Buying an used laptop: x32 vs. x60s vs. x61s vs. x60?

[Heliotropen]

My thinkpad t43 is finally about to have run it's last miles, and I'm going to buy a used thinkpad.

I have a few options here, I live in Denmark, and as a student(and is getting my business up and running) price is a big thing for me, - but more so I still want a decent machine...

I have a stationary computer for the hard work, so it does not have to be that powerfull, the toughest work it will do, is office 2010, some light photoshoping and so on, - I can live with running windows xp, and I don't need that much ram(my t43 right now, only have 1gb, and runs everything I need), - BUT it has to function properly, that meaing boot speed, running the OS, having a few small programs running at the same time(+lauchy, and windowsblinds in the background) and so on...

I ride in trains for more than 2 hours each day, so this is where I will use it the most ... portability and size is a HUGE factor(weight not SO much, I'm a young strong guy xP), my t43 has always felt to big in the train, so I want something noticeable smaller. - I'm really hard with my computers, so it need to be able to take a light beating, perhaps swallow some coffe strints once in a while and so on...

I have the following to chose from:

x32, I can get it really cheep and in decent shape: 1600 dkr (I have almost ruled this one out, but the pice is very attractive)

x60s that look like new: 2400 dkr

x60 that look like new: 3000 dkkr (this has both bluetoth and fingerprint reader, the others don't, I don't really use bluetoth though, but the fingerprint reader might come in handy?)

x61s that look like new: 3500 dkr

(1 dkr is about 5,6 us dollars, - yes this machines is more expensive in denmark, but I want the scandinavian keyboard, so I'm not going to buy from the us, or uk, unless there is really allot of mony to save, also the shipping to denmark from there is expensive)

I have no experience with any of them, the only reference is that I have owned both a t40p, t42 and t43...

Any information, and help to buy the machine is highly appreciated: since I'm on a VERY tight budget, the aswer really is, which model(and extra price) can be justified for my purpose?

How much bigger is the x60 (this is really a deal breaker for me)

Is the x60s powerfull enough for my needs?

How much more powerfull is x61s compared to the x60s or x60?


How much bigger in size is the x32?

Thnx all
Helio

[Harryc]

How much battery time do you need daily? The only real advantage to the X60s over an X60 is battery life and a slight weight reduction. The X60 is more powerful, but it also runs slightly hotter. Here's a pretty good comparison between the features of both. The X61s would allow you to install more RAM (4GB vs 3GB on the X60's), but I don't think you will need that much RAM for your needs.
http://laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=127

[Heliotropen]

First of all thnx for you answering in this thread man really appreciates it:

I don't really know how much battery time I need, there is power plugs in the train, but it's nice not to have to get the cables up from the bag, and for presentations and stuff, or for when working on a cafe, or something like that.. so it's hard to answer... I don't really use the t43 I have now with out having it pluged in, but since I'm looking for a more portable machine than that, I will properly use the new one with out the powersuply ALLOT more... A decent guess would properly be 2-3 hours.

Is there no noticeable size difference with the x60 and the x60s?

By the way, the x60s is a 1,83 GHz Intel Centrino Duo with 80gb hd, - the x61s is a Core 2 Duo 1.6 Ghz with 80 gn hd, - the x60 is a Core Duo 1.83 Ghz with 60gb hd. All of them have 1 gb ram (and I don't expect to upgrade it ever, but to use it for a few years or 3, then replace it)

Also all the machines except from the x60s is bought from a store that gives 6 months warranty, - the x60s is sold by a private person(but he have a decent rep)...

I can get an extra new 4 cell battery for the x60s or x61s, together with a used 8 cell for 500 kr. (I don't know if I will use money on this right now though ... so maybe I have to buy a new battery from abroad in a not so distant future instead)...

- Helio
PS: weight is not as important to me, but size is ... is there a huge different in size between the x60 and the x60s? .. I'm looking for something noticeable smaller than my t43 14"...
PSS: I'm checking your link out right now ... great stuff! - Still hope others will chime in also though

[Heliotropen]

Notise that I can get the x60s cheaper than the x60 ... I don't know how much less powerfull it is though..

[Harryc]

I'll let some others add to the discussion, but I forgot to mention that the X61s will allow you to run a 64bit OS with a Core 2 Duo, whereas the Core Duo machines will not.

[dr_st]

There is no big difference in size between the X60s and X60. The design of the X6x laptops is weird. They are very thin at the front, and a lot thicker at the back - thicker than the X32 and even than a 14" T4x/T60. One exception is the X60s/X61s when equipped with a slim 4-cell battery (but that one has abysmal battery life).

There won't be any noticeable difference in performance between the three laptops you are considering. The advantage of the X61s would be mainly in the ability to address more RAM, like Harryc said, but from your description you would not care much.

The X32 will be slower, as it is only equipped with a single core processor based on older technology (it is the contemporary of the T42).

Here's a thread of mine with lots of pictures comparing X32 and X61 (also X61 tablet which is not relevant to you):
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=71155

Giving all this, I would advise you go for the X60s if you want to save the extra money, or X60 if you value the warranty.

