x-1l.gif

Features:

  • Intel T7300 Core 2 Duo
  • Wireless networking card
  • Bluetooth
  • 4 cell Li-Ion battery
  • Price starts from £700

PROS:

  • One of the best lightweight laptops (just 3.1lbs), and ultra thin (1.4 in)
  • 4 cell battery lasts up to 3.9 hours
  • Elegant design and rugged construction

CONS:

  • Screen can be viewed only at certain angles and sound is low.

Detailed Specification:

Processor Intel Core 2 Duo ( 2 GHz)
Memory 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Hard drive 120 GB 5400 RPM Hitachi Travelstar
Optical CD / DVD drive External DVD RW (optional)
Display XGA TFT 1024 x 768
Video RAM 256 MB RAM
Weight 3.1 lbs
Dimension 10.6″ x 8.3″ x 1.4″
Network type Modem, Ethernet, Intel 3945ABG wireless adapter, Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR, optional WWAN
Graphics Intel GMAX3100
Audio Headphone out, microphone in
I/O ports (Data) 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 FireWire, 1 PC card slot and one media card reader
OS Windows Vista Business Edition
Battery 4 cell 2600 mAh (runtime 3.9 hours)
Price starting at £700

Expert Review:

30294_g1.jpg

The ultra portable Thinkpad X61 laptop from the Lenova (formerly IBM) stable has 2 models to choose from: the X61 and the X61s. The latter has a slightly slower processor with corresponding longer battery life. Both are very compact and light weight.

The X61 has a rugged construction typical of Thinkpads with a strong body, solid keyboard, and sturdy hinges. The outer dimensions of the laptop are 10.6″ x 8.3″ x 1.4″ and a weight of just 3.1 lbs which puts it in the ultra compact range. The display is 12″ XGA TFT matrix with a resolution of 1048 x 768 pixels. It has a somewhat limited viewing angle close to the screen.

The processing is handled by Intel T7300 2 GHz chip with 4MB cache and matches desktops in performance. This means math intensive applications run at the same speed as in desktops though for Office applications it does not matter much. The laptop has Intel X3100 integrated graphics which is an improvement in performance over previous T61 series. The hard disk has a capacity of 120 GB which is sufficient for most day to day needs.

x-7l.jpg

The external connectivity is through traditional Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, Intel 3945ABG wireless adapter, Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR, with optional WWAN connection. The wireless adapter can automatically detect wi-fi hotspots. It also has the standard array of 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Firewire, and a media card reader. Another feature of the X61 laptop is the TPM chip with fingerprint security for logins.

The X61 has optional ultra base docking station that provides for external optical DVD RW drive, and to have desktop like experience it also has facility for full keyboard, mouse, and monitor connection. The optional Turbo memory loads application quickly and saves power. The memory can be enhanced up to 4 GB while the hard disk as well as the battery capacity can also be increased.

The X61 is loaded with Windows Vista Business Edition operating system and lot of free ware but does not have software to create recovery disks as standard. It has to be paid for separately. The X61 battery has 4 cells with 2600 mAh rating and a runtime of 3.9 hours under normal usage. An optional 8 cell battery pack is also available. The X61 has a base 1 year warranty up gradable to 3 year NBD onsite warranty.

In conclusion, the Lenova Thinkpad X61 is a highly portable laptop that provides desktop like performance but lacks internal optical DVD drive in the standard configuration, somewhat low audio and limited screen view. Along with the optional features, the cost would exceed £1000 which puts it in the top price bracket.

Looking for cheap Lenovo laptops?

Visit our cheap Lenovo laptops price comparison page for the 50 cheapest Lenovo laptops from the best laptop shops on the web. Price comparison updated at least twice a day.