Originally Posted by
number_6
That is the important point; Lenovo has effectively merged the 2 products so that they can be configured identically; it is the model number (3 digit) that counts, and not the T61 vs. T61p distinction. The chassis always was identical, but in the past the p series had big hardware differences; these are gone now. Both excellent choices....
Recently, the TPs we ordered all came in with CTO as model number. So you can't tell the configuration from the last three digits anymore.
Originally Posted by
number_6
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The screen resolution (and quality) is an important consideration. Each of the available screen choices has a difference and if you are picky then it matters a lot. My personal favourite is the original 1400x1050 display, which is gorgeous, but some people cannot stand it. Now I would only buy the 1200x1600 (or 1920 in widescreen)because I really need the screen real estate. For mobile use, the 15.4 inch is a lot bulkier than the 14.1 -- amazing the difference an inch makes.
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During the T4x generation, only one colleague selected a 15 inch and he regretted it all the time.
We recently polled users who are ready to upgrade. They also refused the 15.4 inch versions due to size and weight and opt for 14.1 inch screens. Of course they all have LCD monitors on their desk.
Originally Posted by
number_6
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As for the battery life comments on this thread, they are true for XP but less true for Vista. One of the big improvements in Vista is power management (much of it due to the new driver model), so some of the high power graphics mobile chipsets will run in low-power mode for "desktop" use. Doubles the battery life. Turning off Aero increases it even more. My new Vista notebook really surprised me with the increased battery life, it wasn't something I expected.
The battery life related to RAM issue that I mentioned is in hardware. There is very little Vista can do to improve it. This is the SDRAM memory array cell refresh mechanism at work inside each RAM when they are on and during standby, more RAM draws more power. Thinkpads had long used extensive battery life improvement methods in the absence of power management in Windows. On driver level is called ACPI. On software level is call Power Manager. This is legacy from the IBM Yamato design group near Tokyo.
The nVidia Quadro FX 570M inside the T61p for sure will draw more power when it is on even if you compare the p and non-p models with the same WSXGA+ LCD.
If you use the machine on A/C most of the time, it will be a non-issue. I use my A31p on A/C almost all of the time.
These are the reasons I feel 4GB in a p version will be more power hungry. Vista probably will improve battery life some but I doubt it will be noticeable. Our IT policy is to install new OS a year after they come out, so we are ready to install Vista on our machines bought a year ago.