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The ThinkPad X61 is a sturdy little powerhouse that boasts a low-voltage 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB or RAM, and a 100GB, 7200rpm hard disk. Weighing in at about 3 pounds, the ThinkPad X61 is definitely a godsend for the frequent traveler, and it’s undeniably powerful for its size. It’s about 10.5″ wide, a little over 8″ tall, and the case thickness varies from a bit less than an inch to a still respectable 1.39″ at its widest point. But the unit lacks certain important features, giving it an oddly old-school feel.
This is a well-constructed machine with a nice fit and finish. Lenovo has opted against using a widescreen (16×9) display, instead reverting to an old-school 12.1″ display with a standard 4×3 aspect ratio. Some users who prefer the standard ratio for business use and save the widescreen presentation for their home media. The built-in speakers are nothing to crow about. As it stands, the ThinkPad X61′s display is vivid, performing better in bright-light scenarios than other ultra-portables.
Another first impression is that Lenovo is still using its red TrackPoint pointing stick in the center of the keyboard. The ThinkPad offers no touch pad, a far more preferable navigation device. Three mouse buttons underneath the keyboard provide left-click, right-click, and scroll functionality. Even after a month, this setup decidedly frustrating and unfriendly. However, once you used for a while, you will like that the ThinkPad boasts nice, large keys that invite more comfortable typing than most ultra-portable keyboards. Pay special attention to the ThinkVantage button just beneath the screen: Pressing it brings up the ThinkVantage Productivity Center, a terrific resource to help you with system maintenance.
There is also some new gadgetry on the ThinkPad X61 that might increase your interest: For example, a fingerprint reader just to the right of the mouse buttons lets you securely log on, and a button on the bottom lets you disable the Wi-Fi radio.
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The ThinkPad X61 offers basic connectivity ports and inputs, including an expansion bus for the UltraBase or an extended battery, three USB 2.0 ports, a 1394 port, an external display adapter connector, audio and Ethernet ports, as well as the expected AC adapter plugs and RJ-11 modem port.
The ThinkPad X61 ran Windows Vista Business, and its performance to be generally pleasing. Bootup seemed average, but Internet activity was impressive if not startling. After diving into some multitasking, the benefit of the processor: There was no lag switching quickly from application to application. Probably the ThinkPad X61 greatest competitive advantage is its dual-core performance in such a travel friendlypackage.
The unit came with a larger, higher-capacity battery that gave the ThinkPad X61 an impressive battery life of more than five hours. Also as always, that larger battery increased the weight, size, and price of the laptop itself, so be aware of those tradeoffs. The bigger battery is certainly a necessary upgrade, though. The ThinkPad X61 isn’t the smallest of lightest ultra-portable available.
The dualcore power or its extreme portability. This is a comfortable device for the road warrior, as long s you can get past its idiosyncrasies.