Help needed choosing b/w models

[jtlau]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and I was hoping I could get some advice from ya'll.

So I'm looking to purchase a T60. I'm looking for something kinda light, so the 14.1" is mainly catching my eye. I want to play some video games on it, so I think a 128MB ATI X1400 is a must (plan on playing games like CS:S, BF2, Civ4, HF2). Wireless Intel ABG and Bluetooth are a must. HD space, at least 60gb I think. DVDRW would be nice, but not necessary. Processor speed has to be at least 1.83Ghz I think. RAM must be at least 1gb. I'll be travelling with it rather often so I figure I should get the 9-cell batt. I'm looking to get the 3 yr depot extended warranty plan too. I'm hoping that this will last me for 3-5 years. I've been using a Dell Inspiron 8200 for 4 years now and this thing is a beast (+8lbs).

I'm currently looking at the 2623D7U model. I can't decide between this model or a 'let-me-build-it' model.

I've configured the 'let me build it' it to have the following:

1.83Ghz
80GB 5400RPM HD
DVDRW
128MB X1400
1.5GB RAM
9-cell batt

I don't plan on using the Verizon EVDO. I'm not sure if I'll notice the processor speed diff b/w the 1.83 and 2Ghz models. I'm not sure if I'm going overboard with the RAM - should 1GB be enough? Also, are there huge differences in speed b/w a 5400RPM HD and a 7200RPM HD?

My budget is $2000 and both models are in the budget.

Thanks a bunch for any feedback, it's much appreciated!

[astro]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and I was hoping I could get some advice from ya'll.

Welcome to the forums mate. Enjoy your stay.

So I'm looking to purchase a T60. I'm looking for something kinda...

Sounds like your requirements are similar to what I wanted. Min 1.8 GHz, 14", some decent 3d grunt, FP & BT, any other trimmings if possible. I went with the 2007-63U, because I need the international warranty (2623-##U are US warranty only). But if I lived in the US I would definitely have gone for the D7U, because it is a lot cheaper.

I'm currently looking at the 2623D7U model, which is $????

You shouldn't post EPP prices -- just one of the rules. Take the time to read the announcement at the top of this forum.

I've configured the 'let me build it' it to have the following:

If you want it sooner, rather than later, (i.e. days->weeks rather than weeks->months) it seems better to order a non-customised machine (check the sticky shipping thread in this forum). The 2623##U Topseller models seem to be especially quick in delivery (except for 2623DDU).

I don't plan on using the Verizon EVDO.

You never know.

I'm not sure if I'll notice the processor speed diff b/w the 1.83 and 2Ghz models.

There is a big difference looking at the Intel Mac performance figures (of all things). Go for the fastest one in your budget if you want it to last.

I'm not sure if I'm going overboard with the RAM - should 1GB be enough?

The 2623-D7U comes with 512MB which is probably not enough -- buy 1GB now and get to 1.5GB and I think you'll be happy. RAM is cheap and can be upgraded at any time, anyway.

Also, are there huge differences in speed b/w a 5400RPM HD and a 7200RPM HD?

There are numerous other threads about this. Again, this can be upgraded later.

Thanks a bunch for any feedback, it's much appreciated!

You're welcome.

[dfumento]

You are not going to notice the difference in processor speeds -- it is just a way to get people to pay more money for a premium part. Also, go with the slower drive because there won't be much of a difference either in this case and you will again save money. It will let your battery last a bit long as well.
Do get SXGA+ or at least consider it.
Do get an extra 1GB stick of RAM which from www.newegg.com will cost less than $100.
Save your money.

[archer6]

You are not going to notice the difference in processor speeds -- it is just a way to get people to pay more money for a premium part. Also, go with the slower drive because there won't be much of a difference either in this case and you will again save money. It will let your battery last a bit long as well.
Do get SXGA+ or at least consider it.
Do get an extra 1GB stick of RAM which from www.newegg.com will cost less than $100.
Save your money.

I agree completely.
SXGA+ is a good all purpose resolution.
The top upgrade option that will return a noticeable performance improvement, is to add more memory. Processor speed while a factor, is not that noticeable unless you do some heavy duty computing. Apps like AutoCad, Video editing, etc. Going with a processor in the middle range (lowest to highest speed) is usually the best choice. Especially since each increase in chip speed is just a small speed bump. An example would be choosing 1.83 GHz instead of 2.0 GHz. The actual real world experience is very small. The price increase from the slowest to the fastest is quite a bit.

[astro]

I'm not sure if I'll notice the processor speed diff b/w the 1.83 and 2Ghz models.

There is a big difference looking at the Intel Mac performance figures (of all things). Go for the fastest one in your budget if you want it to last.

