3. Hardware

At this point we digress a bit, because the equipment of the X61s was a mystery to us. It started when the device did not want to log on to the WLAN in our office. The reason we quickly discovered was that the wireless module was not active, and we were not able to get it to work. When we talked to Lenovo it turned out that our device was not equipped with a WLAN module.The reason was that Lenovo wanted to equip our model with a Turbo Memory Module and wireless, but the X61 series offers only one slot. Therefore, they decided on the Turbo Memory Module. This raises two questions. First, why did Lenovo opt for a feature with rather negligible benefits over something that is almost indispensable in the business sector? Second, why is Lenovo allowed to put the Centrino logo on the Thinkpad?

Centrino is Intel’s name for a platform consisting of processor, chipset and wireless module. The Centrino logo may only be used if the platform is used in this combination, and Intel keeps an eye on how it is used. Does Lenovo simply defy this? Is this a mistake? Or does Intel close its eyes for its major customers? After all, there is no Centrino logo on Apple computers, although they use the appropriate Intel technology.

Update: After consulting with Lenovo, we got an explanation. Apparently, something went wrong in internal communications when the test equipment was ordered for us. Through a misunderstanding we got a device without WLAN. Lenovo apologized for the error and said explicitly that the standard configuration always comes with the Intel 3945 a/b/g wireless module.

Speaking of logos, Lenovo’s reason for putting a "Vista Basic" sticker on the X61s will probably remain a secret: the GM965 used can easily handle the Vista Aero Glass desktop. Although nobody will be alienated by this, it is kind of odd. Hardware

In addition to a Core 2 Duo L7300 Merom core running at 1.4 GHz with 4 MB L2 cache, the X61s relies on an Intel GM965 chipset, including integrated graphics. 2 GB of RAM in the form of a single module and an 80 GB hard drive running at 5,400 RPM ensure sufficient memory and storage capacity. Lenovo has put in a Robson Turbo Memory card with 1 GB, but an optical drive is missing.

For a business notebook, the Thinkpad makes two mistakes in the network area. As described before, the test device arrived for review without WLAN, but Bluetooth is also not integrated in this configuration, which is more than disappointing. Modem and Gigabit Ethernet are available via cable, and a fingerprint sensor and TPM are included. A webcam is missing, but this is not required in the business sector. A PCMCIA / PC Card Type II slot is available as an extension slot.

In terms of ports, the Thinkpad gains more points: it has three USB 2.0 ports and even offers FireWire, which can only be found on the Toshiba. Just like the other candidates, it is limited to a VGA output: HDMI, DVI and even S-Video are missing. On the bottom is a connection for a X6 UltraBase docking station, but it also lacks digital monitor outputs.

Software

Windows Vista Business Edition is used as the operating system; SP1 is not yet installed. The notebook does not come with any installation or driver media. Instead, with its ThinkVantage suite, Lenovo offers several tools to restore, both from Windows as well as from a recovery partition. It also includes some diagnostic options, and even takes care of driver and system updates. Otherwise, the software bundle is rather small. A 90-day trial version of Norton Internet Security is preinstalled, as well as PC Doctor 5. Diskeeper Home version 9 replaces Windows’ own defragmenter.

Subjective Performance

The X61s is fully convincing in terms of subjective performance; it always feels quick and has sufficient performance reserves. The balancing act between weight and performance is managed best by this candidate.

Warranty Lenovo gives a three-year warranty on the Thinkpad X61, but the customer must send in the device. In contrast, other companies offer a pick-up and delivery service.