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Lenovo ThinkPad X61 Tablet PC Review
`0 Reads (437,758)
`June 12, 2007
`by Ed Hardy
`
`. . . .'1'2-tt•
`
`lf'll\tliil .,_,. Discuss {64) .:i Email o Print
`SPECS
`
`SHOP
`
`i
`
`~
`
`Lenovo's ThinkPad X61 has been the talk of the Tablet community since its release and after
`spending a few days with it, I can see why. The matte black finish and rugged feel of the X61 is
`right away appealing. The overall design is solid and its based on the new Intel Santa Rosa
`platform. It seems that the X61 has taken care of all the flaws its predecessor, the X60, had.
`Meaning it has better performance, benchmark results and battery life.
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`Lenovo ThinkPad X61 Tablet PC Review
`
`tabletpcreview.com/tabletreview/lenovo-thinkpad-x61-tablet-pc-review/
`
`Ed Hardy
`
`Lenovo’s ThinkPad X61 has been the talk of the Tablet community since its release and
`after spending a few days with it, I can see why. The matte black finish and rugged feel
`of the X61 is right away appealing. The overall design is solid and its based on the new
`Intel Santa Rosa platform. It seems that the X61 has taken care of all the flaws its
`predecessor, the X60, had. Meaning it has better performance, benchmark results and
`battery life.
`
`Front view of the ThinkPad X61 in
`notebook mode. (view large
`image)
`
`The Lenovo ThinkPad X61 Tablet
`PC specs as reviewed (tested price
`about $2,100)
`
`CPU
`
`OS
`
`RAM
`
`Display
`
`Graphics
`
`Audio
`
`Hard Drive
`
`Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 1.6GHz
`
`Windows Vista Ultimate
`
`2GB DDR2
`
`12.1″ MultiView/MultiTouch XGA (1024×768) TFT
`
`Intel GMA X3100 graphics, Intel 965 Express
`Chipset
`
`Integrated speakers
`
`100GB (7200 rpm)
`
`Optical Drive
`
`None
`
`1/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`I/O ports
`
`3 x USB
`1 x VGA – 15 pin
`1 x Microphone-in
`1x Headphone
`1 x PC Card
`1 x SD Card
`
`Communications
`
`Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
`10/100/1000 Ethernet
`ThinkPad 11a/b/g II
`WLAN and WWAN
`Bluetooth
`
`Dimensions/Weight
`
`10.8″ x 9.6″ x 1.1-1.3″
`3.8lbs.
`
`Battery/power
`
`8-cell Lithium Ion
`
`
`
`Design and Build
`
`The ThinkPad X61 maintains most of the same design features as its predecessor, the
`X60. All of the X series models have that signature flat black casing which is quite nice.
`There are no annoying issues with fingerprints on the case, and who said you have to be
`shiny to look good anyway? The design is very minimalistic, but solid. Out of all the
`Tablets I have reviewed so far, the X61 is one of my favorites in terms of design, mostly
`due to its simplicity and functionality.
`
`The X61 making its way into Tablet
`mode. (view large image)
`
`There is no flex in the overall case and the
`chassis is sturdy. The X61 Tablet is easy to
`carry around as well, only weighing in at
`3.8lbs. When it was in my notebook case I
`hardly even noticed the extra weight.
`
`2/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`Students or on-the-go business professionals may want to take a good look at the X61
`because this little Tablet is lightweight and rugged. The X61 has a small hinge, yet it still
`eliminates almost any hint of screen wobble. It also has the ThinkVantage Active
`Protection System, which protects the hard drive in the event of a system shocks or
`drop.
`
`The X61’s hinge. (view large image)
`
`Display
`
`The display on the X61 is nice. I know
`many users have said that the Lenovo
`screens are washed out, but I didn’t find
`that to be the case with the X61. It does
`look a little faded when the screen is
`mostly white, but colors come through
`just fine. Especially impressive is that
`there’s no graininess issue with the screen that I’ve seen on just about every other dual
`touch screen and pen enabled Tablet I’ve tested. The only real issue I had was with the
`screen’s brightness. Even when set on the highest setting it was a little dim, which is
`probably why the screen looks washed out to many users.
