Pro Con weighing relating to x60/x41

Message

OldManClayton · #1 Post by **OldManClayton** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:35 pm

My trusty ol' thinkpad 600e died a long time ago, and I'd really like to have a thinkpad again... I need a laptop. But I don't know which way to go. I was eyeing the x60/x60s when it came out, and I've been checking around ebay. Apparently an x60 tablet can be had for around $1000. But then I found the x41 for about $500... I know they are very similar, but I was wondering peoples' opinions on it. For me, even $500 is a ton of money, but I want to get the x60 if it's really better, and I'll have to save up either way. I've seen the comparison charts, and the x60 is apparently faster... I don't know. Opinions?

ajkula66 · #2 Post by **ajkula66** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:59 pm

If you need a tablet, go with X60T, they're fabulous machines, especially ones with SXGA+ LCDs...and can be sourced for less than a grand, there's one in Marketplace right now with great specs and lot of extras for $900...

X41Ts are fine units, however, 1.8"/4200rpm HDD remains a huge problem if one needs any type of serious speed...

Good luck.

aceo07 · #3 Post by **aceo07** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:02 pm

OldManClayton wrote:My trusty ol' thinkpad 600e died a long time ago, and I'd really like to have a thinkpad again... I need a laptop. But I don't know which way to go. I was eyeing the x60/x60s when it came out, and I've been checking around ebay. Apparently an x60 tablet can be had for around $1000. But then I found the x41 for about $500... I know they are very similar, but I was wondering peoples' opinions on it. For me, even $500 is a ton of money, but I want to get the x60 if it's really better, and I'll have to save up either way. I've seen the comparison charts, and the x60 is apparently faster... I don't know. Opinions?

I'm confused. Can you clarify? Are you asking about a normal x60/x41 or their tablet versions? There is a big weight difference between the tablet and non-tablet thinkpads.

The x41 is probably 2.7 pounds, similar to the x40. The x60 is probably about 3 pounds. The tablets are over 3.5 pounds.

The biggest disadvantage of the x40 series is their small 1.8" drives. This makes it hard and expensive to get a replacement. The x60s can take standard 2.5" SATA drives, so you can get cheap readily available drives.

OldManClayton · #4 Post by **OldManClayton** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:05 am

Thanks ajkula!

I was toying with the idea of getting a tablet if I could, but if I can get a normal one for cheap, I'd probably jump at it. I'm not really concerned with the weight, such small differences don't really bug me. I should have named the title something more clear.

Thanks again!

Oh yeah, also... I'm sort of concerned about this. My Pocket Pc's touch screen became unusable because of scratches from the pen. I assume the thinkpad's touch screen is more durable, but have scratches ever been a problem? Even the smallest scratch?

OldManClayton · #5 Post by **OldManClayton** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:08 pm

Bump. Has anyone encountered scratch problems on x60/x61 touch screens?

Also, I have another question. I've been looking at the x61... it looks different from the x60. The screen has a weird little bump on it. So far, I've kind of been liking the x60's looks better than the x61's. (tablet version, btw) I've been overloaded with specs these past few days, so I was wondering if anyone could lay out the specific differences between the x60 tablet and the x61 tablet, and their personal preference.

Thanks!

Now if only I could find one cheap...

David Ross · #6 Post by **David Ross** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:10 am

I think scratching is unavoidable on a tablet PC. Invest in a good screen protector.

David

OldManClayton · #7 Post by **OldManClayton** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:04 am

I was going to buy a screen protector regardless. They do protect the screen well enough, right? I don't want to spend $1000 and find that the screen gets scratched up in a month or two. And if I end up only using the tablet function every once in a while, it wouldn't be worth it.

Of course, if nothing else, I can buy a new screen if it gets horribly scratched.

Should I even bother with the tablet version? It looks so tantalizingly fun... but does it degrade the laptop in any way? I don't know, it could be that I love it and use it alot, or that the novelty wears off and I just stick with good ol' laptop form 100% of the time.... Hmmm...

dstrauss · #8 Post by **dstrauss** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:55 am

OldManClayton wrote:I was going to buy a screen protector regardless. They do protect the screen well enough, right? I don't want to spend $1000 and find that the screen gets scratched up in a month or two. And if I end up only using the tablet function every once in a while, it wouldn't be worth it.

Of course, if nothing else, I can buy a new screen if it gets horribly scratched.

Should I even bother with the tablet version? It looks so tantalizingly fun... but does it degrade the laptop in any way? I don't know, it could be that I love it and use it a lot, or that the novelty wears off and I just stick with good ol' laptop form 100% of the time.... Hmmm...

I dabbled with the HP 12" tablet (can't remember model, but it's the current consumer version with Vista and the newer AMD processor). My result - unless you are in a niche that really can use it (medical; sales inventory; perhaps college note-taking) it's just not worth it in a general business/home context. The keyboard is vastly superior to hand written input. Just my $0.02 worth.

OldManClayton · #9 Post by **OldManClayton** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:09 am

Hmm... Well I knew I would be using the keyboard primarily. Thanks for your opinion!

