Differences among Z models

[tabasco]

I'm trying to find out the apparent and less apparent differences between the Z61m and Z61p models. Are they geared toward different purposes among end users?

I will be running MediaShout, a presentation software program used in churches to project video, graphics, lyrics, and the like. it is extremely video card memory intensive. Do you think one of these is preferable?

Also, how do these models differ from the T60 Widescreen?

I'm finding that it is very difficult to get consistent, concrete information on the Lenovo website.

[phoenix_one]

Here's the main difference between the two.

Z61m - Titanium Lid + Web Cam
ATI X1400 (128MB) or X1300 (64MB) Graphics
or Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Integraded Media Card Reader
6.5lbs

Z61p - 256MB ATI Mobility FireGL V5200
Integraded Media Card Reader
6lbs (No Titanium Lid or Web Cam)

T60 is a bit lighter and thinner and has all the graphics options mentioned above. (No Titanium Lid or Web Cam).
The position of the speakers are above the keyboard. Z series the speakers are at the sides of the keyboard.

As far as I know everything else is the same.

[dsalyers]

Here's the main difference between the two.

Z61m - Titanium Lid + Web Cam
ATI X1400 (128MB) or X1300 (64MB) Graphics
or Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Integraded Media Card Reader
6.5lbs

Z61p - 256MB ATI Mobility FireGL V5200
Integraded Media Card Reader
6lbs (No Titanium Lid or Web Cam)

T60 is a bit lighter and thinner and has all the graphics options mentioned above. (No Titanium Lid or Web Cam).
The position of the speakers are above the keyboard. Z series the speakers are at the sides of the keyboard.

As far as I know everything else is the same.

The case materials are also different (which is what allows the T60 to be lighter and thinner). The T60 uses CFRP, while the z61 series uses ABS. CFRP is stronger, so it results in a thinner lighter laptop.

Another difference is that the z61p comes with a WUXGA screen and the T60 comes in a WSXGA+ screen (although you can get IPS).

My wife has a T60p and I use a Z61p. Both are nice machines.

[tabasco]

Where can I "try before I buy" with these models. Doesn't Lenovo have a repackaging fee if I return it? Do any of the box stores offer them?

[dsalyers]

Where can I "try before I buy" with these models. Doesn't Lenovo have a repackaging fee if I return it? Do any of the box stores offer them?

Yes, normally Lenovo does charge a 15% restocking fee for the laptop if you opened it. However, if call and explain that you are thinking about purchasing one, but can't find one to look at locally, you may be able to get them to put on your account that they will waive the restocking fee if you decide to return it. It really depends...

I had the same issue when I was ordering a z61p, and no store in my area carried the Z-series. So, I took a chance and, personally, I am glad with the result. If you are truly looking for a system with a tryout period (that you wouldn't be a restocking fee), I don't know of any stores that allow that. If you know of one, let me know and I'll keep that in mind.


EDIT: I was just informed that some Office Depot stores carry Lenovo laptops. You'll have to call a store near you to determine models they carry. As far as I know the all Z-series are constructed the same, and all T-Series are pretty much constructed the same. This is not to say that the Z and T series are the same (they are not).

[hoopics]

You may want to check your local CompUSA too -- some will have T-series machines on display. I'd be careful about using a Lenovo 3000 series (what they have at Office Depot) for comparison to either a Z or T series. My z61p may as well have come from a different (and superior) company in terms of build quality than the machines I saw at Office Depot.

[dsalyers]

You may want to check your local CompUSA too -- some will have T-series machines on display. I'd be careful about using a Lenovo 3000 series (what they have at Office Depot) for comparison to either a Z or T series. My z61p may as well have come from a different (and superior) company in terms of build quality than the machines I saw at Office Depot.

I would agree that the 3000 series is not a good comparison to the Z or T series. I was only told that Office Depot carried X,T, and Z series (maybe you have to order them though....)