x60 and Vista and more (x60 on order - reassure me)

[p7389]

I've ordered a x60 laptop, but it's not due in a month so I have some time to think about it, and cancel the order should I so decide.

Firstly, some stats:

C2D T7200 2 GHz
120 GB 5200 HDD
1 GB RAM

Vista pre-loaded.

At the retailer they state "1706WK3" as Lenovos ident number, but I can't find that anywhere. I'm wondering if it has the fingerprint reader and some other things that aren't made explicit in the description. This one is the closest one I have found, it matches all the specs I know of:

http://www5.pc.ibm.com/se/products.nsf/ ... p/_UX0QFSW

(I looked in the tabook too, couldn't find it there either).

Doesn't the x60 have that active protection system thingy?


My previous and current laptop (and only computer) is a HP zd8000 desktop replacement, and I can tell you that that was a mistake. It's unusable as a laptop, and the Radeon mobility card performs abysmally, so this time I have no illusions about gaming performance. Got a 360 and a couple of Nintendo systems for that.

What I however do worry about is Vista performance. I've browsed the web extensively on the subject of GMA 950 and Aero, and it seems to me that it will be OK, but I wish to be further reassured by other Thinkpad Vista users. It works, yes, but does it work well? Does all eye-candy work (winflip 3d for instance), and does it run snappily and nicely? I'd be very unhappy indeed buying a new Vista laptop and feeling that it doesn't quite handle Vista...

Santa Rosa's coming up and all, but as long as GMA 950 handles Vista (and video) well, that's enough for me.

I think I might add an additional 1 GB of RAM - installing that is easy, right, even for somebody who normally doesn't work with computer intestants?


Other qualms I have:

VGA: I'd feel much better if it had DVI out.

XGA resolution: It feels old. But according to this site, the Thinkpad's screen has a DPI of 105.8, my current (17" ws 1440x900) has 99.9, so I reckon that will be OK. (http://www.raydreams.com/prog/dpi.aspx)

The wi-fi: a pre-n card would be nice, but I don't have the option to customise, and as far as I've gathered, it's not in this model.

The keyboard: I'd just like to see how they implement the Swedish special characters åäö. But I guess it's a non-issue (Whenever I think about "small keyboards" I think about my Psion 5mx and Revo which had åäö accessible by a second function key - not optimal, but not really a good comparison either).


My father has had I think four Thinkpads, and I'm in love with them, the design, the build quality and trackpoint.


Then there's a fourth qualm: do I really need it? But that's something I will have to answer myself.

[smvp6459]

At the retailer they state "1706WK3" as Lenovos ident number, but I can't find that anywhere. I'm wondering if it has the fingerprint reader and some other things that aren't made explicit in the description. This one is the closest one I have found, it matches all the specs I know of:

I'd contact the retailer to ask about included items.

Doesn't the x60 have that active protection system thingy?

Yes, but it isn't exactly hardware; it is software that that interprets data from a motion sensor and tells the harddrive to stop spinning when it senses too much motion. I don't think you can get an X60/s that doesn't have the necessary equipment for APS to work

What I however do worry about is Vista performance.

Sorry, I can't help you on Vista. I ran a beta of it, disliked the substantial battery loss, and re-installed XP without much testing.

I think I might add an additional 1 GB of RAM - installing that is easy, right, even for somebody who normally doesn't work with computer intestants?

It takes the removal of two screws, maybe a stick of memory (if there's one in the slot you're filling), and that's it. I think you can find instructions, but you could do it without any instruction.

VGA: I'd feel much better if it had DVI out.

Yeah, not much you can do about this one. The problem I see is that LCD manufacturers that have VGA & DVI don't spend much on their VGA connection. Maybe better manufacturers use a quality VGA connection.

The wi-fi: a pre-n card would be nice, but I don't have the option to customise, and as far as I've gathered, it's not in this model.

