IBM Thinkpad X61s - Revision history

Andrei.boiu at 09:31, 23 September 2021

2021-09-23T09:31:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:31, 23 September 2021
Line 80:		Line 80:
	}}		}}

	[[Category:IBM]]		[[Category:IBM laptops]]

Andrei.boiu: /* Other */

2021-09-03T21:28:41Z

Other

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:28, 3 September 2021
Line 25:		Line 25:
	*ExpressCard Slot		*ExpressCard Slot
	*VGA Output (DVI, only on docking station)		*VGA Output (DVI, only on docking station)
	*Firewire, IrDA (infrared) communication, Fingerprint reader (on some models)		*Firewire 400, IrDA (infrared) communication, Fingerprint reader (on some models)
	*10.8V 5200mAh Li Ion rechargeable battery		*10.8V 5200mAh Li Ion rechargeable battery
	*3xUSB 2.0, Dual PS/2, Parallel ports		*3xUSB 2.0, Dual PS/2, Parallel ports

Andrei.boiu at 21:19, 3 September 2021

2021-09-03T21:19:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:19, 3 September 2021
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	*12.1" TFT display with 1024x768 resolution		*12.1" TFT display with 1024x768 resolution
	*Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared VRAM)		*Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared VRAM)
	*Intel HD Audio with ~~AD1981HD~~ codec		*Intel HD Audio with AD1984HD codec

	*~~60, 80, 80,~~ 100, 120, 160GB 5400 or 7200rpm SATA HDD		*100, 120 or 160GB 5400 or 7200rpm SATA HDD
			*SD card slot
	*MiniPCI Express slot with one of the following:		*MiniPCI Express slot with one of the following:
	~~none (empty, WLAN upgradable)~~
	~~IBM (Atheros) 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Express Adapter~~
	~~IBM (Atheros) 11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Mini PCI Express Adapter~~
	Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Adapter		Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Adapter
	Intel PRO/Wireless 4965ABG Mini-PCI Adapter		Intel PRO/Wireless 4965ABG Mini-PCI Adapter
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	*ExpressCard Slot		*ExpressCard Slot
	*VGA Output (DVI, only on docking station)		*VGA Output (DVI, only on docking station)
	*IrDA (infrared) communication, Fingerprint reader (on some models)		*Firewire, IrDA (infrared) communication, Fingerprint reader (on some models)
	*10.8V 5200mAh Li Ion rechargeable battery		*10.8V 5200mAh Li Ion rechargeable battery
	*3xUSB 2.0, Dual PS/2, Parallel ports		*3xUSB 2.0, Dual PS/2, Parallel ports

Andrei.boiu: /* Other */

2021-09-03T21:16:47Z

Other

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:16, 3 September 2021
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	=== Other ===		=== Other ===
	*Stereo speakers (downfiring ~~only on non-widescreen models~~)		*Stereo speakers (downfiring)
	*ExpressCard Slot		*ExpressCard Slot
	*VGA Output (DVI, only on docking station)		*VGA Output (DVI, only on docking station)

Andrei.boiu at 21:16, 3 September 2021

2021-09-03T21:16:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:16, 3 September 2021
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	*Intel Core 2 Duo (L series) 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 GHz CPU (soldered)		*Intel Core 2 Duo (L series) 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 GHz CPU (soldered)
	*512MB, 1GB or 2GB module PC2-5300 memory standard, 4GB max (Intel 945 chipset)		*512MB, 1GB or 2GB module PC2-5300 memory standard, 4GB max (Intel 945 chipset)
	* 14 and 15 inch laptops share the same model name using different chassis:		*12.1" TFT display with 1024x768 resolution
	* 12.1" TFT display with 1024x768 resolution
	*Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared VRAM)		*Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared VRAM)
	*Intel HD Audio with AD1981HD codec		*Intel HD Audio with AD1981HD codec

Andrei.boiu at 21:15, 3 September 2021

2021-09-03T21:15:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:15, 3 September 2021
Line 8:		Line 8:

	== Features ==		== Features ==
	*Intel Core 2 Duo (L series) 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 GHz CPU		*Intel Core 2 Duo (L series) 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 GHz CPU (soldered)
	*512MB, 1GB or 2GB module PC2-5300 memory standard, 4GB max (Intel 945 chipset)		*512MB, 1GB or 2GB module PC2-5300 memory standard, 4GB max (Intel 945 chipset)
	* 14 and 15 inch laptops share the same model name using different chassis:		* 14 and 15 inch laptops share the same model name using different chassis:

Andrei.boiu at 21:08, 3 September 2021

2021-09-03T21:08:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 3 September 2021
Line 5:		Line 5:
	IBM Thinkpad X61s Overview		IBM Thinkpad X61s Overview

	The Thinkpad X61s is a slightly thinner, lighter, X61 with a slightly slower CPU		The Thinkpad X61s is a slightly thinner and lighter Thinkpad X61 with a slightly slower CPU due to size constraints.

	== Features ==		== Features ==

Andrei.boiu at 21:08, 3 September 2021

2021-09-03T21:08:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 3 September 2021
Line 4:		Line 4:
	<div style="margin: 0; margin-right:10px; border: 1px solid #dfdfdf; padding: 0em 1em 1em 1em; background-color:#F8F8FF; align:right;">		<div style="margin: 0; margin-right:10px; border: 1px solid #dfdfdf; padding: 0em 1em 1em 1em; background-color:#F8F8FF; align:right;">
	IBM Thinkpad X61s Overview		IBM Thinkpad X61s Overview

			The Thinkpad X61s is a slightly thinner, lighter, X61 with a slightly slower CPU

	== Features ==		== Features ==
Line 34:		Line 36:
	</div>		</div>
	\|style="vertical-align:top" \|		\|style="vertical-align:top" \|
	[[Image:~~IBM_T60~~.jpg\|IBM ~~T60 14~~"]]		[[Image:IBM_X61.jpg\|IBM X61 12.1"]]
	\|}		\|}

	== Best retro purpose ==		== Best retro purpose ==
	Mid Windows XP era gaming (DirectX 9 for ATI chipsets, DirectX 7-8 for Intel chipset) or as office computer. ~~High resolution display models are not a good choice for a couple of reasons. First~~, ~~since videocards are not powerful enough for 3D accelerated games in native resolution~~, ~~performance~~ is ~~lacking~~. ~~Secondly,~~ the ~~Windows XP GUI looks way too small in native resolution with no magnifying applied~~ and ~~if applied, looks odd due to Windows scaling issues. Moreover, high resolution screens are of~~ the ~~IPS type, using old technology that doesn't refresh fast enough, leaving noticeable trails~~ on ~~fast moving objects. Intel graphics models are cooler running than ATI ones but noticeably slower in 3D games.~~ Windows Vista ~~or 7 runs quite slow, mainly due to the graphics chipset. The safest choice,~~ is a ~~laptop equipped with an 1024x768 screen, preferably with an ATI chipset~~.		Mid Windows XP era gaming (DirectX 9 for ATI chipsets, DirectX 7-8 for Intel chipset) or as office computer. You shouldn't expect the same flexibility, capability and comfort as on larger 14 or 15inch laptops but if portability is important, this laptop is well suited. It should be noted that the 3D videocard is not very powerful and the CPU is even slower than on a typical T61 laptop so performance is seriously lacking and Windows 7 or Vista is not really suited for such a model.

