Looking for Thinkpad Recommendation!

[S-C-3-1-3]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to purchase a Thinkpad for strictly word processing and reading journal articles. Its keyboard, build quality, and reliability are of utmost importance. Also, I want a relatively quiet system.

I also would prefer an IBM Thinkpad, but would consider a Lenovo Thinkpad. If you could let me know which Thinkpad might be what I am looking for, it would be greatly appreciated! Also, I would like it if I could install an SSD. Basically, I have the Thinkpad in my signature, but want another that is used only for writing. A "Let's Get Down to Business and Finish this Paper" Thinkpad.

Thanks in advance!

[ZaZ]

If you want to use a SSD, that'll mean a more modern ThinkPad. Something like the ThinkPad T60 with the IPS FlexView screen is an excellent choice. It's a top notch LCD, though being it's six years old, it may have dimmed some. Plus, being it's a 4:3 screen, you'll get lots of vertical resolution, which is useful for documents and internet. I use my R60e in much the same manner and it's still a capable performer. You might want to post over in the marketplace forum you're looking for one. Someone may have an extra they'd consider parting with. Good luck and welcome to TPF.

[FragrantHead]

Its ... build quality, and reliability are of utmost importance.

My recommendation would be to go for a standard model and stay away from the thin and light with the "s" suffix. I have used a T520, T410s and X220 among recent Thinkpads. Of these the T410s feels somewhat flimsy in the palmrest and problems have been reported with cracks developing, at least among early ones.

Also, I want a relatively quiet system.

Four recommendations on that score:

(A) Stick to a laptop with integrated or maybe switchable graphics.

(B) Don't go for a top-end processor in the respective model lineup.

(C) Get a recent laptop. SandyBridge (Core ix-2xxx) is noticeably better at power saving than Arrandale (Core ix-xxx) from what I can see. Current gen IvyBridge (Core ix-3xxx) should be even better as it's Intel's agenda at the moment to keep improving in this regard. Among the ones I've had, the T520 (SandyBridge, Core i5-2520M) is the quietest. Without load on the processor the fan is off most of the time. When it does come on, it's almost inaudible, unless you put load on the processor. By contrast the T410s (Core i5-520M) runs quite warm, runs the fan constantly and it's somewhat high-pitched and intrusive.

(D) Get a regular size laptop. Not small. Not thin. You're more likely to find a quiet one among those, but I would take advice on the specific model first. For example, I had a T30, bulky by today's standards, but it had a hot-running Pentium 4 Northwood CPU that required a lot of cooling and hence fan noise.

I also would prefer an IBM Thinkpad, but would consider a Lenovo Thinkpad.

Based on hands-on impressions as well as taking them apart for parts upgrades, I would rate the solidity and build quality of the Thinkpads I've had in this order, from best to worst: T520 (Lenovo), X220 (Lenovo), T30 (IBM), T410s (Lenovo), T20 (IBM).

Also, I would like it if I could install an SSD.

Like the other post mentioned, you'll want a Thinkpad from the T60 generation onwards. As far as I recall the T43 was the first among the T-series that used SATA disks, required for an SSD, but used a bridge chip internally and is probably not ideal. That said, the best laptop for a modern SSD is SandyBridge onwards, which supports SATA3. Everyone knows SSDs are good but, as I've posted elsewhere, current generation SSDs are another step up from even just 2 years ago. You'll reap full advantage only with a modern laptop, though I guess that'll be irrelevant for just word-processing.

I highly recommend the Lenovo outlet, if you can wait for the right model to come along. Ideally, you'll want to watch the outlet at least once a week, because Lenovo will quickly reduce prices of models that they don't sell. Get a feel what prices a model will sell for, then buy it when the price has dropped into that range. I bought the Thinkpad T520 for €510. I can't remember what price the listing started with, possibly as high as €800. You're likely to get a better deal on a new machine this way than buying second hand on eBay.

(One problem with the outlet: They don't always list the complete specs of the machines. I bought from the UK outlet, expecting a UK keyboard. What I got was an American keyboard. Also the machine had 4GB RAM, instead of the 2GB listed. I didn't complain on the latter, obviously, and I swapped the keyboard for a UK one, bought on eBay.)

[pianowizard]

I am looking to purchase a Thinkpad for strictly word processing and reading journal articles.

For the first time in my life, I am going to recommend the X61 tablet. I think it's excellent for reading journal articles, because you can view the screen in portrait mode. When you need to type, return to the regular laptop mode. And yes, it supports SATA SSDs.

Now, regarding resolution. Some X61 tablets have 1024x768 while others have 1400x1050. I read journal articles on my HP Touchpad often (in portrait mode), and find that its 1024x768 resolution makes the text look jagged. So, I highly recommend you to get an X61 tablet with 1400x1050.

[ceb]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to purchase a Thinkpad for strictly word processing and reading journal articles. Its keyboard, build quality, and reliability are of utmost importance. Also, I want a relatively quiet system.

