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Product summary
This configuration of the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 is a 5.3-pound, mainstream notebook computer.Compared to other general-purpose notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,100.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Specifications: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.8 GHz); RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM; Weight: 5.3 lbs; See full specs
Price range: $1,068.00
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 is a 5.3-pound, mainstream notebook computer.Compared to other general-purpose notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,100.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Pros: Has a plug-in module media bay, which is considerably more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.In fact, the average cost of a product with this favorable a media bay is $1,465.Also, this notebook comes with Microsoft Windows Vista business 64-bit Edition and Microsoft Windows Vista OS, which is somewhat more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.In fact, the typical cost of a product with a comparable set of OS is $1,420.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.
Cons: Has a CD-RW/ DVD-ROM combo removable disc drive, which is considerably less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.Also, this notebook has only a 80GB hard drive, which is considerably smaller than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Toshiba Satellite M305-S4826, a 5.3-pound notebook at around $1, 050, has a 250GB 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.Bring along your favorite movies and watch them on your notebook with the included DVD player.This computer also has a CD writer, allowing you to compile your own mp3 CDs or video CDs.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.
Value: In general, this notebook has great features for the money.For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of mainstream products with a similar screen size is considerably more -- in fact around $1,279.Generally, not targeted at the gaming crowd, this computer will likely fulfill more modest notebook needs.
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 Web more conveniently from any room.(2) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital video camcorders and other equipment to rapidly upload data to the notebook hard drive.
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
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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
EPEAT silver compliant notebook computer
EPEAT is a consumer electronics eco-certifier that is fast growing in popularity. Instead of having it's own narrow criteria like Energy Star and RoHS, EPEAT's requisites are comprehensive and include Energy Star and RoHS compliance. For electronics to reach the silver level, they must meet the broad criteria of the bronze level plus an additional 14 a la carte requirements.
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User reviews
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