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looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

X60/X61 and X60t/X61t Series
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printf
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looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#1 Post by printf » Tue Jul 30, 2013 7:08 am

for many years i used (and still using) a thinkpad t30 and a t60p, but i never actually used them as heavy-duty mobile computers, meaning i only used them once or twice on a train and never on public locations, and only a handful times in the university.
i am very pleased with the thinkpad brand so i thought i`ll buy a subnotebook (i just don`t like netbooks that much)
so i decided i will get an X series thinkpad preferably with a core * duo CPU.
first i wanted to know if there are any important stuff that i should know, that are not mentioned anywhere, like in the case of t60/61/p, where there is a heat problem if you don`t use intel GPU or the soldering issue with nvidias on the 61* model?
i want it to be a linux only (gentoo preferably) notebook.
how good is the battery life of these models?
i was thinking of using an ssd as a main hard drive and swapping out the cdrom in favor of a secondary hard drive.

thanks.

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#2 Post by printf » Tue Jul 30, 2013 1:15 pm

i have found an offer for 220 USD
can anyone tell me if it is a good deal?

-CPU: Intel CD 1600MHz (L7500)
-RAM: 2048MB DDR2
-Display: 12.1" XGA (max. 1024x768)
-HDD: 80GB SATA2
-DVD writer
-GPU: X3100
-Audio: Connexant SmartHD Audio
-Modem: Connexant 56kbit
-LAN:Intel PRO/1000PL (10/100/1000)
-Wireless:Intel 3945 ABG
-Bluetooth: BroadCom2.1+EDR
-USB:3 db (v 2.0)
-FireWire: Ricoh 1394 OHCI
-Card reader: Ricoh 5in1(MMC/MS/MSPRO/SD/SDHC)
-PCMCIA/ExpressCard
-Ultranav TrackPoint

supposedly battery life is 3 hours and they also give a 6 moth warranty

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#3 Post by RealBlackStuff » Tue Jul 30, 2013 1:49 pm

I assume you are talking about an X61?
The DVDwriter mentioned would mean an extra Ultrabase (no room inside the X61 for one).
I'd rather go for an X200s (mind the s at the end!) with 1440x900 screen with LED-backlight.
It's lighter and faster than X61, and has very good battery life.
And for buying any machine, check out the Marketforum here.
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
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printf
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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#4 Post by printf » Tue Jul 30, 2013 2:07 pm

it is an X61S - with s
and the dvd writer goes into the docking station

about the marketplace: my problem is that i`m from central/eastern europe so that means a lot of shipping from anywhere else

there is also an offer for 331 USD for an X200S:

-CPU: Core 2 Duo L9400 6MB Cache 1.86 Ghz 1066Mhz FSB
-RAM: 4096 MB DDR3 (2 RAM slot, 1066 MHz )
-HDD: 160 GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
-Display: 12.1" Wide TFT (1280x800)
-Chipset: Intel GM45 Mobil Express chipset
-GPU: Intel GMA 4500MHD VGA
-Audio: AD1984HD
-LAN: Intel Gigabit
-Wireless: Intel WiFi Link 5300 AGN adapter
-Trackpoint
-Webcam (are there actually models WITHOUT the camera?)
-3G Modem Ericsson F3507G

included in price Lenovo x200 Ultrabase:
-FRU P/N 42x4963
-DVDRW-CDRW Multi

6 moths warranty

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#5 Post by RealBlackStuff » Tue Jul 30, 2013 2:17 pm

That X200s sounds like a reasonable deal, except it has only 1280x800.
And it might also have CCFL backlight instead of LED. Not so good.
My own X200s is without webcam, but has 1440x900 with LED backlight, and same CPU.

You should always mention the TYPE and Model, like TYPE 7466-3JU, from the label on the bottom.
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

printf
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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#6 Post by printf » Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:55 pm

here are the numbers:

X61S TYPE 7666-AA5 L3-ABA8H

X200S TYPE 7470-CTO L3-AAY0N

printf
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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#7 Post by printf » Wed Jul 31, 2013 1:59 am

since i can ask the seller various questions, how can one determine if it has CCFL or LED (without taking the whole thing apart)?
some photos from the right angle will do?
also are thhere other important notes i should look after for the x200s?

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#8 Post by rkawakami » Wed Jul 31, 2013 2:41 am

Given that you know the model type and serial number, you can plug them into this page: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... ookup.page?