... Basically, I have the Thinkpad in my signature, but want another that is used only for writing. A "Let's Get Down to Business and Finish this Paper" Thinkpad.

Thanks in advance!

The one thing you failed to mention is if portability and/or battery life is important. If you're going to be using this at a table connected to mains then you'll want to look for an older unit. While a SSD is the "cool new thing" to have, once the computer is up and running you'll notice little difference between a hdd and a ssd for word processing. If you find a machine with at least 1gb of memory you'll be fine. Do a minimal install of Win7 (or XP if not supported) along with a basic Office suite and you're golden using even a 10 year old machine.

[S-C-3-1-3]

The one thing you failed to mention is if portability and/or battery life is important. If you're going to be using this at a table connected to mains then you'll want to look for an older unit. While a SSD is the "cool new thing" to have, once the computer is up and running you'll notice little difference between a hdd and a ssd for word processing. If you find a machine with at least 1gb of memory you'll be fine. Do a minimal install of Win7 (or XP if not supported) along with a basic Office suite and you're golden using even a 10 year old machine.

I have an SSD in both of my computers and would never go back to traditional HDDs. Also, the cost of SSDs has gone down significantly and I do not need a copious amount of storage space.

[S-C-3-1-3]

My recommendation would be to go for a standard model and stay away from the thin and light with the "s" suffix. I have used a T520, T410s and X220 among recent Thinkpads. Of these the T410s feels somewhat flimsy in the palmrest and problems have been reported with cracks developing, at least among early ones.

Thanks! Unfortunately, Lenovo Outlet does not ship to Canada. I already have a modern Thinkpad, but want one that has the classic Thinkpad vibe.

[S-C-3-1-3]

For the first time in my life, I am going to recommend the X61 tablet. I think it's excellent for reading journal articles, because you can view the screen in portrait mode. When you need to type, return to the regular laptop mode. And yes, it supports SATA SSDs.

Now, regarding resolution. Some X61 tablets have 1024x768 while others have 1400x1050. I read journal articles on my HP Touchpad often (in portrait mode), and find that its 1024x768 resolution makes the text look jagged. So, I highly recommend you to get an X61 tablet with 1400x1050.

Thanks for your response! How are the hinges on the X61 tablet? I own an X201 Tablet and find its screen wobbles a fair amount and feels very fragile when I carry it.

[S-C-3-1-3]

If you want to use a SSD, that'll mean a more modern ThinkPad. Something like the ThinkPad T60 with the IPS FlexView screen is an excellent choice. It's a top notch LCD, though being it's six years old, it may have dimmed some. Plus, being it's a 4:3 screen, you'll get lots of vertical resolution, which is useful for documents and internet. I use my R60e in much the same manner and it's still a capable performer. You might want to post over in the marketplace forum you're looking for one. Someone may have an extra they'd consider parting with. Good luck and welcome to TPF.

What about the T60P or the T61? Is there much difference in build quality of these? There is someone selling a T60P in the "Marketplace," but is this the same as a regular T60?

Thanks!

[ajkula66]

What about the T60P or the T61? Is there much difference in build quality of these? There is someone selling a T60P in the "Marketplace," but is this the same as a regular T60?

Thanks!

"Quiet" is not a word one would usually associate with T60p, or any "p" model for that fact.

Your best bet would be along the lines of R60/e or T60 with Intel graphics. T61 with Intel graphics would be an excellent choice as well.

I'd also second PW's recommendation for X61 tablet, although my preferred choice would be X60 tablet, for several reasons.

[S-C-3-1-3]

"Quiet" is not a word one would usually associate with T60p, or any "p" model for that fact.

Your best bet would be along the lines of R60/e or T60 with Intel graphics. T61 with Intel graphics would be an excellent choice as well.

I'd also second PW's recommendation for X61 tablet, although my preferred choice would be X60 tablet, for several reasons.

Thanks for the information! Is the build quality of the X60 or X61 better than the X201 tablet I am currently using? I find it isn't the greatest and feels very cheap when I am carrying it.

Also, if you don't mind me asking, what are the several reasons?

[ajkula66]

Thanks for the information! Is the build quality of the X60 or X61 better than the X201 tablet I am currently using? I find it isn't the greatest and feels very cheap when I am carrying it.

Also, if you don't mind me asking, what are the several reasons?

The first reason would be that the screens on X60 tablets are not prone to "bubbling" like the ones used on X61T - this applies only to SXGA+ (1400x1050) LCDs - standard XGA panels do not suffer from this defect on either model.

Secondly, I find X60T to run quieter than X61T.

Overall, I'd rate the build quality of these machines as "very good".

[S-C-3-1-3]

The first reason would be that the screens on X60 tablets are not prone to "bubbling" like the ones used on X61T - this applies only to SXGA+ (1400x1050) LCDs - standard XGA panels do not suffer from this defect on either model.

Secondly, I find X60T to run quieter than X61T.

Overall, I'd rate the build quality of these machines as "very good".

Does the screen wobble at all? Does it "creak" when your hands are on the palm rest?