`
`The X61 in Tablet mode. (view large
`image)
`
`The X61’s touchscreen is great, it is very
`responsive to the touch of your finger. It
`also has Wacom active pen technology, so
`you can choose between input methods of
`pen or finger. The screen converts into
`Tablet mode with no problems, thanks to
`the secure hinge, which pivots 180
`degrees clockwise. Once in Tablet mode
`the screen automatically adjusts itself to
`Tablet orientation or you can choose how
`you want the screen to be with the touch of a button.
`
`3/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`The X61 in Tablet mode, with vertical
`screen. (view large image)
`
`Processor and System Performance
`
`The X61 has improved in the performance
`department compared to the X60, it beat the
`X60 on all of the benchmarking tests. The
`Core 2 Duo L7500 1.6GHz processor doesn’t
`have any problems running multiple
`applications at the same time.
`
`The X61 I reviewed came with 2GB of
`memory, which is pretty much a necessity
`when running Vista, but you can get up to
`4GB if you are interested. It also had a
`100GB (7200 rpm) hard drive, which leaves you plenty of space to store those media
`files or documents. Boot-up time was a little slow, but nothing major, and that’s more a
`symptom of Vista.
`
`Benchmarks
`
`Comparison Results for PCMark05
`
`PCMark05 measures the systems performance as a whole: The ThinkPad X61 kicked
`butt in the PCMark05 test, blowing away all the other notebooks in its class.
`
`Notebook
`
`Lenovo ThinkPad X61 (Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz, Intel GMA
`X3100 graphics)
`
`Gateway E-155C (Intel Core 2 Duo ULV 1.06GHz, Intel GMA 950
`graphics)
`
`LG C1 (Intel Core Duo 1.2GHz, Nvidia Go 7300)
`
`Toshiba R400 (Intel Core Duo ULV 1.2GHz, Intel GMA 950
`graphics)
`
`HP tx1000 (AMD Turion X2 2.0GHz, Nvidia Go 6150)
`
`Asus R1F (1.66GHz Core Duo, Intel GMA 950 graphics)
`
`PCMark05
`Score
`
`3,436
`PCMarks
`
`2,205
`PCMarks
`
`2,568
`PCMarks
`
`2,187
`PCMarks
`
`3,052
`PCMarks
`
`2,724
`PCMarks
`
`4/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`Lenovo ThinkPad X60t (1.66GHz LV Core Duo)
`
`Panasonic ToughBook T4 (Intel 1.20GHz LV)
`
`Asus R2H (900MHz Celeron M)
`
`Toshiba Tecra M6 (1.66GHz Intel T2300E, Intel GMA 950)
`
`2,860
`PCMarks
`
`1,390
`PCMarks
`
`845 PCMarks
`
`2,732
`PCMarks
`
`
`
`Super Pi
`
`In the below results of Super Pi, where the processor is timed in calculating Pi to 2
`million digits:
`
`Notebook
`
`Time to Calculate Pi to 2 Million
`Digits
`
`Lenovo ThinkPad X61 (1.6GHz Core 2
`Duo)
`
`Gateway E-155C (1.06GHz ULV Core 2
`Duo)
`
`LG C1 (1.2GHz Intel Core Duo)
`
`Toshiba R400 (1.2GHz ULV Core Duo)
`
`Asus R1F (1.66GHz Core Duo)
`
`Lenovo ThinkPad X60t (1.66GHz LV Core
`Duo)
`
`1m 11s
`
`1m 58s
`
`1m 49s
`
`2m 10s
`
`1m 20s
`
`1m 24s
`
`IBM ThinkPad X41t (1.5GHz LV Pentium M)
`
`2m 02s
`
`HP TC4400 Tablet PC (2.0GHz Core Duo)
`
`1m 13s
`
`Dell Latitude X1 (1.1 GHz ULV Pentium M)
`
`2m 40s
`
`Dell Latitude D420 (1.06GHz Core Solo
`ULV)
`
`Toshiba Portege M400 (1.83GHz Core Duo
`)
`
`2m 11s
`
`1m 19s
`
`
`
`Comparison Results for 3Dmark05
`
`5/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`3DMark05 tests the overall graphic capabilities of a notebook, below is how the X61 did
`compared to other notebooks:
`
`Notebook
`
`Lenovo ThinkPad X61 (1.6GHz Core 2 Duo, Intel GMA X3100
`graphics)
`
`3D Mark 05
`Results
`
`824 3Dmarks
`
`Gateway E-155C (1.06GHz ULV Core 2 Duo, Intel GMA 950)
`
`500 3DMarks
`
`LG C1 (1.2GHz Intel Core Duo, Nvidia Go 7300)
`
`Fujitsu LifeBook S2210 (1.6GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-52, ATI
`x1150)
`
`1,392 3DMarks
`
`810 3DMarks
`
`PortableOne UX (2.0GHz Core 2 Duo, Intel GMA 950)
