taking care of the X61

[bowlesbe]

so, after spending what seems like a fortune on this thing (x61), it seems like a good idea to think critically, about how to take of it, and how to avoid scratching it. Does anyone have practical advice on this level? Obviously, common sense is anyone's best guide, but with a whole forum devoted to tablets, surely there's one or two things l don't know!

[mb121]

bump-bump-bump

[DRTigerlilly]

I'd say screen protector & a good case, but i don't think the thinkpad's body is prone to scratching.

I'm planning to use the targus leather portfolio w/ mine. It was made for the x41, and i used to use it for my m200 but i'm hoping that it will fit, i used the dimensions on lenovo's site and it seemed ok, but i'm not 100% sure if those measurements take into account the 8 cell battery.

some people also like this case from Lenovo http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/c...8&Code=41U3142

Boxwave has a screen protector that users here seem to appreciate.
http://www.boxwave.com/accessories/l...ctors_2731.htm

[quantum]

If you have the XGA screen, be gentle when twisting the screen to convert it, as the bezel fix for the XGA screen hasn't been announced yet (Lenovo must be hiring monkeys for engineers and booting all the IBM ones as it took them this long to get thicker double sided tape to fix the issue on the SXGA screen and it will probably take just as long to figure out they need thinner double sided tape for the XGA screen).

I'm a fan of the Lenovo case and a few others that allow you to use the machine in slate or notebook mode with both hands free. They cost an arm and a leg for being just a strap and saddle though...

The other thing to note really is that screen protectors need to be changed every so often. You can usually tell if you need to change it if the pen starts getting stuck at the ruts in the protector, or if the ruts are causing distortion in the image. Don't skimp on the protectors, as good ones will make it a pleasure to use. Some have a nice textured feel that makes the feel of writing on a tablet more like writing on paper. At the same time, some have coatings that reduce glare which I always prefer. On the other hand, despite being expensive there are some that have weird colorful rings that appear at certain angles of light (kinda looks like oil leaked from an engine on the road) and those are annoying as hell. Stick to name brands and you should be ok though.

One thing you may want to add if you have the MT/MV screen is a lint free microfiber cloth, to wipe away the grease marks from when you were poking around on the screen surfing while stuffing down that burger (it will happen eventually). Add to that a good screen cleaning spray (available in carry size bottles), and that should alleviate any finger mess you may have.

One mistake people tend to make is to carry the tablet around in tablet mode so they can just pop it out and start working. It's fun and efficient until you severely scratch your screen, so take the time to close it before storing it/hauling it anywhere.

There are many conflicting stories about how to take care of batteries, but generally speaking new Li Ion batteries are quite sturdy and have less issues than NiCd and NiMh versions of previous generations. Basically don't leave them plugged in all day, and don't discharge them till there's nothing left. If you won't be using them, store in a cool place (no not the fridge) with some charge in them. LiIon batteries don't have the same 'memory' hassle as others, but constantly discharging and charging them will shorten their life so avoid running them down for no apparent reason when you can use an outlet but are too lazy to connect it.

I'll add more when I can think of more...