On further research, I take this back. I think the Mac benchmark I was looking at differed in more ways than just CPU speed. Have a look at these benchmarks for reference:
http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content ... duo&page=8

[jtlau]

Thanks a bunch for all the advice fellas. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be making the plunge and getting the D7U model, I figure paying an extra $100 for a faster processor and the EVDO is well worth it. However, one thing that is kinda holding me back is just the weight of the T60 - but I guess it's a compromise I hafta make if I want something relatively light to play video games. Once again, thanks for the input.

[markgreene]

I just ordered my D7U and I am worried about the weight as well. If it really starts to get under my skin I will just get the 6 cell battery and that should lighten it up a bit.

I am so bad with weight though, I don't even know if 5lbs is heavy...

[darrenf]

The hard drive rotational speed actually makes a very big difference. Unlike memory it affects performance (and more specifically boot and load times) no matter how many apps you are running. IMHO, a slow HDD is the biggest single bottleneck in any laptop. I would put a fast hard drive at the top of the performance list. 5400 is better than 4200 but 7200 is the only way to go (IMHO ).

-darren

[darrenf]

I just ordered my D7U and I am worried about the weight as well. If it really starts to get under my skin I will just get the 6 cell battery and that should lighten it up a bit.

That unit comes with a 9-cell for a reason. With the x1400 GPU you will need every bit of it. If you switch to a 6-cell you will be lucky to get 3.5 hours out of it.

-darren

[serpico]

I just ordered my D7U and I am worried about the weight as well. If it really starts to get under my skin I will just get the 6 cell battery and that should lighten it up a bit.

That unit comes with a 9-cell for a reason. With the x1400 GPU you will need every bit of it. If you switch to a 6-cell you will be lucky to get 3.5 hours out of it.

-darren

Though I'm not aware of any tools to measure each device's drain, I suspect Darren's right. There's no way I get 4 hours with the 6-cell in my 2007-68U with x1400 video (at least if I want screen brightness sufficient that I don't need a flashlight to read the screen).

I also agree with Darren's point about hard drives being the first rate-limiter in a laptop, which is why I went with the 7200rpm disk. Check out the benchmarks in the reviews - the 7200rpm disks aren't using much more juice than the 5400rpm disks, so the decision to upgrade rotational speeds is more of a cost issue than a power consumption issue. But if you're spending money on better components, this is the place to start.

[jtlau]

I'm probably gonna stick with the 5400 HD for a while to save money and if I really feel that there's a big hit to performance with the slower HD, I'll upgrade to the 7200 later.

Also, with the weight I'm not so worried with now. I was able to check out the older T22 model that is about 5.3 lbs and has the same dimensions as the D7U and it feels so light compared to my Dell Inspiron 8200, which is a behemoth and generates so much heat that it could probably cook and egg. So I'm pretty sold on the D7U.

[markgreene]

That unit comes with a 9-cell for a reason. With the x1400 GPU you will need every bit of it. If you switch to a 6-cell you will be lucky to get 3.5 hours out of it.

-darren

Well, I also ordered the UltraBay battery. So combined with a 6 cell it should be fine for normal use.

Shouldn't it?

[darrenf]

Yes. If you don't need the optical drive then that's the way to go. Have you considered an X-series machine? If you don't need the optical drive and can get around the screen size, the X-series might be worth considering.

-darren

[markgreene]

For what I paid for my T60 I could have gotten a VERY pimped out X series. But I could not get over it's max 1024 x 768 res. I just needed more. I also liked the power that the T60 offered. As well as the ability to add other things in place of the optical drive.

[darrenf]

I think you made a good choice. Report back to us on your opinion of the bulk, weight and battery life once you've had it for a while. Your rig is very similar to mine (indentical in dimension and weight). I carry it around all day every day and don't mind the size or weight. I don't use a case or carry the AC adapter so I'm carrying just 5.5lb and it's very portable.

My one caveat is that the battery will probably wiggle when you first get the laptop. If you carry it around a lot by the 9-cell (that's what I do), you'll want to stop the wiggle by shimming it with layers of scotch tape. You'll know where once you see the battery.

Some people have reported a good fit from their batteries, so YMMV.

-darren

[markgreene]

Yeah I will definanyly let you guys know my experience. Though it is not even suppose to ship out to me until 06/01.

I plan on doing a COMPLETE review from unpackaging to my first weeks experience.

I feel much better after hearing SOMEONE say good choice! I think I made a good one anyway but it helps to hear it. I also feel better about the weight and dimentions.

When Hurricane Katrina came through New Orleans I just barely got out and the only thing that let me keep in touch with the mass of friends and family was my blog, which I was updating via sprint wireless card with my laptop. I ended up running out of juice while I was bouncing around the country trying to get home, and from then on I swore I would always have PLENTY of battery for my cell and laptop so I would not have to rely on finding an outlet at every stop.

The power AND portability that I will have for this laptop, not to mention the quality of the IBM/Lenovo build makes me so excited I can't wait.

