T61 replacement suggestions? (no internal optical needed)

[Edward Mendelson]

I hope this is the right place to ask this question, and I apologize if it's the wrong one.

I'm getting ready to replace my fleet of three T61 units. (Expect to see these very well-maintained machines offered in the Marketplace forum before too long.) I want to replace them with something just as sturdy and reliable, but, this time, I don't think I need internal optical drives. As I did with the T61s, I'll use docks and port replicators for connecting PS/2 keyboards, external monitors, etc.

I'd be very grateful for any advice on which current model is likely to be best as a T61 replacement, but without the internal optical drive. Thanks for any help.

[ssd_thinkpad]

The T520 / T420 are perfect replacements for the T61. Either remove the optical drive, use a ultrabay hdd or put a travel adapter in the ultrabay. The T420s looks much thinner but is only 0.1 kg lighter when you compare battery life. Lenovo makes notebooks every year more affordable, now it's a good time to upgrade. All T series notebooks and the x220 can use the new series 3 dock.

[ZaZ]

I'm curious if you're just planning on using it docked on a desktop, why not get a desktop? That would probably cost less and offer you more power.

[Edward Mendelson]

I should have explained: these machines spend two-thirds of their time on a desktop (in a dock) and the other third on the road.

[jdhurst]

>>> The T520 / T420 are perfect replacements for the T61 <-- Possibly, but they are behemouths that won't fit in a decent briefcase. The X220 is about the same width as a T61p (14") and not as deep. It has no DVD drive and a smaller AC adapter. That is probably a better choice in my opinion.

I am waiting for Windows 8 to come out, and I will replace my T61p Windows 7 machine with an X220 or like machine. Hopefully it will have a decent drive (750Gb or so) by the time Windows 8 comes along. My T61p is in warranty until April 2012, so it all should fit. ... JDH

[Edward Mendelson]

Many thanks for all replies. The X220 seems to be exactly what's needed. All my T61 units (like my old T42 and 600X models) were 14.1-inch, and the X220 is the right size and a lot less heavy to carry around.

Thanks again all the help. I'll be offering my T61s in the fall.