I'm having a tough time choosing because if I get the standard version, I'll never know if the tablet's better, and it will probably bug me... and if I get the tablet version and decide it's not worth it or that the screen is too wobbly or whatever, then it's too late. (I'll most likely buy it used unless some sale puts a new one below ebay's standard $999.)

I REALLY think the tablet looks fun though...

Has anyone had both? I'm looking for more opinions, so as to get a general sense of the subject.

David Ross · #10 Post by **David Ross** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 2:51 am

OldManClayton wrote: Should I even bother with the tablet version? It looks so tantalizingly fun... but does it degrade the laptop in any way?

The tablet version is heavier, the battery time is lower (I'm not sure why), and there's no thinklight. However, for those occasions that you need a tablet - for example, marking up the screen while making a presentation, or taking notes by hand during a meeting without having the screen lid in the field of vision - it is irreplaceable.

Another advantage of the tablet is casual browsing or reading, when you can rotate the screen into portrait mode and display a full page at a time.

I'm using the tablet feature far more often that I thought I would, but I do miss that thinklight.

OldManClayton · #11 Post by **OldManClayton** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:02 am

I'm not worried about the weight, (XD I want it for its awesomeness more than for its ultraportability.) I'm used to my laptop batteries running for 2 minutes, and I've never had a keyboard light... so those are all things I think I can do without.

I think I've pretty much settled on a tablet version, I'll be sad if a standard one shows up for cheap, because I won't be able to pass it up.

Wentworth · #12 Post by **Wentworth** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:17 pm

tablet version is good, i would go with the X60t version, since the X61t version some manufacturing glitches with certain screen bezel detaching due to poor glues. My friend sold his X60 for 450 USD last time to a guy in Europe.

OldManClayton · #13 Post by **OldManClayton** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:50 pm

Yea, I'm leaning toward just getting an x60, since it's cheaper. Just gotta keep my eye out for a good deal.

OldManClayton · #14 Post by **OldManClayton** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:13 pm

Well, dagnabbit now I don't know. I'm wondering if the tablet version is worth it. :\ I can't decide! The tablet seems like it would be fun to doodle with and watch videos on, but I can't help but wonder if it's REALLY worth it... I don't know, I'd probably regret not getting the other either way. XD

dr_st · #15 Post by **dr_st** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:10 am

I am (perhaps was) in a similar dilemma looking for a laptop for my girlfriend (between X61 and X61T). Conclusion is:

Unless you really need / plan to use the tablet features, or absolutely must have a high-res/IPS screen, stay away from the tablet.

It's heavier, bulkier, has a slower CPU and shorter battery life. Costs more too.

Personally I would find SXGA+ on 12" uncomfortable to use, and as much as I like IPS myself, I would not get a tablet, which I don't need just to have the good screen, especially when it has so many other noticeable drawbacks.

OldManClayton · #16 Post by **OldManClayton** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:47 pm

Thanks for that.

I suppose the only way I'll really be able to tell if the tablet mode is worth it, is to spend time with both machines. Which will never happen.

See, the thing is, with the tablet screen, I could see myself loving it to death, and also thinking it's neat but not worth it. >:\

Plus, though this is probably pointless, I haven't seen both of them side-by-side in real to tell which one is cooler looking.

OldManClayton · #17 Post by **OldManClayton** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:56 am

HMM. Ok, it looks like with the 50% off coupon that's going on right now, I might actually be getting an x61/t after calling in a whole bunch of favors from family members for Christmas.

SO I gotta be sure which one I'm getting. I'm leaning heavily toward the tablet, but I just wanted to see if I could get any more final opinions.

Also, I've noticed that the shape between the tablet and non-tablet version is different. O_o The non-tablet's palmrest kind of dips down at the tip. Has anyone used both? Which one is better?

dr_st · #18 Post by **dr_st** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:08 pm

The Tablet and non-Tablet are entirely different laptops. Shape, size, everything differs between them. Most parts (even the Ultrabase and the batteries) are not interchangeable.

I don't think that the difference in the shape of the palmrest will make any difference in the convenience. Unfortunately, I cannot give you any more opinions besides what I already said, since I haven't had a chance to use a Tablet so far.

My girlfriend bit the bullet and bought the regular X61. Nice laptop, but the 8-cell batt makes it big and bulky. It's about the same weight as her old X32, but feels much heavier because of the skewed center of gravity. We are in the process of ordering a 4-cell battery to offset for that.

One of my friends is scheduled to receive an X61 Tablet within ~1.5 weeks, so I would be able to compare and reach a definite conclusion. I don't know whether it will be fast enough for you - how long does the coupon last?

OldManClayton · #19 Post by **OldManClayton** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 2:23 pm

It already expired, unfortunately

It was supposed to expire on the 15th, but I guess it got used up. I considered calling them to see if they'd give me the discount anyway, but I don't have all the money yet. I think I've pretty much settled on the tablet...

Pro Con weighing relating to x60/x41

Pro Con weighing relating to x60/x41

Re: Pro Con weighing relating to x60/x41

Who is online