Differences between T60 and T61

[tdminion]

Forgive me if this is a dumb or inappropriate question, but is there a difference in quality between T60 and T61 thinkpads?

[oeuvre]

The T61 supports newer C2D processors and can have up to 8GB RAM and SATA II speeds (thanks to Middleton BIOS). Design wise, they're practically the same externally. The NVIDIA chips are known to fail unless they were made after a certain date. Solid machines otherwise. Note that most 14" T61s were widescreen, not 4:3

[dr_st]

Design wise, they're practically the same externally.

Well, not really. I have many things to say on the design of the T61 compared to T60, but they do not belong in this thread, and should not interfere with the sale of this most excellent machine. Many of them have been said before, you can look them up.

[brchan]

I have worked on multiple T61 units, and can say that the quality control on the T61 is slightly relaxed compared to the T60 models. I have seen some T61 models where the fit and finish was nearly identical to the T60 series, and others not the case... However, the hinges on the T61 models tend to wear out faster, and may crack on the 4:3 models.

[Eric Giles]

I have worked on multiple T61 units, and can say that the quality control on the T61 is slightly relaxed compared to the T60 models. I have seen some T61 models where the fit and finish was nearly identical to the T60 series, and others not the case... However, the hinges on the T61 models tend to wear out faster, and may crack on the 4:3 models.

My experience has been similar, however an exception for me would be the hinges. The hinges for the widescreen T61 models have shown a weakness, but all of the 4:3 ratio models have all had hinges with no play. Of course, this is just from my experience. I do like the actual roll cage in the screen lid assembly on the T61 models as it can provide better overall protection.

Still, there's something about a 4:3 ratio T60 that just feels right...