Performance question: T6x vs. T4x

[themightyquinn]

Wasn't sure whether to post this in the T6x or T4x forums, but I decided on here. This is my situation: I currently own the T61p with specs in my signature. It's a very nice machine, blazingly fast, and handles anything I throw at it with ease. I need to downsize to a 14" model, so I was looking at some of the T4x and T6x models. Basically I'm concerned about performance issues if I were to downgrade to a T4x (or even a lower spec'd T60 or something).

I'm just looking for some input on how much of a sacrifice I'd be dealing with. Lets first say compared to a T42 or 43, think around 2.0 GHz Pentium CPU, lets say it has 64MB dedicated graphics, 2GB RAM. Now obviously I understand I will run XP, not Vista. Thoughts? What about say a higher spec'd "p" model (think 128MB graphics, and higher CPU).

The other input I wanted was to a somewhat comparable T6x series. Lets say a T60 or so, around a Core2Duo 2GHz, maybe 3GB RAM, 128MB graphics. OR T61 or whatever.


I know there will be much less performance loss with a T6x series...but say I settled for a T4x...would I seriously have to change my computing style? I know this is kind of generic, but my T61p is the only Thinkpad I've ever owned. Thanks in advance.

[ajkula66]

Well, the key question here would be what do you use the machine for? Programming, Photoshop, CAD, gaming, something else? What does it need to be able to run, software-wise?

[Marin85]

You might be lucky and find T61p 14'' with 4:3 aspect ratio (if you don´t like the wide from factor). In this case you won´t have to sacrifice your current performance much (only graphics - same gpu, less video memory, different bandwidth though).

[underclocker]

Well, the key question here would be what do you use the machine for? Programming, Photoshop, CAD, gaming, something else? What does it need to be able to run, software-wise?

Indeed, this is the key question.

If you're just using it for basic computing tasks, like Internet, MS Office, etc., then the T60 is the way to go. Any T60 feels much more responsive than any T42p/T43p, in my experience. The faster memory, bus, newer CPU platform, SATA disks, and overall faster platform just can't be matched by T4x machines.

I have not compared Photoshop or a CADD program between T60 w/integrated Intel graphics and a T43p with ATI graphics, for instance, but that may be the only area that a T4xp excels. Perhaps others with experience can comment.

Plus, used T42p/T43p and T60 machines overlap in price at this point. And, many T60 machines still have warranties remaining.

All that being said, a T4x is still a decent platform for basic computing. However, a performance difference is evident when moving from a T4x to a T60 and even to a T61.

[themightyquinn]

Got it, thanks guys. I'm a college mechanical engineering major, so I do run some CAD programs. All the other basic stuff (MD Office, multiple internet tabs and document windows open at once, listening to music, etc.) Not really a gamer, aside from some of the flash ones on the internet.

[ajkula66]

Well, for CAD you're looking at V3200 or better card, these were used on T43p machines, and pretty much run circles around X1300 used on some T60s, let alone ones with Intel graphics. If you can find a T60 with X1400 card you're all set.

Be forewarned though that all of these run quite hot in a 14" frame.

As for the "feel" of the machine itself...it also varies with OS that you're running. W500 (Vista 32, 2GB RAM) that I'm typing on now feels faster once booted than my T60p (XP 32, 3GB RAM), but is slower to boot. On the other end of the scale, I feel very little-if any-difference between my T43p and T60p when both run XP. T60p runs Vista (as well as Win 7 32-bit) significantly better than T43p though. And W500 runs Vista much better than the aforementioned T60p, not to mention that it's way cooler.

If you're intent on running XP, and can locate a T41p/T42p/T43p for a reasonable amount of money and in good shape, you'll be fine.

Should you be aiming towards Vista, nothing less than T60 with X1400 will do.

My opinions and experiences only.

[jdhurst]

At this point, having owned and run a T41 for five years (beautiful machine) and then moving on to a 14" 4:3 T61p, I would never return. I would search for a 14" T61(p) here or on eBay, but I would not go back to a T4x now. .... JDH

[sjthinkpader]

If I own one or two machines, I would go for T61p for sure. But we have 10-20 Thinkpads in the extended family. As such, we still have many T42, T43, R51, R52s and they work fine. My work machine is a T60 and for office and travel use, it seems to be about on par with my T4x/R5x generation personal machines.

The T43 is to some extend a T60 generation machine in as much as the 600x being a T20 in 600 clothing. Intel does the same thing. They introduce a new wafer process with an older core design or start a newer core on a old process. They don't put two risks together in one product. So the T4x and T6x overlap in many ways.

One thing we were surprised when we moved to the T6x, X6x generation was that they changed the docking stations, AC adapters and batteries. We had to buy all new everything. The X6x doesn't even have a real docking station or even a DVI port.

[agarza]

I moved myself from using a T42p to a T61. Well I kinda miss the old machine because of its stetics and overall performance was OK. I tried Vista once on it but didn't like it.

Could you tell us why are you switching to a 14.1" machine? Widescreen or standard screen?
IF you go 4:3 the LCD are not that sharp/brilliant than on the widescreens. As much as I love 4:3, I hate the fact they are no longer made and thus no longer LED displays were made to this 'ancient' aspect ratio.

For example in my T61, the LCD is much crappier than on my T42p (I compared them side by side) although the T61 was a tad brilliant.
There are some flexing on the T61 4:3 models, one just above the Esc key, and a loose bezel piece on the left side just to the left of the Fn key; aspects that my T42p didn't have.