`
`590 3DMarks
`
`Toshiba Satellite A135 (1.73GHz Core Duo, Intel GMA 950)
`
`519 3D Marks
`
`Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (2.0GHz Core Duo, ATI X1400 128MB)
`
`2,092 3D Marks
`
`Fujitsu n6410 (1.66 GHz Core Duo, ATI X1400 128MB)
`
`2,273 3DMarks
`
`
`
`HDTune Results
`
`Below are the results from running the HD Tune benchmark that tests hard drive
`performance:
`
`6/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`Keyboard/Pointing Stick/Pen
`
`The large size font for letters and numbers on the keys are nice and make it easy to see
`things. The ThinkPad has a much storied keyboard that everybody raves about, but
`personally I just found it to be okay. The keys felt a little cheap and like I was using an
`old school keyboard, but the travel on the keys was good and the feel was firm. The keys
`are responsive, which is nice especially if you are a fast typer. Although some of the keys
`are shortened like the Enter, Fn, Backspace and arrow keys, the keyboard still has a nice
`layout and is easy to use. The keyboard also has a spill proof layer that protects the
`internals from that spilled glass of water, I didn’t test this though, I am just taking
`Lenovo’s word on it.
`
`The X61’s keyboard and the little
`red pointing stick.(view large
`image)
`
`The pointing stick is actually a nice
`feature. I was impartial to it at first
`considering I use a notebook with
`a touchpad on a daily basis, but
`once you get used to the little nub,
`it’s great. It’s just as accurate as
`the touchpad and probably faster
`once you’re used to it. I enjoyed
`not having to move my hand
`around as much when navigating through applications as well.
`
`X61’s pen below the PaperMate.
`(view large image)
`
`Tablet pens usually don’t feel as
`comfortable as your standard ink
`pen, but the X61’s actually did. For
`starters the pen was almost the
`same size as my PaperMate ink pen. It is made of solid plastic, so it doesn’t have that
`cheap feel and the eraser worked like a real eraser. No scribbles, just turn the pen over
`and erase away those mistakes in NotePad. Lenovo also sends along some replacement
`tips, which is a nice gesture.
`
`Tablet PC Features
`
`The X61 has the active rotate feature that automatically adjusts your screen’s
`orientation to how you turn it. Since this is a Tablet, you know you will want to turn
`screen, so it is easier for you write on, especially for those users who take lots of notes.
`
`7/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`There is also a button, for quick change of the screen’s orientation. There is an escape
`button, Tablet shortcut menu button and a navigation dial as well. However the
`navigation dial isn’t easy to use all the time, sometimes it gets hit on accident if you are
`writing on the screen while it’s vertical.
`
`X61 Tablet shortcut buttons,
`power and volume control. (view
`large image)
`
`Another great feature the X61
`offers is the touchscreen. Not only
`do you have Wacom support when
`using the pen, but you can use
`your finger to navigate through
`applications. The touchscreen is
`very responsive too, not like Gateway’s E-155C. The screen does get full of fingerprints
`though, so if you like using your finger instead of the pen you need to have a cloth
`around to wipe those off.
`
`Video
`
`Ports
`
`The X61 has your basic array of ports including three USB ports, which are located on
`the sides of the Tablet, one VGA-15 pin, one microphone, one headphone, a Modem
`port, power jack, a PC card slot, an SD card slot and an expansion slot on the bottom for
`a docking station. You can almost miss the SD slot though because it is hidden
`underneath the PC card slot by the pen’s silo.
