Thinkpads Forum

Hi everyone,

This is a very simple question (I think). I haven't looked at laptops in a few years. I purchased a Thinkpad X40 back when Lenovo first took over so it's been a few years.

I looked at tablet PCs back then and they were cool but they weren't really applicable to use as replacements to a laptop because they usually didn't have keyboards, ran windows tablet edition, didn't run all of the normal software, etc.

I am pretty happy with my x40 but it's about time for an upgrade.

I am considering the x61T but am basically wondering...can it actually replace a laptop? In other words, is the x61T the same as the x61 but also has the tablet functionality?

I use my laptop for the following:
1) MS office (including visio, project)
2) MS studio (C++ development)
3) Java SDK (java development)
4) J2ME development
5) Qualcomm BREW development (runs Qualcomm software on windows XP and Vista)
6) putty and secureCRT for ssh
7) Photoshop
8) normal stuff that I'm sure wouldn't be a problem like web browsing, text editing, iPod/iPhone syncing with iTunes, etc.

Will a user like me be happy with the x61T or will I be one of those guys who carries around a tablet and a separate laptop?

RVD.

The X61T is basically an X61 with a screen that can rotate and flip over to tablet mode whenever you want. The only major differences is the low-voltage processor (which make it similar to the X61s in this area), slightly heavier weight, and a tablet screen. The screen itself uses a technology that either is IPS or is very similar to IPS (I've seen conflicting reports in various places and haven't bothered to confirm which it is). But the bottom line is the screen has very good viewing angles.

It has a keyboard and all the normal functionality of the X61, plus the tablet functionality as well. So yes, it can replace a laptop (it actually is a laptop, just with a rotating tablet screen). It runs Windows Vista same as the X61, because all Vista versions now have native tablet support. And technically Windows Tablet Edition '05 was just XP Pro with tablet functionality I believe.

As far as the programs you list, as long as a X61s can run it, the X61T can as well, because they have the same processors and most other specs. I can definitely confirm the following work on my X61T:

1) MS Office
2) MS Studio
7) Photoshop

Haven't touched Java stuff in a long long time but if it can run MS Studio I'm assuming the other stuff is fine as well.

You would be one of the users who carries a tablet and a separate laptop if and only if you're one of the users who like to have a ultraportable as well as a separate, more powerful laptop (i.e. see the sigs of various users here who have either X61_/s/T and a T60/1p, etc.).

I think you'd be happy with the X61T just as a replacement for your current machine.

thanks for the info. i actually really like the ultraportable nature of the X series (which is why i got the x40).

i am not really looking for a desktop replacement. at home or at work, i would use the ultrabase and an external monitor, keyboard, and printer.

but when i do travel, i like to have an ultra portable that i can use on airplanes and in temporary work environments.

it sounds the x61T is a winner.

RVD.

If you do get a tablet, and this advice applies to any tablet PC, seriously consider getting Microsoft OneNote. Some people call it the "killer app" for tablet PCs, but the merits of that assertion aside it is extremely useful. It costs $20 for a preload on a new order from Lenovo, and it lets you make much more efficient and productive use of the tablet functionality in office productivity settings. I for one find it extremely useful to be able to write in Chinese on a blank sheet and have the software automatically convert it to standard Chinese text so I can communicate with some overseas relatives; it even adapts to my awful Chinese handwriting. I believe that works with various other non-Romance language character systems as well...

It's a hard call, but I think that if you don't need tablet functionality, you compromise some speed and will have to carry more weight with the tablet rather than the basic X60/X61 versions.

I'm typing this right now on my new X60T, purchased through the Lenovo Surplus Outlet. I own two different X60 models as well which differ only slightly and by the processor speed (1.83ghz core duo vs. 2.0ghz, both with 3gb RAM and XP). This tablet has factory installed Vista on it.

The X60/X61 (non tablet and tablet versions) are somewhat underpowered to begin with, in part because of the integrated video which is not going to be any better in the tablet versions. When you throw in the low voltage processors found in the tablets (and the X6xs models) they become even slower. Then when you throw in Vista, which is reportedly almost essential for the tablets, you slow the whole thing down even more.