	== Benchmarks ==		== Benchmarks ==

	== Durability and Repair-ability ==		== Durability and Repair-ability ==
	Good plastic quality means that case cracks are less common than on other models but the model by itself is not immune. ~~Removable and the~~ fixed drive bay ~~are~~ easy to access and the case itself is easy to disassemble due to obvious markings on the laptop's underside as well as masking black tape placed on screws. ~~Many generations (series) of laptops~~, ~~such as~~ the ~~T60/T61 use~~ the ~~same easy to find screws, trackpads and buttons, keyboards~~, ~~cooling systems~~ are ~~interchangeable while screens, palmrests, bezels are specific~~ to ~~laptops sizes~~.		Good plastic quality means that case cracks are less common than on other models but the model by itself is not immune. The fixed drive bay is easy to access and the case itself is easy to disassemble due to obvious markings on the laptop's underside as well as masking black tape placed on screws. Compared with the X61 laptop, the only major drawback is that the CPU is soldered, thus repairs are limited to mostly RAM and disk drive.

	The LCD screen's fluorescent backlight is ~~easier~~ to replace ~~since there is plenty of space and a good design~~ on the ~~screen's casing and light dispersion system to accommodate newer and thinner lamps or thicker classic ones.~~ LCD ~~screens can be inter-changed to suit~~ a ~~specific native resolution requirement if the proper original cabling is available~~. ~~Fans and the~~ fan ~~blades can be~~ easily ~~cleaned~~ and ~~bearings can be easily greased~~, ~~providing long service life since fan casing stud mountings can be pried open and placed back again~~.		The LCD screen's fluorescent backlight is not as easy to replace as on the large Thinkpad T61 laptop as the LCD display is a thinner requires more attention during repair and disassembly. The fan is not as easily accessible for cleaning and replacement as on larger Thinkpad T61 models but it is not deliberately designed as such, it is mostly a consequence of compact case requirements.

	== Greatest features & flaws ==		== Greatest features & flaws ==
Line 52:		Line 54:
	! Features !! Flaws		! Features !! Flaws
	\|-		\|-
	\| Good contrast and colour gamut (last 4:3 screen laptops) \|\| Somewhat slow CPU and no CPU upgrade capability		\| Good contrast and colour gamut (last 4:3 screen laptops) \|\| Somewhat slow CPU for this laptop class and no CPU upgrade capability
	\|-		\|-
	\| Thinnest laptop in its class, highly portable \|\| Somewhat cramped keyboard, poor cooling due to the compact design		\| Thinnest laptop in its class, highly portable \|\| Somewhat cramped keyboard, poor cooling due to the compact design
	\|-		\|-
	\| Durable \|\| No trackpad, no DVI/HDMI output except on docking station		\| Durable construction \|\| No trackpad, no DVI/HDMI output except on docking station
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Good, somewhat quiet~~ cooling system \|\| Annoying IBM/Lenovo BIOS limitation of approved Wifi cards		\| Adequate cooling system although slightly noisy \|\| Annoying IBM/Lenovo BIOS limitation of approved Wifi cards
	\|}		\|}

	== Review ==		== Review ==
	~~A mainstream~~, ~~quite~~ slim, moderately powerful, business laptop, released in 2006. It had an average mix of performance parts, with a ~~better than average~~ CPU ~~(when using the Core 2 Duo option) but~~ a somewhat lacking graphics module ~~and more fragmentation, due to the similarly equipped Radeon X1300 and X1400~~ graphics ~~chipsets and~~ the lackluster ~~Intel GPU also available for ordering~~.		An ultra compact, very slim, moderately powerful, business laptop, released in 2006. It had a below average mix of performance parts, with a quite slow CPU due to cooling constrains and a somewhat lacking graphics module with no higher powered graphics option than the Intel integrated chipset, creating a relatively lackluster configuration with the only straight advantage of being very portable.

