They're here.... 4:3 screens officially available

[pipspeak]

Seems Lenovo updated its site today with two *new* T61 models (8891 and 8897) offering standard aspect 14.1" screens (XGA or SXGA+)

Finally the wait is over. They're pricy, however, compared to the widescreens. Still no mention in the tabook.

[mattbiernat]

Seems Lenovo updated its site today with two *new* T61 models (8891 and 8897) offering standard aspect 14.1" screens (XGA or SXGA+)

Finally the wait is over. They're pricy, however, compared to the widescreens. Still no mention in the tabook.

hehe it seems like 4:3 is at least $200 more expansive than widescreen. but at leasts its here. I think a lot of people will be willing to pay that extra fee.

[Liamo0o]

do you think the T61p will come out in 4:3? - on the website it says WUXGA and WSXGA+ only

[gator]

do you think the T61p will come out in 4:3? - on the website it says WUXGA and WSXGA+ only

No more 4:3 15" models.

[NathanA]

do you think the T61p will come out in 4:3?

No more 4:3 15" models.

T60p exists in 14" SXGA+ form-factor, so I can't see why they technically couldn't do the same with T61p in 14". However, whether they *will* remains to be seen.

With one of the links that someone posted to one of the other threads about 14" T61s (let me see if I can dig it up...okay, here is one and here is another), on the 8895CTO/8889CTO page, it is possible to select the Quadro FX 570M as the dedicated graphics option, which I think would essentially give you a 14" T61p.

It would be interesting if someone tried ordering through one of those links and received a 14" T-series that had "T61p" printed under the clear plate below the LCD...unfortunately, as someone pointed out in one of the threads, at least one of those links possibly looks like it could be a link to an educational sales part of Lenovo.com (which, if true, seems pretty weird...why would it be possible to directly link to edu sales without authentication of some kind?)

Also, it looks like some (most?) of the T61 14" models available through that first link don't have any listed discounts (there's just a yellow price number, and not a black price above it in strikeout), so if you wanted one, you'd have to be willing to pay close to list/retail for it.

-- Nathan

[Pocket Aces]

No more 4:3 15" models.

T60p exists in 14" SXGA+ form-factor, so I can't see why they technically couldn't do the same with T61p in 14". However, whether they *will* remains to be seen.

With one of the links that someone posted to one of the other threads about 14" T61s (let me see if I can dig it up...okay, here is one and here is another), on the 8895CTO/8889CTO page, it is possible to select the Quadro FX 570M as the dedicated graphics option, which I think would essentially give you a 14" T61p.

It would be interesting if someone tried ordering through one of those links and received a 14" T-series that had "T61p" printed under the clear plate below the LCD...unfortunately, as someone pointed out in one of the threads, at least one of those links possibly looks like it could be a link to an educational sales part of Lenovo.com (which, if true, seems pretty weird...why would it be possible to directly link to edu sales without authentication of some kind?)

Also, it looks like some (most?) of the T61 14" models available through that first link don't have any listed discounts (there's just a yellow price number, and not a black price above it in strikeout), so if you wanted one, you'd have to be willing to pay close to list/retail for it.

-- Nathan

I think it would be the 128 MB version though.

[Liamo0o]

I cannot figure out how to find the specific models, I can search for them, then do a product overview but cannot find out how to find the price/ specs...

[pipspeak]

Just find your way to the 14" T61 page and they're listed as the last two models (on the right). They can be customized like any other model.

ThinkPad T61 14-inch

Moderator edit: Changed URL to link in order to prevent horizontal scrolling

[Liamo0o]

oh thanks, i remember there was some otehr page though where you could select the preconfigured model

[jlachesk]

Here's my question... if they release a T61p in 4:3, will it be configurable with the 256mb version of the 570M?

I spent an hour or so looking through the HMMs and Support page and all of the 14.1" 4:3 SXGA+ T61/p had the 128mb version of the card.

What's the likelihood that what I found is a documentation error and the (hopefully soon-released) T61p 4:3 will be configurable with the 256mb card?

For that matter, can any hypothesize about the performance improvement between the 128 and 256 version?

[pipspeak]

Good question... I sorta assumed the 128MB was a typo but it's been around so long now that I guess not.

I was able to configure everything about the 8889 4:3 model (via the secret link) to the same specifications as a T61p except for that missing 128MB of vram. So instead of the 570M I just opted for the 140M card with 128MB and saved a few bucks.

[jlachesk]

I know that the need for vram is based on what type of activities and uses etc. But generally speaking, what type of performance increase can be expected from the extra 128mb? I tried finding benchmark comparisons from 128mb and 256mb versions of the same card (any card, not just the 570M as I can't find many benchmarks for it), but didn't find anything useful.

Anyone have any experience/insight here? This is of course a moot point if the T61p doesn't get released in a 14.1" 4:3 form factor, but I'm just trying to weigh out the options.

[Pascal_TTH]

T61p 4/3 only have 128 MB. The main difference with previous FireGL witch were CSP models (GPU and memory on the same chip), Quadro 570m use to have the memory aside, so soldered on the mainboard.

If 256 MB and 128 MB GPU have both 128 bits memory path, performances will be very very close. 128 MB is enough for most CAD application and even for common games. More graphic complexe games won't be able to run in 1400x1050 so, by going down to 1024x768, 128 MB should be *just* fine.

[jlachesk]

T61p 4/3 only have 128 MB.

So even if a 4:3 T61p was "officially" released, it would only be configurable with the 128mb 570M? Or is this speculation based on what documentation is currently available?

[pipspeak]

FYI to everyone... Lenovo just dropped price on the 4:3 models (as of the afternoon of 8/2). I'm off to reorder and save another $100.

[Pascal_TTH]

T61p 4/3 only have 128 MB.

