Thinkpads Forum

My 600X is still on the road, but at its advanced age it's time to look for a replacement.

The computer is mostly used for internet browsing, e-mail and genealogy. Would like something about the same size and weight as the 600X. I don't download videos or play games and have no use for a camera. The computer is on the desk 90% of the time.

I'm leaning towards the T-series for durability, longevity and full-sized keyboard. It seems to me a modestly configured 14/14.1" T60 would be not only sufficient but possibly more than I would need. And they're priced so well! On the other hand, a gently used T400, while it might be overkill for my uses, would be a little newer. As you can tell, I hang onto equipment forever, so I'd like to get 5+ years out of whatever system I buy.

I'm also concerned about the display and whether a higher resolution than 1024X768 would cause eyestrain. Am I confined to XGA, or is it possible to run WXGA, SXGA etc. at 1024X768?

I'd like to hear comments and recommendations from the folks here to see if I'm on the right path with my decision. I guess what I'm looking for is a newer 600X, but with a little more oomph in terms of memory and processor speed.

Thanks,

Sara

You can probably run the LCD at XGA resolution, but it'll be blurry. Bumping up the DPI seems like a better solution. If you like XGA, then a 14" XGA T60 or perhaps T61 seems like a good solution. My R60e, which would have roughly the same innards, is a fine performer for day to day usage. The only thing about an older T60 with a CFFL LCD is the backlight is now six years old may have dimmed some or considerably. They were never very bright to begin with either.

You should use the screen at its native (i.e. max) resolution. While 1400x1050 on 14.1" might be too small for you, you might not mind a 15.0" T60's 1400x1050, although the machine would probably be too heavy and bulky, and that particular LCD was notorious for being dim. I recommend the T61 with XGA and Intel graphics if you must stick with XGA, but if you don't mind widescreen, the T400 with 14.1" 1280x800 is worth considering. Things will look a bit smaller than on the 600X's 13.3" XGA, but I bet it would still be tolerable.