Executive Summary:
The Lenovo ThinkPad T61p is an outstanding laptop that comes equipped with a Core 2 Duo processor, a crisp 15-inch widescreen display, copious amounts of RAM and disk storage, and integrated security features. Also, the Lenovo ThinkPad T61p scored a 4.0 out of 5.9 on the Windows Experience Index.
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When it comes to high-end business laptops, Lenovo
has a long history of providing leading-edge features
in an attractive, well-built package. Such is the case with the
Lenovo ThinkPad T61p, an outstanding laptop that should be
at the top of your list if you’re looking for a laptop for a smallto-
midsized business (SMB) or enterprise.
My review unit arrived with a 15.4" widescreen display, a
80GB hard disk drive, 2GB of RAM, a DVD-RW drive, and was
running Windows Vista Business. A 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
processor handles the processing duties, and a NVIDIA Quadro
NVS 140M graphics controller with 128MB of RAM manages
graphics and video. Integrated wireless communications
(in the form of WiFi and Bluetooth) come standard on the
ThinkPad T61p. A variety of processor speeds, RAM sizes,
and hard disk drives are also available: The ThinkPad
T61p can be configured with top-level components,
including a 2.4GHz CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 160GB
5400rpm Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk drive with full
disc encryption. A variety of Vista versions are also
available, including Vista Business 64.
Although many laptops are available with the aforementioned
specifications, Lenovo also included some unique features in
the ThinkPad T61p. For example, my test unit came with an integrated fingerprint
reader for additional security. A shock-mounted hard disk drive helps prevent data from getting
scrambled if the laptop is dropped, while an integrated roll cage provides extra protection and rigidity
to safeguard the laptop’s internal components from damage. Lenovo even engineered a drainage
hole that channels fluids that get spilled onto the keyboard away from the laptop’s internal components—
Lenovo’s public relations staff will be happy to know that I didn’t get the chance to test that
feature.
Setting up the laptop was easy and straightforward, and the pricing is competitive with comparable
laptops. The ThinkPad T61p is a large laptop,
but weighs just 6.5 pounds. According to Lenovo, the
ThinkPad T61p’s six-cell Lithium-ion battery will last up
to 5.5 hours, while the nine-cell Li-ion battery will last
up to 8.3 hours. My test laptop generated only a 4.0
(out of 5.9) on the Windows Experience Index because
of a low graphics performance score. Upgrading to a
more powerful NVIDIA graphics controller would raise
that score. I’ve never been a fan of the pencil erasersized
TrackPoint device; however, Lenovo thoughtfully
includes a traditional touchpad as an alternate mouse
control method. One thing I didn’t like about the Think-
Pad T61p is that some of the buttons at the top of the
keyboard seemed a bit narrow, but I digress. There
really isn’t much not to like about this laptop, which is
clearly one of the best business laptops currently available.
If your IT shopping list includes laptops, take my
advice and give the ThinkPad T61p a look.
Summary
ThinkPad T61p
Widescreen Laptop
PROS: Excellent performance; integrated
security features; crisp and clear display;
potent CPU
CONS: Small volume control buttons; modest
graphics performance
RATING: 4 ½
PRICE: Starts at $1,369
RECOMMENDATION: If you’re shopping
for a laptop for a SMB or enterprise, take a
look at the ThinkPad t61p—you’ll be hardpressed
to find a better high-end business
laptop.
CONTACT: Lenovo • 866-968-4465 •
www.lenovo.com
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