some issues with a new Z61e

[kerneljack]

Hi, I just got a new Z61e a few days ago and it seems the LCD is brighter at the bottom than at the top, so on a black screen, you can see the whiteness at the bottom. This is annoying because if I adjust the screen so the top has *good* contrast, the bottom will be more white!

I have called Lenovo and they have offered to send an engineer to replace the LCD, but I was wondering if this is a common problem with LCDs, with thinkpads, or with the Z series?

The other issue is the hard drive noise at idle is *very* high. It basically sits there doing nothing, but it makes a very loud whooshing sound which I know is normal, but is a LOT quieter on my ASUS laptop. I am thinking of asking the engineer to look at the HD issue, and replace it too with a quieter one if possible, and if not I might just replace it myself.

There is one thing I'm confused about when I try to find a replacement HD, though. I have replaced 2.5 inch HDs in the past on laptops without problem, but if I go to dabs.com, they want me to choose between:

2.5 inch 1/8H
2.5 inch and
2.5 inch 1/6H

so which is the right one? Take a look at the top of this page, for example:
http://www.dabs.com/productlist.aspx?&N ... PageMode=1

From the specs of the Z61e (0672-2YG) it says 2.5 inches for the HD, and I'm pretty sure it is a SATA drive, not PATA.
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/0672-2YG

[ZaZ]

This is a common issue with most laptops, not just ThinkPads or the Z series.. Just ask some Dell or HP users. As prices have come down, so it seems quality as well. It's a trade off I guess. It's one of the reasons I would hesitate to upgrade. While my R60's screen is a bit dim for my tastes, the screen quality is relatively good and has minimal leakage. You just never know what the next one's going to bring. Sure you can get it replaced, but that's no guarantee the new one's going to be any better and it's a pain.

If the drive seems noisy, ask for a replacement. Noise seems to be hit or miss. One drive can be noisy, while the next can be quiet. Model or manufacturer doesn't really seem to matter much.

AFAIK any 2.5" hard drive should work.

[ryengineer]

snop....2.5 inch 1/8H
2.5 inch and
2.5 inch 1/6H......snip

2.5'' x 1 ÷ 8 = 2.5'' x 0.125 or 2.5'' x 12.5mm Height.
2.5'' x 1 ÷ 6 = 2.5'' x 0.1666 or 2.5'' x 17mm Height. (after rounding off)

There are many form factor drives in 2.5 inch form but the one your thinkpad Z61e requires is a 2.5'' x 9.5mm drive.