Interfaces

Although the set of interfaces typical of the ThinkPad series is steadily changing, there are still omissions in it. For example, the card-reader is only an optional accessory for the ThinkPad T61. Moreover, you have to sacrifice the ExpressCard/54 slot for it because you can’t use both simultaneously. The same goes for the smart card reader. In other words, you have to choose between ExpressCard or SD/MMC/MS or Smart Card. Not a good choice at all. It is especially strange as there is quite a lot of free space on the sides of the case.

A card-reader could have been fitted into the right side because there’s nothing else here besides an optical drive and one USB port.

There are more connectors on the left: PCMCIA and ExpressCard/54 slots, two USB ports (for a total of three), an analog output for an external monitor, LAN and modem connectors. The rest of the right panel is a vent hole.

There’s almost nothing useful at the back: most of it is occupied by the battery. Besides the battery, there is a second vent hole and a power connector here.

The front panel offers audio connectors and an IEEE1394 port. A WLAN switch is also placed here, which is logical. Besides wired interfaces the notebook offers two wireless ones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It also supports docking stations for more interfaces.