Thinkpads Forum

Hello,

I am about to buy a used X60s during the next couple of weeks. It seems to be the perfect machine for being my main workstation (with ext screen, keyboard, mouse and ultrabase) as well as being my take-it-everywhere. Also the price tag for a used one is reasonable by now.


But there are still a couple of questions left:

- How noticeable is the difference in performance between the 1,66 and 1,83 Ghz model? Is the performance boost worth the extra money? Does the 1,83 Ghz version have a noticable shorter battery life?

- I read, that Bluetooth is not standard but an option. Can someone confirm that?

- I also read, that different models come with different WLAN cards built in. Which is the one to go for?

- I had an old 600E until recently. How is the built quality and "feel" of the X60s in comparison to the 600E?

- And especially:

+ Which versions have the ultralight screens?
+ Were the ultralight versions sold in Germany?
+ Does the 8-cell-battery also fit into the ultralight versions?
+ How big is the advantage of the ultralight screen in comparison to the standard 12.1 TFT (battery life, sunlight, etc.)


Thank you very much for your time. Your help will be really appreciated.

Martin

A couple of answers for you:

a) Version with ultralight LCD is marked "s". However, not all "s" models have this LCD, make sure that the one you are intent on purchasing does.

b) Bluetooth was an option, not a standard.

c) Extended 8-cell battery fits all non-tablet X6x units.

d) As for WLAN cards, that depends on what provider you're going to use. They should be the ones to talk to regarding this issue.

e) Main advantage of "ultralight" LCDs is longer battery life. People either love them or hate them. I prefer them, but that's just me.

f) To the best of my belief, these models were sold in Germany.

g) Build quality of the X6x units is pretty good in my opinion, you should be pleased.

h) I'd go for a stronger CPU, it shouldn't affect the battery life that much. Be aware that CPUs differ between standard and "s" models, the latter having low-voltage ones to maximize battery life.

Hope this helps.

If interested I have one for sale, it's only a week old:

Product: ThinkPad X60s 1702-5NF [change]
Operating system: All [change]

Original description: L2400(1.66GHz), 1GB RAM, 100GB 5400rpm HD, 12.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel 950, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, Secure chip, IEEE 1394, Fingerprint reader, 8c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... ht=#428072

Asking $830 + shipping cost, battery life is very good nearly 8 1/2 hours.

ajkula66 wrote:A couple of answers for you:

a) Version with ultralight LCD is marked "s". However, not all "s" models have this LCD, make sure that the one you are intent on purchasing does.

As far as I know so far, thats not quite right. The UltraLight LCDs were a special option besides the regular X60s screen.
I found out so far, that only the models 1702-94u, 1702-h7u and 1702-7cu have it as standard and some others might have it built in by special order. Can someone confirm this or are there other models as well, that have the UltraLight as standard?

ajkula66 wrote:
d) As for WLAN cards, that depends on what provider you're going to use. They should be the ones to talk to regarding this issue.

Why does it depend on my provider? Its simply the question: Which one does work better, which one does have better connectivity in general?

For WWAN cards, if you're purchasing your unit in Germany, you're all set...

If you're buying it from U.S. you might have issues because the cards will most likely be locked and useless in Germany.

As for LCDs, you've pretty much re-phrased what I had said apart from adding model numbers, so I don't see how that was "not quite true"....

George the member is asking about WLAN (Wireless Lan) card and not WWAN card.

zodiac wrote:snip.....Which one does work better, which one does have better connectivity in general?

Atheros (branded as Thinkpad Wi-Fi WLAN) has better range but dissipates heat that can make X60/s' plamrest a bit hot (the WLAN card is located underneath the right palmrest), on the other hand Intel's WLAN range is fair but you may still feel some warmth if not hotness on the palmrest.

To tackle with this heat issue lenovo put a second fan on select configurations of X61/s last year.

zodiac wrote:snip......Can someone confirm this or are there other models as well, that have the UltraLight as standard?

Check ltwbook (a link can be found in forum FAQs) if you haven't.

ajkula66 wrote:As for LCDs, you've pretty much re-phrased what I had said apart from adding model numbers, so I don't see how that was "not quite true"....

Sorry, George. I misunderstood your question. I thought, you stated, that all X60s have an ultralight LCD and I just had to make sure I buy a X60s and not a X60.

Ryengineer: How can I tell, if the X60s I intend to buy has an Atheros or an Intel card built in?

Also, another question came up in the meantime: Are there different models of X6 ultrabases? I know, there are different ones for the tablet versions. But are there also different ones for the standard X60s?

But thank you very much already!

zodiac wrote:Ryengineer: How can I tell, if the X60s I intend to buy has an Atheros or an Intel card built in?

Also, another question came up in the meantime: Are there different models of X6 ultrabases? I know, there are different ones for the tablet versions. But are there also different ones for the standard X60s?.....snip

It's very simple, find the 7 character product number of your desired machine and paste it into the Product Finder or open the ltwbook to check the specifications.

For e.g. 1702-94U has Atheros (Thinkpad Wi-Fi):

Product: ThinkPad X60s 1702-94U

Operating system: All

Original description: L2400(1.66GHz), 512MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HD, 12.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel 950, 802.11abg wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, Secure chip, IEEE 1394, 4c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

But 1702-H7U Intel:

Product: ThinkPad X60s 1702-H7U

Operating system: All

Original description: L2500(1.83GHz), 1GB RAM, 80GB 5400rpm HD, 12.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel 950, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, Secure chip, IEEE 1394, Fingerprint reader, 8c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

As far as Ultrabase is concerned, one base fits all X6x/s machines, only the tablet's version is different.

ryengineer wrote: As far as Ultrabase is concerned, one base fits all X6x/s machines, only the tablet's version is different.

Sorry ryengineer, you misunderstood my question. I meant, if there are different ultrabases (e.g. more or less USB ports) for the standard X60s machines. Or is there just one model?

zodiac wrote:Sorry ryengineer, you misunderstood my question. I meant, if there are different ultrabases (e.g. more or less USB ports) for the standard X60s machines. Or is there just one model?

Sorry zodiac yes I did.

There is only one standard version of X6 Ultrabase, no min or max version there.

I would also look for one that has a WWAN card in it. Even if you don't plan on using it initially, you may change your mind later on.

That way, you know for certain that the motherboard has the second mini-PCIe slot. Some of the x60s don't have the second one.

I made the mistake of purchasing an x60s with only one mini-PCIe slot, and then when I finally wanted to add in an internal WWAN card, I was SOL.

What do I need WWAN for?

As far as I know, its quite pricey and pretty slow. Rather a solution for situations were you desperately need to get access to the internet but are far from any WLAN spot...

zodiac wrote:What do I need WWAN for?

As far as I know, its quite pricey and pretty slow. Rather a solution for situations were you desperately need to get access to the internet but are far from any WLAN spot...

Some may think it's expensive, others think it is great value for having and internet connection wherever you are, without having to find a wifi hotspot.

The WWAN is HSDPA up to 3.6Mbps. Pricing depends on what your providers offer. If you even think there is even a remote possibility that you might need it in the future, it is much easier to get it factory-installed than add the card and antenna later.

I have an X61 with WWAN (MC8775). I do not use it regularly, but if I need to, I remove the SIM card from my phone and use WWAN. In the US I pay $19.99 a month for unlimited data (in addition to my voice plan).