T61 - Day 4.

[jjfcpa]

I received my T61 4 days ago.

Before I give you my impressions of this laptop, I think it's important to tell you about my background. This may help you decide how much credence you can have on my comments.

I've been using Thinkpads, among other laptops, for 20 years... No, better make it longer than that. I purchased one of the first Compaq luggables (you could hardly call it a laptop). I discovered Thinkpads as soon as I heard about them. Having also purchased one of the first IBM PC's, I just had a great appreciation for the keyboards that IBM made.

Anyhow, I'm always looking for the latest and greatest laptop, because a few years ago, I decided that having a desktop at the office and a laptop while away from the office was just too much trouble. As a software developer for the last 20 year, I need to make sure that whatever computer I am using, it's up to date with the latest programming code. Trying to keep my desktop and laptop synch'd was just too much of a PIA.

OK, on to how the T61 stacks up to the competition. During the last couple of years, I've had a Dell D620, Dell D820, T43p (14.1), T60 (15" IPS), Z61t, Sony SZ series, and most recently a Macbook Pro. Since I develop for Windows, I used Parallels on the Macbook to run WinXP and do my development work.

When I heard that Lenovo was going to be coming out with the T61, I initially thought that I wouldn't be interested because I did NOT like the LCD on the T43p that I had. I finally decided that I couldn't resist the form factor. Since my laptop us in use anywhere from 10 - 15 hours a day, SIZE matters. The lighter the better.

That was the reason I went for the Macbook Pro. There currently isn't any Windows laptops that are 15.4" LCD's that are as light and as small as the Macbook Pro. After using it for the last six months, I really enjoyed it, but the T61 seemed like an even lighter and smaller solution so I ordered one from Lenovo on May 12th. It was supposed to be shipped on May 31st, but when I found that PC Connection had one model that very closely matched my specs ordered from Lenovo, I decided to purchase from them last Wednesday (delivered on Thursday) and canceled my order with Lenovo.

I'll try to cover as many components as I can but there won't be a lot of details, because I've only had it for 4 days.

Size - Very nice. I did NOT like the Z61t. It seemed much bigger than most 14.1 inch widescreens, but the T61 seems smaller. I've still got a Sony SZ which has a 13.3 inch screen, and the T61 doesn't seem any bigger than it does. Of course, the screen actually is, but Lenovo did a nice job of keeping it as small as possible.

Build Quality - If you've had a Thinkpad, then you know how well they are built. This is no exception and seems very solid. Definitely as good as any I've ever had.

Keyboard & Trackpoint - True to the standard. Top notch and feels just like all the rest.

Design - I like what lenovo did. They put the speakers on the side of the keyboard on top and this really improves the audio. Some people have complained or commented on the offset of the LCD. Not an issue and you don't even notice it when your working on it. Other than that, everything seems pretty standard. Nothing new from the T60 that I had except the Windows key.

LCD - OK, this is HUGE for me. I hate dim screens or uneven backlighting. This one seems very, very good. Maybe one more notch on the brightness scale would be nice, but other than that, it's very good. No dead pixels, great horizontal viewing angles, and pretty good vertical viewing angles.

Speed - With the Santa Rosa 2 ghz processor, 2 gigs of RAM, and 160 gig 5400 RPM hard drive, the laptop seems very fast. If it was running Windows XP instead of Vista Ultimate, it would be blazingly fast, but I purchased it because I need to do testing with Vista. I can't blame Lenovo for the slow down.

It's easy to see why PC Mag picked the T61 as their editor's choice. I've tried the rest and it definitely stands above them.

I have the the 1440 X 900 WSXGA+ screen and this resolution is absolutely the sweet spot. I was concerned because my Macbook Pro has the same resolution, but it's 15.4 " wide. I thought I might be disappointed because it would be too small, but it's perfect.

I honestly can't see anyone being disappointed with what's included in the T61 package, no matter what specs they get. The quality, reliability all seem to be in the tradition of the Thinkpad series.

[SkiBunny]

What graphics are you running? (i think the T61's with NVIDIA graphics are 15 nits brighter than those with integrated X3100 graphics)

By the way, isn't the 2007-76u in your signature an IPS Flexview screen in either SXGA+ or UXGA+ ?? Are you using that, because I'd expect that screen would outperform screens on the T61 currently.

