T61, R61, or T/R 60?

[Hellbike]

Which model should i buy?

I heard T61 is really awesome.

But R61 got bigger screen than T61.

But 60 series is almost 20% cheapier than 61.

I am IT student, and i'll use my laptop mostly to programming and reading, ocasionally playing games/watching movies.

(i'm not going to buy brand new laptop, but used, if that matter).

[basketb]

Buy a T60p w/15" UXGA LCD or a T61p w/15.4" WUXGA screen. In addition get an external 24" WUXGA screen for dual monitor set up.

[ssd_thinkpad]

I use a T60 with Flexview screen (all non xga 15 inch 4:3 displays are called Flexview which provides you with a great display) and an Advanced Mini Docking station. I put a ssd inside and most of the time the notebook is completely silent. At home I plugin my notebook and all my computer stuff is instantly usable: display, sound, network, keyboard and mouse, printer. The R series is always heavier. Looking for good battery life, the models with integrated graphics are the best. They are also cooler and therefore quieter. Flexview displays are only on the T60 series with dedicated graphics. If you don't mind the display so much, I'd vote for a T61 with 14 inch traditional 4:3 display and integrated graphics.

[underclocker]

I heard T61 is really awesome.

But R61 got bigger screen than T61.

Both come with 14.1 or 15.4" widescreens, the T61 also had the 14.1" 4:3 display option.

But 60 series is almost 20% cheapier than 61.

Indeed, as you step back a generation, the price will decrease with similarly configured machines. Or do you mean that R series is 20% cheaper than T series? Either way, it is true.

14" R61 series are slim and only a few ounces more than T61 series. 15.4" is another story, the R61 is very thick and heavy.

I am IT student, and i'll use my laptop mostly to programming and reading, ocasionally playing games/watching movies.

(i'm not going to buy brand new laptop, but used, if that matter).

If you can find one, I'd seriously consider a Z61t or Z61m, very similar technology to T60 series with a nicer design, SD card readers and optional integrated cameras. I have both models and really enjoy them. They are widescreen and would work well for the movies.

Come to think of it, I also have a T60 with a 15" 4:3 FlexView LCD, which is awesome. If you want a 4:3 15" machine, you can't beat one of these.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the search.