Thinkpads Forum

Hi I was kindly offered to choose one out of three models of x61t by Lenovo as a replacement for my x41t which has gone for service for more than 2 months now.
FYI, the x41t I had is the second highest-end model available worldwide with everything maxed out except the CPU(1.5 instead of 1.6).
I really can't decide between the following two:

1) ULV 1.6Ghz, SXGA+, 1GB RAM, 160GB 5400RPM, BT, Intel a/b/g, Fingerprint, Vista Business with Ultrabase and DVD Burner

2) ULV 1.6Ghz, MultiTouch XGA, 2GB RAM, 160GB 7200RPM, BT, Intel a/b/g, Fingerprint, Vista Business.

I don't care much about RAM and HDD, so the difference comes down to the screen and ultrabase w/DVDRW.

I always wanted multitouch and at one time even thought about making a tiny pen that attaches to the finger to emulate this "touch" feature on my old x41t. however SXGA+ resolution is a nice touch too especially after working with SXGA+ T60 14" for almost two years. But I've heard some stability issue with multitouch x61t and screen bezel problem with SXGA+ model.


So any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

For choice 1) I think they solved the screen bezel problem in recently produced SXGA+ models; they added an extra screw to secure the bezel where it usually came off. I think the SXGA+ resolution is ideal for 14" screens, but may be too small for 12" ones. Of course you can adjust the text size, but webpages still may distort, especially the images. This is from a user that used to have a 15" UXGA and found that resolution usable, ableit on the smaller side.

For choice 2) I have the MultiTouch XGA but haven't had any stability issues. What problem are you referring too? I find the MultiTouch feature somewhat useful, although not as useful as I imagined it would be. It is convenient being able to activate checkboxes and buttons by directly tapping them but that said the trackpoint is already very efficient.

If it were my choice I would pick 2), because of the extra RAM and higher speed HD. Vista really should run with 2 GB RAM, or else it will be sluggish. And a 7200 RPM drive does boost performance, and I'm assuming the 160 GB model is the second generation of the Hitachi 7200 RPM Travelstar that is almost as quiet and energy efficient as 5400 RPM models by other manufacturers. Of course you mentioned that those don't matter to you, but my suggestion is to reconsider the difference of the RAM and HD, because in my opinion that will affect performance noticeably.

As for the ultrabase and DVD burner that solely depends on whether you use your tablet docked very often. If you used your X41T like that, and you like the extra screen real estate then option 1) is attractive.

But in the end you really are picking between 2 good machines; very fortunate!

I have the SXGA+ with my tablet, and enjoy the high clarityness and clearness, especially coming from an older less resolution screen

Trekk69 wrote:I have the SXGA+ with my tablet, and enjoy the high clarityness and clearness, especially coming from an older less resolution screen

+1. I originally ruled out the X series until I realized I could get one with a higher res than XGA. I love the screen on my x60t.

To comment on the ram, its very easily upgraded, I only got 1Gb and bought an additional 2Gb, and speed is great.

I went with the ultrabase and burner, at first didn't think it was necessary (only used burner for initial recovery CDs; haven't used it since). But the base is turning out to be real great, clipping my laptop in and out as I take it to and from class writing notes. Never have to switch out any USBs etc.
So in my opinion ultrabase decision may come down to how much you plan on moving the X61T around on a daily/weekly basis.
Hope it helps

I do admit that at times I wish I'd gotten the SXGA+, because XGA just doesn't compare to the UXGA I had before. And I use my ultrabase all the time; it's very handy.

I feel like the workspace is a little small on my X61 Tablet which has the Multitouch screen because I'm so used to SXGA+ on my T40p. But I think the font size is about right and can't imagine how I could read smaller font size than this. Anyway I haven't seen SXGA+ resolution on a X61 so I can't comment on that for sure.