When I got this tablet, which is still available on the surplus outlet site for $900 US, it arrived with Vista, 1gb of RAM, and a 5400 rpm hard drive. Quite honestly, I have never owned a slower computer than what I got when I opened up the box several days ago. I immediately swapped in a 7200rpm hard drive and changed out the RAM for 3gb in total. After spending a lot of time customizing the system, eliminating bloatware, and reducing the services that start out on boot up, I have gotten this tablet notebook to function with a speed that is "tolerable" to me, but I would not call it "speedy" or "fast." In comparison, my almost 3 year old X32 with a 1.8ghz Pentium Mobile processor running XP, is noticeably faster. So are both of my X60s running XP.

I bought this tablet as a novelty; I am a Thinkpad notebook freak. If instead you simply want to use the computer to do actual work, and if you are the slightest bit impatient, I would suggest you buy an X60/X61 with XP, unless you really have use for tablet functionality. Or, you could just buy one of the tablets to play with and also get the standard model, if the expense is going to be relatively trivial to you in the greater scheme of things (or you can write them off your taxes, either way )

I use my X61T for development and its fine, although I would wait for the X200 tablet solely for the larger Control/Shift/Alt keys. I cannot for the life of me adjust to the smaller keys. I've had mine since August and still can't adjust.

If I wasn't so mobile I'd just get an external keyboard, but I love typing every other key

That, and the X200 should have better battery life and a slimmer/lighter form factor, which would also be appreciated. I love the tablet functions when I'm working with Photoshop, huge schemas, and when I'm just screwing around.

I am using an X61T as my main work computer. I travel regularly and it goes with me everywhere. As far as comparing it to a non-tablet X61 there is something very few people talk about - you cannot get a new X61 notebook with a resolution higher than 1024x768. For me that resolution is too low and does not allow enough screen space for working with spreadsheets, outlook, project, etc. I have the X61T with the high res 1400x1050 screen and it gives me the space that I need. So this is one area where the options available on the tablet model beat out the standard X61 notebooks.

I use my x61T has my main computer. Dock it in and out to take to class everyday. But just doing more simpler word processing on it.

Couple comments.

With Vista, the tablet SEEMED slow coming out of the gates, but after about a week it was very fast indeed. It has been discussed here many times that vista takes a while to get its footing and then it should run quite optimized.

Don't get it without 2GB of RAM. That seems a be a minimum sweet spot.

I liked the tablet idea, and thought I would do a great deal of inking and writing but I don't do as much as I thought I would. the second piece about the tablets, that I find is, that the screens are not as crisp and clear as other NON tablet screens.

I TOO have an x41, and x60 and the screens are snappier, brighter and crisper. I actually have a bit of an issue looking at the tablet too long. It isn't a glossy screen, but something is going on that annoys my eyes. I'm thinking of moving back to a 14" FF T43 or something.

I have had no problem running anything I have thrown at it, including photo editing suites

nikemen wrote: Don't get it without 2GB of RAM. That seems a be a minimum sweet spot.

Definitively second that!
But just order it with 1, and than buy another 1 or 2 yourself (much cheaper)

I have an x61t. I love it. Unlike most other laptops on the market, the X61t is a high quality piece of kit. Smack the keys a bit. Open and shut the lid. Reviewers talk about how it performs, blah blah blah. But most of them fail to mention the flat black, stealth, lightweight machine that is the X61t is also shock proof, spill proof, and built to last. My accountant came over today with one of the first Thinkpads. it was all scratched up, and visibly worn. But the keys were still as crisp as they were new, and the display impeccable. Thinkpads are fantastic machines. I have the high rez screen and I can't say enough about the graphics. Just beautiful. Just make sure to get NoSquint for your browser as text can be small in browsers.

