T60 Buying Advice in 2022?

[Carthik]

I want a 4:3 machine with a good keyboard for getting efficient word processing done.

I'm currently bouncing around between my X220, T420s, and W520 when I'm not at my desktop. None of which are satisfying me.

My research has lead me to the T60/T60P.

I just want to run word processing software and maybe some spreadsheet sofrware. Probably going to run an old version of Microsoft Office and an older Windows OS. No need to run modern software or even have internect connectivity for that matter.

I do want the machine to run as cool as possible for when I use it in my lap, so I don't want the fastest CPU or GPU spec. In fact, I want the slowest/coolest. I learned my lesson with the 2960XM I put in my W520. Are these motherboards socketed so I can swap out the CPU to a slower one easily?

A decent screen is a must, the 1600x1200 FlexView IPS screen from the 15" machines seems to be the way to go right? IPS Screen isn't a must, the OEM FHD TN panel I put in my W520 is very good, so I don't mind TN if good panels are available. But higher resolution is definately a plus, I like the idea of 1600x1200. Are the 1600x1200 panels hard to source?

It seems there are no good screen options for the 14" 4:3 T60/T60p models, so I'm guessing 14" T60/T60P models are out?

Most importantly I need the machine to be dead reliable. Heard there are issues with some motherboards?

Also read somewhere that there are variations in "build quality" between machines of different part numbers. I don't care about weight, I want a machine that's built like a tank.

Basically, my wish list is as follows:
-4:3 Screen
-heaviest duty build quality possible
-good quality highest resolution screen available
-coolest running CPU and GPU
-dead reliable hardware

What should I look out for? Are there certain machine numbers etc? Is this wish list even possible?

I don't really want to go with a crazy custom build because I sort of want to get using the machine right away. At the same time, if I had to though it seems I should start with the best motherboard/CPU I need as a clean doner machine and go from there right?

Any help/input/criticism/insults apreciated!

[RealBlackStuff]

You will want a 15" R61 with Intel GPU, upgrade(d) to UXGA, 4-8GB RAM, T8300 or T9300 CPU, W7-Pro/64-bit, Office 2010.
Not to mention a 7-row NMB keyboard.
These tanks run circles around any T60 (or T601 Frankenpad).

[Carthik]

Why the R61 over a T60/T60p/T61/T61P? In that case, why not the R60?

I don't care for processing power at all, it's highly likely this machine will not be connected to the internet, possibly even physically disabled from being able to. This machine will only process and view word documents and probably some spreadsheets.

I'm actually on the fence between Windows 2000 and XP. I'm not a fan of Office 2010, I will probably run a Microsoft Office suite from the Windows 2000 or XP era. Windows 2000 has always been good to me, and I always ran XP in classic theme mode. I want to try my best to limit the load the CPU so I can have the old machine run as cool as possible, and maybe even extend the battery life as much as possible for the odd times that the machine isn't plugged in. I don't see a need for a more modern OS?

I may even run third party word processing software that will take more advantage of the available screen real estate, but for reliability's sake, initially for now plan I plan to run a Microsoft Office suite.

Don't the T60/T60P not share the same 7-row NMB keyboard as the R61?

What exactly is the difference between the T and R series of this era? Where did the R series fall in the line-up? What was IBM's intended application for the R61?

I think I'd be perfectly happy with the following setup:
-15" T60
-integrated graphics
-1.66 single core cpu
-1600x1200 UXGA ips screen
-2GB Ram (1GBx2 in dual channel)
-80 GB Intel SSD
-DVD drive in ultrabay (for quick/easy OS system repair/re-install)
-flush fitting battery for size convenience (whatever model that is)
-Windows 2000 Professional 64 bit
-Office 2000

Anything wrong with this idea? Would I prefer an R61 over this setup for my application? If so, why?

[Carthik]

For some reason I had it in my head that the R series was a fancier model over the T series.

I don't mind lower cpu/gpu spec'd R series if it has the same alloy build quality as the T series.

I've read that some R lines are made of plastic vs magnesium for budgetary reasons as the R series was a cheaper line than the T series. Is this the case with the T60/T61/R60/R61?

