Thinkpads Forum

Ultrabase?

I'm looking at two models:
1) 1704-4DU - Comes standard with Enhanced 4-cell battery and it seems I can add the "ThinkPad Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Slim Drive - w/Flat (or curved)-dont know the difference- Bezel for $181.30 according to the Lenovo website.

2) 1704-4JU - Costs $150 more than choice 1 above, but comes standard with 8-cell battery and CD-RW/DVDROM (and presumably the X6 base)

I read somewhere that the X6 Ultrabase isnt compatible with the Enhanced 4-cell battery (would like some confirmation of this), so does that mean I could order 1) and add on the multi-burner and the $181 should include the 8-cell battery and of course the ultrabase. If so, then in that configuration I would be getting the burner for $30 more than just a DVDROM

It's very difficult to determine what comes with your order on the Lenovo site because it seems to give you the option of purchasing the same thing when it's already included in the laptop standard.

Appreciate any help! I did a lot of searches, but couldnt find a definitive answer on this. Thanks!

The enhanced 4-cell ENHANCED battery works just fine in the Ultrabase. No need to purchase the 8-cell unless you want the extra battery capacity.

It's the 4-cell EXTENDED life battery that is incompatible with the X6 Ultrabase. I don't think any X60/s machines ship with that battery as a standard.

utgrad wrote:I'm looking at two models:
1) 1704-4DU - Comes standard with Enhanced 4-cell battery and it seems I can add the "ThinkPad Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Slim Drive - w/Flat (or curved)-dont know the difference- Bezel for $181.30 according to the Lenovo website.

1) 1704-4DU is the computer itself without the ultrabase & any optical drive. It comes with the 4 cell enhanced battery. This battery protrudes downwards below the computer to add about 1/2 of thickness, it does not protrude out of the back and it does work with the ultrabase. However purchased seperately the ultrabase does not include any drives, they must be purchase seperately.

utgrad wrote:2) 1704-4JU - Costs $150 more than choice 1 above, but comes standard with 8-cell battery and CD-RW/DVDROM (and presumably the X6 base)

2) 1704-4JU does indeed come with the ultrabase and optical drive, so this becomes a very good deal. And as you noted the 8 cell battery.

utgrad wrote:I read somewhere that the X6 Ultrabase isnt compatible with the Enhanced 4-cell battery (would like some confirmation of this), so does that mean I could order 1) and add on the multi-burner and the $181 should include the 8-cell battery and of course the ultrabase. If so, then in that configuration I would be getting the burner for $30 more than just a DVDROM

If you choose any X60 or X60s model computer itself without the ultrabase included then you must buy the bare ultrabase and then select the devices / optical drive / hard drive which are sold seperately. Here is an example:

ThinkPad X6 UltraBase [$199.00]
ThinkPad CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo II Ultrabay Slim Drive (with Flat Bezel) [$169.00]
ThinkPad Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Slim Drive - Flat Bezel [$259.00]

So simply add the price of the ultrabay and your choice of one of the above drives and that's the amount to add to the price of the computer.

Thanks guys...I ended up going with the 1704-4JU based on the info above...it's the best deal...ordered on Sunday, received by the next Friday from China...loving the laptop so far!

utgrad wrote:Thanks guys...I ended up going with the 1704-4JU based on the info above...it's the best deal...ordered on Sunday, received by the next Friday from China...loving the laptop so far!

Wow! You certainly received it quickly.... it's good to hear that all went well. Enjoy....