Thinking Lenovo

GIZMO GALLERY

The T60 and X60/X60s are the latest revisions to the ThinkPad line that incorporate a fair number of improvements and a few changes too. The ThinkPad X60 is an update to the ThinkPad X40, and comes charged with 512MB RAM, 40GB hard disk, 12.1 inch LCD screen and is priced at Rs 89,900 (taxes extra).

The distinguishing factor between the X60 and earlier IBM-designed ThinkPads includes a redesigned keyboard (that includes a Windows key now) and a new dock connector. The model certainly benefits from the Core Duo's speed and an extended battery life that supports a complete day's work!

One look at its predecessor, the X40, and you will realise that its claim to fame was a rather primitive Intel chipset at 1.5GHz. Increasing the frequency and including two cores rather than one, you will see a marked difference in X60 by simply loading Office apps.

There are a few bewildering but interesting 'ThinkVantage' ways to help managing and protecting ThinkPads. For instance, if you activate the 'Away Manager' before you hand over the X60 to another user and you can be sure that the hard disk will be defragmented, spyware removal tool does a thorough check and that backups are created and all these tasks will run in 'Whisper Mode', that run's whenever the notebook is left idle for a certain period of time.

Plus points What's the point of having an ultraportable computer where the battery dies in 2 hours? This is where the machine scores. Look at the standard three-cell battery powered machines like the LifeBook Q2010 that last around 2.5 hours and the Panasonic ToughBook goes for 4.5 hours, and the Sony VAIO TX that supports up to 5 hours on battery power.

Lenovo ThinkPad X60 holds all day long with 7.5-8 hours of battery life. If the X40 debuted at 1.5kg (with its extended battery attached), the X60 weighs 1.65kg (heavier than a typical Sony Vaio or a HP).

Build quality has never been a question on Thinkpads, whether they were made by IBM or Lenovo. The Thinkpad X60 series is no different. Overall quality, fitment, and rigidity is rock solid on this machine.

But if you pick the machine up by one corner only, then you would find yourself wishing for a lighter and sleeker builds that Sony is identified with.

Of course, the major knock against an ultraportable is that in order to keep weight down often times they don't come with a built-in optical drive. X60 is bound to draw some flak here, because an optical drive is fairly common feature.

ThinkPad X60 loses out to competition like Sony, HP, Fujitsu, Panasonic who have made a habit of including cutting edge CD/RW drives with their machines. Admittedly, X60 is a bland looking, somewhat less appealing than others in the same price category.

Some might find the built-in EVDO antenna an irresistible feature and some will love the extra USB port and FireWire. Personally, the battery life had me all flutters about this notebook and I believe this is the real story.

Downsides First and foremost its cost, Rs 89,990 plus taxes, will prohibit the average user from wanting to pick this model up and even the most spend-happy shopper will scoff at getting 512MB RAM in a system that costs more than almost Rs 90,000.