Lenovo ThinkPad R61e > Reviews (1)

I love IBM and Lenovo. I think they build the best computers in the world (pc based, I have no intention of getting into the PC/Mac debate right now)

Built around the powerful Intel Centrino Duo this laptop is fantastic value for money. You can get it for between £300-£400 on the web.

Having had an earlier model for several years with no issues whatsoever, I was very sad when it died due to an unfortunate incident with a pint of water.
I was going to get the same machine again but decided to go for this one instead.

As with all the Thinkpad range it is built to last. although some people have issues with the blocky design I think that this is one of the best features, Lenovo/IBM make no attempt at (for want of a better word) tarting it up, why should they. the solid design and construction makes this a very strong, long lasting design that can be carried without the feeling that it might break in your hands.

Along with this design benefit you have the peace of mind that you are using a machine built with solid components and chips unlike many of the low budget machines available out there.

Not only this but if you should ever be unfortunate enough to have an issue (hardware or software) you can pick up the phone and speak to a very professional, helpful, UK based support team (while under warranty) and get things sorted quickly and effortlessly.
One example of this is, I had an issue with a faulty hard drive, I called the support team and had a new hard drive and install diske in my hand 2 days later which I fitted with guidance from the support team over the phone.

Ok on to the machine its self:-
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 / 2.1 GHz with 64-bit Computing
Data Bus Speed 800 MHz
Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Intel 64 Technology, Intel Dynamic Acceleration
Chipset Type Mobile Intel GM965 Express
L2 Cache Memory 3 MB
RAM
Installed Size 2 GB / 3 GB (max)
Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz PC2-5300
Configuration Features 2 x 1 GB
Hard Drive 160 GB - Serial ATA-150
Optical DVD-Writer - integrated
Display Type 15.4" TFT
Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
Widescreen Display
Colour Support 24-bit (16.7 million colours)
Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA X3100 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0
Audio Output Sound card
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio
Audio Input Microphone
Input Device(s)
Keyboard, TrackPoint
56 K Fax / modem
Wireless LAN Supported
Wireless NIC Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x memory - SO DIMM 200-pin 1 ( 1 ) x CardBus - type I/II
Interfaces 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5mm 1 x headphones - output - 3.5 mm phone stereo
Miscellaneous
Security lock slot, administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, ThinkVantage Active Protection System, ThinkPad Roll Cage
Compliant Standards CE, MPR II, BSMI, VCCI Class B ITE, CISPR 22 Class B, NOM, SASO, IEC 60950, UL 60950, FCC Part 15 B, CER, CCC, RoHS, ACA, CSA C22.

2 No. 950
External Power Device AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
6-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Installed Qty 1 / 1 (max)
Operating System / Software
OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN aerial, ThinkLight, Bluetooth aerial

Width 35.9 cm
Depth 26 cm
Height 3.5 cm
Weight 2.8 kg

When I purchased this computer I made a fairly good saving by downgrading from Windows vist to Xp Pro X64 edition as I personally dont like vista and the way it works. I think they got it right with XP and should have just continued to improve that and work on security.

I think that about covers it.

Thanks for reading.