New T60 Discounts - Need help on 15.4 vs. 14.1

[ju421019]

There is a new Lenovo promotion on the Thinkpads, which this time includes discount on the 14.1" screen.

I currently own a Thinkpad R40 with 15" screen.

I hate widescreens. Why? Because the resolutions I have seen on widescreen the text is too small along with the icons. Especially when viewing webpages. I hate the empty space on the right.

Problem is Lenovo is phasing out 15" standard screens.

Now on the 14" vs. 15" WS, I think the 14" option would work, but then again I have never owned a 14".

Any suggestions?

Maybe I should wait till before the end of the month to buy, just want to take advantage of that 15% Tailormade Discount for select American Express customers. Plus, a friend lended me his IBM EPP login.

Thanks!

[ju421019]

right now I'm looking at the T60p 14" model through EPP.

Specs:

ThinkPad T60 Series - 1 Yr Depot Warranty

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Business
14.1 SXGA+ TFT
ATI Mobility Fire GL V5250 256MB
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
No integrated fingerprint reader
120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
ThinkPad 11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Express Adapter
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
1 Year Limited Warranty


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

- 15% Amex discount

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Still seems a bit high.

My previous configuration that I did with a 15.4 WS using the employee48hour code (which is now expired), price came out to $XXXX after tax - amex discount = $XXXXX. And that had 2GB ram, that was the only difference. Plus I had fatcash bringing it down $XXXX. That is a order I cancelled.

Thanks

Note from Moderator: No EPP price discussions in the forum.

[gyred]

What's that American Express discount whereof you speak? I didn't see any reference to it on the Lenovo site.

[ju421019]

It's through tailormade - it is invitation only.

[Jedacite]

Now on the 14" vs. 15" WS, I think the 14" option would work, but then again I have never owned a 14".

Any suggestions?

Well, I love my 14" screen because I love the smaller size that it is as it makes it much easier to move around. I used to use it all the time (at home and on the road) but I recently just got a really nice LCD monitor for my home so I use that connected to the monitor while at home.

My opinion on the wide-screens is that I like them as long as they have enough vertical resolution. Ie. I can't stand the 1280x800 widescreen laptops. I feel that I need at least 1024 vertically, any extra in either direction is just gravy.

Myself, I personally think that the 15.4 laptops are just too big, so I would stay with the 14" myself. However, when the 14" widescreens come out, I'm not sold on whether I would stick with the 14" or 14" wide. It would really depend on how much bigger it was and whether the resolution was 1400x960ish or 1680x1050. If it was the later and the size wasn't too big I would more than likely get it.

[wallybear]

I am fortunate enough to have both a T60 14-inch (1400x1050) and a T60p 15-inch wide (1680x1050). The T60 is my personal machine which I've had since last August. The T60p is my work machine which I've had for a month now. So, I think I can provide you with comparative information that might be of help to you:

1- The 14-inch screen T60 is my personal favorite because it is lighter, smaller (significantly) and has a "more natural" screen image. The T60p is a nice machine, too (basically exactly the same except for size) but whenever I carry it around I think, "Boy, I sure like my smaller T60 better for it mobility".

2- For all its extra size and weight (about 2 inches wider and 1/2 inch deeper) and about 1 pound heavier (with its 9-cell battery) I don't think the extra screen area is worth the heft. After all, the screen image is only 280 pixels wider (140 on each side) which isn't that helpful in my opinion. I'm a writer, so the clarity and "natural" character of the image is very important to me. In this regard, I can say that the T60p with its wider screen has a sort of "squished" image. Because the 1050 pixels are more tightly packed (the height of the display is less than that of the 14-inch 4:3 screen) the operating system appears to have to do some squishing of the image to make it fit. In any case, when I display the exact same image on both machines (i.e., the same document or the same photo, etc.) I find that I always prefer the "less squished" image of the T60.

3- I was very surprised to find that the wider display of the T60p is a bit less bright overall than that of the narrower T60. I have always accepted the fact that the 14-inch display on my T60 was dimmer than any of the new widescreen displays that advertise themselves as "BrightView" (or other marketing name). But most widescreens advertise themselves as being "bright". So, as I said, I was surprised to find the display on the T60p to be even a bit dimmer in comparison to the T60. So, don't think you're getting a "BrightView" type of screen on a wide T60p because you're not. Finally, I do want to say that both the T60 and T60p displays are more than adequate in brightness and much superior to a glossy when used in an office setting (the matte finish does not reflect images from overhead lights).

