Buying a x61s, need some help.

[Slump]

Hello, I need some advices for my next laptop. I'm really lost, there are so much possibilites, models etc ... But first, let me explain you my situation:

I actually own an old iBook G4 12", which I really adore. But it's getting a bit old for my studies ( Business studies ). And also, all the informatical lessons I have are based on windows. These are the main reasons why I need to change. After looking after notebooks really portable on 12" screens, I found the Cnet reviews about the thinkpads, and I quickly made my decision: buying a Lenovo X61 or X61s.

I read on this forum that a lot of you are really pleased with the portability of the X6x series. I also read some students making the same choice, so I think I can't go wrong, am I right ?

So I started looking after a dealer in Belgium ( really hard ), and found this offer at 1920$ : http://redcorp.partner-online.be/LEN_Pr ... f=M852848D

Do you think it's actually a nice deal ? Or maybe I should try to buy online with the risk of dealing with some international dealers ?

It's really sad that we, can't configure our laptop like it's possible to do on the US lenovo website. That's why I have so much difficulties on finding the good model that could fit perfectly with my needs.

I hope I havn't asked to much things at once. I tried to be the more precise I could so you can advice me properly If you want to know something else, just ask

I guess it's hard for you to give me some nice advices as the prices here in Europe are probably not the same as the prices in US. But if I could just have some opinions about the configuration, it would be perfect

And my budget is around 2500$.

Thanks ! Paul

ps: sorry if I made some english mistakes !

[EOMtp]

Welcome to this forum! If you have options, then look for a machine with the following features/changes:

Battery:
Get the "4-cell Enhanced", not the "4-cell Slim Line" -- it is <2mm thicker with 30% greater capacity.

Display:
Get the "Ultralight" LCD -- it is noticeably brighter. You can check the LCD display type by entering the Model and Serial Number of the machine in the following site and checking the hardware list for that machine. The Ultralight LCD will be indicated by FRU #13N7092.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... -WARNTY#sw

Memory:
If getting 2GB, make sure it is 1 stick of 2GB and not 2 sticks of 1GB.


Good luck!

[Slump]

Thanks for the fast answer

[EOMtp]

You might also consider an "upgrade" from Vista to Windows XP!

[Slump]

Can one of you tell me what are the differences between those 4 models ?

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

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

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

http://www.redcorp.com/newproducts/prod ... f=M852848D

I'm a bit lost, if you could tell me what are the differences between those models it would really help me out

Thanks again

[sarbin]

the following are the standouts:

Code: Select all

Model Name:                76693KG         76694DG               766683G
                           (UK43Kxx)       (UK44Dxx)             (UK383xx)

Screen type description:   XGA TFT         XGA TFT               TMD Ultralight XGA TFT
Memory (RAM) std/max:      2x1GB / 4GB     2x1GB / 4GB           1GB / 4GB
Hard disk size1:           160GB           160GB                 80GB
Fax/modem:                 Integrated      USMODEMV.90&K56FLEX   ThinkCentre 56Kbps PCI v.90
Wireless standard:         Intel 4965AGN   Intel 4965AGN         Intel 3945 a/b/g
Weight:                    1.31Kg          1.35Kg                1.43Kg

the machine in your 4th link looks like the 76693KG.

happy shopping...
hth.

[Slump]

Wow, nice comparative table, thanks

So the one with the Ultralight screen is the best I guess ? It also costs like 800 euros more ( 1200 $ )

[sarbin]

my pleasure. glad to help.

[jamse]

hrmmm, if you know someone that is on vacation in the states, you could get a much better x61/s for the same amount of euros you want to spend, or for even less.

then again when I buy thinkpads i try to get the bare minimum on RAM and HDD space (ie: 1gb RAM, 80gb HDD), then i just buy one online for a lot less. cause in the states they charge $40usd (€26euros) to upgrade the amount of ram from 1gb to 2gb, but if you buy it online you can get it as cheap as 4gb of RAM for $60usd (€39.9euros) Same with a HDD, its $100usd to buy a 320gb HDD, but to buy a model with a 320gb HDD it adds an extra ~$180usd.

But buying computer component sucks here in Europe, so I do not know if its economical buying the ram separately, if you buy the computer with the lowest Ram and HDD specs here in Europe.... I am on holiday in Denmark atm, and I cannot find a Danish nor a European website comparable to newegg.com to do my usual routine.

[EOMtp]

Code: Select all

Model Name:                76693KG         76694DG               766683G
                           (UK43Kxx)       (UK44Dxx)             (UK383xx)

Screen type description:   XGA TFT         XGA TFT               TMD Ultralight XGA TFT
Memory (RAM) std/max:      2x1GB / 4GB     2x1GB / 4GB           1GB / 4GB
Hard disk size1:           160GB           160GB                 80GB
Fax/modem:                 Integrated      USMODEMV.90&K56FLEX   ThinkCentre 56Kbps PCI v.90
Wireless standard:         Intel 4965AGN   Intel 4965AGN         Intel 3945 a/b/g
Weight:                    1.31Kg          1.35Kg                1.43Kg

So the one with the Ultralight screen is the best I guess ? It also costs like 800 euros more ( 1200 $ ) :(

Careful: Avoid machines with the Intel 3945ABG wireless, unless you intend to change it when you receive the machine; you will not be happy with it! To Slump: Please check the Private Message (PM) that I sent you.