So even if a 4:3 T61p was "officially" released, it would only be configurable with the 128mb 570M? Or is this speculation based on what documentation is currently available?

I make a mistake. There are still not T61p 4/3. The best GPU now for T61 14" 4/3 or 16/10 is Quadro NVS 140m 128 MB. It seems only 15,4" can have (or handle) Quadro FX 570m 256 MB.

[jcvjcvjcvjcv]

Sweet. Someone willing to buy my T61 14" WS? I would like to have a 9 cell battery, more vertical pixels and the jacks on the side

[Pascal_TTH]

About pixels, 1440x900 is not really better then *old* 1280x1024 used on desktop TFT 17'' and 19''. I try a 19'' 1400x900, there is not enough space to work. I like WS with 1680x1050 or 1920x1200. For a laptop, 14" 1400x1050 is the best compromise between work space and mobility.

[carbon_unit]

For a laptop, 14" 1400x1050 is the best compromise between work space and mobility.

I agree. I love my 1400x1050 T60 and I find the 1440x900 R61 lacking in real estate. It seems like going back to 600x800 only twice as wide. I prefer vertical resolution over horizontal resolution.

[baovu]

Anybody has a link to some good pictures of the non-widescreen T61? I am curious to see if the screen is still off-centered in this version of the T61.

[ryengineer]

I am curious to see if the screen is still off-centered in this version of the T61.

Yes, all T61/p are.

[pheos]

I don't think that the 4:3 versions have an off-centered screen!
Not sure though...

Does anyone have an Idea when the 14" 4:3 t61p will be available?

[ryengineer]

I don't think that the 4:3 versions have an off-centered screen! Not sure though...

It has, I have seen it in person.

[pianowizard]

I love my 1400x1050 T60 and I find the 1440x900 R61 lacking in real estate.

The SXGA+ has 13.4% more pixels than the WXGA+. Assuming the 4:3 and widescreen models of the 14.1" T61 weigh about the same, I too would prefer the 4:3 version.

Speaking of weight, does anyone know how much this 14.1" SXGA+ T61 weighs? It should be heavier than the 14.1" SXGA+ T60 due to the stupid display rollcage, right?

[lovebeta]

I love my 1400x1050 T60 and I find the 1440x900 R61 lacking in real estate.

The SXGA+ has 13.4% more pixels than the WXGA+. Assuming the 4:3 and widescreen models of the 14.1" T61 weigh about the same, I too would prefer the 4:3 version.

Speaking of weight, does anyone know how much this 14.1" SXGA+ T61 weighs? It should be heavier than the 14.1" SXGA+ T60 due to the stupid display rollcage, right?

For weight, just check the latest tabook:
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pcinstitu ... tabook.pdf

I think it is 5.5lb(T60) vs 5.6lb(T61).

[pianowizard]

For weight, just check the latest tabook

Thanks. I thought it wasn't in the Tabook yet. Indeed, it's barely heavier than the T61.

[pipspeak]

Does anyone have an Idea when the 14" 4:3 t61p will be available?

No clue but there is a link floating around to the 8889CTO model (not officially listed on the Lenovo website) which can be configured with the Nvidia 570M/128MB card (and all he other goodies). Not sure if that would qualify as a "p"

[mdesantis]

Based on the tabook, the 14.1" 4:3 SXGA+ with 6 cell battery (including optical drive) is 5.3 lbs. The 5.6 figure is with the larger 9 cell battery. Of course, on the regular 14.1 model, the 6 cell is flush with the case.

Like many others on this forum, I have been waiting for the SXGA+ T61 to be released. I purchased the T61 14 wide 1440 X 900 screen and after waiting 2 months to get a CTO machine with WWAN, I returned it after finding the lack of vertical real estate annoying. Since then, I have been reviewing every piece of information about the 4:3 standard SXGA+ models - including reports of those ordering from the Education or Corporate Links posted elsewhere on this form (I think lowspeed was one of those people that got one - but it was full of BSOD's and got returned).

But, other than 1 or 2 reports of people seeing machines, there has been precious little pictures or comments available. I am thinking now that CDW and Buy.com and others have Topseller models in stock that the comments will start to flow and I am anxiously awaiting some of those reports to come in before pulling the trigger. Most specifically I am interested in the Quality of Screen (150 nits and 200:1 contrast ratio still sound pretty bad to me - although probably on par with the T60). I am not expecting Flexview quality but yearn for something slightly better.

While I suspect Lenovo does have a T61p in 14.1 SXGA+ in the wings (god knows when it will be released - but most information points to it coming), I truly believe that if Lenovo would put a higher quality SVGA+ screen in the P version, it would not only help to differentiate the benefits of the P vs the regular, but would have the potential of being one of the most popular and finest versions of the T6x series available for enthusiasts - and unfortunately, probably the last 14" 4:3 version any of us will have the opportunity to buy.

I look forward to any feedback from those that have machines in hand - and hope my first post (long time lurker) wasn't too long!

-Matt

[Pascal_TTH]

So even if a 4:3 T61p was "officially" released, it would only be configurable with the 128mb 570M? Or is this speculation based on what documentation is currently available?

I make a mistake. There are still not T61p 4/3. The best GPU now for T61 14" 4/3 or 16/10 is Quadro NVS 140m 128 MB. It seems only 15,4" can have (or handle) Quadro FX 570m 256 MB.

Finally, it was not a mistake, I found again T61p 4/3 in Lenovo France (so of course description is in french) : http://www5.pc.ibm.com/fr/products.nsf/ ... enDocument

[mdesantis]

Searching for model 88893DG that Pascal found in the French link, I was able to find the same specs in English on the Lenovo Europe site (for those not interested in translating French).

http://www5.pc.ibm.com/europe/products. ... enDocument