`
`Front view of the X61. (view large
`image)
`
`Right side view of the X61. (view
`large image)
`
`Left side view of X61. (view large
`image)
`
`Back view of the X61. (view large image)
`
`Under side of the X61 Tablet PC. (view large image)
`
`8/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`Battery
`
`The X61 has great battery life.
`When I compared it to my Asus
`R1, I was in love. The X61 lasted
`about an hour and a half longer
`than the Asus R1 just on the standard
`default settings. I was getting about 5
`hours on the standard default setting,
`which has no power saving adjustments.
`When I went into the Power Manager
`settings where I could change the battery
`settings like performance, battery life and
`screen brightness, I was getting up to 7
`hours. Now that is what I call mobile
`computing. Do keep in mind the X61
`Tablet as tested came with the larger 8-
`cell battery.
`
`Heat and Noise
`
`The X61 produced a good amount of heat when running the benchmark tests, but
`besides that not much. During normal (surfing the Web) usage the heat was hardly
`noticeable. It wasn’t very noisy either, but it did make some noise when running the
`benchmarks or when I was running multiple applications. Besides that though, the fan
`didn’t kick on much.
`
`Speakers
`
`The speakers on the X61 aren’t to bad. They aren’t anything to brag about either, but
`this is a Tablet. If you turn the volume up to the louder settings when listening to music,
`you will notice a bit of distortion, but besides that they are pretty clear. There is no bass,
`but the Jazz sample I listened to sounded pretty crisp and solid.
`
`Comparison of the X61 Tablet
`(right) vs. the Asus R1 Tablet
`(left). (view large image)
`
`Software
`
`The ThinkPad X61 didn’t come
`with much bloatware. The only
`annoying thing I came across was
`Norton, which I just ignored. It
`actually came with a 60-day trial period of Microsoft Office and some other Windows
`basics like Windows Photo Gallery and Media Player.
`
`9/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`It does have the ThinkVantage software though that protects the X61’s data, gives you
`system updates and keeps your personal information secure and private. You can also
`get Web support here and wireless and networking options.
`
`Wireless
`
`The X61 has a few different wireless options. The built-in Access Wireless manager is
`designed to keep staying connected easy and seamless as you move from location to
`location. Though I have to admit to having issues with this software when used with my
`home wireless router, but just fine when using the office wireless router for whatever
`reason.
`
`There is also an option for WWAN connectivity through Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO
`service. It also has Bluetooth, which comes in handy for those users who may want to
`use a wireless mouse or any other wireless device. Overall staying connected wasn’t
`much of a problem, once you figure out the settings.
`
`Conclusion
`
`The X61s on the left and the X61
`Tablet on the right (view large
`image)
`
`I wasn’t sure how I would like the
`X61 considering I have never
`owned a ThinkPad before, but
`many users swear by them and
`now I can see why. The pointing
`stick and keyboard are both very
`responsive and accurate. The
`design isn’t anything fancy, but it
`is solid. You don’t have to worry
`about knocking this Tablet around because it can withstand those little bumps and
`bruises. Lenovo even gives users the luxury of a touchscreen and Wacom, now you know
`this is a Tablet designed for touch input. The screen changes orientation automatically
`in Tablet mode and the Tablet shortcut buttons give you access to volume, brightness,
`pen settings and more in seconds. Some users may not be fond of the X61 since it isn’t a
`widescreen and the display at times can seem dull, but these weaknesses are far
`outweighed by all of the benefits.
`
`Pros
`
`Rugged housing, hides fingerprints very well
`Has both touchscreen and Wacom
`Great battery life, up to 7 hours in power savings mode
`
`10/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

`

`Full sized pen with eraser writes like your standard ink pen
`
`Cons
`
`No widescreen
`The screen isn’t the brightest and some colors look dull
`No optical drive built-in (but this saves on weight)
`
`Pricing and Availability
`
`For pricing and availability check out Lenovo’s website for more information. You can
`customize your X61 through Lenovo as well, which I know many users like to do.
`
`11/11
`
`Lenovo EX-1018,
`
`

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