I convinced the boss to let me replace my frankensteined hp proliant server turned workstation and my tired laptop with a new laptop and dock combo. I opted for a Lenovo Thinkpad T61. I had a few requirements. First of all, I wanted something that was durable, and the Thinkpads are known for their sturdy construction. Second, I wanted to go with something with the intel VT chip so I could run Xen and use the laptop as a mobile learning lab. I want to start playing around with OES2 ad in particular, the virtualization pieces. That was impossible with any spare equipment we have lying around. Finally, I needed at least 3gb to properly run the virtual machines I was planning on running.  My only possible mistake was that I opted for the 7200rpm 100gb drive.  That might not end up being enough in the long run, but it’s good enough for now.

The laptop came in early this week.  I now have three operating systems installed on it.  Windows XP for my day to day work, opensuse 10.3 for a testbed with a Linux workstation, and SLES 10 for my Xen host.  The laptop is nice and quick.  The build quality seems very good.  I’ve had it on my lap for an hour and it’s only gotten warm.  My last laptop would literally burn my legs(it had a P4 chip) .  The construction is also very solid; when I lift the unit up with one hand, it flexes less than any laptop I’ve handled before.  Thinkpad touchpads and keyboards have always been among my favorites, and the T61 is no worse.  The integrated intel 965gm graphics chip is good enough to run Xgl/Compiz on opensuse, which is spiffy.

My next step will be to start reading the OES2 docs and get my hands dirty…