Z vs. T
My current ThinkPad T42 is starting to huff and puff a bit with the current FeedBurner codebase, so my eye is starting to wander and I'm thinking about updating to a new machine. Rick's post just added some fuel to the fire. I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with a ThinkPad -- the machines are just so well built, even if they're not the sleekest models on the block.
A Core 2 Duo with 2GB RAM and a 7200 RPM drive ... those are really the only core requirements. Well, a big screen and an optical drive too. I'm really torn between a Z61m and a T60, though ... there are pros and cons for each:
- The T60 is a little lighter and not quite as thick ... nod to the T60
- Z61m has a 15.4in 1680x1050 screen, while the T60 has a 15in 1400x1050 screen. Who wouldn't like an extra 280 pixels wide?
- Z61m has an integrated webcam and S-Video out ... nice
- I'm already familiar with the T-series
I'm leaning towards the T60, mostly because of the form factor -- I toss the notebook in my backpack everywhere, and having it be a smaller across every dimension I think will win out. I really wish the X60 came with an optical drive. I ruled out the Z61t because of the integrated video, but otherwise that looks like a nice compromise.
I'll probably agonize over the decision for a few more days. If anyone has any advice, let me know.
UPDATE: I decided to go with the T60, model 2613HNU. I'm hoping to get it before Christmas!
Comments
I haven't had one of the Z's myself, but I've been around plenty of the T's and R's. My recollection is that the fit/finish on the T's is a cut above, even when it comes to little things like the hinge mechanism, while the more consumer-focused (Z) or budget-focused (R) models are noticeably chintzier. The "p" suffix models in the T series are usually a slight cut above the regular T's as well. (T60p would be my choice in the Thinkpad line.)
Posted by: Paul Brown | November 15, 2006 03:35 PM
I got an IBM X40 almost 2.5 years ago, and boy it still rocks.
I had it with me in like 10 different countries, including a two week trip through the Russian cold and it still works. Never troubled me! As a matter of fact, I am commenting from it. ;-)
IBM built the best laptops ever and I am curious to see if Lenovo can keep up with that. But since they had to agree to the roadmap for the next three to four years, I am pretty confident that Thinkpads will continue to be as stable.
Posted by: till | December 4, 2006 07:23 AM
Update to the update, I actually decided to cancel my existing order and ordered one of the new wide-screen T60. Best of both worlds I think!
Posted by: Eric Lunt | December 4, 2006 09:12 AM