Back to PC laptops/Thinkpads

[DrThinkpad]

Long story short, after a few years of playing with iOS/OS X, I'm slowly making the switch to Android/Windows using the Outlook/SkyDrive platform, seeing that my MacBook is getting slower and has no cheap replacement.

I'll probably look at Thinkpads for a replacement, a used one.

What I need, in order of priorities :

Cheap
Best battery life I can get
Small and light
Can run a Virtual Machine

Are X61s getting too long on the tooth ? Or would they be a sustainable choice ? I kind of lost track of what happened after the X200 series...

[Qing Dao]

An X61, let alone an X61s, is something you get because really, really want one of them. They would only be any kind of upgrade if your Macbook is the original one released in early 2006. Go with the cheapest 12-13" laptop you can find that uses DDR3.

[hhhd1]

T420s and T430s

processor performance should be close to the most recent generation.

in power saving mode, can give you descent battery.

[MrMaguire]

For what it's worth, the X61s will run virtual machines pretty well. It all depends on what you want to virtualise. The CPUs in the X61s support Intel Virtualization technology, so it can run 64 bit operating systems as guests. Of course, if you want to virtrualise Windows Vista or newer, you'll need plenty of RAM. 3 or 4GB should do it.

[Hans Gruber]

If you are coming from a Mac, I would say a T430 would probably be a good fit for you.

[Temetka]

I'd go with a T430 or higher generation machine.

Not to pry, but if you could afford a MacBook, why can't you afford a decent Thinkpad.

That being said, investing in an X61 is a waste of money unless it's just for fun. As a primary machine you are limited to old CPU's, weak graphics, old batteries, etc.

At the very least get something that can go to 8GB of RAM and is an iSeries CPU. The i5 is a great chip. If budget is a huge concern you can get a T410 with an i5 and 9 cell battery for around $200ish. That will give you a dual core machine with hyperthreading. Allocate 2 CPU's and 4GB of RAM to the VM and it will run great. A 250GB SSD as your main drive and a 500GB or 1TB drive in the ultrabay to hold the VM's and you should be all set.

If this is going to be your primary computer for the next 2 years or so, save up for a few extra months (if possible) and get something that will serve your needs. Nothing worse than being 6 months into a machine and thinking "man, I need to upgrade this."

If it were me, I wouldn't buy the cheapest machine I could get my hands on. I would look for something that I can still get parts for, has a minimum of an i5 CPU, the ability to purchase brand new batteries from the manufacturer, etc. I use my computers to make money, for me they are tools and as such I don't buy cheap tools.

Hopefully I didn't upset you. I'm just trying to help you a machine that will retain it's usefulness and is not already obsolete.

[DrThinkpad]

I'd go with a T430 or higher generation machine.

Not to pry, but if you could afford a MacBook, why can't you afford a decent Thinkpad.

That being said, investing in an X61 is a waste of money unless it's just for fun. As a primary machine you are limited to old CPU's, weak graphics, old batteries, etc.

At the very least get something that can go to 8GB of RAM and is an iSeries CPU. The i5 is a great chip. If budget is a huge concern you can get a T410 with an i5 and 9 cell battery for around $200ish. That will give you a dual core machine with hyperthreading. Allocate 2 CPU's and 4GB of RAM to the VM and it will run great. A 250GB SSD as your main drive and a 500GB or 1TB drive in the ultrabay to hold the VM's and you should be all set.

If this is going to be your primary computer for the next 2 years or so, save up for a few extra months (if possible) and get something that will serve your needs. Nothing worse than being 6 months into a machine and thinking "man, I need to upgrade this."

If it were me, I wouldn't buy the cheapest machine I could get my hands on. I would look for something that I can still get parts for, has a minimum of an i5 CPU, the ability to purchase brand new batteries from the manufacturer, etc. I use my computers to make money, for me they are tools and as such I don't buy cheap tools.

Hopefully I didn't upset you. I'm just trying to help you a machine that will retain it's usefulness and is not already obsolete.

You're not upsetting me at all, your advice is truly appreciated !

I do realise I should have mentionned my budget. By "cheap" I meant maximum 350-400 CAN$. I don't mind getting a fixer-upper and tinkering with it, as I've already done that with other Thinkpads through the years (thanks to this site !)

Yes, my MacBook was expensive, but I can't seem to justify spending this much for a laptop for which my only concern apart from the budget is the battery life and the portability.

Moving from the Core 2 Duo architecture to the Core i5 does seem like a very good idea.

Apart from that, I had a T500 before my MacBook (which is still in my sig). It was too heavy and the battery life was too short for my usage. Wouldn't the X series suit my needs better ?

Thank you so much for your detailed advice !

[ajkula66]

Wouldn't the X series suit my needs better ?

Maybe, if you can live with a lower resolution screen - such as 1366x768 - on X220 which would be my recommendation. Just make sure to get the system with an IPS LCD if you choose to take this route.

[DrThinkpad]

Thank you for your kind advice George, I'm going to try to get a X220 from a fellow forum member. Very keen as always !