4- Finally, I should also mention that I recently helped my brother get a Lenovo 3000 N100 machine. It has a wide, 15-inch display with the "BrightView" glossy finish. It is much brigher than either T60 model and quite clear and sharp. However, it is "only" a 1280x800 pixel display. While that resolution is acceptable for modest work (web surfing, music downloading, etc.), I find it way too small in comparison to the T60 displays. So, if you do get the widescreen make SURE you get the higher resolution model otherwise what's the point in the extra screen area?

5- I know some people use their computers as a very expensive DVD player and like wide, bright, low-resolution displays. I, on the other hand, have a portable DVD player (9-inch wide) that I find to be much easier to use than any laptop for movies on an airplane. I hope that Lenovo continues to sell a 4:3 display in the T series because the "fad" of the widescreen is just that: a me-too fad that offers little advantage to people who do more work than play with their computers.

I hope all this info is helpful. If you have questions or comments, please add them here or write to me privately.

[ju421019]

Thanks wallybear, appreciate those comments those do help a lot.

A question on the N series - the one your brother bought.

Does it have a trackpoint?



I have some other questions as well not in regards to display.

For example:

1. Is 3 year warranty for $150 or so worth it, considering I am purchasing using Amex, it would double the manufacturer warranty to 2 year. If I get the 3 year, then with the Amex year it will be 4 years total.

2. Fingerprint reader, I am sure I won't use it, I'm guessing, worth the extra $30?

3. the 9 cell battery on the T60 series. I know it sticks out but I havent see a pic of how it looks or how much it sticks out, i think its a $30 upgrade as well, worth it?

Thanks!

I am leaning towards the T60p with the 14" standard screen for sure.

[dboneusc]

What's that American Express discount whereof you speak? I didn't see any reference to it on the Lenovo site.

Here's an explanation of the deal and the link to sign up: http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/712651

You should be able to sign up with an Amex card without having been invited.

[axiom]

....
A question on the N series - the one your brother bought.

Does it have a trackpoint?
...

No,
but I have used both N100 and T60p, I think that N100 is a good laptop

2. Fingerprint reader, I am sure I won't use it, I'm guessing, worth the extra $30?

worth it. I like it!

3. the 9 cell battery on the T60 series. I know it sticks out but I havent see a pic of how it looks or how much it sticks out, i think its a $30 upgrade as well, worth it?

the stick out part makes an excellent hand grip when using the 14.1 model on your arm.

[wallybear]

1- No, the N100 does not have a Trackpoint (much to my dismay as I think that's one of the truly superior and useful things about a ThinkPad).

2- Heck yes, the fingerprint reader is worth $30 (or $100)! In fact, the N100 seems really crippled without it (that is, the Client Security software which is included just like a ThinkPad has this part grayed out). I love the reader because it eliminates so many passwords (and can remember all of them for you). But, most importantly, it allows multiple users to securely use one machine (that is, the Client Security effectively locks out other users from seeing, deleting, or copying your files or anything else.

3- I find that the 6-cell battery is perfect for my T60. I fits flush with the case (no protruding) and gives me a minimum of 2 hours (full bore maximum performance) to a maximum of about 4 hours (with the "Power Source Optimized" setting). The T60p has the bigger, 9-cell battery. It does serve as a sort of a handle and it gives longer battery life. It used to cost more than $30 more so I've been surprised that the price has dropped (probablys supply/demand). I guess you'll have to decide which to get based on time you need to run on a battery versus the extra weight and size of the bigger battery. I find that the bigger one makes it stick out of my (old) carrying case...so if I wanted it to fit I'd need the smaller battery.

5- The extra $150 for a 3-year warranty is a no-brainer, in my opinion. Of course it's worth it! The warranty means that if anything functional "wears out" (hard drive, dvd, screen, etc.) it will be replaced in 2-3 days. It doesn't cover damage or wear and tear (meaning scratches, worn keys, etc.). The extra coverage from your AmEx is simply gravy. Getting AmEx to pay for a repair isn't as easy as they make it sound (I know because I've tried it a couple of times...you need perfect records and it takes a long time to get your money back).