If Lenovo ever starts selling an n-based card, you could replace it yourself. Getting to the card is harder than the memory, but do-able if you're careful: 4 screws, detach/remove keyboard, 6 screws, detach fingerprint reader cable, and remove plastic casing.

[pianowizard]

I think I might add an additional 1 GB of RAM - installing that is easy, right, even for somebody who normally doesn't work with computer intestants?

Like smvp6459 said, it's really easy, but make sure you keep yourself grounded (or do they say "earthed" in Europe?) while touching the memory sticks to avoid static damages to the sticks.

XGA resolution: It feels old. But according to this site, the Thinkpad's screen has a DPI of 105.8, my current (17" ws 1440x900) has 99.9, so I reckon that will be OK. (http://www.raydreams.com/prog/dpi.aspx)

Thanks for that site! I have been calculating DPI's manually!

Since you've been using a low-res monitor, the X60's XGA won't be a problem. Down the road, however, if you ever get used to high-res monitors, you'll likely find the X60 inadequate. It's no big deal though, just sell it when that happens.

[tomh009]

The keyboard: I'd just like to see how they implement the Swedish special characters åäö. But I guess it's a non-issue (Whenever I think about "small keyboards" I think about my Psion 5mx and Revo which had åäö accessible by a second function key - not optimal, but not really a good comparison either).

Assuming you ordered a Swedish keyboard layout model, it'll be the standard Swedish/Finnish keyboard layout. My dad has a Finnish-layout T60, and it's exactly as one would expect relative to the åäö. The X60 keys are slightly smaller, but the layout is the same.

[p7389]

Yes, I've ordered from a Swedish retailer as there are some important localization issues (the keyboard) and local warranty.

I wouldn't even know where to begin calculating DPI. I think it's a mystic measurement, and I can't say I really know how it works even though I have sufficient understanding of what it means and what is low/high (at least when it comes to print) (and no, you don't need to explain it to me, I can check Wikipedia if I feel especially interested one day)... Pixels per cm^2 or mm^2 would make more sense to me.

Anyone has anything to say about Vista on the x60?

[pianowizard]

Anyone has anything to say about Vista on the x60?

You should upgrade the RAM from 1GB to 2GB.

[dr_st]

Pixels per cm^2 or mm^2 would make more sense to me.

The only difference between DPI and pixels/cm^2 is that DPI calculates number of pixels in a line segment that's an inch long, while pixels/cm^2 would give you number of pixels per given area.

Example: If you have a 15" 4:3 monitor, then it's 12" long. Let's say it has 1600x1200 resolution, then the DPI = number of pixels per inch = 1600/12=133.3. Very simple.

[snife]

As mentioned, your better having 2GB of RAM but i've been running the final version of vista on an X60 Tablet with 1GB for a while now and it is working great, faster than XP in my opinion.

My only warning is don't touch the security or fingerprint software - its just not stable in my experience and adds 5 minutes+ to the log in time.

[dfumento]

I've been running with Vista Ultimate and it works well and I like it. Minor problems have to do with coming out of standby/sleep (e.g. when opening the lid).
1. Shifts into lowest brightest setting when plugged in. I unplug and plug it in again and then it changes back to full brightness.
2. Sometimes it does not give me logon screen and I have to reboot.

[p7389]

Example: If you have a 15" 4:3 monitor, then it's 12" long. Let's say it has 1600x1200 resolution, then the DPI = number of pixels per inch = 1600/12=133.3. Very simple.

Heh, I knew someone would explain it even though I said I didn't need an explanation .

Yeah, I'm definitely upgrading the RAM.

Still a while till I get it though... But at least they're upfront with it (as long as it comes around the time they say it will (mid-march)).

[slackie]

I assume you've had your x60 for quite a while now. Any regrets or irritations that you might want to share?

I'm about to buy this baby...

[sheynk]

I dont know about the original poster....but 2gb ram is worth every penny


other than that its great I love mine

[slackie]

I dont know about the original poster....but 2gb ram is worth every penny


other than that its great I love mine

Do you have the C2D cpu?