Thinkpads Forum

I wish there was a showroom where I could see these things...

I recently moved from a beloved MacBook Pro to an X61T running Vista64. Although I still think that the MacBook/Leopard combo is state of the art today, I ride a train two hours each day and need something small and durable.

So far, Vista 64 is fast and stable and I prefer the look and feel to XP. I wonder though, if I'd be even happier with an X61 or X61s since I don't use the tablet more than 10% of the time and maybe the extra weight isn't worth it...

Can someone share their experience with both of these machines? I'm especially interested to know if there's a significant difference in the screen quality between the XGA tablet screen and the screens on the X61 and X61s.

Thanks

X61 and X61s screen is very bad in comparison to the X61 tablet screen. Moving from a Macbook Pro, which has a very decent screen, to a X61 tablet is a smooth transition for you. However, moving from x61 tablet to x61s is a very big difference in screen quality. The x61 and x61s screens have bad viewing angle and horrible contrast.

Hmm..

It's odd to me that you should say that the X61(s) screens are that horrible. I'm running an X61 (7675-92u) and the screen on this little puppy is incredible compared to the T61 I had previously! Difference is night and day ... and this is based on having a T42 FlexView in the past. Sure, the X61 isn't comparable to the FlexView, but what I've got on the this machine now is LOADS better than what I had on the T61 (particularly in terms of viewing angles and contrast). The T61 had a BOEHydis 14" 4:3 screen - I constantly found myself moving the screen back and forth, up/down to find a comfortable viewing "angle". Not with the X61.

I can't say for sure what screen I have on this X61 because it's not listed on the Lenovo website listing parts that shipped with this system. If there's another way of determining what the part is, I'll gladly provide it.

There is a Micro Center in Boston that may have the machines on display. I know my local Micro Center stocks and displays Thinkpads so you can get a bit of a feel for them.

icantux wrote:Hmm..

It's odd to me that you should say that the X61(s) screens are that horrible. I'm running an X61 (7675-92u) and the screen on this little puppy is incredible compared to the T61 I had previously! Difference is night and day ... and this is based on having a T42 FlexView in the past. Sure, the X61 isn't comparable to the FlexView, but what I've got on the this machine now is LOADS better than what I had on the T61 (particularly in terms of viewing angles and contrast). The T61 had a BOEHydis 14" 4:3 screen - I constantly found myself moving the screen back and forth, up/down to find a comfortable viewing "angle". Not with the X61.

I can't say for sure what screen I have on this X61 because it's not listed on the Lenovo website listing parts that shipped with this system. If there's another way of determining what the part is, I'll gladly provide it.

You probably got one of the better screens in the x61/x61s. You can download PC Wizard 2008 from Softpedia to determine the brand of your LCD. I would be interested in what you find

I've owned an X61s with lightweight LCD and it was acceptable...no more than that.

Typing this on a X60T with XGA LCD and loving every second...

If LCD quality is your main concern, go for a tablet.

If you're more interested in weight and battery life, X61s should be your machine of choice.

My opinion only.

icantux wrote:Hmm..

It's odd to me that you should say that the X61(s) screens are that horrible.

I agree. There is no way I would describe the screen on the X61 as "very bad in comparison to the X61 tablet screen".

I've seen them side by side. The main tangible difference is the that tablet screen is higher resolution. You can also read the tablet screen better from side viewing angles. If you are constantly sharing what is on your screen with other people, this is an advantage. If you are on a plane editing confidential documents, this is a disadvantage. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the tablet screens are supposed to do better in sunlight.

For the user who is just going to sit in front of the machine and type away, mainly indoors, the only real advantage of the tablet screen is the resolution.

I've had X22, X41, X61s with ultralight, and now a brand new X61, and I can say the screen on my X61 is easily the best of the lot - brighter, better color, better viewing angles.

X6x/s LCDs are standard TN panels with 200:1 contrast ratio, and, quite often, excessive backlight bleeding.

X6xT LCDs are IPS FlexView with 400:1 contrast, and I have yet to see one with backlight bleed.

By any measurable data, IPS wins any day. Not to mention the fact that even people with bad eyesight can look at it for hours without tiring their eyes out. But FlexView LCD takes away from battery life, and adds weight.

You know best what your priorities are.

i have an x60s without an ultralight screen and its pretty acceptable still for me. btw u can install leopard on the x6x just have to get a new wireless card.

tyanlion wrote:i have an x60s without an ultralight screen and its pretty acceptable still for me. btw u can install leopard on the x6x just have to get a new wireless card.