Also, since your buying from Canada, check out www.visaperks.ca for a discounted price

I noticed that the sxga+ screen has pretty small font when compared to the sxga+ on a T60, as expected for a nearly 2" smaller diagonal screen. With that said, I dont think Im ever going back to XGA resolutions ever. The small screen font is nice in that for many things, I never really notice the words.... and everything I do need to see the words on (like Office, or the internet), as adjustable zoom levels so I dont need to increase the system font. A real benefit is the sharpness of the screen itself...I have seen the XGA tablet (non-MT though), and it seems the SXGA+ appears sharper.

I havent really noticed or needed to use my hands on the screen, and though it be nice on the go, I find the pen more than useful enough.

Anyways, despite your problems with the X41, Im sure glad to hear the news of a new X61!!! All I can say is wow... hassles aside, youre getting a new machine...too bad you cant hold out a few more months for an X3xx or X2xx tablet!

this thread makes me regret I ordered multitouch (because it sounded cool)

Don't feel regret it. Theres advantages to both screens.

renhui wrote:Hi I was kindly offered to choose one out of three models of x61t by Lenovo as a replacement for my x41t which has gone for service for more than 2 months now...

You're lucky! How did you get Lenovo Canada customer relations to agree to this?

I ordered an X61 tablet on 4 Nov and received it on the 28th. The backlight started failing within a couple of hours of taking it out of the box. EasyServ had it for 2.5 weeks and then sent it back unfixed - at which point Lenovo promised me a replacement computer or a refund.

Two months after that agreement, I'm still not sure if I'm going to get either.

Wow, if it's been two months since they made the promise and you still don't have a resolution I'd contact them again and check into the status of the case. I don't know how things are over at Lenovo Canada but here in the States I've had fairly responsive representatives and reasonable resolution times. For one recent service call I even received an e-mail from a VP in charge of customer service or similar department with an invitation to submit feedback about my experience dealing with the resolution center. It was probably a blanket e-mail, but nonetheless at least it seemed like they were on top of things. If you have a case number I'd call immediately to check the status, and if not I'd initiate a new case ASAP and try to get the issue solved.

Thanks for the reply, guys, I am going for the second one 'cause I got a good deal of x6 ultrabase and dvd burner.

I went to our local bestbuy and futureshop last night, unfortunately they don't carry any 12 inch SXGA+, but from what I see on a 12 inch WXGA (1280X800), the letters are already small enough. Besides, I feel at times that the 14inch SXGA+ is already pushing it on my T60.

Another quick question here about the warranty on the new replacement, it expires the same time as my old x41t, isn't it? just want to make sure.
thanks.

hart22 wrote:Wow, if it's been two months since they made the promise and you still don't have a resolution I'd contact them again and check into the status of the case.

Oh, I have been. I've got a "resolution owner" and I've emailed him and left voice mail messages five or six times in the last month. He left a voice mail message for me about 10 days ago - I left 2 voice messages and 2 emails asking him to reply. I'm still waiting...

I find 1024x768 way too tight for working with large spreadsheets, outlook, and even some web sites require side to side scrolling. One of the reasons I selected the X61T is because of the high res option. Everyone offers the lower res screens on their tablets but Lenovo, along with Fujitsu, are the few that offered the extra screen real estate I required.

Well, here is another update. It turned out that I couldn't get the ultrabase/dvdrw at a discount, so I eventually went for the first option. I've got a spare 1GB module and I don't really care about the 7200rpm HDD. ( I upgraded the 5400rpm stock HDD in my t60 to a 7200rpm and I have a mixed feeling: improved performance Vs. shorter battery life and more heat generation. )
Now let's see when I get actually get the replacement in my hand!

hart22 wrote:For choice 1) I think they solved the screen bezel problem in recently produced SXGA+ models; they added an extra screw to secure the bezel where it usually came off.

Can you provide a link?

Biggs wrote:Can you provide a link?

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 9&start=90

So I guess it was thicker adhesive tape rather than an extra screw. But in any event it seems the SXGA+ bezel issue is indeed solved.