Buying new X61s - advice needed...

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jamess · #1 Post by **jamess** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:42 am

I am about to buy X61s with 2.2GHz and TMD ultralight screen.

MODEL SPEC.

From the spec. sheet provided above - I do not see whether it has a turbo memory AND I also don't know what does ultralight screen mean (being light as weight or brightness (both?)).

Are usually all models that are available also listed on website?

I would much appreciate your help.

#2 Post by **GomJabbar** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:57 am

Looking at the latest tabook, only the 7675 types appear to have turbo memory. None of the models listed under type 7666 have turbo memory (although your specific model is not listed there). I would guess that it is quite unlikely that the model you are looking at has turbo memory.

It is brighter.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=40404

It is heavier.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=19384

EDIT: It appears that the thread above regarding the Ultralight's weight may be in error. See my post farther down in this thread

jamess · #3 Post by **jamess** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:43 am

Do you happen to have an url address of these tabooks. I can't find them on european sites... And would very much like to pick a "top-end" model. I have to order via distributor as only top-seller models will be readily available. And since i have to "custom-order" and would have to wait anyway, I would like to buy a model that i prefer.

If it is lighter, does that mean batteries don't last as long? I guess so

Thanks for help in advance

#4 Post by **GomJabbar** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:54 am

ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pcinstitu ... tabook.pdf

jamess · #5 Post by **jamess** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:22 am

Thanks for the tabook!!

Global model* probably means i would be able to get it anywhere in the world... So I'll be looking into those primarily.

Does ultralight screen use different technology to gain more nits =180 or does it simply provide more power which results in faster battery drain.

I know it's been posted before, but do you think there might be SXGA+ screen available for non-tablet X61s anytime soon?

Since money is no concern, am I better of to wait for 2ghz+ X61 Tablet and take SXGA+ screen... Although I very much dislike the added weight... and also don't know (at the moment) what I'd be using the tablet functions for

monkhi · #6 Post by **monkhi** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:41 am

I believe the 2.2Ghz is a typo. According to Intels website (http://www.intel.com/distributed/module ... o_spec.htm) there are only two Low Voltage Core 2 Duo 800Mhz FSB processors. The L7500 and L7300, which are 1.6Ghz and 1.4Ghz respectively. Also, based on the model number referenced in the tabook, it also states that it is a Core 2 Duo LV 1.6Ghz. I would clarify before ordering anything to make sure you know exactly what you're getting.

jamess · #7 Post by **jamess** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:45 am

On the European Lenovo site, 2.2 GHz is mentioned on multiple pages with different models, so I hope it is not a typo... I will clarify prior to placing an order, of course. Thanks for the warning.

EDIT: Even distributors data is very contradictive...

TPX61s 1.60
4MB 1GB/80
VBE

Processor internal clock speed: 2.20GHz

If it actually is 1.6 Ghz processor, is it faster than my current X60s with 1.66 GHz Core Duo processor?

#8 Post by **GomJabbar** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:35 pm

EDIT

I see conflicting information from the forum thread I posted above regarding the weight of the Ultralight models vs the standard models. (Thanks to seeing tomh009's post). The following Datesheet shows that the Ultralight models are lighter. OTOH, in the forum thread I linked to above, the OP stated he got his information from a Datasheet.

X60 Datasheet pdf

Lenovo wrote:Travel weight
12.1" XGA: 1.33kg/2.93 lb (4-cell prismatic),
1.38kg/3.04 lb (4-cell cylindrical),
1.33kg/2.93 lb (8-cell cylindrical)
12.1" UltraLight XGA: 1.24kg/2.73 lb (4-cell prismatic),
1.29kg/2.84 lb (4-cell cylindrical),
1.51kg/3.33 lb(8-cell cylindrical)

jamess · #9 Post by **jamess** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:58 am

Thanks for that. I am determined now to take the UL screen, both for 180 nits for "working" in well lit places as well as lower weight.

One last thing that i am worried - is there a big difference in speed with 5400 or 7200 rpm HDD?

In other words - when/if at all will i notice the difference with same configuration (Ghz and RAM) using 5400 or 7200 rpm HDD.

And finally - will my X60s 8-cell battery fit onto X61s ???

Many thanks in advance!

#10 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 8:14 am

You might be interested in the following opinions.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=43918

Regarding the battery, I don't know. I do "suspect" they will be the same, but this is only speculation on my part.

jamess · #11 Post by **jamess** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 9:33 am

Thanks for the input.

The only thing holding me back ATM is XGA resolution on X61s. I convinced myself numerous times now to buy X61 Tablet just for the sake of SXGA+ res., but Tablet is so much heavier... Plus, I don't see big use of tablet mode anyways...

If only there was a SXGA+ screen available for X61s

Let's keep on dreaming...

RasmusP · #12 Post by **RasmusP** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:17 pm

A higher resolution screen would make the X6x-series perfect! It is really a shame. I am planning on getting an external monitor for it. It does kind of solve the problem, although I would prefer a higher resolution screen. SXGA+ would be perfect!

jamess · #13 Post by **jamess** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:23 pm

I have X6 ultrabase and 22" ext. monitor which makes it great when in the office with my current configuration. However, SXGA+ on the x61s would make it a perfect all arounder.