[ajkula66]

Does the screen wobble at all? Does it "creak" when your hands are on the palm rest?

The screen should NOT wobble on a well-kept unit.

Never got a "creak" from the palmrest, and I went through a zillion of X6x tablets.

[S-C-3-1-3]

The screen should NOT wobble on a well-kept unit.

Never got a "creak" from the palmrest, and I went through a zillion of X6x tablets.

Have you ever heard anyone or had experience with the X201T?

[ajkula66]

Have you ever heard anyone or had experience with the X201T?

I haven't had a chance to use X201T on extended basis, but it felt OK overall. Some "creakyness" can be expected on most *00 and later units in my experience, though.

Let's put it this way: a low-resolution tablet does absolutely nothing for me. X6x units might have been on the bulky/heavy side, but their screens were thoroughly enjoyable. My interest in X200/201T was therefore next to non-existant.

I can't willingly go from 1400x1050 to 1280x800...but that's me. For someone else, these machines - especially X201T with its newer CPUs - might be the best thing since cream cheese...

[S-C-3-1-3]

I haven't had a chance to use X201T on extended basis, but it felt OK overall. Some "creakyness" can be expected on most *00 and later units in my experience, though.

Let's put it this way: a low-resolution tablet does absolutely nothing for me. X6x units might have been on the bulky/heavy side, but their screens were thoroughly enjoyable. My interest in X200/201T was therefore next to non-existant.

I can't willingly go from 1400x1050 to 1280x800...but that's me. For someone else, these machines - especially X201T with its newer CPUs - might be the best thing since cream cheese...

Thank you for you help. I think I'll go looking for an X60T. Is there anything I should avoid in this series and what should I expect to pay? What specifications would suffice in your opinion?

Thanks!

[ajkula66]

I'd be looking for a machine with a flawless SXGA+ LCD. Tight hinge.

Everything else is swappable. And not that expensive.

I can't say what you should expect to pay, since it's an equation with way too many variables...

Happy hunting.

[pianowizard]

The first reason would be that the screens on X60 tablets are not prone to "bubbling" like the ones used on X61T - this applies only to SXGA+ (1400x1050) LCDs - standard XGA panels do not suffer from this defect on either model.

Secondly, I find X60T to run quieter than X61T.

But I remember many complaints about the X60T's display bezel separating from the display lid. Was that problem resolved eventually?

[RealBlackStuff]

I'm sure ducttape or GorillaGlue would have sorted that problem by now!

[Blzut3]

My X61 Tablet has a little bit of wobble when the screen is not in the process of turning, but hardly anything worth mentioning. I wonder if the hinges becoming loose was the reason Lenovo ditched the bi-directional hinge.

In terms of the bezel separation problem, I can't recall what models it affect, but I will say that when I put the X60 Tablet screen in my X61 Tablet (which developed the bubble issue) the bezel separation at the bottom while in tablet mode more or less disappeared. I even completely removed the glue from the bezel since it's completely unnesscary and prone to leakage when it gets hot anyways.

Edit: I should note the only other problem I've had with the X61 Tablet is the hard drive sliding out when slightly dropped. When it happens it's easily fixed by just pushing at the hard drive caddy, but it does produce a embarassingly loud beep when it can't find the hard disk.

[precip9]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to purchase a Thinkpad for strictly word processing and reading journal articles.
Thanks in advance!

The laptop early adopters were programmers and business folks, where the screen was a surrogate for printed matter. All computer technology filters down eventually to content consumers, who tend to be visually oriented, preferring their news and entertainment in the current widescreen format. As the industry perceived the consumer market to be larger than the content creater/business market, the 4:3 format was dropped in favor of 16:10, and, even worse, 16:9.

So if you want maximum writing productivity, you have to find a way to buck the crowd. The T61 would be a good choice provided Nvidia chip sets are avoided. All boards of that era with Nvidia chipsets are ticking time bombs. A machine with only Intel graphics is a very viable choice.

I write papers and do a lot of research online. For years, I used a Compal with a 15" 1400x1050 (4:3) screen. To do research, I want as much as possible in front of my eyes at one glance. Papers are still written in the 8:11 format, which is at odds with widescreen LCD. If you're like me, you want to see as much of the physical page without scrolling. Ditto for websites. It saves printing.

The advantage of used Lenovo laptops is the cost savings. It's feasible to have more than one. My choice:
1. An X61s, because the 4:3 screen has more physical square inches in a smaller package than the X20X replacements. This goes with me to the Indian restaurant. It also gets carried on intercity trips.

2. T400 high-nit. For working in the park.

3. W500, WUXGA+ screen. It has a 16:10 screen, with the largest pixel count ever put in a laptop by Lenovo. To properly see the screen, I wear special prescription glasses when working with this laptop. It provides the equivalent of a full size professional desktop display. This is my go-to workstation. I never feel away from home when I have it with me. Others may complain that the screen is dim or hard to read. I regard it as a professional tool. Like most professional tools, it requires more care, adaptation, and skill to use than the consumer equivalent. It is also great for coding.