I am torn between T61 and R61

[rbi]

I got a model here in Australia

ThinkPad R61 8918-5MM [change]

Operating system: All [change]

Original description: T7300(2GHz), 1GB RAM, 120GB 5400rpm HD, 15.4in 1680x1050 LCD, 128MB nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, WinVista Business

I don't believe in US there is 15.4 inches model with R61. My old T23 can't access the internet for more than 1 week. I got some problems now diagnosed as system conflicts or virus. My wife is using it mailny for daily share trading just for short money:) Now she can't browse any websites. I will use the new laptop for video editing for our newborn son. So we are not concerned about the weight. We also use a lot Skype video to commnunicate with our parents overseas.

My question is can I find a 15.4" WSXGA+ T61 with dedicated video card and built-in camera? I know I can find one 15.4" WSXGA T61 with dedicated ATI card with 100GB 7200rpm hdd previously with 9 cell battery. That one is gone just for one day listed for AUD$2299. But it doesn't have 802.11n. It has 3 year warranty.

The R61 got everything I want except for 1 year warranty. It is $1899 with free Wireless Lexmark X4550 Printer Plus Free Carry case (messenger).

Another question is if there is any huge difference between T61 and R61? The built and the material of the cover? The inside material?? Can anyone give me some advice by 30 June?? Thanks.

[ZaZ]

They are very similar quality wise. The T61 is a bit thinner and lighter. It also will have some higher end options like the workstation cards and WWAN.

[Tholek]

Another question is if there is any huge difference between T61 and R61? The built and the material of the cover? The inside material??

Someone stated the T61 cover/palmrest material is a little better than the R61.

[barrywohl]

For what it is worth, the R61 will have Blu-ray before the T61 because the bay on the T61 is too thin for currently available Blu-ray drives.

Both have the roll cage construction for laptop and for screen.

My ideal new laptop would be a T7700 processor, WUXGA screen, 200 gb 7200 rpm Travelstar, Vista Ultimate 32, webcam on the screen, blu-ray drive, 4 gb 800 Mhz ram. I'd take either R61p or T61p but I don't think there's an R61p in the pipeline.

I know I won't get all of what I want on my next laptop.

[rbi]

Another question is if there is any huge difference between T61 and R61? The built and the material of the cover? The inside material??

Someone stated the T61 cover/palmrest material is a little better than the R61.

Yes that's the huge difference? So how much better? Now in Australia the T61 and R61 are quite different from those in the states for some models. Do I really need to wait for another T61 with 15,4", dedicated video card, webcam built-in and 802.11n to come out as I already missed one though without the built-in webcam and 802.11n?? Many thanks.

[stallen]

It my understanding that the T61 15.4" model will never have an integrated webcam. If you want one you'll have to get an external webcam.

Also, if you are planning on doing some video editing I think that would warrant the dedicated nVidia graphics card.

Also, I understand that in the past the R series was significantly inferior to the T series. It seems that with the R61 and T61 that doesn't seem to be nearly the case. I've read reviews that say the difference between the two are quite subtle.

[rbi]

It my understanding that the T61 15.4" model will never have an integrated webcam. If you want one you'll have to get an external webcam.

Also, if you are planning on doing some video editing I think that would warrant the dedicated nVidia graphics card.

Also, I understand that in the past the R series was significantly inferior to the T series. It seems that with the R61 and T61 that doesn't seem to be nearly the case. I've read reviews that say the difference between the two are quite subtle.

thanks stallen. So you are saying there is not so much differency btween T61 and R61 in terms of build quality and material except for the weight, thickness and some options?? And T61 won't have any 15.4" webcam model even the customised ones??

[stallen]

I don't have hands on experience, but that is my understanding. So yes and yes to your last two questions.

Give these a read:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.a ... =T61andR61
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.a ... inkPad+T61
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2127395,00.asp
http://www.laptopmag.com/Review/Lenovo- ... 61-14W.htm

[agarza]

Is there a new Thinkpad that have the S-Video port? Why did Lenovo remove that port? Supposedly that port would be useful on corporations where you need to project your Thinkpad screen to a screen, no?

[tomh009]

In office environments projectors normally use either VGA or DVI.

[Tholek]

Here's a hands-on evaluation mentioning the differences in quality I referred to:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=43500

[rbi]

Here's a hands-on evaluation mentioning the differences in quality I referred to:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=43500

From the review, I can see his point is T61 is still using a better material than R61. But how marginally better as I believe R61 is also using the same rollcage material as T61? Can T61 offer a 15.4" WSXGA+ dedicated video card model later one? A plus screen with cheaper price will be my preference. Also the built-in webcam! I am not sure Intel Turbo memory will be used in R61 or not.

[rbi]

Furthermore, may i ask another question if I can add Intel Turbo memory if my model doesn't have one? Thanks a lot.

Cheers,

[ryengineer]

Furthermore, may i ask another question if I can add Intel Turbo memory if my model doesn't have one? Thanks a lot.

Cheers,

Yes, you can.

[rbi]

Furthermore, may i ask another question if I can add Intel Turbo memory if my model doesn't have one? Thanks a lot.

Cheers,

Yes, you can.

Cool. Thanks ryengineer So you mean I can buy one Intel Turbo Memory into R61 chipset? I mean not just buying a SD card.

[ryengineer]

Cool. Thanks ryengineer So you mean I can buy one Intel Turbo Memory into R61 chipset? I mean not just buying a SD card.

Yes. See this.

[SLoweCSL]

PC Magazine just published an article about the R61 and did some comparisons with the t61, if you are still interested.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,21 ... X1K0000530

[rbi]

PC Magazine just published an article about the R61 and did some comparisons with the t61, if you are still interested.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,21 ... X1K0000530

Yes but I read through all the reviews and found out only cnet.com mentioned a significant difference Intel's Active Management Technology. http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo- ... txt.1#more

All others mentioned only WWAN and some configurations and weight and girth.

Also from http://www.tpuser.idv.tw/articles/santarosa-test-2.html
we can see the difference for the heating system material used for CPU-T uses copper and R uses Aluminium

[gator]

Also from http://www.tpuser.idv.tw/articles/santarosa-test-2.html
we can see the difference for the heating system material used for CPU-T uses copper and R uses Aluminium

Thanks for sharing this link, there are some really good pics here.