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Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
Hi,
I used to own a IBM T42p, until I decided to try out Apple. So last year, I bought a Blackbook and gave the T42p to my sister (yeah, I know!). 1 year on, and I decided that OSX just isn't suitable for me and sold the Blackbook. I now want to return to the ThinkPad fold...
I'm kind of stuck on what to get. I'd like my new ThinkPad to be my "do everything" machine:
* Noise: Silent or as close as possible
* CPU: Handle playback of 1080p MKVs
* Screen: 12-14''
* GFX: Don't game, but would like to drive an 20-24'' external monitor through DVI
* Optical: I think I can get away without one.
* Input: I've never been a trackpoint user, but having played around with it briefly, I think I could switch.
So I had a look in a store to get a gauge on the physical dimensions on the following
* X300/301: nice but I don't think it's fast enough. Also way pricey.
* X200: I think this checks all the boxes - (can any x200 owners confirm?). Things I don't like are the huge bezel and I think the resolution might be a tad low.
* X61: this has the perfect form factor - keyboard, screen, bezel and portability, but I don't think it's fast enough. I've heard it suffers from overheating too...
So I think I'm looking at either an x200 or an x200s (or possibly the new T400).
Any advice would be much appreciated!
I used to own a IBM T42p, until I decided to try out Apple. So last year, I bought a Blackbook and gave the T42p to my sister (yeah, I know!). 1 year on, and I decided that OSX just isn't suitable for me and sold the Blackbook. I now want to return to the ThinkPad fold...
I'm kind of stuck on what to get. I'd like my new ThinkPad to be my "do everything" machine:
* Noise: Silent or as close as possible
* CPU: Handle playback of 1080p MKVs
* Screen: 12-14''
* GFX: Don't game, but would like to drive an 20-24'' external monitor through DVI
* Optical: I think I can get away without one.
* Input: I've never been a trackpoint user, but having played around with it briefly, I think I could switch.
So I had a look in a store to get a gauge on the physical dimensions on the following
* X300/301: nice but I don't think it's fast enough. Also way pricey.
* X200: I think this checks all the boxes - (can any x200 owners confirm?). Things I don't like are the huge bezel and I think the resolution might be a tad low.
* X61: this has the perfect form factor - keyboard, screen, bezel and portability, but I don't think it's fast enough. I've heard it suffers from overheating too...
So I think I'm looking at either an x200 or an x200s (or possibly the new T400).
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I can't answer any of your questions, but if you're looking at buying an X-series thinkpad soon, lenovo has what looks to me like a pretty good sale (something like 27% off plus another 15% with a "USPSPRING" coupon) --- however, it expires tomorrow (Mon, 4/13).
Lenovo seem to be doing a lot of coupon stuff nowadays, so I dare say something like this will come back sometime, but I only just resisted the temptation to buy an X200s myself...
Lenovo seem to be doing a lot of coupon stuff nowadays, so I dare say something like this will come back sometime, but I only just resisted the temptation to buy an X200s myself...
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I own the X200. It's a great machine: quiet, fast, large drive (160 GB), lots of memory (4GB running Vista 64bit). I use it together with a separate LCD display (a great setup).
The laptops 1280x800 is good enough for me. The X200s has a higher resolution, but I think it would be to high for me...Of course, can only comment on the X200.
I had a T40p, and I definitely like this machine better (it's lighter).
The laptops 1280x800 is good enough for me. The X200s has a higher resolution, but I think it would be to high for me...Of course, can only comment on the X200.
I had a T40p, and I definitely like this machine better (it's lighter).
X200: 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 160 GP @ RPM drive, WinVista Business 64-bit
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I have each of the models you are interested in. While they are all excellent models, I would suggest the T400. Its simply not that much larger or heavier as its very well balanced. Also for your main "do everything" ThinkPad I believe you would enjoy the extra display size and the spacious keyboard. There is no doubt that the X200 is a fine machine, but as your only laptop you may be happier with the T400. That said, it's obviously a matter of personal preference. You cannot lose with either.
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Cheers...
.
Cheers...
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
Thanks, I was aware of the deal and coupon, but unfortunately I'm not based in the US. I could order it from the US and have it shipped to the UK, but I think for the price disparity with the additional hassle, it's probably not going to be worthwhile.Thecla wrote:lenovo has what looks to me like a pretty good sale (something like 27% off plus another 15% with a "USPSPRING" coupon) --- however, it expires tomorrow (Mon, 4/13).
Gone are the days of 1 GBP = 2 USD...
