IBM Lenovo ThinkPad R61 Review
ThinkPad R61 is the most secure R Series ever featuring full hard disk encryption. Client Security Solution software is offering convenience and top notch security in one, easy to use package. This small business targeting laptop comes equipped with the latest Intel processors for optimum performance (can be used mostly for university studies, casual gaming, office work, web surfing and some mathematics programming). Since it only has a 4-cell battery, it’s no wonder that watching a DVD draines the battery in around two hours.
The integrated graphics (Intel X3100 graphics card) allows the notebook to remain much cooler (the coolest and quietest Thinkpads ever) than other notebooks while it handles Vista demanding design very well. But, when playing DVDs, it is highly recommended that an image will be copied onto the hard drive as the noise can get quite annoying.
The full black laptop has a simple design and a very solid build: attempting to move the LCD lid back and forth results in the movement of the whole notebook. The speakers do crackle occasionally when they are pushed to their limit in both volume and frequency, but for a business laptop this not a big problem - you won’t wish to listen that laud.
USB ports are aligned vertically which means that if you have a wider flash-stick, you will encounter problems due to this unpractical design bug. The screen is very bright and you can have a clear image at every angle.
The keyboard is fantastic in terms of response and feel and the touchpad does seem quite small but effective. You can see 2 helpful (for web surfing with Firefox) additions rarely seen on other notebooks: extra middle click button and the “eraser head” stick (UltraNav pointer) above the touchpad.