Will the new X61s with santa rosa and Core 2 duo 1.6 and 2 GB ram be substantially faster than current x60s with Core Duo and same amount of RAM?

How long does it usually take before new - faster processors are implemented into these small laptops?

Thanks for your opinions

#14 Post by **tomh009** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:05 pm

Core 2 Duo is maybe 15% faster than Core Duo, clock for clock.

jamess · #15 Post by **jamess** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 8:55 am

So if faster bus and all the rest that comes with santa rosa is not taken into an account, roughly speaking - the new X61s would be 1.84 Ghz equivalent to 1.66 Ghz X60s?!

No substantial gain from this point of view, I guess?!

pianowizard · #16 Post by **pianowizard** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:01 am

jamess wrote:No substantial gain from this point of view, I guess?!

Correct.

jamess · #17 Post by **jamess** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:27 am

I know that there are people collaborating on these forums that work with or for Lenovo, so hopefully, I might get an answer to this...

Are the Part number and computer type/model number by Lenovo the same throughout the world. In other words - if I want a X61s 7669-88U, will this number correspond to the same configuration in the US and in Europe?

I have big problems configuring my new X61s, becuase I can't seem to find a model that would have WWAN, UL screen, 100 GB 7200 rpm and L7500 LV 1.6 Ghz and 2GB ram.

Help much appreciated!

PS: I need these numbers so that I can place an order, knowing exactly what I'll get. As it seems, it's very early for X61s in Europe.

#18 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 11:00 am

I do not work for Lenovo, but this is how it appears to me.

Looking at the tabook, which is for US models, the several that have the ultralight displays do not have WWAN. Likely the reason for this is that there is no room for a WWAN antenna in an ultralight display lid.

If I were you, I would look at either getting an ultralight display and a WWAN expresscard or USB card separately, such as This US model (from the tabook): 7669-7DU L7300 LV 1.40 1GB 12.1" UL XGA 80GB 5400 ✶ Intel 11a/b/g Finger Slim-4 Business 32 Jun 07

http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/ac850.aspx

http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/ac875U.aspx

(please double-check that these will work with your carrier)

FWIW, I only see one X61s with a 7200 rpm drive in the tabook: 7669-45U L7500 LV 1.60 2GB 12.1" XGA 100G 7200 DVD±RW UltraBase ✶ Intel 11a/b/g32 Verizon Finger 8-cell Ultimate 32 Jun 07

Or else forget the ultralight display and get your Vodaphone WWAN built in, such as THIS ONE.

jamess · #19 Post by **jamess** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 11:10 am

@GomJabber many thanks for your input!

Since I have "bad" eyes, I really prefer to have an ultralight screen. I've seen the difference on sister's Sony Vaio SZ which is much brighter than my current X60s and I wish to have the screen as bright as possible. I've also caught myself working in strong light conditions a few times and an UL screen would perform better in such.

As there is only 1 model with 7200 rpm disk, I guess I'd go with a model that suits the majority of my wishes and "upgrade" later. It's a pitty that's not doable for WWAN

I was thinking of going with this lightest model -> does THIS model have Bluetooth? These spec sheets are strange.

EDIT: It does seem strange that none of the "NEW" models X61s would have bluetooth, yet it actually isn't listed...

Thanks again for your help.

#20 Post by **tomh009** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 11:21 am

jamess wrote:PS: I need these numbers so that I can place an order, knowing exactly what I'll get. As it seems, it's very early for X61s in Europe.

It's the same for Canada -- Lenovo Canada does not yet have a single X61s model listed that is equipped with a fingerprint reader! The US topseller models would work for me, but I can't get those on this side of the border -- at least not yet.

#21 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:17 pm

FYI, that 7200 rpm model I listed above does not have the Ultralight display.

If you configure to order on the US site, you can get everything except the (European Compatible) WWAN built in.

ThinkPad X61s - 1 Year Depot Warranty
7668CTO $1,673.00

Processor and display: 12.1" UltraLight XGA TFT and Intel® Core™ 2 Duo L7500 LV (1.6GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB), 2x3 UltraConnect II antenna

Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Business

Operating System Language: Genuine Windows Vista Business US English

Total memory: 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

Keyboard: Keyboard US English

Pointing device: TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader

Hard Drive: 100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm Serial ATA (2.5")

Intel® Turbo Memory hard drive cache: Intel Turbo Memory 1GB

Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN

Wireless card: ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ

Battery: ThinkPad X60s Series 4 cell Slim Line Battery

Power cord: Country Pack North America

Modem cable (RJ-11): PSTN cable

Language Pack: Language Pack US English

Warranty: 7668: Express - 1 Year Depot Warranty

jamess · #22 Post by **jamess** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:25 pm

Hmm, maybe I can simply send this spec. to our local distributor which will forward the order onwards anyways... and maybe - somehow - everything will be ok

It's a pitty we (in Europe) can't use Lenovo website in same way as in the US... it'd be so easy

And yes - I've noticed that the model you listed doesn't have UL display

Thanks anyways.

Buying new X61s - advice needed...

Buying new X61s - advice needed...

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