For the X200s, this is the list of parts that shipped with the system:
Mfg P/N	FRU P/N	Description			Serviceable
-	-	-				No
41R0602	43R1969	MODULE Memory 2G		Yes
41R0602	43R1969	MODULE Memory 2G		Yes
41V9757	41V9756	COVER HDD Rubber		Yes
41W4528	-	-				No
42T0481	42T0482	FLT PNL DS FRU 12.1 WXGA	Yes <--- The LCD panel
42T0968	42T0969	ADAPTR FRU Helike BT		Yes
42T1057	42T1461	HRD DSK DR TRYS C160 HGST	Yes
42T1460	42T1461	DRIVEH TryS C160 HGST		Yes
42T3650	42T3683	KEYBOARD FRU			Yes
42T4537	42T4536	BATRYO Sanyo 6cell		Yes
42W8092	-	-				No
42X4525	-	-				No
43Y3262	58Y2796	DISKCD VB32SP1RDVDUS		Yes
43Y6496	43Y6495	ADAPTR FRU 5300 WLAN		Yes
43Y6512	43Y6513	ADAPTR FRU Erc FW upd		Yes
45N3181	44C9669	CDPOP FRUPlnSL9400		Yes
45R6131	-	-				No
92P1211	92P1212	ADAPTR ASTEC65W20V3P		Yes
Googling 42T0482 says that it's a CCFL-backlit panel. For absolute confirmation, download the latest Hardware Maintenance Manual for the X200s and it reports the same thing. As far as what to look and look out for in an X200 system, I can't say as I don't own one.

ref: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... MIGR-70149 (X200, X200s, X200si, X201, X201i and X201s HMM)
Ray Kawakami
X22 X24 X31 X41 X41T X60 X60s X61 X61s X200 X200s X300 X301 Z60m Z61t Z61p 560 560Z 600 600E 600X T21 T22 T23 T41 T60p T410 T420 T520 W500 W520 R50 A21p A22p A31 A31p
NOTE: All links to PC-Doctor software hosted by me are dead. Files removed 8/28/12 by manufacturer's demand.

printf
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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#9 Post by printf » Wed Jul 31, 2013 3:15 am

ok so its probably CCFL.
what is the difference between the two?

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#10 Post by rkawakami » Wed Jul 31, 2013 4:05 am

Technology between the two is quite different but they both generate white light for the LCD. CCFL is cold cathode fluorescent lamp. It is similar to a "regular" fluorescent tube lamp in that it uses a large voltage to charge the mercury gas inside the tube, which then causes the coating on the glass to emit light. There's an inverter board that is typically located below the LCD panel that converts the relatively low DC voltage into the high AC voltage needed to start the lamp. For the LED backlight, it's exactly that; a string of LEDs (light emitting diodes) around the edge(s) of the panel provides the illumination for the display.

Although it's the more mature technology, CCFL suffers from "old age". After some time, the lamp becomes dimmer and can actually change color from white to gray or pinkish-red. Many older CCFL-based displays will turn on with a red tint and after several (to many) seconds, becomes whiter. This is usually the main sign that the lamp is nearing the end-of-life. Environmentally, due to the mercury vapor inside the tube, it can be a slight health hazard if you break the lamp. In theory, all LCDs with CCFL tubes should be taken out and proper recycled/disposed of.

LED is the new kid on the block. It's supposed to have a longer life than CCFL but white LEDs have not been around that long (compared to FL). It does have a lower power consumption and can offer wider contrast and dynamic range than CCFL. As opposed to having a toxic chemical inside the light source, LEDs use a poisonous compound (gallium arsenide) during their manufacture.

Which is better? You'd have to compare two panels that are otherwise mostly the same except for the backlight system to determine that. Each person has their own likes and dislikes. For me, the X300 systems I have all have LED-lit displays. I find that the brightness needs to be set a couple of steps below full intensity. There's some light bleeding along the edge of the displays but that could be a factor of the panel itself and not due to the LEDs.
Ray Kawakami
X22 X24 X31 X41 X41T X60 X60s X61 X61s X200 X200s X300 X301 Z60m Z61t Z61p 560 560Z 600 600E 600X T21 T22 T23 T41 T60p T410 T420 T520 W500 W520 R50 A21p A22p A31 A31p
NOTE: All links to PC-Doctor software hosted by me are dead. Files removed 8/28/12 by manufacturer's demand.

