Question:
D620 vs. z61t
Basically I guess I just want to know if the better build quality of the Lenovo is worth the performance difference. I'll probably just be bringing it to university with me. They both weigh around 5 lbs, right?
Here is what the D620 would look like:
Components
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7200 (2.00GHz) 4M L2 Cache, 667Mhz Dual Core
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2, with media
14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ LCD Panel
2.0GB, DDR2-667 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
80GB Hard Drive, 9.5MM, 7200RPM
Save $49! 24X CD-RW/DVD w/ Cyberlink PowerDVD™
256MB NVIDIA® Quadro NVS 110M TurboCache™
Dell Wireless™ 1390 802.11g Mini Card
Touchpad with UPEK® Fingerprint Reader
Accessories
6 Cell Primary Battery
Additional 6 Cell Primary Battery
65W A/C Adapter
No Floppy Drive
Software
No Resource CD
Service
3 Year Mail-In Economy Plan
Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service to 3Yr Lim Warranty
$1519 + tax
z61t:
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN: Integrated Wi-Fi Wireless a/b/g antenna
Security: ThinkPad Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0 (ESS)
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5500 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Operating system: Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
Operating system language: Genuine Windows XP Home Edition English
Display: 14.1" WXGA, Black
System graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 DVI pass through, (14.1"LCD & Core 2 Duo)
Total memory: 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 Dimm)
Fingerprint reader: Integrated fingerprint reader
Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Integrated Fingerprint Reader
Hard drive: 100GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device: CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim
Ethernet: Integrated 1Gb Ethernet
Integrated communication: 56K v.92 Designed Modem
Wireless cards: ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ
Battery: 7 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord: Country Pack North America
Language pack: Language Pack US English
Accessories and options:
3 Year Depot Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection
$1499 + tax
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
The Dell is a better deal here. I don't think it is worth sacrificing 1GB of RAM, faster processor, and faster hard drive to get the Lenovo.
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
I highly reccommend the D620. As you can see in my sig, I have one, and I have absolutely no regrets. It also appears to be a better deal from the prices you've listed.
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
Well based on these responses and a few reviews I think I am going to go with the D620. I may or may not trade in the fingerprint reader and extra 6 cell battery for a modular battery. Any other suggestions on how I should modify it are welcome. Basically, I plan to use this laptop mostly for school, web design/photoshop, and maybe a little counter-strike if it runs well. $1500 + tax is my max price though.
The only thing I don't like about it is the lack of a DVI port for my 22" WS monitor, oh well I guess I will settle for VGA. -.-
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
I had a D620. I liked it quite a bit, but the screen on the unit I received was poor. I had the same set up as you with the WXGA+ screen. I don't know if they have resolved this issues. There is a huge thread on this on the forums over at Dell. You might want to check it out. I would say for most people 1GB is enough if you are doing typical tasks. Depending on what you are doing, you may or may not notice the extra oomph of the T7200.
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
we have a D620 at work, and the screen on that one didnt seem to suffer the same problems others have mentioned. other wise it has a MUCH nicer feel and build than your typical Dell Inspirons. Its quite nice.
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
I had a D620. I liked it quite a bit, but the screen on the unit I received was poor. I had the same set up as you with the WXGA+ screen. I don't know if they have resolved this issues. There is a huge thread on this on the forums over at Dell. You might want to check it out. I would say for most people 1GB is enough if you are doing typical tasks. Depending on what you are doing, you may or may not notice the extra oomph of the T7200.
I thought about downgrading the processor but there really isn't anything else I would be able to put the money into to hit the $1999 mark to get the $500 discount. That same computer with the T5500 and 1GB of ram would only be about $40 cheaper.
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
I just recently ordered a D820 (the big brother to the D620) after an extensive amount of research. I can tell you that with the two setups you're looking at, definitely go with the Dell. The slight upgrade in build quality is not nearly enough to justify the lenovo over the higher performing Dell (especially with these recent sales on latitudes).
I can tell you, however, that if you're planning to get a lot of use out of the wifi, you might consider upgrading your wireless card to the intel model. I've heard that the signal quality of the intel cards is much better than the standard dell cards.
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
According to what I have heard, the screen quality issues with the D620 were fixed, so no worries there.
How much battery life do you need? The modular bay battery isn't a bad option if you need more.
Answer:
Re: D620 vs. z61t
Ideally I would like 4+ hours. I don't really use my optical drive too much so I wouldn't really be at a disadvantage without it and the ~.25 pound increase seems worth it for an extra six cells.