1 year update...things I would like to change, can I?

[neuromed]

Hi, I have been using this t60 for about a year and it has proven fairly reliable considering the great load its been under. I use this often as a laptop, but equally as much with the small docking station with a NEC 1600 by 1200 monitor.

I would like to update this to window vista when I get the chance, just wondering how it runs with this model.

I would also like to update the graphics card, is there a way to do this?

Speaking of graphics, i hate this LCD. Its underlit and offers a poor viewing angle, despite me asking about getting the flexview on the 14.1 1400 model. The salesman either was wrong or lied to me, either way I do not like the screen. Anyway I can change or complain to IBM to resolve this?

I do not like the keyboard when compared the T42 and I was wondering if there is a way to change it. I need to clean this keyboard out in any case, so i guess some pressurized air should do it.

Finally, I keep switching my keyboard to the Dvorak layout by accidently hitting control shift, is there a way to disable this?


Because of the change in build quality and so forth, I am not sure if I would get an IBM laptop again. How do other companies compare?

[dsalyers]

Before updating to Vista make sure that any programs you need will actually run under vista. Ditto for any hardware.

As far as if it will run, Vista will run on your system. However the performance of Aero will be directly dependant on the video card in your system (although I have been told by others that even with the Intel integrated graphics it runs acceptable). Also you must have 1GB of RAM, with many people saying 2GB is preferable.

You can not update the graphics card of the T60, it is hardwired into the motherboard of the laptop.

I don't think the 14in screens ever were offered in IPS for the T60. Even in the 15in screens you can no longer order a system with an IPS display on-line. You can potentially get one by calling in and placing an order.

As far as I know, Lenovo will not replace your LCD for free, since there is nothing "wrong" with it. You can always try to complain (squeaky wheel gets the greese), but since your system is a year old I doubt you will gain much traction.

I bought my most recent thinkpad, not too long ago. And I looked at the various other vendors. The only one I really thought was decent was the Apple Macbook Pro, but its screen wasn't any better (unless you like glossy) then my Z61p and it was a lower resolution. The only way in which many other manufactures laptops were better was the fact that many offered a brighter display, although at lower resolutions and the overall apperance of the LCD wasn't very good.

Speaking of which, I would be interested in what laptops people here think have a good display, that you can currently buy.

[madcow]

Vista will sure make your computer slower. Unless there is a need for Vista, I won't recommand it. My friend bought one a laptop with Vista preinstalled. We removed it and replaced it with XP. Performance in XP is superior to Vista.

[ryengineer]

1. Search for Vista on T60 experience on the forum.

2. T60 has Integrated Graphics, you cannot replace it infact no notebook allows you to do that thus far, although there was a news of this possibility from Asus.

3. You cannot change your LCD for free, if you had problems initially a year ago, perhaps you could've exchanged your notebook by paying some restocking fee.

4. Use external keyboard.

[pianowizard]

Its underlit and offers a poor viewing angle, despite me asking about getting the flexview on the 14.1 1400 model. The salesman either was wrong or lied to me, either way I do not like the screen.

The salesman didn't lie because there has never been a 14.1" Flexview screen. I can understand your complaint about the poor viewing angle, but by "underlit" do you mean it's too dim? My 14.1" SXGA+ T60 has one of the brightest laptop displays I've ever used/seen. In fact, I often use it at 6/7 brightness under standard room light. If you're sure that yours is abnormally dim, it might indeed be a defect and Lenovo might replace it for free.

Because of the change in build quality and so forth, I am not sure if I would get an IBM laptop again. How do other companies compare?

The Macbook Pro's have great build quality. Some people recommend the Panasonic Toughbooks and the HP business line but I haven't used one. None of them have Flexview-level screens though.