, but with a hacked BIOS they can make use of SATA 2, 300 MB/s. Are T61 4:3 models easy to find in your region? Maybe a cheap T61 motherboard will do the case for you, but then you have to buy the CPU, RAM, heat sink, too.

If you want a faster system you need a ssd anyway. So buy this ssd, put it in your T60 and see how it works. If you need usb, I'd buy a cheap expresscard-usb adapter. If it doesn't work out, throw the adapter away and buy a T61 and put the ssd there inside. I think this is a rather good upgrade process.

drs wrote:One question, my old T60, which has some major problems, still has a very nice screen -- 180 degree visibility, etc. It was replaced with about 2 months left on the warranty, so it is in pretty new condition. How hard would it be to cram that into a T61 in the event that the screen is old/dead/bad?

See the thread Parts for the ultimate 15” T60 UXGA FlexView w/T61(p) mobo? and the links pointed to therein. That will give you all answers!

Johan

I have two T61s - one with the Nvidia Graphics chip and one with the Intel one. Both have 2GHz CPUs. I'm not a gamer and don't do a lot of 3-D graphics. Frankly I can't see any difference in performance for things like web surfing, watching movies, the daily things we use computers for. I'm interested in getting involved in some GPU programming and the Nvidia machine would appear to have an advantage there as nvidia seriously supports GPU programming.

Using a T61 with a SXGA+ screen and Intel chip is the epytome of what you could ask for if you like 4:3 so much.
I may upgrade my processor to a T9300 but I'm fairly happy with my T61. I'm worried the day I should move to another newer system. I hate those 16:9 screens.

I believe X9000 is the best chip you can upgrade to in a T61/T61p. 2.8Ghz.

agarza wrote:Using a T61 with a SXGA+ screen and Intel chip is the epytome of what you could ask for if you like 4:3 so much.
I may upgrade my processor to a T9300 but I'm fairly happy with my T61. I'm worried the day I should move to another newer system. I hate those 16:9 screens.

You know if you ever want to sell that machine...