[dr_st]

I've read that some R lines are made of plastic vs magnesium for budgetary reasons as the R series was a cheaper line than the T series. Is this the case with the T60/T61/R60/R61?

Yes it is. It makes the machines bulkier and heavier, to get the same sturdiness, at lower price point.

The 15" 4:3 R61 is an interesting model for your needs, because it is native 4:3 and does not require "Frankenpadding" (to get a T61 mobo in T60 chassis). However, it does require a BIOS mod, as far as I know, to accept the newer, faster, cooler, T8xxx/T9xxx Penryn CPUs. You are also limited to Intel GPU in these models, which is exactly what you want.

The 15" 4:3 R61 units were only offered by Lenovo in Europe, not in North America, so they would be easier to come by on the east side of the Atlantic. However, some of them have definitely migrated.

[unixed]

I do want the machine to run as cool as possible for when I use it in my lap, so I don't want the fastest CPU or GPU spec. In fact, I want the slowest/coolest.

The air intake is through the bottom and exhausted through the side and back vents. If you use it in your lap you make it hot, even running a low power CPU/GPU for long enough. If you must, place a board on your lap first.
The T60-era CPUs/GPUs are less efficient so just avoiding the high-power options doesn't mean you get what you want.
You won't find a T60 with intel graphics (the cool-running option) and an UXGA IPS screen.
With the R61 similarly you have to swap in an UXGA IPS screen, flash the BIOS, change the CPU.
The only way to avoid any modification and get what you want is to get a 15.4" 16:10 T61 with intel graphics and WSXGA+ screen -- that is like running a 14.1" 4:3 T61 with a good (TN) screen. Of course you have to be lucky with the screen but generally they are good quality based on the ones I've seen. This is basically too restrictive (and may in fact be a chimera, you'd have to check the spreadsheet to find how many models have integrated graphics and a WSXGA+ screen) so it's best to count on doing some level of modification.

[RealBlackStuff]

In that era/group the only 15" 4:3 options were T60, R60 and R61.
I have built about 75 Frankenpads, most of them T60, maybe a dozen R60/R61.
R60/R61 is a bit heavier/thicker than T60, but is definitely much sturdier than T60.
R60/R61 also had the option of NO TOUCHPAD, which may be of interest to you.
R60/R61 also run cooler because of more space inside the chassis.
If you want 64-bit T60/R60 you need at least a T5500, which is quite the "hottie". A T7200 would be cooler/better here.
NMB (and Alps and Chicony) keyboards are all the same between them.
As mentioned already, you'll need to upgrade any 15" T6x/R6x with Intel GPU to UXGA.
Many R61 that I have seen could natively run a Penryn CPU.
If you are after Intel GPU only, then R61 is the most versatile, with the least "conversions" required.
But good luck finding one in Canada.

PS: I mentioned Office 2010, because I still use that, combined with UbitMenu, which does away with that horrible Micro$haft ribbon.

[unixed]

R60/R61 also run cooler because of more space inside the chassis.

The base of the R61 is actually the same thickness as the T60/T61 -- I've run them side-by-side for years. The difference in height is due to the lid. The R61 generally runs a lower-powered CPU and has integrated graphics (4:3) and the air-flow regime is different.

Many R61 that I have seen could natively run a Penryn CPU.

None of the 4:3 R61 can, annoyingly.

[dr_st]

The base of the R61 is actually the same thickness as the T60/T61 -- I've run them side-by-side for years. The difference in height is due to the lid.

Is the above true for 15.4" / 15" models as well, or 14.1" only?

[unixed]

I'm referring to the 15.0" R61. While not using calipers, I can't distinguish between the height of the base when typing on it or running my hand over it and a 15.4" and 14.1" (4:3) T61 side-by-side. Although not currently in front of me, I'd say the same is true of the 15.0" T60 since I would have noticed the height difference with the R61 (when side-by-side) and because of the transitive relation of the base heights. If there is a discrepancy I'll note it in this thread but consider it unlikely.

[RealBlackStuff]

Both 15" R61 mobos 42W7822 and 44C3810 are native Penryn capable.

[unixed]

With which BIOS?