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Product summary
This configuration of the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 is a 5.1-pound, consumer level notebook computer.Compared to other general-purpose notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,270.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Specifications: Environmental & energy standards compliance: EPA Energy Star, RoHS, EPEAT Silver; Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 GHz); RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM; See full specs
Price range: $1,263.25 - $1,392.99
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 is a 5.1-pound, consumer level notebook computer.Compared to other general-purpose notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,270.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Pros: Has a plug-in module media bay, which is somewhat more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.Also, this notebook comes with Microsoft Windows Vista business and Microsoft Windows Vista OS, which is somewhat more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.The CD-RW/ DVD-ROM combo is housed in a modular plug-in drive bay, which is more upgradeable and gives you more options than an integrated drive.This is a Santa Rosa Centrino.
Cons: Has a CD-RW/ DVD-ROM combo removable disc drive, which is somewhat less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.Also, this notebook has only a 80GB hard drive, which is somewhat smaller than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Dell XPS M1330, a 4.4-pound notebook at around $1, 150, has a 320GB hard drive.The Lenovo ThinkPad T61 comes with entry-level word processing software if you often create complex documents you will likely need to upgrade to a full-fledged office suite.This notebook's Intel GMA X3100 graphics chip uses system RAM, which sometimes results in slower performance.
Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.Enjoy movies while in transit with this computer's DVD player.This portable also has a CD recorder, allowing you to compile your own music CDs or video CDs.Get status reports while on business trips by using this notebooks built-in Wi-Fi modem to connect to wireless networks in airports and hotels.
Value: Overall, this notebook has great features for the money.
Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Internet more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this laptop's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, handheld or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Thin-and-light laptop computer
A thin-and-light laptop computer offers the optimal combination of portability, performance, features, and cost. Power-tuned mobile processors deliver enough power to keep you working smoothly, and unlike ultraportables, most thin-and-light laptops have a more reasonably sized keyboard and display, a larger hard drive, and a built-in optical drive. Yes, they're more expensive than slightly larger, heavier mid-size laptops, but if you need maximum productivity in a portable package, this is the best choice.
Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide
See more Thin-and-light laptop computer products
EPA Energy Star compliant notebook computer
The EPA's Energy Star program helps buyers easily identify the products with efficient energy consumption among a broad range of electronics and appliances.
See more EPA Energy Star compliant notebook computer products
Microsoft Windows Vista for laptop computers
In addition to the core functionality of the Vista operating system, Microsoft portioned out extra features into different editions of Vista, aimed at different market segments and at differing price points.
| Feature | Home Basic | Home Premium | Business | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU support | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | Up to two physical CPUs | Up to two physical CPUs |
| Maximum supported RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Windows defender & firewall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Aero desktop experience | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobility center (centralized access to controls often used on portables) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Tablet PC support | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows SideShow (display support for a variety of secondary devices) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Extended media and entertainment capabilities (Media center, games,HD, movie- and DVD maker) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Remote desktop connection | Yes | Yes | ||
| Windows Fax and Scan | Yes | Yes | ||
| Sound Schemes, DreamScene (video desktop "wallpaper") | Yes | |||
| BitLocker drive encryption | Yes |
Laptop computer wireless capabilities
| Wireless capability | Description | |
| WiMAX | WiMax is a new wide area wireless Internet service. Think of it like 3G but with enough bandwidth to make it efficient for use at home or a coffee shop across town. If WiMax comes to your area and works as intended, you may be able to consolidate your home and mobile broadband service. | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth is still optional in most laptops, and so far, it isn't used to its potential. Expect this short-range wireless protocol to become a standard as electronics increasingly interface with each other. | |
| Wi-Fi 802.11 | Pre-N or Draft N is the newest protocol for Wi-Fi home networking. 802.11g is currently the most common protocol and is sufficient for most Web activities, but don't expect it to stream movie files from networked storage. Wi-Fi is backward-compatible so the new, faster protocols will work with older protocols like 802.11a. | |
| Mobile broadband | Like WiMax, mobile broadband is a paid service and the built-in connectivity hardware is carrier specific. |
See more Laptop computer wireless capabilities products
RoHS compliant notebook computer
Electronics sold in the EU market that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive have reduced levels of toxic chemicals including lead, mercury, and cadmium.
See more RoHS compliant notebook computer products
User reviews
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Where to buy
Lenovo ThinkPad T61 (Core 2 Duo 2GHz, 1GB RAM, 80GB HDD, Vista Business):
$1,263.25 - $1,392.99
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$1,392.99 | See Site |
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$1,263.25 | Yes |
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