You can save money on a purchase by signing up on the AmEx link provided in this thread. Also, here is a "Business MasterCard" site that anyone can use which gives good discounts (and you don't even have to pay with a MasterCard):

http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/co ... nityPortal


Hope this info helps....

[ju421019]

Thanks for the info again, yeah i was wondering on the T60p for that 9 cell battery that if I do want longer battery life, I'm sure it will be more than $30 if I want to buy the upgrade version later on, while I think the 6 cell will probably sell for cheaper on eBay. Just a guess.

Plus, am planning on upgrading the hard drive for $30 to the 120gb, 5400rpm.

I think I am set, it a bit expensive, lets hope these Amex discounts come through.

[ju421019]

I had a question on the fingerprint reader, does it interfere if you ever want to reinstall OS, etc.

I dont know how its security works through windows or the bios, but didnt know if i ever have to debug the computer or reinstall windows - etc. - if it would stop me or lock me out.

[pianowizard]

What's that American Express discount whereof you speak? I didn't see any reference to it on the Lenovo site.

Visa has something similar:

http://usa.visa.com/personal/

[gyred]

Thanks to dboneusc and pianowizard for those discount links. The AMEX deal looks like it might work for me.

Question for wallybear (and others): I do a lot of writing, and will be upgrading to a T60 from my old 14.1 XGA T21. I prefer the 4:3 screen to the widescreen because it's more "page like." I'd like a bit more resolution than XGA, but I don't know if SXGA+ on a 14.1 would display everything too small to be easily readable, or if a 15 in. screen would be more practical. I don't mind small type, but I really can't stand teeny type.

[claudeo]

IMHO, if you go to any resolution finer than 1024x768 on a 14" you need to switch to the "large font" in Display Settings. Otherwise it is much too hard on the eyes (and if it is not today, it guarantees eye trouble in the future). The higher resolution gives you better formed characters and sharper graphics, but forget it if you think it will allow you to cram more text on your screen and be happy about it.

[pianowizard]

I don't mind small type, but I really can't stand teeny type.

Everyone's definition of "small" is different. The best thing to do is calculate pixel density and decide for yourself whether it's too small or not. This website has a DPI calculator.

To me, anything under 150 DPI is acceptable, and 1400x1050 on a 14.1" display (124.1 DPI) is very comfortable to view without adjusting font size, so I can cram 87% more text/images on the screen than an XGA screen. 1400x1050 on 15.0" (116.7 DPI) would be even easier on the eyes, but the laptop would get too big and heavy and if you carry it everyday, you'd most likely regret the purchase.

[wallybear]

I had the same concern about the 14.1 high-res screen before I actually had it in my hands. Once I did, I loved it. I actually find the weird "squished" image of the high-res 15.4 (wide) less readable because the characters are distorted.

Because everyone's eyes are different, I recommend trying before you buy, so to speak, if possible. The trouble is, there are [censored] few samples in the retail market of 14-inch screens with 1400x1050 resolution. When I bought my T60 Lenovo was still offering a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. Now it is only 21 days and if you've actually OPENED the box they are reserve the right to charge a restocking fee (which is fair, in my opinion, only if you've messed up or lost anything while it was in your possession).

I think the 1400x1050 14.1-inch screen is the IDEAL screen for the T60. Compact yet plenty of real estate for viewing a full page document. Your mileage might vary, of course, but that's my opinion.

As for the QUESTION ABOUT THE FINGERPRINT READER....
The answer to whether or not the fingerprint software interferes with reinstalling windows is a good one. I actually had a problem with an upgrade of the ThinkVantage Fingerprint software. The upgrade process "forgot" my profile so I was locked out of the machine (I hadn't set a password for my account...I had only created a fingerprint profile). Fortunately, I had set up an Administrator password (and a separate account for myself) so I was able to log in with a password and then set the system to require a new password at log in. That was the backdoor I needed to recover from the upgrade to the Fingerprint software.

SO, in CAUTION, I suggest that everyone set up an administrator account with a password as a backup if your fingerprint software fails. Also, the ThinkVantage Client Security Software (CSS) has a built-in "password recovery" section that you should also complete....particularly if you've set the machine to require a finger swipe at boot (i.e., a hard drive password).

Let me know if any of this info is unclear and I'll try to be more specific. (grin)