Z61t and Intel GMA 950

[chaognosis]

Hi there,

Just a quick question as I'm looking to buy my first ThinkPad. I am a grad student and have fairly basic needs (MS Office, Internet, etc.); I won't be playing games of any kind. Also no Photoshop or other graphically intense programs like that, and I'm sticking with XP Pro for the time being rather than making the jump to Vista. I like the Z61t but am slightly concerned about the Intel GMA 950... will this be sufficient? I want to be able to watch DVDs comfortably, to use the webcam for chat, and to view video clips and streaming video over the Web (particularly, broadcasts of tennis matches). Will I run into any trouble with the Intel integrated graphics, or will it be just fine for what I want to do?

Thanks a lot!

[craigg]

The integrated graphics will work just fine based on your requirements. Also, Vista will run well too should you decide to upgrade. Another advantage of the on board graphics is that your battery life is 50% greater than the newer T61s with the dedicated grapgics card.

[sapibobo]

GMA 950 will do well in Vista. Aero will run too. Just pump up your RAM to 1 GB minimum.

[jkahng]

the z61t has a very attractive form factor. thin, made of cfrp(like the t series) light.
the intel graphics is fine for your needs. make sure you get a good deal on the z61t as they are phasing this out.(i think they are selling off stock at this point)
otherwise look at the newer t61s as they have the newer santarosa platform. as they are priced nicely.

[ZaZ]

For what you are doing you are unlikely to notice a differemce in teh Core 2 Duo Z61t and the Santa Rosa T61. I liked the Z61t, but it's a thicker than the T61.