Lenovo hits one out of the park. Product: Lenovo ThinkPad T60 Widescreen
Intel Core 2 Duo T7400
2.0GB RAM
120GB SATA Hard Drive
15.4in WSXGA Display
DVD-RW
I’ve long been a proponent of IBM’s ThinkPad line, but when Lenovo bought the brand a few years ago, I got worried. Could Lenovo keep the ThinkPad a true ThinkPad? The simple answer is yes. I love my T60. I replaced my HP Pavilion zt3200 of three years with the T60, and I’ve not looked back. Of course it’s faster, and has more memory, but what really shines is the ThinkPad software suite and durability of the unit.
ThinkPad’s have long been known for their keyboards, and the T60 doesn’t disappoint. The keyboard is comfortable, responsive, and a delight to type on. The T60 includes the “ThinkLight,” a small LED light in the top of the display that will illuminate the keyboard for typing in the dark. The unit also has Presentation Director — quite possibly the best video and theme management software I’ve ever used. I am constantly moving my ThinkPad from it’s dock to my lap, to a classroom, and back. With any other PC this would require a trip to the display settings each time. Not with Presentation Director. I can, with only one click, switch my display, wallpaper, and brightness settings for each task.
The new system update software even eliminates the need to go to Lenovo’s web site to download drivers. It’s easier — and faster — than Windows Update. This is probably the first PC-based update system that is as complete as Apple’s update on the Mac.
If you’re looking for good wifi reception, the T60 comes out on top. Wireless range is fantastic, and extremely reliable.
The only problem I’ve had with my unit is a buggy video driver for the ATI Mobility Xpress 1400 graphics card. Lenovo has pushed four updates to it since receiving my unit, and the problem diminishes each time, but is still prone to pop up.
The ThinkPad is lacking only one hardware feature — a S-Video output. Each other ThinkPad includes this, but not the T60. There are times I wish it had one.
Overall, the T60 is the best laptop I’ve ever owned. Battery life with the 9-cell optional battery is up to six hours, and the battery isn’t extremely heavy, nor is it’s extra size a problem for me.
Rating 5 out of 5: Excellent.