I used to have a x60s without ultralight screen and it was also very acceptable so I agree with you on that. However, I have used my friend's x61s and I have to take my eyes off it every two hours or so because the screen tires my eyes out so much.

what about X60s, how was its screen contrast compared to X61s?

AvalonXIII wrote:

icantux wrote:Hmm..

It's odd to me that you should say that the X61(s) screens are that horrible. I'm running an X61 (7675-92u) and the screen on this little puppy is incredible compared to the T61 I had previously! Difference is night and day ... and this is based on having a T42 FlexView in the past. Sure, the X61 isn't comparable to the FlexView, but what I've got on the this machine now is LOADS better than what I had on the T61 (particularly in terms of viewing angles and contrast). The T61 had a BOEHydis 14" 4:3 screen - I constantly found myself moving the screen back and forth, up/down to find a comfortable viewing "angle". Not with the X61.

I can't say for sure what screen I have on this X61 because it's not listed on the Lenovo website listing parts that shipped with this system. If there's another way of determining what the part is, I'll gladly provide it.

You probably got one of the better screens in the x61/x61s. You can download PC Wizard 2008 from Softpedia to determine the brand of your LCD. I would be interested in what you find

Ok!

Will do. I'll get the PCWizard and see what it says. Hope it actually gives the hardware info on the screen and not just "Thinkpad 1024x768 or something silly like that.

I'll report back with findings

I went with the tablet as opposed to the X61 or s because I use the tablet functionality for all of my University courses (so say, 4 hrs a day out of 6hrs of total computer usage).
So for me it was worth it, but now that I have it I could not see myself going back after I graduate. The ability to use a tablet if needed to is worth the compromise for me in the future (whether its cost, speed, performance, etc)

try to find a university bookstore, many carry all models.

AvalonXIII wrote:

icantux wrote:

Hmm.. I used PC Wizard but it gives me next to no info on my screen. It just says: LEN4000, Manufacture 2005, 16:10, size 1024x768, bandwidth 60MHz.

What's LEN4000???

From all the specs, it looks like it might lack brightness. Does anyone use a x61 (not the T or the s ultralight) and have comments on the screen?

I don't understand how the X61s "ultralight" screen is better/worse...It has a higher brightness/contrast, correct? And this somehow HELPS battery life?

ALL TN panels on ThinkPads lack brightness.

IMHO, "ultralight" LCD was not any worse than the rest of them...

icantux wrote:

AvalonXIII wrote:

Hmm.. I used PC Wizard but it gives me next to no info on my screen. It just says: LEN4000, Manufacture 2005, 16:10, size 1024x768, bandwidth 60MHz.

What's LEN4000???

LEN4000 is the manufacturer code of Lenovo, so I'm afraid it is giving you generic information instead of the actual manufacturer of your screen. One option for you is to open up the screen assembly and see the back of the LCD for the FRU and look it up on the Lenovo website, but I suggest you don't do it unless you plan on replacing the screen in a near future
Nevertheless, thank you for your effort

think i am happy with my X60s

Thanks for all the input. Here's my followup:

I ordered an x61 on 7/3 and just received it yesterday, the 21st. Very, very nice. I think that if you have to use a pc, you might as well make it a Thinkpad.

Anyway, I think the screen is just fine. Not up to the spec I have with a 15" Macbook Pro w/LED, but very nice just the same. The best part is having a fast, light and durable tool to carry every day that really has few sacrifices.

Oh sure, I've had a couple of blue screens getting Vista 64 working, but I'm sure it will be fine once I get rid of a little more of the extra junk that comes with the factory install.

BTW: Does anyone keep the Thinkvantage recovery software, or do you just use Vista's backup system instead?

burtonman wrote:Thanks for all the input. Here's my followup:

I ordered an x61 on 7/3 and just received it yesterday, the 21st. Very, very nice. I think that if you have to use a pc, you might as well make it a Thinkpad.

Anyway, I think the screen is just fine. Not up to the spec I have with a 15" Macbook Pro w/LED, but very nice just the same. The best part is having a fast, light and durable tool to carry every day that really has few sacrifices.

Oh sure, I've had a couple of blue screens getting Vista 64 working, but I'm sure it will be fine once I get rid of a little more of the extra junk that comes with the factory install.

BTW: Does anyone keep the Thinkvantage recovery software, or do you just use Vista's backup system instead?

maybe you can take some snapshot of your X61 open box experience and share with us.