Lenovo ThinkPad R61 - Outstanding value so Go Configure!

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If you’re looking for a real viable alternative to the ThinkPad T61 Series but you’re on a budget, then look no further than the ThinkPad R61. Lenovo have developed the R Series ThinkPad line to the level where it is fast becoming the only serious ‘budget’ competitor to the T61.

Fast, light and robust with the same great ThinkPad feel, the R61 has become the ‘ThinkPad’ of choice for the serious home user, student and small business owner who just want that little bit extra quality. And with the same superb ThinkPad keyboard layout, it just feels great to use.

The ThinkPad R Series was originally introduced in October 2001 as the R30, and was soon to replace the cumbersome, heavy, A Series machines.

It’s a new rendition!

The new Lenovo ThinkPad R61 has a raft of fresh features including wide-screen displays from 14.12 to 15.4, an internal roll cage to protect the LCD and enhance the 802.11n Wi-Fi reception, and the option of NVIDIA dedicated graphics.

The original IBM design is still very evident in the Lenovo ThinkPad R61, but the addition of a wide-screen display and all the latest Centrino Duo tricks make this a ThinkPad that should seduce a lot of buyers away from the more mainstream ‘budget offerings’ from the likes of Dell, Toshiba and HP.

With this rendition of the R61, Lenovo is introducing new user friendly features such as a Webcam and an optional Blu-ray drive for those movie buffs amongst us.

Lenovo’s new lightweight and extremely small AC adapters are superb and is just another example of the real thought that their design studio puts into things. What’s the point of carrying around a lightweight laptop if all the extra room in your bag is taken up by a monster power supply?

Robust travel friendly features such as steel screen hinges, a shock-mounted hard drive and the all important finger print security are also there.

The ThinkPad keyboard is the best laptop keyboard available bar none, and affords an exceptionally relaxing typing experience. The R61 features the UltraNav with the trademark red TrackPoint and a touch pad. Both are extremely intuitive and easy to use. Just underneath the screen are three volume buttons, and the blue ThinkVantage button for fast access to Lenovo’s Support Software Suite.

The Useability Factor

Most consumer laptops now sport the ‘trendy’ glossy screen look, which actually makes for dreadful screen viewing in bright light and airports. The ThinkPad R61 sticks with a matte finish screen, which makes it far easier to view movies, photos and documents and gives an excellent viewing experience.

Like to keep in touch with your friends and family whilst your away? Use MSN video or ooVoo? How about the odd YouTube clip to send to the kids while your away on the overseas trip? The R61 includes a great little Webcam on top of the display for all your Video Connectivity needs. Video is a great way to keep in touch and we just love this camera.

The R61 comes with numerous hard drive options including really a fast 7,200rpm drive, a complete choice of Santa Rosa CPUs, from the T7100 to the T7700, and as we said previously, an optional Blu-ray drive.

Conclusion

If you are going to really configure your ThinkPad R61 for full blown power use, it won’t come as cheap as other budget offerings, but you will have an outstanding laptop. Stick to the standard configurations within reason however, and you’ll buy yourself an exceptional laptop with the typically excellent ThinkPad build quality that should outlast any of the ‘manufactured for the masses’ off the shelf stuff you’re going to find in the Shopping Mall or Wal-mart on a Sunday.

If you’re looking for a budget ‘mainstream’ Laptop for university, serious home office, small business, or road warrior use, the R61 gives you that legendary ThinkPad build quality and lastability. You’ll love it!

They are available direct from Lenovo with fast free delivery, so ‘go configure’!