Thinkpads Forum

My wife has just been funded for a new computer. She has been using the X24 for last four years. She wants the small light, plane friendly size of the X series. Can anyone describe the difference between the two series? I have read much of the literature, but they are looking mainly the same.

rckrchrdsn wrote:Difference between X61 a X61s ... they are looking mainly the same.

Here are the differences that may matter other than cost:
1) The fastest processor on the X61s is a little slower than the fastest processor on the X61. You can look at the specs.
2) Every X61s uses less power than any X61, runs cooler, and is quieter (smaller fan which runs slower and less often).
3) In either case, get a unit with the UltraLight screen if you want a bright screen.

I am discounting "pre-configured machine" differences in memory, hard drive, etc., since all those components are common to both series.

My advice is to get an X61s with the UltraLight LCD and the 4-cell cylindrical battery (which is not the default!). Get a second 4-cell cylindrical battery if you need more running time. (For me, 2 4-cell cylindrical batteries are far preferable to one 8-cell battery.)

I doubt if you ever notice the speed difference in CPU speed between X61 and X61s but the difference between heat and battery life is like day and night.

XIII wrote:I doubt if you ever notice the speed difference in CPU speed between X61 and X61s but the difference between heat and battery life is like day and night.

I concur, with the X61, the best you can do is 3 hour, 4 hour at best with brightness turned all the way down and wifi off. Also, several forum members have complained that the x61 runs very hot.

I can second the prior posts - eg. that speed difference is hard to find for an average user.

Correct: the X60 / X61 are running much (!) hotter, fan is running often. The -s machines use low power processors, stay cooler, fan is running rarely; I would recommend to choose plenty of memory and a fast HDD w. 7200 rpm. Add an Ultrabright Display, and you have the most versatile machine, especially for the female user, they tend to strongly prefer silent and cool running machines with long battery runtime.

Gerd

I have owned both X60 and X61s w/Ultrabright screen. For most people, unless you need the added 1 hour or so battery life (about 5.5 vs. 6.5 hours using the 8-cell battery), I'd go with the X61 and not the X61s and save the money. One difference is that the X61 CPUs do not have hardware virtualization but most people do not need this. For most people, I think 5400 HD is sufficient and not worth the extra money paid for 7200. Order with the single 1 GB RAM and get an extra 2 GB RAM on www.newegg.com (PC-5300) for about $40.