I say yes, yes, yes to an X61t. I LOVE mine. Thank you Lenovo.

hart22 wrote:If you do get a tablet, and this advice applies to any tablet PC, seriously consider getting Microsoft OneNote. Some people call it the "killer app" for tablet PCs, but the merits of that assertion aside it is extremely useful. It costs $20 for a preload on a new order from Lenovo, and it lets you make much more efficient and productive use of the tablet functionality in office productivity settings. I for one find it extremely useful to be able to write in Chinese on a blank sheet and have the software automatically convert it to standard Chinese text so I can communicate with some overseas relatives; it even adapts to my awful Chinese handwriting. I believe that works with various other non-Romance language character systems as well...

I agree about OneNote. A truly excellent program! Here is one item from Microsoft that is just top rate! I'm even beginning to import my old Word docs into OneNote just for the extra fast Find and Search abilities. It is tons and tons better for working with text and graphics within the OneNote pages.

whenever I get a lab report back from a doctor, I just take a photo of it and save it in one note. It has optical recognition so I can do a Search and find things within that photo! Beats the heck out of scanning or hand copying the document.
Do you get the idea that I really like OneNote? Yep!

The X61t is a great desktop replacement. I travel with it, work with it (software development), do photoshop with it, play videos. I've no complaints what-so-ever about the capability. You should think of a second monitor, though, when you are docked. But beyond that, being a tablet has its benefits. The transition from notebook to tablet was all positive. I've no intension of going back.

One caveat: High power games will probably not work on the 965 graphics. This is unlikely to be a gaming computer, but since I am not a gamer, I've never tried to find out.

mgo wrote:

hart22 wrote:If you do get a tablet, and this advice applies to any tablet PC, seriously consider getting Microsoft OneNote. Some people call it the "killer app" for tablet PCs, but the merits of that assertion aside it is extremely useful. It costs $20 for a preload on a new order from Lenovo, and it lets you make much more efficient and productive use of the tablet functionality in office productivity settings. I for one find it extremely useful to be able to write in Chinese on a blank sheet and have the software automatically convert it to standard Chinese text so I can communicate with some overseas relatives; it even adapts to my awful Chinese handwriting. I believe that works with various other non-Romance language character systems as well...

I agree about OneNote. A truly excellent program! Here is one item from Microsoft that is just top rate! I'm even beginning to import my old Word docs into OneNote just for the extra fast Find and Search abilities. It is tons and tons better for working with text and graphics within the OneNote pages.

whenever I get a lab report back from a doctor, I just take a photo of it and save it in one note. It has optical recognition so I can do a Search and find things within that photo! Beats the heck out of scanning or hand copying the document.
Do you get the idea that I really like OneNote? Yep!

Elaborate please?

So OneNote has handwriting recognition as you would expect from a tablet-entry enabled program. Likewise, it reads and writes a variety of file formats. Therefore, you can open up a scanned image of handwriting in OneNote, and use its very powerful search feature to recognize/find entries within that document. This works for English, as well as any other language that you happened to setup for handwriting recognition with OneNote.

Also pretty sure you can convert long blocks of scanned handwriting into digital text with using this feature, too.

Whoa.. Nice.. Gives OCR a run for its money.

I wouldn't think you'd have any trouble running those applications on the tablet, and I use mine for similar things without issue. That said, I wouldn't call it a desktop replacement as SFWrtr did...I actually went back to XP from Vista on mine (even though I prefer Vista) because I didn't find the performance to be adequate. I suppose it's down to what sort of desktop you are used to using, though.

i got one note due to this post running now on x61t and i love it.

thanks for the info!

Yes.

I would think the only problem is any major rendering in Photoshop.
The Vid card and processer might just make it slower.
I program SQL when i had mine and had a dev SQL server running. Also used Visual Studio with out much of a problem.
I switched to a T61 for the larder screen, but regret this due to the battery life.
Now i am looking to switch to a X61T 1400x1050 in the next month. Got to love company equipment.

Edit, I just order a X61T 1400x1050 today should have it Tuesday.
(not from Lenovo, but online reseller)

No problem running CS3. When doing photomerge, it runs its little heart out, but it is reasonable and fast compared to my other older computers. Yeah, this is no heavy metal machine, but for the work I do (RAW conversion, photomerge, touch-up, sharping), I do not feel that the system is at all slow.