About to pull the trigger on a X61s...could use some input!

[tallshorty]

So, after weeks of dwelling and indecisiveness, I finally decided that I will just buy the X61s now and stop tormenting myself over it. I know a new model is probably right around the corner in the next 3-4 months but I figure it will be at least $300-400 more expensive. I think that the current big discounts is because new models are coming out. I only wish that the X61s had the Penryn LV CPU.

So here is my configuration from US Lenovo:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo L7700 LV (1.8GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)[1]
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic[12]
12.1" XGA TMD Ultralight, 2x3 UltraConnect II antenna
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)[8]
TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm Serial ATA (2.5")[4]
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ[10]
ThinkPad X60s Series 8 cell High Capacity Battery[60]
7668: Express - 1 Year Depot Warranty

Total = $1,217.16

I think the price is pretty good already. I don't know if it will be any cheaper in a few more months but currently, this is the cheapest ultraportable I can find.

I know the X61 is about $150 cheaper but I like the longer battery life, lighter weight, thinner size, and brighter screen of the X61s.

Questions:
1) Should I have added the following?
-Intel Turbo memory
-160 GB 7200 rpm HD ($25 more)...but I have a 250GB 7200 rpm ext. drive already
-Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN

2) Can anyone recommend a good inexpensive (<$100) USB 2.0 Slim external DVD writer? I heard the LG one is good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827136136

3) I read that the X61s screen is quite flimsy compared to the X61 but does that make it weak structurally? I know the screen is thinner so that might be why but is it really delicate?

4) Any tips/things I need to watch out for?

Thanks.

[hp79]

Intel Turbo memory can be ordered from other online stores for cheaper price. That's what my GF and I did. Look for discounts such as 10-20% discount codes, and also some % stacking sites such as fatwallet.c**
The HDD, i'd go for cheapest or most cost effective ones since you can replace it with your faster 7200 rpm HDD you already have.

I'm using 7200.2 seagate 160GB right now, and putted the preinstalled 7k100 100GB in a low energy use desktop. I wish I had the 7k200 200GB HDD as they are known as the fastest 7200rpm HDD's.

[Trekk69]

Because your from Canada, check out www.visaperks.ca and Lenovo has a discount through them.
I'd say ditch the Turbo Mem, and just do a ram upgrade once you get your laptop.

[tallshorty]

I know about the visaperk, in fact I can get the EPP, but I can't get the ultralight screen for the X61s in Canada so that's why I want to order in the US.

[FALK]

You should go for the intel 4965AGN, doesn't get as hot as the atheros-based wifi (thinkpad 11). http://www.tpuser.idv.tw/articles/santarosa-test-4.html

[nikemen]

So, I haven't found that TB does too much, at least not with 2GB already. That being said, I think there IS some risk that if one doesn't order, the slot might just not be there. Some people have said that without ordering TB or WWAN cards, the input on the board is missing. I haven't confirmed this though.

[tallshorty]

So, I haven't found that TB does too much, at least not with 2GB already. That being said, I think there IS some risk that if one doesn't order, the slot might just not be there. Some people have said that without ordering TB or WWAN cards, the input on the board is missing. I haven't confirmed this though.

Interesting but I can't read chinese. Do you know which one is most energy efficient?

[blackomegax]

heat is directly linked to usage of energy.

[rhema83]

Your configuration looks good. I'd get the 160GB 7200rpm HDD for $25 more. Or get the minimum 80GB 5400rpm HDD and buy a 7K200 HDD from NewEgg or Zipzoomfly (there are some awesome open-box deals).

The LG drive is good. It runs on one USB cable and looks good side-by-side with the ThinkPad.

I suppose you are buying more RAM from Newegg (great prices now) and install an OS of your choice (Home Basic is really basic, sorry)? I am very happy with my X61. With 4GB RAM and Vista Business x64, the little ThinkPad flies through anything I throw at it.

[tallshorty]

Your configuration looks good. I'd get the 160GB 7200rpm HDD for $25 more. Or get the minimum 80GB 5400rpm HDD and buy a 7K200 HDD from NewEgg or Zipzoomfly (there are some awesome open-box deals).

The LG drive is good. It runs on one USB cable and looks good side-by-side with the ThinkPad.

I suppose you are buying more RAM from Newegg (great prices now) and install an OS of your choice (Home Basic is really basic, sorry)? I am very happy with my X61. With 4GB RAM and Vista Business x64, the little ThinkPad flies through anything I throw at it.

Yes your right. I have an extra 1 GB ram at home. I also have an external 250 GB 7200 rpm HD so I don't think I need more than 100GB on my laptop. And I do not intend on using the Vista home basic. But I guess I should change the wireless card to the Intel AGN card.

[rhema83]

Yes your right. I have an extra 1 GB ram at home. I also have an external 250 GB 7200 rpm HD so I don't think I need more than 100GB on my laptop. And I do not intend on using the Vista home basic. But I guess I should change the wireless card to the Intel AGN card.

The 160GB 7200rpm HDD is the best deal for the factory-installed HDD. The extra 60GB for $25 is a steal. You can definitely use that extra space.

For example, you probably don't want to bring the external DVD drive everywhere you go. Thus, you don't have access to physical installation discs to perform certain updates or repair installations. The best solution IMHO is to do first perform full installs to minimize the chance of running into a "install on first use" situation. Then just in case you need the installation discs, save them to ISO images using Nero or similar software.

For me, these full installs and disc images easily fill up tens of GBs. $25 is a good investment, since having everything in your laptop without connecting anything is very useful if you travel often.