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#11 Post by printf » Wed Jul 31, 2013 4:15 am

ok, then what about the X61S?

on the thinkwiki site it does not say which kind of display it has.

currently i need a subnotebook that i just can flip open anywhere, does not have to be very small and does not become hot, that it becomes uncomfortable to hold in your hand.

i was thinking i could buy the x61s, then later i could buy a proper x200s with t better display, that can be considered a better upgrade

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#12 Post by rkawakami » Wed Jul 31, 2013 4:37 am

As far as the display is concerned, all X6x systems have CCFL-based panels. The X6x laptops also all have 12.1" XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, except for some tablet models which have the same size, but SXGA+ (1400 x 1050). In other words, these are 4:3, non-widescreen displays.

You probably already have the X61s configuration from the seller, but here's the original:

Based on 7666-34G: L7500(1.6GHz), 2GB RAM, 100GB 7200rpm HD, 12.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel X3100, 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 8c Li-Ion, WinVista Business 32

I've found X60/X61 systems very nice to use but they have a tendency to have a hot palmrest. That can be fixed somewhat by changing the wireless card but you may also have to install a BIOS hack. The X61s does run a little cooler that the non-s version. Without the UltraBase, they are fairly light and with the 8-cell battery, lasts about 4-5 hours. Be aware however, if you use an aftermarket 8-cell battery, the laptop may not dock with the UltraBase.
Ray Kawakami
X22 X24 X31 X41 X41T X60 X60s X61 X61s X200 X200s X300 X301 Z60m Z61t Z61p 560 560Z 600 600E 600X T21 T22 T23 T41 T60p T410 T420 T520 W500 W520 R50 A21p A22p A31 A31p
NOTE: All links to PC-Doctor software hosted by me are dead. Files removed 8/28/12 by manufacturer's demand.

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#13 Post by RealBlackStuff » Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:58 am

Very interesting observations, Ray, thank you.
Question: how do you get that parts list to show so well?
Whenever I try something like that, it removes all extra blanks between text (unless posted as Code, which would show).
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

printf
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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#14 Post by printf » Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:37 am

it seems that i will stick with the x61s then, the extra just does not worth it for me now.

i have one question: can i install a mini-sata ssd in any of these, one like this: http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/40/ ... -intel.jpg

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#15 Post by RealBlackStuff » Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:12 am

No, it won't work.
copy/paste this whole link in in your browser, then check the various posts that come up:

Code: Select all

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_q=msata+ssd+in+x61s&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=lang_en&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=forum.thinkpads.com&as_occt=any&safe=images&tbs=lr%3Alang_1en&as_filetype=&as_rights=#lr=lang_en&hl=en&as_qdr=all&tbs=lr:lang_1en&q=mSATA+ssd+in+x61s+site:forum.thinkpads.com&oq=mSATA+ssd+in+x61s+site:forum.thinkpads.com&gs_l=serp.12...159778.160163.0.163540.4.4.0.0.0.0.84.292.4.4.0....0...1c.1.23.serp..4.0.0.jhGseYmPix4&bav=on.2,or.&bvm=bv.49967636,d.aWc&fp=9bf54174657a8c08&biw=1173&bih=818
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#16 Post by printf » Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:22 am

no probs, then i`ll stick with a single ssd

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#17 Post by rkawakami » Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:54 am

RealBlackStuff wrote:Question: how do you get that parts list to show so well?
Copy from original source page, paste into Windows Notepad, manually insert/delete tabs to line up columns, copy that and paste into post using "pre" tag.
"pre" inserts
text in Courier New font
inline with other text but separated by automatic line breaks, while "code" inserts

Code: Select all

a block of text
inside a box. Takes a little bit of work but the result looks good.
Ray Kawakami
X22 X24 X31 X41 X41T X60 X60s X61 X61s X200 X200s X300 X301 Z60m Z61t Z61p 560 560Z 600 600E 600X T21 T22 T23 T41 T60p T410 T420 T520 W500 W520 R50 A21p A22p A31 A31p
NOTE: All links to PC-Doctor software hosted by me are dead. Files removed 8/28/12 by manufacturer's demand.

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Re: looking for buying advice for a thinkpad subnotebook

#18 Post by Thinkpaddict » Wed Aug 07, 2013 1:02 pm

Just to add to the excellent points, for emphasis, that the X6x machines run hot (specifically the hard drive, which is what I care the most about). The X200 is, in my experience, much cooler.

I just started a thread about this: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=111022

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