X61 now available with Penryn processors on Lenovo.com

[tallshorty]

Lenovo has finally updated the X61 with the Penryn cpu and didn't increase the price from what I can tell:

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/cont ... 66%3A&rid=[:0000005C:]

The T8500 with 2.4Ghz is only a $40 upgrade. Way worth it.

In a way, this sucks because this has made it even more difficult for me to decide between a X61s or X61. I was just about to pull the trigger on the X61s but now, I can't decide. I just wish I can get the T8500 CPU in an X61s. I really like the thinner size, lighter weight, and brighter screen of the X61s but now, the X61 has the new faster CPU...(pulling hair)

[blackomegax]

the LV makes a big difference.

the penryns arent much more effecient with their TDP than the old NV's.

I'd love to see a battery run down comparison of x61s merom vs x61 penryn.

[tallshorty]

the LV makes a big difference.

the penryns arent much more effecient with their TDP than the old NV's.

I'd love to see a battery run down comparison of x61s merom vs x61 penryn.

I heard ppl claim that the LV only adds an extra 30 min to the battery life. That seems awfully little. Is it true?

The only things attractive to me about the X61s is:
0.3 inches thinner
0.3 lbs lighter
20% brighter screen

But the X61 now has the Penryn CPU. Is that enough to offset the above mentioned benefits of the X61s?

[Mack]

I have seen solid reports that the Penryn improves battery life around 10-15 % compared to the older Merom. These are tests with wifi surfing and dvd playback.

I would say we can probably expect around 30 more min of battery life for an X61 with Penryn, compared to Merom, doing medium tasks. Add some undervolting to that, and you might reach 60 min.

I am also very interested to see some concrete battery life tests on a X61 with Penryn.

[tallshorty]

I read that the LV penryn processors will be out in May. I wonder how long before we see them on the X61s.

[blackomegax]

probably wont at that rate. I'd love to see that but i get the feeling lenovo will reserve them to the x100/x200 to put more demand on that.

[tallshorty]

Okay...the next 20% off ecoupon that comes along, I will buy the X61. I think the newer faster CPU wins over the benefits of the X61s.

[rhema83]

I heard that the processor is soldered onto the mainboard of the X61? That means there is no way to replace my T7300 with a Penryn?

[tallshorty]

I heard that the processor is soldered onto the mainboard of the X61? That means there is no way to replace my T7300 with a Penryn?

That's right. I believe it is soldered. When did you buy it? If it was within 21 days, you can still return it but there might be a 15% restocking fee.

[rhema83]

That's right. I believe it is soldered. When did you buy it? If it was within 21 days, you can still return it but there might be a 15% restocking fee.

I bought it in Nov 2007, actually. Oh well, it is adequate for my needs. I'm just bitten by the upgrade bug.

[tallshorty]

Well, I sealed the deal today and bought the new penryn CPU

Here is my config for $1061.11:
Penryn T8300 2.4 Ghz
100 GB 7200 rpm HDD
Fingerprint reader
1 GB ram (upgrading myself)
Bluetooth
Vista Home Basic (upgrading myself)
Intel AGN wireless card
8 Cell battery
1 year warranty

In addition, I purchased:
1) The Creative PCMCIA Audigy 2 Soundcard (for digital surround sound)
2) LG GSA-E50L Slim USB DVD burner (http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail ... E50L.jhtml)
3) The Lenovo USB Webcam

The total setup with tax is about $1350. I was hoping to spend about $1100 but oh well.

Give me your input

[hart22]

I used the Audigy 2 on a older laptop, and was pleased with the sound quality and features. It's great if the machine primarily sits on a desk as a desktop replacement, although if you plan on traveling with it be advised that you can not lug it around plugged in -- it's too fragile for one, and it juts out conspicuously from the card slot.

I like having a longer warranty, but that's my personal preference. Enjoy the machine!

[Mack]

Concrats on your new machine. I also have my eyes on a new X61, and might buy it soon. When you get it delivered, do you mind to report back regarding the battery life?

[tallshorty]

Concrats on your new machine. I also have my eyes on a new X61, and might buy it soon. When you get it delivered, do you mind to report back regarding the battery life?

From what I have read from reviews and user reports, exceeding 4 hours is not a problem with the 8 cell. Some claim they can achieve even 5-6 hours of battery life. Now with the Penryn processor, the power consumption should be even less so I'm hoping battery life will be even better. I have also read that the X61s with the LV processor only lasts 30 min longer (I'm surprised it is only 30 min longer as the LV CPU uses 50% less power).

[Mack]

Concrats on your new machine. I also have my eyes on a new X61, and might buy it soon. When you get it delivered, do you mind to report back regarding the battery life?

From what I have read from reviews and user reports, exceeding 4 hours is not a problem with the 8 cell. Some claim they can achieve even 5-6 hours of battery life. Now with the Penryn processor, the power consumption should be even less so I'm hoping battery life will be even better. I have also read that the X61s with the LV processor only lasts 30 min longer (I'm surprised it is only 30 min longer as the LV CPU uses 50% less power).

I suspect it is 30 min longer when the cpu is idle? The differences usually becomes larger when the cpu is doing work. The power consumption of the cpu is proportional to its voltage squared, and linearly proportional to its frequency.