[SkiBunny]

I've been using Thinkpads, among other laptops, for 20 years... No, better make it longer than that. I purchased one of the first Compaq luggables (you could hardly call it a laptop). As a software developer for the last 20 year, I need to make sure that whatever computer I am using, it's up to date with the latest programming code.

so you must be 40-ish ... great to hear that you like the 1440x900 wxga+ on a 14.1" form factor, because I was afraid that was only good for the young eyes in school haha.

nevertheless, aren't you more comfortable viewing on the thinkpad in you signature?? (assuming that's 1400x1050 at 15")

[jjfcpa]

What graphics are you running? (i think the T61's with NVIDIA graphics are 15 nits brighter than those with integrated X3100 graphics)

By the way, isn't the 2007-76u in your signature an IPS Flexview screen in either SXGA+ or UXGA+ ?? Are you using that, because I'd expect that screen would outperform screens on the T61 currently.

I didn't realize so many people read the profile, so I updated mine to reflect my current T61.

Anyhow, I don't remember reading anything about the LCD's having a different brightness level based on the gpu. This doesn't even sound right to me. Nevertheless, I do have the Nvidia card installed in my T61 and the brightness is very good when plugged in and could be a notch or two brighter when on battery. I don't have it set to HIGH in the BIOS to enable the same brightness level as when it is plugged in.

Sure, the flexview was and is very nice on the T60, but the LCD was bigger as well. I'm not sure if I see a lot of differences between the two screens though - all things considered.

Might have to do some side-by-side pictures to demonstrate this.

[jjfcpa]

I've been using Thinkpads, among other laptops, for 20 years... No, better make it longer than that. I purchased one of the first Compaq luggables (you could hardly call it a laptop). As a software developer for the last 20 year, I need to make sure that whatever computer I am using, it's up to date with the latest programming code.

so you must be 40-ish ... great to hear that you like the 1440x900 wxga+ on a 14.1" form factor, because I was afraid that was only good for the young eyes in school haha.

nevertheless, aren't you more comfortable viewing on the thinkpad in you signature?? (assuming that's 1400x1050 at 15")

I wish my eyes were only 40-ish. You're too kind. More like pushing 60. My eyes are pretty good, but I do wear glasses and I don't have any problem with this LCD.

Although I liked the LCD on the T60, I prefer the size of the T61 and would gladly trade what little difference I see in the LCD's for the lighter weight and smaller size. Gladly! I like the widescreen better too because it allows me to open more windows.

[Jimco]

What graphics are you running? (i think the T61's with NVIDIA graphics are 15 nits brighter than those with integrated X3100 graphics)

The WXGA+ screen gives you a 200 nit display while the WXGA gives you 185. Doesn't matter whether you have discreet or integrated graphics.

Jim Cheshire
JimcoSoftware.com
JimcoBooks.com

Laptops I've Owned:
ThinkPad (unknown model - work machine years ago)
Four different Toshiba models
Sony Vaio
T61 shipping first week of June (I hope.)

[agarza]

jjfcpa: Is really the T61 the quiet and cool Thinkpad ever made? Have you run the TPFanControl and have a look on your laptop temperatures. Maybe you could post the list so that we could have an idea of the typical working temps.

[rockyp]

The WXGA+ screen gives you a 200 nit display while the WXGA gives you 185. Doesn't matter whether you have discreet or integrated graphics.

That's according to the Tabook. However, I just viewed the parts list in the T61 Hardware Manual (link) and it lists the following for the WXGA+ screens:

220nit, LG-Philips FRU 42T0406
220nit, Samsung FRU 13N7108

jjfcpa, thank you for your initial thoughts on your recent purchase. We seem to have similar backgrounds (I'm retired now) and my first portable was the Osborne I (Serial #00071), so you allayed my fears about the WXGA+ screen being too hard to view with my aging eyes. Now that we know that the WXGA+ is brighter than WXGA, it makes the choice between the two a no-brainer.

RockyP

[SkiBunny]

Sure, the flexview was and is very nice on the T60, but the LCD was bigger as well. I'm not sure if I see a lot of differences between the two screens though - all things considered.

Might have to do some side-by-side pictures to demonstrate this.

