Deciding between X6x models

[schiesz]

Several years ago I acquired a X23 from the forum and it served me well for several years. Eventually, I replaced it with a S10e when they were originally released, but now after using it for several years I am missing the Thinkpad-ness in my portable machine...

So i've been looking at the new X220, and while I like them a lot, I probably can't really justify one like that for another year or so.

Which brings me to my question: What should I be looking for in the X6x models. I see the CPU generally goes from a Core Duo to a C2D when I jump from X60 to X61, but I can't make any sense out of the X60s and X61s designations. I've had a tablet before, and don't really care for the T models, although I could consider one if the size isn't any more than the others...

Is there anything to generally look for, or avoid, in the X6x models? Is there a benefit to the S models?

[EOMtp]

The X60s/X61s units will run somewhat longer on battery than the non-s models, i.e., perhaps 3 hours with the "Enhanced 4-cell" battery.

The s models may also have the UltraLight screen, which is brighter than the non-UltraLight screen. However, both types of screen are perfectly fine!

The X61[s] will run 64-bit software and can take more than 3GB RAM. The X60[s] is limited to 32-bit software and 3GB RAM. This is not an issue for Windows XP (as it is 32-bit only and limited to 3GB), but may be a consideration if you want Windows 7 (either 32-bit or 64-bit).

The X61[s] units run hotter than the X60[s] units due to Intel's Santa Rosa chipset, hence the fans on the X61[s] units are on perhaps 90% of the time vs. the fans on the X60[s] units being on perhaps 10% of the time. If you are sensitive to fan noise, then you want an X60s. [Note: There exist late-model X60[s] units with C2D processors, and those might as well be X61[s] units as far as heat and fan noise are concerned.]

There exist modified BIOSs for both the X60[s] and X61[s], so the differences between the WLAN and WWAN cards that each is supposed to accept is eliminated, i.e., you can put any card in any of the machines, so that should not be a consideration in your selection of X60[s] vs. X61[s].

There is nothing in particular to avoid about any of the X60[s] or X61[s] units ... except, perhaps, the ugliness of the protruding 9-cell battery.

Finally, unlike X60[s] machines, all X61[s] machines have 2 mini-PCIe slots. If you intent to have an internal WWAN card on an X60[s], then make certain it has a second mini-PCIe slot. Absent a WWAN card, the only way to know for certain is to look under the palmrest.

[lead_org]

i would look for a X61 with T8xxx or T9xxx CPU, they run fairly cool as compared to the T7xxx CPU version of the X61, and they tend to do better in the performance department. Then find 2 x 4 gigs of ram and then run Middleton's bios to get a SSD running at SATAII then you have a pretty decent machine.

Otherwise, look for a X200 they are fairly cheap now, and the P8xxx Penryn in most of them are adequate for a few years to come. if you want more GPU performance, you can get an eGPU setup.

[dmdsoftware]

Remember the s and t X61 use the low voltage cpus, so they'll run cooler as well. The fan is still on consistently on I think most X61 vs X60 (at least I find that, fan kicks in at 45C, machine typically runs between 45C and 55C). This behaviour is different then my X60 which I don't notice the fan kicking in until much later. But the X60 runs much hotter, especially if you are using the CPU, 80C+ before fan really kicks in, and CPU tends to always hover in 80s with a constant load.

I've been monitoring things with RightMark CPU for a while. I've recently been adding TPFanControl to the mix. On the X61t, it's allowing me to keep the machine silent because in smart mode, it overrides the default BIOS behaviour of running the fan all the time when 45C+. So I run about 55C constantly in adaptive cpu mode with average load -- so about 5-10 degrees warmer, but silent. The fan would kick in at 60C.

On the X60 where it naturally runs much hotter with the regular voltage cpu, the fan comes on much more frequent with TPFanControl, however, under a constant heavy load, the CPU's temperature is in the 70Cs instead of 80Cs which is a plus because if your thermal paste is not performing as good as a brand new X60, your machine will start powering off when it hits the high 80Cs.

I recently bought a T7xxx based X61 motherboard to replace an aging X60 that is suffering overheating. I bought the motherboard as opposed to fixing the problem with new paste because I really wanted the upgrade to 64-bit for purposes of upgrading the memory and the fact my workplace has moved to Windows 7 printers, etc, but none of which have 32-bit drivers, only 64-bit drivers. I'll report back on my findings with the X61.

If I were you, I would avoid the X60 or X60s/t, with the 32bit and 3GB memory limits. The 64bit support in the X61 series is really what you should be looking at for more future-proofing and possibility of upgrading to 8GB. That should get you at least a few more years (3-4 years I'm hoping for myself) of use of these great machines. Of course, toss in a SSD in that mix, and you're doing great. The X61 also has ability to run at SATA II speeds that the X60 cannot.

Right now, there are number of good X61t deals out there (on ebay). I just picked up a X60t touch for $150. It was off-lease, and seller was selling a lot of the off-lease X61t of various quality, but I was lucky and my particular machine I was bidding on actually resulted in a machine that was rarely use. Keyboard was like new, computer even had that "like new" smell. Battery only had 1 cycle, etc. A real gem for $150. I know I should be saving for a new generation thinkpad, but I love the X6* line so much, and I have so many accessories and parts for them, why not stock up with them. My ultimate gem remains the X61t SXGA+, but I'm really drooling over the prospect of potentially upgrading that new X61 hybrid with a custom fix SXGA+ screen.

I summary, go for (in this order) 1) X61s, 2) X61t 3) X61

[schiesz]

Ok, looks like i'm looking for a X61 or x61s then. I like the low voltage CPUs, so i'll lean toward the s.

[Lino]

Ok, looks like i'm looking for a X61 or x61s then. I like the low voltage CPUs, so i'll lean toward the s.

in the short term X61s is the best choice between X6x, I think

[dmdsoftware]

Ok, looks like i'm looking for a X61 or x61s then. I like the low voltage CPUs, so i'll lean toward the s.

Keep us informed how it goes

[TuuS]

Thanks for all that contributed to this topic. I just purchased an x60 tablet on a whim (wasn't looking for it). It just looked like a great price and it's been upgraded with a big harddrive and 3gb ram, plus a few extra goodies like a usb dvd burner. I thought that it was a core2, but I now see it's a core1 (32bit) processor and I assume thats why it's limited to only 3gb ram.

One thing I'm unclear about is, Can you install 4GB in it? I realize the hardware is using some address space so it will probably only use between 3-3.5GB, or is there a hardware/firmware limit that won't recognize anything beyond 3GB. I was gonna try and see what works, but if anyone knows for sure then please tell me.

Also, can anyone tell me a good battery source? I know there are a lot of ebay sellers from china selling thinkpad batteries cheap, but I've had bad experience in the past.

[Harryc]

or is there a hardware/firmware limit that won't recognize anything beyond 3GB. I was gonna try and see what works, but if anyone knows for sure then please tell me.

Yes it's a 3GB limit determined by the chipset in the X60. I use the Lenovo outlet for batteries. Sometimes you have to be patient if they don't have the model you need. They do have an 8 cell for your machine in stock.
http://outlet.lenovo.com/accessories/ba ... j0473.html