[pianowizard]

All of these machines have only 1024x768 resolution. Make sure you don't mind that before buying one.

[Heliotropen]

Thank you so much I have allready cheked out that thread like 50 times, great pictures

I could use the same on the x60, the x60s, and the x61s But I will take your word that they are about the same size.

The x60s it the one I'm leaning most towards right now. But I still hope for more inputs..

You guys are really helping me out here thnx.

Helio

[Heliotropen]

All of these machines have only 1024x768 resolution. Make sure you don't mind that before buying one.

Well I actually regretted buying my t43 on that account and I hated it the first year I had it, I upgraded from an t40P that broke, which I loved so much more ... BUT my needs have changed, I have a high resolution desktop computer for heavy graphical work, - and I will not use this for that so much .. so I think I will manage, portability is really the key for me, on this one ... Working in the train, at a cafe, or the school cantina is what I need it for... I will mostly use it for writing papers, books, and making blog posts with mediamonkey playing, and a webbrowser running in the background, while on the move...
I doubt that I will find a decent subnote size laptop for my needs, that is high resolution, within my priceclass.

- Helio

[Heliotropen]

It's 23.56 here now, and I have contacted the seller, so I'm properly going to buy the x60s tommorow, - I will be up a few hours more(or atleast one) so I hope to have made a final decision before the sellers cals me back tommorow

Right now I'm leaning most toward the x60s

[Heliotropen]

Ended up buing the x60s, because of the advice you gave ... thnx
Can't wait to get it in my hands in a few days
Thnx for the help
- Helio

[IvanAndreevich]

X60s for sure. Not even close.

[ThinkRob]

Get the X60s unless you really, really need a 64-bit CPU.

The X60's fingerprint reader is not worth the price premium, and (since you're considering an X-series) I'm betting that CPU speed isn't a big concern for you.

[Woodenspoon]

In the same boat, but am surprised at how much the thinkpads cost where you are. I just won an x60 for $180, 203 shipped.
but i guess thats the price of healthcare lol;) Searching for a good cheap laptop is quite a task if you haven't been keeping up, i thought netbooks were cheaper than they were..the lenovo x100e sells for 300+ used on ebay auctions still...there are 27+ models of asus eee pc netbook alone... not fun at all.


Ah well......

Seems this is a good solution vs an under powered netbook, let alone a used one. I choose the ibm because from previous experience their engineering is very logical, and so maintenance is easy, not like apple;)

Here's hoping it comes undamaged, starving student as well. So hows yours holding up?

Kinda wish this forum had a ultimate faq sticky thread like other forums do. Also the search function is a bit weak, theres no way i see to search only titles.

I didn't get the x60 for the fingerprint reader thats ofr sure.

But I didn't seem to notice a premium over the S, any gaps found on ebay seem to mostly be based on ram included and cpu speed, so price gap is very minor if at all. The price jump is with the x61 models which it turns out are beyond my budget:(

Btw there are two slots for ram on the x60 correct..and one can mix different module sizes?

[rookworm]

1 dkr is about 5,6 us dollars

Hope you mean the opposite, 'cuz otherwise you could fly to the states and back, and hire somebody to paint your keys!

[Woodenspoon]

http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/DKK.aspx
1:5.3
close enough....

1,600.00 DKK = USD 298.90
2,400.00 DKK = USD 448.35
3,000.00 DKK = USD 560.44
3,500.00 DKK = USD 653.85

[rookworm]

http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/DKK.aspx
1:5.3
close enough....

1,600.00 DKK = USD 298.90
2,400.00 DKK = USD 448.35
3,000.00 DKK = USD 560.44
3,500.00 DKK = USD 653.85

That would be 5.3:1 ...........

[Woodenspoon]

http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/DKK.aspx


That would be 5.3:1 ...........

hah:P

been watching the auctions end since i got mine..
these are finished within the last day or two
x60 +ultrabay no ac adaptor
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT $230+22 ship
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT $212+22ship
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT $180+22ship
x60 no ultrabay with adaptor
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT $189+13ship
x61 has a sharp jump in price from $300-400+

[lead_org]

i would get the X61s, for the following reasons;

1) 8 gigs of maximum ram

2) L7xxx CPU only have a TDP of 18 watt, and is 64 bit OS capable.

3) SATAII capable (with Middleton's bios).

There are also X60 with T5xxx CPU, which you may consider if you are constrained on your budget.

While, i would avoid the X61 with T7xxx CPU, those one with T8xxx or T9xxx CPU can be a good alternative.

[dejx]

3) SATAII capable (with Middleton's bios).

Can you pm me Middleton's bios?

[lead_org]

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo- ... ution.html

check the above thread.

[Woodenspoon]

well finally got mine, am surprised by ebay... almost pristine x60:) thought it would be more worn but whoever had it before took good care of it:D gave me an 8 cell battery bonus as well. its freakishly clean, and no wear on the kb letters or dirt under the keys..last user must have been a neat freak.

So how do i backup the backup partition? will clonezilla see it all?