1280x800 is fine but I'm not sure I'll cope with the higher resolution on the x200s. Since I won't see one in real life before purchasing, I'll be taking a look at my friend's Vaio Z which has almost the same pixels per inch:atlacatl wrote:The laptops 1280x800 is good enough for me. The X200s has a higher resolution, but I think it would be to high for me...
x200: 12.1'' 1280x800
10.26" × 6.41" (26.06cm × 16.29cm) = 124.75 PPI
x200s: 12.1'' 1440x900
10.26" × 6.41" (26.06cm × 16.29cm) = 140.34 PPI
Vaio Z: 13.1'' 1600x900
11.42" × 6.42" (29cm × 16.31cm) = 140.13 PPI
My brain agrees with your suggestion on the T400, both from a practicality and financial point of view. Unfortunately I think my heart wants an x200s... assuming I can live with the screen resolution. And with only a trackpad...archer6 wrote:While they are all excellent models, I would suggest the T400.
One more question for you, how quiet are the X200, X200s and T400 both when under load and not?
Thanks to all for your responses, they have been most helpful!
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
My X200 is very quiet. The fan comes on from time to time, but I can only hear it if I'm working at night with the everything around me turned off.
As far as the screen resolution goes, I definitely would like more real state and I'm sure I'd get used to the DPI density. However, I'm a speed junkie. I prefer the higher CPU clock. Of course, I have to deal with shorter battery life, but I'm always around an outlet so I don't feel the need for more juice (and I could buy the larger battery, too).
My ideal machine would be the X301: large screen, better build, and thinner, but the CPU is way too slow for the price.
In sum, if I had to choose between a T400 and the X200, I'd go for the X200: you can't beat the weight to performance ratio. I look at it this way: 5.5 lbs becomes heavy really quickly in a crowded airport. On the other hand, 3 lbs is nothing.
As far as the screen resolution goes, I definitely would like more real state and I'm sure I'd get used to the DPI density. However, I'm a speed junkie. I prefer the higher CPU clock. Of course, I have to deal with shorter battery life, but I'm always around an outlet so I don't feel the need for more juice (and I could buy the larger battery, too).
My ideal machine would be the X301: large screen, better build, and thinner, but the CPU is way too slow for the price.
In sum, if I had to choose between a T400 and the X200, I'd go for the X200: you can't beat the weight to performance ratio. I look at it this way: 5.5 lbs becomes heavy really quickly in a crowded airport. On the other hand, 3 lbs is nothing.
X200: 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 160 GP @ RPM drive, WinVista Business 64-bit
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I find the displays resolution and even backlighting very nice. Since I'm mobile and travel extensively I've never used an external monitor. Therefore I choose my ThinkPads very carefully. The display is one that I think you would be quite satisfied with. Both my X200 & X200s run cool and quite. The same holds true for my T400. I'm not very tolerant when it comes to noise, as when at home my office is completely silent. Therefore any noise from the laptop is very annoying to me. Just like the lions share of my ThinkPads, this new X200 series is so quite that the only way I hear the fan is to put my ear to the case. As far as capability is concerned this model will satisfy the needs you outlined earlier. If your desire leads to purchase one I'm sure you will be very pleased. They are indeed a nice compact, light ThinkPad.Ken wrote: Unfortunately I think my heart wants an x200s... assuming I can live with the screen resolution. And with only a trackpad...
One more question for you, how quiet are the X200, X200s and T400 both when under load and not?
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Hope this helps your decision making process.
.
Cheers...
posted via BlackBerry Bold
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I have the X200 with 2 docking stations, the one at work driving a 22" (1680x150) + 19" (1280x1024). It is the 'everything' machine for me - replacing 3 computers AND no loss of computing muscle. I've been using it since end of October and couldn't be happier with it both as a desktop workhorse and a travel machine. For travel I install the small battery and put in my backpack - so light; the 6 and 9hr batteries go in my luggage. Mine has the 160gb/7200rpm hd but I'm eyeing one of those X25 or Vertex SSD when the price comes down a bit. As noted, it runs quiet.Ken wrote:Hi,
I'm kind of stuck on what to get. I'd like my new ThinkPad to be my "do everything" machine:
* Noise: Silent or as close as possible
* CPU: Handle playback of 1080p MKVs
* Screen: 12-14''
* GFX: Don't game, but would like to drive an 20-24'' external monitor through DVI
* Optical: I think I can get away without one.
* Input: I've never been a trackpoint user, but having played around with it briefly, I think I could switch.
* X200: I think this checks all the boxes - (can any x200 owners confirm?). Things I don't like are the huge bezel and I think the resolution might be a tad low.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Trackpoint: It was on the first Thinkpad I owned (P133) and I still think for economy of movement and working efficiency it can't be beat! But needs a little skill to get the most from it.
x200 recommended w/o reservation.
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- thinkpads.com customer
- Posts: 847
- Joined: Tue May 11, 2004 6:29 pm
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
Just a one day owner of the X200 tablet. It is replacing the X301. I have to say the build quality on the X200 tablet is the best I have seen. Rigid with no flex! Colors on screen typical of IPS with saturation I have not seen in years! More processor than my X301.
Even if you are not looking for a tablet, this tablet has few if any compromises.