	The platform is centered on Windows XP compatibility, with DDR2 RAM and SATA but not yet a webcam, even if these features were available at that time on other manufacturers' laptops. Overall, there are very small changes between ~~T43~~ and ~~the previous T60~~ model in terms of graphics performance although some ~~chassis changes~~ are ~~highly~~ welcome. The trackpad is ~~strongly improved, being more confortable and more reliable due to better buttons and sensitivity~~. Cooling is ~~the most severe improvement, having~~ an ~~estimated 50~~-~~75% improvement in capacity and reduced noise at various fan speeds, mostly~~ due to ~~the requirement of handling faster CPUs. to feel very dated~~ and ~~slightly underpowered~~.		The platform is centered on Windows XP compatibility, with DDR2 RAM and SATA but not yet a webcam, even if these features were available at that time on other manufacturers' laptops. Overall, there are very small changes between X60 and X61 model in terms of graphics performance although some CPU generational improvements are welcome. The lack of trackpad a noticeable design compromise but the trackpoint is mostly reasonable. Cooling has an annoyingly whiny fan, meaning that you either choose noise or inadequate cooling, there is no in-between choice. The feeling of an under-powered laptop is quite obvious due to CPU frequency and power compromises.

	The LCD screen has ~~slightly improved specifications in terms of response time,~~ contrast~~. Higher resolution models are reasonably close in terms of performance~~ compared with standard ~~resolution ones, limiting~~ the ~~drawbacks compared with the T43 series~~. The ~~choice of~~ resolution ~~depends mostly~~ on ~~the target OS, with the 1024x768 resolution better suited for~~ Windows XP ~~while the 1400x1050 resolution is better suited~~ for Windows Vista and Seven. ~~The 1600x1200 resolution~~ is ~~suited only for specific use cases. Screens can be easily replaced between similar models but~~ the connector must also be replaced if using different T6x series displays. The widescreen variant is somewhat useless due to the lackluster graphics chipsets available not allowing good enough native resolution performance so they should be avoided. Also, ~~some XP era games might not run or look great~~ on ~~widescreen displays~~. ~~On the other side~~, ~~the widescreen model has better audio capabilities due to~~ a ~~different speaker placement, on the top~~ of ~~the chassis, near the screen assembly~~.		The LCD screen is mostly acceptable but it has lower brightness and contrast compared with a standard 14 inch screen but this was entirely expected when this laptop was available on the market. The 1024x768 resolution screen feels somewhat cramped on a 12 inch screen on Windows XP but feels overly unsuited for Windows Vista and Seven. Another drawback is that the screen itself has quite poor colour gamut, being quite obvious on gradients. Overall, it seems that this laptop was a seriously obvious compromise in terms of quality compared with a standard sized Thinkpad.

	~~It has a high performance CPU, especially in the~~ Intel Core 2 Duo ~~variant. The Intel Core Duo Cpu is quite~~ a ~~mixed bag as it does not support 64bit~~ operating ~~systems and it~~ is ~~quite slower~~ than the ~~Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, and slightly sluggish~~ in ~~certain cases (lower cache~~ and ~~latency performance). This makes the Core Solo option entirely unacceptable.~~ The Intel video chipset is a very poor option as it does not support Hardware TnL or other capabilities, making it suitable for legacy gaming or application support. The CPU cooling is adequate ~~for all CPU options. Higher performing models with ATI graphics require are only slightly noisier and warmer.~~ The keyboard is quite durable ~~but slightly less stiff~~ and ~~with a noticeable poorer quality feel. The slow decline in build quality becomes obvious on this last fully IBM developed~~ laptop.		The Intel Core 2 Duo CPU means that running a 64 bit operating system is possible although RAM limitations make less than 4GB to be available on the system so the biggest improvement is in relative performance and better power usage The Intel video chipset is a very poor option as it does not support Hardware TnL or other capabilities, making it suitable for legacy gaming or application support. The CPU cooling is not quite adequate The keyboard is quite durable, comfortable and feels relatively adequate despite the laptop's format constraints.

	The removable drive bay ~~can house~~ an optical drive ~~or a hard drive, if you can find a compatible caddy~~. The rechargeable battery can be easily removed or replaced. The BIOS and timekeeping battery is a standard CR2032 3V button cell.		The lack of a removable drive bay is not a very major missing feature as most laptops, with the notable exception of Apple ones, did not have an optical drive. The rechargeable battery can be easily removed or replaced. The BIOS and timekeeping battery is a standard CR2032 3V button cell.

