Lenovo ThinkPad T61 7665 (Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, Vista Business)

Intro: This configuration of the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 is a 5.3-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream notebooks on the market, it is relatively expensive at around $1,595.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.Features NVIDIA quadro NVS 140M graphics with 128MB of video RAM.

Noteworthy Features: Has a plug-in module media bay, which is more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.Also, this notebook comes with Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows Vista business OS, which is somewhat more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.Has a modular media bay -- meaning its DVD-Writer drive is removable, allowing you easily to swap it out for alternative or upgraded units.

Weaker Features: Has only 1 GB RAM, which is less than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Fujitsu LifeBook S7210, a 5.3-pound notebook at around $1, 750, has 4 GB RAM.Also, this notebook has a DVD-Writer removable disc drive, which is less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.

Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.Comes with a DVD player for watching movies.Includes office-grade word processing software -- fine for most serious business or academic document authors.With 128MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do OK with some games and multimedia applications, but will fall short of satisfying the serious gaming enthusiast.Develop your digital darkroom technique using the photo editing software bundled with this notebook.Get status reports while on business trips by using this laptop?s built-in Wi-Fi modem to connect to wireless networks in airports and hotels.

Value: Despite its relatively expensive price, this notebook has great features for the money.However, if you were to judge strictly by how large the screen is, the average price of mainstream consumer products with a comparable screen size is considerably less -- right around $1,279.

Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Internet more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this notebook's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, PDA or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.