Hmm, interesting... I've not yet seen the T61 wxga+ ... But I've noticed a big difference between my LCD and the Flexview (in colour, depth, contrast and viewing angle) when I've tested them side-by-side.
Some of the reviews over at notebookreview.com also show what i'm saying.

Do you change the font size or dpi in the display properties, to make stuff look bigger??

[lophiomys]

jjfcpa,

Thanks for your detailed review.

How long does the battery last for you?
As far as I can see on the Canadian Lenovo site the T61 766417U has a 6-cell battery installed?

Does your T61 exhibit any hotspots on the palmrest or the bottom when used on the lap?

How is the balance of your T61 when you yous it on your laps?
I just noticed that my newly aquired X31 having the battery on the front side
is more balanced, compared to my R51 with the battery at the back.

[Dead1nside]

Is the new WXGA+ screen on the T61s brighter than the ones they stick into the T41p's? (1400x1050) I'd really love to know.

I know the Thinkpad screens are usually dimmer than people like, but it'd be great if it's actually brighter than my current screen.

Thanks.

[Tholek]

my first portable was the Osborne I (Serial #00071)

I saw one of those as a kid. Now that's a "luggable".

[jjfcpa]

jjfcpa: Is really the T61 the quiet and cool Thinkpad ever made? Have you run the TPFanControl and have a look on your laptop temperatures. Maybe you could post the list so that we could have an idea of the typical working temps.

I have not heard the fan go on yet, although I know it's running because you can feel warm air venting on the left side near the LCD.

The hard drive is virtually silent. Can't hear it access the hard drive at all.

The fan is near silent. I have not heard it up speed at all.

Cool, quiet, and fast.

Is it the coolest and quietest laptop I've ever used. I'd say it's right near the top if not at the top. Amazingly cool compared to the Macbook Pro or my SZ481. T60 tends to run slightly warmer also. Although it's fan is near silent as well.

[jjfcpa]

The WXGA+ screen gives you a 200 nit display while the WXGA gives you 185. Doesn't matter whether you have discreet or integrated graphics.

That's according to the Tabook. However, I just viewed the parts list in the T61 Hardware Manual (link) and it lists the following for the WXGA+ screens:

220nit, LG-Philips FRU 42T0406
220nit, Samsung FRU 13N7108

jjfcpa, thank you for your initial thoughts on your recent purchase. We seem to have similar backgrounds (I'm retired now) and my first portable was the Osborne I (Serial #00071), so you allayed my fears about the WXGA+ screen being too hard to view with my aging eyes. Now that we know that the WXGA+ is brighter than WXGA, it makes the choice between the two a no-brainer.

RockyP

Very interesting. I did not know this but feel reassured that it was not just my impression that the brightness was improved - it really is.

[jjfcpa]

Sure, the flexview was and is very nice on the T60, but the LCD was bigger as well. I'm not sure if I see a lot of differences between the two screens though - all things considered.

Might have to do some side-by-side pictures to demonstrate this.

Hmm, interesting... I've not yet seen the T61 wxga+ ... But I've noticed a big difference between my LCD and the Flexview (in colour, depth, contrast and viewing angle) when I've tested them side-by-side.
Some of the reviews over at notebookreview.com also show what i'm saying.

Do you change the font size or dpi in the display properties, to make stuff look bigger??

Skibunny - No, I haven't changed the dpi settings. The default settings are fine for me.

I'd love to have a 15.4" LCD with the 1440 X 900 resolution like the Macbook Pro which I find to be ideal. I never really cared for the 1400 X 1050 resolution of the T60 that I have. The resolution was just a little too, well, little.

I would have to say that I find the LCD on the T61 to be very comparable to the quality of the flexview screen on the T60. Since it is at the office, I can't really do any comparisons till tomorrow, but I feel pretty good with the LCD in the T61.

I had already made up my mind that I would dump this laptop if it was too dim and get a D630, but I don't see any reason to do that now.

[jjfcpa]

jjfcpa,

Thanks for your detailed review.

How long does the battery last for you?
As far as I can see on the Canadian Lenovo site the T61 766417U has a 6-cell battery installed?

Does your T61 exhibit any hotspots on the palmrest or the bottom when used on the lap?

How is the balance of your T61 when you yous it on your laps?
I just noticed that my newly aquired X31 having the battery on the front side
is more balanced, compared to my R51 with the battery at the back.