	The ~~chasis~~ was slightly ~~larger~~ than ~~the T4x series but it is more rounded and even mor comfortable. The~~ laptop~~'s case is slightly less durable than the T4x series,~~ but ~~it holds up well to other durable laptops, while being lighter than~~ the ~~T4x series~~. The display hinges are overly engineered, with great durability. The integrated speakers are ~~quite good~~, ~~although their position, size~~ and ~~technology is not~~ the ~~best~~.		The chassis was slightly smaller than on a X61 laptop but the difference is very minor. The display hinges are overly engineered, with great durability. The integrated speakers are not that great, being very small and placed in the traditional, compromising, downfiring position.

	The standard HDDs supplied by Western Digital are reasonably fast and quite silent. The SATA drives offer a good performance boost compared with the T4x series PATA drives, while also supporting exotic, very fast, modern SSDs. No restriction is placed on HDD types. The only compatibility drawback is that only IBM branded or accepted wireless cards can be used.		The standard HDDs supplied by Western Digital are reasonably fast and quite silent. The SATA drives offer a good performance boost compared with the T4x series PATA drives, while also supporting exotic, very fast, modern SSDs. No restriction is placed on HDD types. The only compatibility drawback is that only IBM branded or accepted wireless cards can be used.
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	{{footnotes\|		{{footnotes\|
	# There are no visual clues to differentiate between display types or graphics chipsets based on exterior appearance. However, the 15 inch can be easily noticed as they use a different, thicker, right screen hinge. Models with or without Bluetooth can be spotted if the screen assembly was not changed, due to the well known status bar light on the lower side of the screen.
	}}		}}

	[[Category:IBM]]		[[Category:IBM]]

Andrei.boiu at 21:06, 2 September 2021

2021-09-02T21:06:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:06, 2 September 2021
Line 6:		Line 6:

	== Features ==		== Features ==
	*One of the following:		*Intel Core 2 Duo (L series) 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 GHz CPU
	**Intel Core 2 Duo (~~Merom~~) 1.8, 2.0, ~~2.2 or 2.4 GHz CPU~~
	**Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) 2.1~~, 2~~.~~4, 2.5, 2.6~~ GHz CPU
	*512MB, 1GB or 2GB module PC2-5300 memory standard, 4GB max (Intel 945 chipset)		*512MB, 1GB or 2GB module PC2-5300 memory standard, 4GB max (Intel 945 chipset)
	* 14 and 15 inch laptops share the same model name using different chassis:		* 14 and 15 inch laptops share the same model name using different chassis:
	** 14.1" TFT display with 1024x768 ~~(rare) or 1400x1050 resolution (very rare)~~		* 12.1" TFT display with 1024x768 resolution
	** 14.1" TFT widescreen display with 1280x800 or 1440x900 resolution		*Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared VRAM)
	** 15.4" TFT widescreen display with 1280x800, 1680x1050 or 1920x1200 resolution
	*Graphics adapters (one of the following):
	**Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared ~~VRAM)~~
	**ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 (64MB dedicated VRAM)
	**ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (128MB dedicated VRAM)
	*Intel HD Audio with AD1981HD codec		*Intel HD Audio with AD1981HD codec

	*60, 80, 80, 100, 120, 160GB 5400 or 7200rpm SATA HDD		*60, 80, 80, 100, 120, 160GB 5400 or 7200rpm SATA HDD
	*Ultrabay Slim with DVD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo or DVD±RW
	*MiniPCI Express slot with one of the following:		*MiniPCI Express slot with one of the following:
	none (empty, WLAN upgradable)		none (empty, WLAN upgradable)

Andrei.boiu: Created page with "NOTOC {| width="100%" |style="vertical-align:top" |

2021-09-02T20:58:23Z

Created page with "NOTOC {| width="100%" |style="vertical-align:top" | <div style="margin: 0; margin-right:10px; border: 1px solid #dfdfdf; padding: 0em 1em 1em 1em; background-color:#F8F8FF..."

