Question:
Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
General specs I'm looking for:
XP Pro (no vista!)
t7500 processor
4GB ram (will buy aftermarket)
x3100 video card
15.4" widescreen with 1680x1050 resolution
3 Year warranty
$1300-1700
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I originally wanted to get the T61, but I've read so many complaints about shipping and the offcenter screen, that I'm starting to doubt my choice. Then two days ago Dell released the Vostro, which is comparable AND cheaper. But I think it's about .5" thicker and a bit heaver. Then I happened upon the 6710b, and really like the understated design, but there are issues with the noisy fan (which may be resolved in the newer machines).
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One note: I'm a graphic designer, so I'm not doing 3D. Just layout work in Quark/Illustrator/Photoshop. Occasionally I'll load up Pirates! or Civilization. I'm opting for the x3100 to get better battery life. Occasionally I'll watch a DVD (with headphones) so speakers are not an issue.
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So, how to compare these three machines? Design? Build quality? Reliability?
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
Well, I think they are all good laptops. On a personal note I think that the HP would be my choice of a "design" (looks, weight, relative size to specs), only winning over the T61 becauase of the off-center screen. The dell is definitely last as their inspiron 1520's are often referred to as bulky/beefy.
The build quality is usually very good on both the T-series and the HP business laptops. Normally I would say that Dell is OK, but a lot of reviewers find their new chassis to be very sturdy and the notebooks to be very well built. I'd say that it's pretty much a draw here from what i can gather, although someone might disagree. In any case they are all of what I would consider above average.
With regards to reliability I think that all of these laptops are quite new, so it is a bit difficult to say, but I think that the T61 and the 6710b are better, although I cannot substantiate this with more than what I would call a "hunch".
Overall I would pick the 6710b because while it may be slightly heavier than the T61 I find that I could not live with the off-center screen. (and the HP looks better IMHO)
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
The HP 6710b is a lower-end business notebook, so it's not exactly comparable to the ThinkPad T61, it will lack of magnesium alloy lid and some other features.
I don't know anything about the Vostro but the Dell equivalent of the T61 is the Latutide D830.
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
The HP 6710b is a lower-end business notebook, so it's not exactly comparable to the ThinkPad T61, it will lack of magnesium alloy lid and some other features.
Good to know, but I am generally pretty careful with my equipment and I don't travel with it all that much, so I don't know the magnesium alloy lid will be so critical.
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
The HP 6710b is a lower-end business notebook, so it's not exactly comparable to the ThinkPad T61, it will lack of magnesium alloy lid and some other features.
I don't know anything about the Vostro but the Dell equivalent of the T61 is the Latutide D830.
Dreamer, I've seen you post this same general comment every time someone brings up the 6710b. It would be helpful if you could give a better explanation for your opinion. Thanks..
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
What kind of explanation do you want?
That's not just an opinion, that's fact. You can find a comparison table on the HP site and you will see that the 6710b lacks of some features such as: dedicated video card option, scratch-resistant surface, magnesium alloy display enclosures, mobile Data Protection System 3D... that's why it's cheaper. I'm not saying it's bad it's not at the level of the high-end model like the HP 8510p for example.
In the same way, Lenovo have T and R series ThinkPads, the R60 also lacked of mag alloy lid and used plastic instead, while the more expensive T60 has the mag lid.
Another example, if you look at the HP 6510b/6515b which is the cheapest model, it won't even have a mag alloy case but just plastic (which makes it thicker and heavier), the high-end model 6910p will have everything.
Whether you want these features or not it's up to, I'm just telling you the facts, most companies offer from low to high business notebook...that's normal.
And so, the HP 6710b is a lower-end notebook, while the T61 and the D830 are high-end models and will have more features and better build quality, right?
Isn't that simple?
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
I would choose T61 as Dell is a bit heavier. I don't know if ThinkPad T61 has so-so screen but ThinkPad T series in general offer great screen over R/X series.
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
go for the dell latitude line, cheaper if not same price as vostro, but built safer and built for what you need. And 4gb of ram is a bit exsesive for what you say you will be doing
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
definately the T61 is a top notch notebook and probably the most expensive of the three. I agree with dreamer, for sure you would want to compare "apples to apples" regarding notebook class. HP's (and compaq for that matter) quality is very very good
Answer:
Re: Lenovo T61 / HP Compaq 6710b / Dell Vostro 1500
i dont think the dell latitude line offers the same specs as what he wants though?? i could be wrong though