Thinkpads Forum

I've been looking at the X60 as a possible upgrade to my lovable X31 someday. I've noticed the Z61T and the T61. Which of the three would you recommend and why? Is the X60S better than the X60?

I know the T61 is bigger, 14" and 15" models. And across the models I've mentioned, there are Core Duo and Core 2 Duo variations which I believe I've read in the forums isn't too big of a deal. They all take SATA HDDs and younger RAM than DDR2100/DDR2700. I understand some models have heat issues.

Thank you for your opinions and wisdom.

Perhaps you should add the X61 or X61s (non tablet) to your list...it is a very good choice for the long run.

Go with the T61 for speed, the Z61t for style, and the X6x for portability. This assumes costs are equivalent and you're at your limit. Otherwise, I've noticed T410 models selling on eBay for $500 and I'd argue it's worth a stretch if you are close.

Three good choices! I have had the T as well as the X series starting with an X31 (my wife has it now and loves it). Moved to an X61 when they were announced, Not sorry I made the choice. Love the portability. Even today as old as it now is, still gets noticed. The X61 can have a heat issue if you allow it to get away from you. Fortunately there are ways to muzzle that heat and keep it nice and cool for laps and hand palms. TPFan control is perported to be the perfiect tool to keep the fan quiet. However, turn the fan loose and you can keep the temperature down to a cool 53 degrees C. Its a free utility, takes a little work to understand but once you have it setup you will never run a laptop without it. Second way to keep the X61 cool is to copy the advanced power setting icon to your desktop and use:
Power Options -->Advanced Settings-->Processor Power Management-->

Minimum Power State
and Maximum Power State

to throttle your processor when you don't need to burn rubber in the quarter mile. On battery, I throttle down to 5% Minimum and 40% Maximum, I leave Minimum at5% on power and 55% Maximum. Only when I am editing Video will I run the power up to 100% maximum power. Make sure that X61 has the second fan under the palm rest. Early ones did not.

Foodog

underclocker wrote:I've noticed T410 models selling on eBay for $500 and I'd argue it's worth a stretch if you are close.

I'd say the X200 may be a better upgrade to a X31. The X200 is solid, runs cool, has a full sized keyboard and is more durable than the X6x machines. You're getting more screen real estate too. Plus you can do the AFFS mod on the X200 if you're inclined, which will leave you with a great ultraportable sporting a gorgeous screen. Harry, who's probably about the safest person to buy from here, is selling his X200 for $500. All that would depend on your budget of course, but you didn't say anything about your budget.

Basically the only downside of the X60s is the 1024x768 resolution. If that doesn't bother you - GO FOR IT. My most favorite machine of all time.

I see people selling 16V power adapters for the X60 where as it's supposed to take a 20V.

I've found many 20V on ebay that are NOT original.

Originals are going for crazy money.

I found a 65w adapter for $22 on eBay. It came from China so it took a couple weeks, but it was an original adapter.

What about the X61T, their prices have come tumbling down, around <$400 on eBay now, they have the low power Core 2 Duo too which should help with heat and battery life.

Being so used to my x31 I think I'd like to stick with the 12.1" 1024x768 - I've found I can use it for hours with no fatigue.

FredGarvin wrote:I found a 65w adapter for $22 on eBay. It came from China so it took a couple weeks, but it was an original adapter.

Are the adapters really specific to the three digit alpha model of the laptop?
The Hardware Maintenance manual lists four 2-pin and four 3-pin adapters.
Three of the 2-pin adapters support 9 model types.
One of the 2-pin adapters supports 8 model type.
Three of the 3-pin adapters support 11 model types.
One of the 3-pin adapters supports 10 models types.

I would think 65W/20V is 65W/20V.
Are the barrel sizes of the part that plugs into the laptop different diameters?
Is one barrel hollow where as the other has a pin in the middle?

I suppose there's also a 90W/20V version made in later years that would also work but would also have the above differences between pins/model types.

What's a good match for an X60s as far as RAM, HDD and power adapter?

Any SATA 2.5" HDD, any DDR2-667 RAM, any Thinkpad 20W power adapter.

dr_st wrote:Any SATA 2.5" HDD, any DDR2-667 RAM, any Thinkpad 20W power adapter.

only 9.5 mm thick 2.5 inch hdd will work, also i assume you mean 20 V?

Yes, you are right on both counts.

Will it take DDR2-533 / PC2-4200?

ParatoOptimal wrote:Will it take DDR2-533 / PC2-4200?

yes it will use them, but it will slow down your computer too.

Foodog wrote:Three good choices! I have had the T as well as the X series starting with an X31 (my wife has it now and loves it). Moved to an X61 when they were announced, Not sorry I made the choice. Love the portability. Even today as old as it now is, still gets noticed. The X61 can have a heat issue if you allow it to get away from you. Fortunately there are ways to muzzle that heat and keep it nice and cool for laps and hand palms. TPFan control is perported to be the perfiect tool to keep the fan quiet. However, turn the fan loose and you can keep the temperature down to a cool 53 degrees C. Its a free utility, takes a little work to understand but once you have it setup you will never run a laptop without it. Second way to keep the X61 cool is to copy the advanced power setting icon to your desktop and use:
Power Options -->Advanced Settings-->Processor Power Management-->

Minimum Power State
and Maximum Power State

to throttle your processor when you don't need to burn rubber in the quarter mile. On battery, I throttle down to 5% Minimum and 40% Maximum, I leave Minimum at5% on power and 55% Maximum. Only when I am editing Video will I run the power up to 100% maximum power. Make sure that X61 has the second fan under the palm rest. Early ones did not.

Foodog

Totally agree with all that. Once you get the palm rest issue under control the X61 is
a great little laptop. For portability its 10/10. I use it everywhere. Has a bit more power than the X60.

paul*robertson wrote:Totally agree with all that. Once you get the palm rest issue under control the X61 is
a great little laptop. For portability its 10/10. I use it everywhere. Has a bit more power than the X60.

Personally, I would only give it 8/10, because you must have the 8-cell battery if you want to be portable, and it's a bit bulky with it (more than an X3x) with the standard 6-cell. The battery life on the 4-cell is pitiful.

dr_st wrote:Any SATA 2.5" HDD, any DDR2-667 RAM, any Thinkpad 20W power adapter.

Is that the fastest it will take?

I found an ebay seller (China) selling a power adapter that is not genuine/original but is OEM and does have the Lenovo name on it. Does that sound right?

It will take DDR2-800 but will run it at 667 speeds. If DDR2-800 is cheaper (it might be), go for it.

Not genuine, but has Lenovo logo? Doesn't sound right. Either it is genuine - or a forgery. And forgers I like less than people openly selling "compatible but not original" merchandise.

I'd rather look for a genuine Lenovo adapter. There are so many of them out there. You should be able to get one very cheap within a reasonable time frame. Perhaps even post a WTB in the forum...

I'm using the Lenovo 90W, 20V, 4.5A that I have from my 3000 n100.
The back of my X60s lists 20V, 3.25A. Is this a problem?

No. You can use a more powerful power supply than required. A weaker one may be a problem.