New page
NOTOC
{| width="100%"
|style="vertical-align:top" |
<div style="margin: 0; margin-right:10px; border: 1px solid #dfdfdf; padding: 0em 1em 1em 1em; background-color:#F8F8FF; align:right;">
IBM Thinkpad X61s Overview

== Features ==
One of the following:
Intel Core 2 Duo (Merom) 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 or 2.4 GHz CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 GHz CPU
512MB, 1GB or 2GB module PC2-5300 memory standard, 4GB max (Intel 945 chipset)
* 14 and 15 inch laptops share the same model name using different chassis:
14.1" TFT display with 1024x768 (rare) or 1400x1050 resolution (very rare)
14.1" TFT widescreen display with 1280x800 or 1440x900 resolution
** 15.4" TFT widescreen display with 1280x800, 1680x1050 or 1920x1200 resolution
*Graphics adapters (one of the following):
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (shared VRAM)
ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 (64MB dedicated VRAM)
**ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (128MB dedicated VRAM)
Intel HD Audio with AD1981HD codec

60, 80, 80, 100, 120, 160GB 5400 or 7200rpm SATA HDD
Ultrabay Slim with DVD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo or DVD±RW
MiniPCI Express slot with one of the following:
none (empty, WLAN upgradable)
IBM (Atheros) 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Express Adapter
IBM (Atheros) 11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Mini PCI Express Adapter
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Adapter
Intel PRO/Wireless 4965ABG Mini-PCI Adapter
Proprietary internal connector for optional Bluetooth 2.0 module

=== Other ===
Stereo speakers (downfiring only on non-widescreen models)
ExpressCard Slot
VGA Output (DVI, only on docking station)
IrDA (infrared) communication, Fingerprint reader (on some models)
10.8V 5200mAh Li Ion rechargeable battery
3xUSB 2.0, Dual PS/2, Parallel ports
20V power supply (separate)

*Windows XP, Vista, 7 support
</div>
|style="vertical-align:top" |
[[Image:IBM_T60.jpg|IBM T60 14"]]
|}

== Best retro purpose ==
Mid Windows XP era gaming (DirectX 9 for ATI chipsets, DirectX 7-8 for Intel chipset) or as office computer. High resolution display models are not a good choice for a couple of reasons. First, since videocards are not powerful enough for 3D accelerated games in native resolution, performance is lacking. Secondly, the Windows XP GUI looks way too small in native resolution with no magnifying applied and if applied, looks odd due to Windows scaling issues. Moreover, high resolution screens are of the IPS type, using old technology that doesn't refresh fast enough, leaving noticeable trails on fast moving objects. Intel graphics models are cooler running than ATI ones but noticeably slower in 3D games. Windows Vista or 7 runs quite slow, mainly due to the graphics chipset. The safest choice, is a laptop equipped with an 1024x768 screen, preferably with an ATI chipset.

== Benchmarks ==

== Durability and Repair-ability ==
Good plastic quality means that case cracks are less common than on other models but the model by itself is not immune. Removable and the fixed drive bay are easy to access and the case itself is easy to disassemble due to obvious markings on the laptop's underside as well as masking black tape placed on screws. Many generations (series) of laptops, such as the T60/T61 use the same easy to find screws, trackpads and buttons, keyboards, cooling systems are interchangeable while screens, palmrests, bezels are specific to laptops sizes.

The LCD screen's fluorescent backlight is easier to replace since there is plenty of space and a good design on the screen's casing and light dispersion system to accommodate newer and thinner lamps or thicker classic ones. LCD screens can be inter-changed to suit a specific native resolution requirement if the proper original cabling is available. Fans and the fan blades can be easily cleaned and bearings can be easily greased, providing long service life since fan casing stud mountings can be pried open and placed back again.

