New IBM Laptop advice

[broken1]

I'm considering buying a new laptop. It's going to be an IBM thinkpad, as that's my preference and I can get them at decent prices. For the purposes of my decision, I'm going to use the lenovo.co.za prices - but I'll be able to get them quite a bit less. The price difference remains similar though...

Okay, so my first thought was this:

T60: Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology (Intel Core Duo 2 Processor T5600, 1.83GHz, Intel 3945ABG),
Genuine Windows Vista Business,
1GB, 15.4" XGA TFT (1280x800), 80GB HDD, Multi-Burner (DVD/RW CD/RW), ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 128MB graphics, Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, Fingerprint Reader, 6 cell battery Rescue and Recovery, Client Security Solution with security chip, Active Protection System, travel weight: starting at 2.4kg, 3 year warranty carry-in
R17 311

It seems decent - quite pricey as far as laptops go - but I want something powerfull, and good enough to last me the next couple of years.

Today, I was surfing the net and ran accross this:

Z61p: Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200, 2.0GHz, 3945ABG),
Genuine Windows Vista Business,
2GB, 15.4" WUXGA TFT (1680x1050), 100GB HDD, DVD-RW Multi-Burner Dual Layer, ATI Mobility FireGL V5200 256MB graphics, Modem, Ethernet, IEEE 1394, Bluetooth, Fingerprint Reader, 6 cell battery, Rescue and Recovery, Client Security Solution with security chip, travel weight: starting at 1.92kg, 3 year warranty on-site
R23 222

Basically an extra R6k for 1GB extra RAM, more HDD, a much better graphics card and that's about it!

I don't game much, but I do play games sometimes...is the graphics card that much better?

I use my laptop for about 60% work (Internet, Word, Powerpoint, Excell, Quickbooks, Outlook) about 20% watching movies and tv series, 10% gaming, and 10% other random things.

Advice on which of these to chose...or another IBM thinkpad to consider? The R6grand isn't a huge deal - but I'm not keen to waste money if I won't "really" get benefit from it (considering I could probably buy another laptop for R6000)

 

[mohammedm]

Good machine with good specs - you won't go wrong. Horribly expensive though.

For that price, consider the ASUS W5FE (about R22000).

Also, for R18000, you can get the Sony SZ48.

If portability is not an issue, look at the 17inch HP Pavilion models with 2.0Ghz processors for around R17000.

All the above are beautiful machines.

 

[broken1]

Thanks, the prices quoted are horribly expensive. I should be able to get the T60 one for quite a bit less, 15-16k

I think a 17" laptop would be a bit too big, takes away from the portablilty aspect.

I've personally never like the Sony laptops myself - maybe I should look again though?

One big draw on the IBM's is the 3yr warranty.

 

[AdLo]

I got a T60 core duo 1.83Mhz T2400, 80Gb hard drive with 80Gb RAM. Very happy with it as it's nice and sturdy for mobility purposes.

For movies , mp3s and stuff I got an external SATA 320Gb harddrive that I use for storage.

I would recommend you rather go 2Gb especially if you want to use Vista. Remember the laptop comes installed with lots of addon programs such as Shock Detection, Diskkeeper, Antivirus and Rescue and Recovery which chews up RAM.

 

[nihilist]

How are the Lenovo made Thinkpads, I've heard the the legendary quality of Thinkpads has been tainted somewhat since Lenovo went seperate ways with IBM.

 

[broken1]

I got a T60 core duo 1.83Mhz T2400, 80Gb hard drive with 80Gb RAM. Very happy with it as it's nice and sturdy for mobility purposes.

For movies , mp3s and stuff I got an external SATA 320Gb harddrive that I use for storage.

I would recommend you rather go 2Gb especially if you want to use Vista. Remember the laptop comes installed with lots of addon programs such as Shock Detection, Diskkeeper, Antivirus and Rescue and Recovery which chews up RAM.

80GB Ram? hehe

If I get the T60, I would upgrade to 1.5GB RAM definately (i have a 512 chip somewhere here)

 

[AdLo]

Sorry meant 2Gb.

 

[Brawler]

For that price id get a VAIO.
but thats just me

 

[broken1]

How are the Lenovo made Thinkpads, I've heard the the legendary quality of Thinkpads has been tainted somewhat since Lenovo went seperate ways with IBM.

The Lenovo branded computers (Such as the N100) aren't such great quality in my experience, but the IBM branded thinkpads are still excellent from what I've heard!

 

[nihilist]

Yeah, I've heard Lenovo's own range is not too spiffy, I'm just concerned that it will rub off on the Thinkpads they now make, I hope IBM keep a good eye on them.

It's a pitty the Thinkpads only have Intel onboard GPU's or ATI, I'd prefer an Nvidia on a Thinkpad, works better in Linux.

I'm planning on buying a Thinkpad within a year.

The Lenovo branded computers (Such as the N100) aren't such great quality in my experience, but the IBM branded thinkpads are still excellent from what I've heard!

 

[broken1]

Yeah, I've heard Lenovo's own range is not too spiffy, I'm just concerned that it will rub off on the Thinkpads they now make, I hope IBM keep a good eye on them.

It's a pitty the Thinkpads only have Intel onboard GPU's or ATI, I'd prefer an Nvidia on a Thinkpad, works better in Linux.

I'm planning on buying a Thinkpad within a year.

Drop me a PM when you do,
I might be able to hook you up - unless you're hooked up already!