Full Review

The ThinkPad Z60t is unique among ThinkPads because of its widescreen display. I finally got to evaluate one while trying to decide what machine should replace my now almost three year old ThinkPad T40.

The model I examined was the 2511-FEU, with the following specs:

14” wide screen display, 1280x768 (WXGA)
Titanium display lid
Pentium M 740 processor (1.73 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)
Intel 915GM chipset with integrated GMA900 video
512MB RAM
80GB SATA HDD, 5400RPM
SoundMax audio with stereo speakers
802.11a/b/g wireless
Bluetooth
Verizon compatible CDMA 1x EV-DO antenna
DVD-RW drive
7-cell Lithium Ion battery
Windows XP Professional
Weighs between 5-5.5 pounds not including AC adapter.
1-year warranty
Retail Price: $2,000 direct.

General Construction: Initially, I was somewhat disappointed to see that much of the Z60t’s base consists of standard ABS plastic. This material, used in the R series, just doesn’t have the same heft or impact resistance as the carbon fiber and magnesium composites in the T series. That being said, the Z series is well constructed and feels fairly solid. I attribute this to a single piece magnesium alloy roll cage that provides a solid internal structure for the notebook. The Titanium LCD housing, which is not available on all models, also does a lot to improve the durability of the Z60t. The Titanium lid feels very stiff – even more durable than the magnesium alloy in the T series lid. I attempted to create ripples on the LCD display by pushing on the back of the Titanium lid, but no matter how hard I pressed, not one distortion appeared. The lid latches to the base securely with two hooks, both of which slide when the user slides a single silver latch on the top of the lid.

Those familiar with ThinkPads will be happy to see that the Z60t, like other ThinkPads, has two thick metal hinges connecting the base to the LCD housing. These hinges look to be about the same as the left (larger) hinge on my T40, which is still working perfectly after 2.5 years. I’m fairly confident that these hinges will hold up well in the long run.

Because of its widescreen format, the Z60t has a wider footprint than the T4x series. However, The Z60 also seems to be less deep than the T4x, and its LCD display, when raised, isn’t as high as the LCD display on the T4x. What this means is that the Z60t can fit better onto airline trays, which might be something for a frequent traveler to consider.


Input Devices: The keyboard on the Z60t is great. There’s plenty of key travel, and the keys strike with satisfying solidness. Overall, I thought the keyboard was as good or better than the keyboard on my T40. There was a tiny bit of flexing on the lefthand side, around where the left SHIFT key is located, but this did not affect my typing much.

For pointing devices, the Z60t contains the classic red TrackPoint, as well as the newer Synaptics touchpad. The TrackPoint is the same as that found in other ThinkPads, and can accommodate TrackPoint caps of three different types: classic eraser head, textured dome, or concave. The TrackPoint was responsive, accurate, and overall felt no different than the TrackPoint on my T40. The one change is in the TrackPoint buttons. The left, right, and scroll keys are still there, but they are smaller and no longer color coded. While ThinkPad enthusiasts may miss the blue striped scroll key and red left/right buttons, everyone can rest assured that the buttons still have superb tactile feel and feedback. Likewise, the Touchpad feels largely the same, although the buttons now have a softer touch and less feedback than the ones in the T40. Still, I was extremely satisfied with the Z60t’s pointing devices.


Output Devices: The Z60t’s 14” widescreen display is brighter than the display on the T40, but I don’t think it is bright enough. Thankfully, the display has a matte anti-glare finish rather than the shiny reflective coatings seen in many widescreen notebooks today. While the reflective coatings do provide greater contrast, the glare they exhibit from fluorescent lights strains my eyes. If anyone from IBM/Lenovo is reading this – keep the matte anti-reflective coating, but raise the maximum brightness by 50 nits or so (25-33% above what it is currently). Viewing angle is adequate, but nothing spectacular.

Below the LCD display are a row of LED-lit icons. These show whether each of the wireless systems is turned on, as well as the standard HDD activity, AC power, battery power, and Caps/Num lock indicators.

The speakers are still awful. The Z60t’s designers placed them appropriately on the left and right bezels surrounding the keyboard, but their output and quality still leaves much to be desired. I suppose that’s the best one can expect on a smaller notebook like the Z60t.


Other Stuff: I’m happy to report that there are now 3 USB2 ports, an SD card reader, and a 4-pin Firewire port! Those with lots of devices will find this much more satisfying than the meager 2 USB2 ports on the T4x series of notebooks. There’s also a wireless on/off switch on the front of the Z60t. For extra security, Lenovo includes a fingerprint reader and password management software.

Don’t expect to play many 3D games on the GMA900 integrated graphics. The GMA900 also doesn’t have its own RAM, so it has to mooch off the main system memory, reducing the amount available for applications.

Battery life is around 4 to 4.5 hours with the 7-cell battery if one reduces screen brightness. This isn’t spectacular, but about as good as one can get with the Intel 915 chipset machines. The 7-cell battery sticks out the back, which may annoy some people. I wasn’t able to try out the 4-cell battery, which is flush with the rest of the unit, but I am guessing that it would give only 3 hours at best. People who absolutely must have more battery life may want to wait for Lenovo to offer the newer Napa (Centrino Duo) platform in the Z60 series.

Conclusion:

The Z60t is a fairly portable all-in-one notebook with plenty of ports, an excellent keyboard, and relatively good build quality. My biggest complaints are that it costs $2,000, and the warranty lasts only a year! For a machine of this quality and cost, the warranty should be 3 years standard.

Those who were concerned that the transfer of the ThinkPad line from IBM to Lenovo would result in reduced quality can put those fears to rest. Lenovo has done an excellent job with the Z60t, and in most respects the Z60t feels just like the ThinkPads that came before it.