Thinkpad X61 or X130e????

[Matt21224]

Let me start this post by saying I am not an IT professional and know little about computers other than turning them on and following the directions of a help desk person over the phone. I have had a Thinkpad X61 tablet for 4 years now and love it. It has been dropped down stairs and fallen off desks and not once has it not booted up immediately! Thus, I am a convert and would like to think I will buy thinkpads for life. With that being said, my X61 runs Win XP with a dual core 1.6Ghz processor with 3 GB RAM and I do a factory restore every 6 months or so to keep it running well. The hinge is starting to get loose and I have been thinking it is time to get something new. I bought a Thinkpad tablet a few months ago but shipped it back in less than a week after determining it is not a good alternative for me to a laptop. I thought the convertible tablet feature on my X61 would be the greatest thing since sliced bread but have utilized few if any of its features.

With all that being said, I started researching the X120 a few months ago as a replacement for my X61 and learned about the more "rugged" x130e. As most of you know, everyone has an opinion about computers, particularly processors. I am the first to admit I know nothing to compare an Intel i3 with an AMD Fusion other than the AMD uses less battery (i am told!). I am a microsoft office user and do a little internet browsing, nothing too taxing for any processor I would think.

So, here is my request for advice.....will the X130e be a better alternative to my X61 or should I just upgrade X61 to Windows 7 and wait for the next generation of laptops from Lenovo???? It seems to me that the current processor in my X61 is good enough to run Win 7 with ease and there is no point in a lateral move from a computer I trust????

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to the forum.
With your requirements, either computer will do.
You can easily upgrade to Windows 7, it runs like a champ on the X61/X61t.
If you feel the need for the 64-bit version, you can even put up to 8GB of RAM in it.
However, you'd also need to buy new 64-bit capable software versions in many cases.
For you, stay with 32-bit Windows 7 Pro, and you can reuse your current Office.
Windows 7 upgrade: ca. $120-150, less if you're a student.

Old X61t: it's already paid for.
PRO: you know the machine. IPS screen in 4:3 format.
CONTRA: it's 4-5 years old, less time on battery

New X130e: $500 and up.
PRO: new machine with LED LCD and new technology. ~8 hrs. on battery. Fancy colors.
CONTRA: smaller screen, not 4:3

If it were my money, I'd get W7 and stay with the X61t.
Even considering a new SSD, you'd still be ahead of the game.
And apply the Middleton BIOS anyway for increased performance; 3rd one down X61 Tablet:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo- ... ost6501443

[TTY]

Microsoft will support Windows XP with security updates until April 8, 2014.

You might be able to fix or replace the hinge yourself with a little help from the X61 Hardware Maintenance Manual:

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... MIGR-66749

If you decide to upgrade the X61 Tablet to Windows 7, i would suggest to get the 64-bit version. Microsoft Office 2003 and newer MS Office version are compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows 7.

The sole argument against Win 7 on an X61 Tablet might be, that the X61 doesn't seem to meet system requirements for Lenovo's Power Management Driver under Win 7. But it seems some people are using the Power Management Driver on X61 ThinkPads and Win 7 all the same.

[Matt21224]

First of all, thank you to both of you for your response. I made an error (thats what happens when you post with a different computer!) and in fact have a thinkpad x60 tablet but I took the advice to get Win 7 ultimate and Intel X25 80 GB SSD (found on ebay for $175 for both).

After many attempts this weekend to get it to install (even bricking the machine at one point!), I finally had success by setting up XP with recovery disk and then using win 7 to boot up system with SSD installed. It has worked without flaw so far, runs cooler and more efficiently. It doesnt appear that the Middleton BIOS supports X60 but I did update to the Lenovo branded one and reset ATA to DHCI (whatever that means but read online I had to change to compatability to get SSD installed). I already had Office 2007 installed and have re-installed without issue.

Thanks for the advice on the hinge as well, I am nervous about fixing that and damaging machine but as it gets worse, i may find someone to do that for me.

I am glad I found some smart people to ask my questions and receive the best answers. I will continue to keep this site in my Favorites.

Best wishes to all!