[archer6]

I have both 14" & 15" T series, as well as the X60.
Regarding the discussion here about size and weight, I find that there is not (for me) enough difference between the 14 & 15" sizes to make one far superior to another. In my case, I much perfer the extra screen size of the 15".
That said, I would highly suggest one consider an X60 if size and weight are top priorites for you. The X series is terrific!
When it comes to resolution, when I put the two side by side 1024x768 X60 vs. 1400x1050 15" T series the displays are nearly identical in terms of font & icon sizes. So actually the screen size and resolution of the X is ideal (IMHO), if you want a small & light computer.

[markgreene]

archer6:

But when it comes down to it you cannot fit as much on the screen of the x series as you can on the T. You cannot get as much detail out of things like pictures as well. Font size and icon size do not matter as much as seeing more of a spreadsheet etc.

Right? Help me out here.

[archer6]

archer6:
But when it comes down to it you cannot fit as much on the screen of the x series as you can on the T. You cannot get as much detail out of things like pictures as well. Font size and icon size do not matter as much as seeing more of a spreadsheet etc.
Right? Help me out here.

What will you be using the computer for? This info will help me answer your question more specifically.

Archer6

[markgreene]

Short answer, everything. The laptop is for college. I am going to be doing school work (spreadsheets, real time graphing from USB instruments, etc.), playing video games, programming (hobby and school), traveling with it to stay connected with wireless...

Like I said, everything.

[GomJabbar]

It appears that all the X60's are XGA. XGA has a resolution of 1024 x 768. XGA is XGA whether you have a 12.1", 14.1" or 15" display. They will all show the same amount of information from the same source. The larger size displays will just display it bigger.

If you get an SGXA+ display (1400 x 1050) or a UXGA display (1600 x 1200), then you can get more information on the screen.

[archer6]

Short answer, everything. The laptop is for college. I am going to be doing school work (spreadsheets, real time graphing from USB instruments, etc.), playing video games, programming (hobby and school), traveling with it to stay connected with wireless...

I would say that the best computer for you would be the T60. Display size is debatable but I would go for a 15". That is the very best for spreadsheets, graphing, video games, programming etc. I use wirelees at least 4 hours everyday and it's really impressive how stable the connection is.

I have both 14" & 15" T series. I notice on this forum that there are a lot of people who say that the 14" is so much more compact and light, and easy to travel with. For me there is nothing like the 15" as I want as much information displayed as possible , so I don't have to do a lot of scrolling. The weight & size difference is so minimal that I don't even take that into consideration. I will never go back to a 14" model. For example, the ThinkPad in 15" size is so much lighter than a Dell in 14". So why not have the largest display you can have? Also because the T series is quite thin, I do not find the 15" bulky at all. Plus the 15" display is FlexView IPS technology. This provides a wide viewing angle and a much better display for photo work, as the color saturation and balance is fantastic. It's not available in the 14" size.

Go to the lenovo web site and type in "tabook" in the search box at the upper right side of the page. This pdf file will give you really accurate info on all the models.

[astro]

So why not have the largest display you can have? Also because the T series is quite thin, I do not find the 15" bulky at all. Plus the 15" display is FlexView IPS technology. This provides a wide viewing angle and a much better display for photo work, as the color saturation and balance is fantastic. It's not available in the 14" size.

Archer6, we should also mention that this improved, bigger display also comes at the cost of some battery life.

Comparing identically specced 14.1" and 15.0" T60s, both with the same size battery, the one with the bigger, brighter IPS screen is obviously going to draw more power. How much appears to be a matter of some debate, but it is arguably significant.

[markgreene]

I would also argue that the 15 inch also gets in the way of a comfortable workexperience on an airplane or other cramped area while the 14 inch tends to do much better.

Battery life is a HUGE issue to me as well.

Oh and archer6, I envy you for having the best of all 3 worlds. Maybe one day when I am paying the bills, I can spoil myself . Until then I have to take what the parents are willing to give, which I am more than thankful for.

Thank god they realize that I know more than the average student, and are not MAKING me buy a less expensive Dell - like so many of my friends parents have done.

[archer6]

I would also argue that the 15 inch also gets in the way of a comfortable workexperience on an airplane or other cramped area while the 14 inch tends to do much better.

Battery life is a HUGE issue to me as well.

Oh and archer6, I envy you for having the best of all 3 worlds. Maybe one day when I am paying the bills, I can spoil myself . Until then I have to take what the parents are willing to give, which I am more than thankful for.

Thank god they realize that I know more than the average student, and are not MAKING me buy a less expensive Dell - like so many of my friends parents have done.

On your earlier post, I missed the bit about airplane travel and battery life being important. That's what so great about Thinkpads is that you can find something for every need. So it does sound like in your case 14" may indeed the best.