I have a 6 cell battery and I was surfing the web and doing some development work this morning at the local coffee shop and after one hour and 45 minutes, the battery still indicated there was 47% left and estimated and hour and 27 minutes. I had to get home for company so I couldn't let it drain completely. All in all, I am pretty pleased with the battery life of the 6 cell.

[jjfcpa]

Is the new WXGA+ screen on the T61s brighter than the ones they stick into the T41p's? (1400x1050) I'd really love to know.

I know the Thinkpad screens are usually dimmer than people like, but it'd be great if it's actually brighter than my current screen.

Thanks.

Based on the information provided by rockyp, the LCD is brighter than any previous Thinkpad.

[Dead1nside]

I have a 6 cell battery and I was surfing the web and doing some development work this morning at the local coffee shop and after one hour and 45 minutes, the battery still indicated there was 47% left and estimated and hour and 27 minutes. I had to get home for company so I couldn't let it drain completely. All in all, I am pretty pleased with the battery life of the 6 cell.

Wow, that's really great news. 3 or so hours isn't bad for web surfing and development work (my daily routine).

[Tholek]

Excellent. I was starting to worry.

[Jimco]

Based on the information provided by rockyp, the LCD is brighter than any previous Thinkpad.

That's great news! June 7 (my ship date) can't get here soon enough for me.

[Dead1nside]

jjfcpa, any chance of some screenshots? I'm especially interested in the screen, see what the resolution is like with the size of the display.

Thanks.

[neednotebook]

looks promising. I was a bit worried at the BSOD threads of late.

I am still worried about the 6cell batter option. HOpe they get the 9cell once soon here

[XIII]

I would not put too much hope on 9 cell battery. With 6 cell, T61 is already 5.3 lb. 9 cell battery would put it around 6 lb, making it very heavy to carry around.

[pianowizard]

With 6 cell, T61 is already 5.3 lb.

And that's heavier than a 14.1" 4:3 T60 with 6-cell battery, despite the widscreen's surface area being smaller. What a disgrace!

[SkiBunny]

No, I haven't changed the dpi settings. The default settings are fine for me.

I'd love to have a 15.4" LCD with the 1440 X 900 resolution like the Macbook Pro which I find to be ideal. I never really cared for the 1400 X 1050 resolution of the T60 that I have. The resolution was just a little too, well, little.

yep it helps to turn up the dpi.

Was the 1400x1050 on 15" or 14.1"

Supposedly the 1440x900 on your 14.1 would be noticeably smaller than 1400x1050 on a 15", but larger than 1400x1050 on 14.1"
http://www.prismo.ch/comparisons/notebook.php

[Tholek]

With 6 cell, T61 is already 5.3 lb.

And that's heavier than a 14.1" 4:3 T60 with 6-cell battery, despite the widscreen's surface area being smaller. What a disgrace!

Still, it's not meant to be the X series. For me, coming from carrying around a 6lb+ VAIO, it will be an improvement.

[agarza]

jjfcpa: Is really the T61 the quiet and cool Thinkpad ever made? Have you run the TPFanControl and have a look on your laptop temperatures. Maybe you could post the list so that we could have an idea of the typical working temps.

I have not heard the fan go on yet, although I know it's running because you can feel warm air venting on the left side near the LCD.

The hard drive is virtually silent. Can't hear it access the hard drive at all.

The fan is near silent. I have not heard it up speed at all.

Cool, quiet, and fast.

Is it the coolest and quietest laptop I've ever used. I'd say it's right near the top if not at the top. Amazingly cool compared to the Macbook Pro or my SZ481. T60 tends to run slightly warmer also. Although it's fan is near silent as well.

Thanks for your input. I'd like to see the TPFanControl readings on your T61 to measure those against a T60.

[Dead1nside]

I'd just like the option of having better battery life. The weight doesn't matter. It's got to be lighter and less bulky than carrying around a 15.4'' Thinkpad.

[raid-5]

thanks for your opinions,,,,

Can I share it to my friend's sit, (In Chinese)

and cite your name and forum.thinkpads.com

[Fidicinal]

With 6 cell, T61 is already 5.3 lb.

And that's heavier than a 14.1" 4:3 T60 with 6-cell battery, despite the widscreen's surface area being smaller. What a disgrace!

Actually, the widescreen is slightly larger in overall surface area than the 4:3.