== Greatest features & flaws ==
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Features !! Flaws
|-
| Good contrast and colour gamut (last 4:3 screen laptops) || Somewhat slow CPU and no CPU upgrade capability
|-
| Thinnest laptop in its class, highly portable || Somewhat cramped keyboard, poor cooling due to the compact design
|-
| Durable || No trackpad, no DVI/HDMI output except on docking station
|-
| Good, somewhat quiet cooling system || Annoying IBM/Lenovo BIOS limitation of approved Wifi cards
|}

== Review ==
A mainstream, quite slim, moderately powerful, business laptop, released in 2006. It had an average mix of performance parts, with a better than average CPU (when using the Core 2 Duo option) but a somewhat lacking graphics module and more fragmentation, due to the similarly equipped Radeon X1300 and X1400 graphics chipsets and the lackluster Intel GPU also available for ordering.

The platform is centered on Windows XP compatibility, with DDR2 RAM and SATA but not yet a webcam, even if these features were available at that time on other manufacturers' laptops. Overall, there are very small changes between T43 and the previous T60 model in terms of graphics performance although some chassis changes are highly welcome. The trackpad is strongly improved, being more confortable and more reliable due to better buttons and sensitivity. Cooling is the most severe improvement, having an estimated 50-75% improvement in capacity and reduced noise at various fan speeds, mostly due to the requirement of handling faster CPUs. to feel very dated and slightly underpowered.

The LCD screen has slightly improved specifications in terms of response time, contrast. Higher resolution models are reasonably close in terms of performance compared with standard resolution ones, limiting the drawbacks compared with the T43 series. The choice of resolution depends mostly on the target OS, with the 1024x768 resolution better suited for Windows XP while the 1400x1050 resolution is better suited for Windows Vista and Seven. The 1600x1200 resolution is suited only for specific use cases. Screens can be easily replaced between similar models but the connector must also be replaced if using different T6x series displays. The widescreen variant is somewhat useless due to the lackluster graphics chipsets available not allowing good enough native resolution performance so they should be avoided. Also, some XP era games might not run or look great on widescreen displays. On the other side, the widescreen model has better audio capabilities due to a different speaker placement, on the top of the chassis, near the screen assembly.

It has a high performance CPU, especially in the Intel Core 2 Duo variant. The Intel Core Duo Cpu is quite a mixed bag as it does not support 64bit operating systems and it is quite slower than the Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, and slightly sluggish in certain cases (lower cache and latency performance). This makes the Core Solo option entirely unacceptable. The Intel video chipset is a very poor option as it does not support Hardware TnL or other capabilities, making it suitable for legacy gaming or application support. The CPU cooling is adequate for all CPU options. Higher performing models with ATI graphics require are only slightly noisier and warmer. The keyboard is quite durable but slightly less stiff and with a noticeable poorer quality feel. The slow decline in build quality becomes obvious on this last fully IBM developed laptop.

The removable drive bay can house an optical drive or a hard drive, if you can find a compatible caddy. The rechargeable battery can be easily removed or replaced. The BIOS and timekeeping battery is a standard CR2032 3V button cell.

The chasis was slightly larger than the T4x series but it is more rounded and even mor comfortable. The laptop's case is slightly less durable than the T4x series, but it holds up well to other durable laptops, while being lighter than the T4x series. The display hinges are overly engineered, with great durability. The integrated speakers are quite good, although their position, size and technology is not the best.

The standard HDDs supplied by Western Digital are reasonably fast and quite silent. The SATA drives offer a good performance boost compared with the T4x series PATA drives, while also supporting exotic, very fast, modern SSDs. No restriction is placed on HDD types. The only compatibility drawback is that only IBM branded or accepted wireless cards can be used.

Software support is good on Windows XP but slightly less polished for Windows Seven. This is somewhat obvious as drivers are actually released with full compatibility upto Windows Vista and the lackluster Intel video chipset is entirely unsuitable for the Windows 7 GUI acceleration requirements.

{{footnotes|
# There are no visual clues to differentiate between display types or graphics chipsets based on exterior appearance. However, the 15 inch can be easily noticed as they use a different, thicker, right screen hinge. Models with or without Bluetooth can be spotted if the screen assembly was not changed, due to the well known status bar light on the lower side of the screen.
}}

[[Category:IBM]]