It is worth looking at
Even if you are not looking for a tablet, this tablet has few if any compromises.
It is worth looking at
Greg Gebhardt
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I'm curious why you need a tablet for your computing needs. I'm a long time laptop user, but I look at tablet computing more like a gimmicky solution. Unless, of course, there is a specific need for a tablet (apps where pen input is needed), I don't see myself using it for software development.Greg Gebhardt wrote:Just a one day owner of the X200 tablet. It is replacing the X301. I have to say the build quality on the X200 tablet is the best I have seen. Rigid with no flex! Colors on screen typical of IPS with saturation I have not seen in years! More processor than my X301.
Even if you are not looking for a tablet, this tablet has few if any compromises.
It is worth looking at
I guess is just a matter of taste.
X200: 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 160 GP @ RPM drive, WinVista Business 64-bit
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
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- Senior Member
- Posts: 872
- Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:45 am
- Location: France Paris
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
Tablets are the only actual notebooks from lenovo that have an ips (flexview) panel which provides a very great viewing experience (high viewing angles and contrast ratio).
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
Having seen the Vaio Z, I *think* I can live with the resolution on the higher res X200s, but I'll probably check it out again to confirm.
Some questions for any x200s owners with the 1440x900 screen:
1) Can you run at any lower resolutions?
2) If so, which ones? And do they seem noticably worse?
I'd like to go for the higher res, but just wondering what options I have if my eyesight gets worse...
Some questions for any x200s owners with the 1440x900 screen:
1) Can you run at any lower resolutions?
2) If so, which ones? And do they seem noticably worse?
I'd like to go for the higher res, but just wondering what options I have if my eyesight gets worse...
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I have both the X200 & X200s. I would caution you to be extremely careful when choosing a resolution. The X200s, like any laptop runs best at it's native resolution which in this case is 1440x900. Changing the resolution produces a fuzzy image. It is not something you would find acceptable. For comfort and longer sessions over an hour or two I would highly suggest the lower resolution X200. Especially with such a small display. I have 20/20 vision and prefer high resolution displays. However that is simply my preference. And even at that, I truly enjoy the lower res X200, especially when on the web as most pages are still designed for 1024x768. Many users I know that are also 20/20 prefer lower resolution displays for this reason. Perhaps the most noticeable is image size. As any pictures on web pages will be larger on a lower resolution display. Many argue that the ease of sizing the page in Firefox makes it less of an issue. I agree to the extent that most pages fonts will become larger, but the images remain the same or become distorted. That said, its a personal decision that I would be very careful with.Ken wrote:<snip> I *think* I can live with the resolution on the higher res X200s, but I'll probably check it out again to confirm.
for any x200s owners with the 1440x900 screen:
1) Can you run at any lower resolutions?
2) If so, which ones? And do they seem noticeably worse?
.
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Cheers...
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
Thanks, archer6. I think I'll play it safe and opt for the X200...
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
You're Welcome,
.
I feel quite certain you'll be very glad you did. There's a lot to be said for having a nice easy to read display. The two most important components are the display & keyboard as after all, that's how we interface with the computer. Nothing adds to ones enjoyment like have the best of those two.
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It's just my personal opinion, but I think there is far too much criticism of low res displays.
.
Cheers...
.
I feel quite certain you'll be very glad you did. There's a lot to be said for having a nice easy to read display. The two most important components are the display & keyboard as after all, that's how we interface with the computer. Nothing adds to ones enjoyment like have the best of those two.
.
It's just my personal opinion, but I think there is far too much criticism of low res displays.
.
Cheers...
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I went to some stores and took a look at some comparable laptops again to compare the X200s and X200.
Vaio Z (13.1'', 1600x900) - I can *use* the resolution, but I think I'd give myself eyestrain over long periods of time.
HP Tablet TX (12.1'', 1280x800) - much easier on the eyes and in retrospect, 1280x800 is a decent amount of screen real estate.
So I'm glad I had second thoughts about the X200s resolution. Once I get my cashback credit card, I'll be putting in an order for an X200 (also, for the UK buyers, if you're getting it from Lenovo UK, you can use Quidco to get 4% cashback).
Thanks again to everyone who's helped in my decision making process. Now to decide on the specific parts!
Vaio Z (13.1'', 1600x900) - I can *use* the resolution, but I think I'd give myself eyestrain over long periods of time.
HP Tablet TX (12.1'', 1280x800) - much easier on the eyes and in retrospect, 1280x800 is a decent amount of screen real estate.
So I'm glad I had second thoughts about the X200s resolution. Once I get my cashback credit card, I'll be putting in an order for an X200 (also, for the UK buyers, if you're getting it from Lenovo UK, you can use Quidco to get 4% cashback).
Agreed!archer6 wrote:I feel quite certain you'll be very glad you did. There's a lot to be said for having a nice easy to read display. The two most important components are the display & keyboard as after all, that's how we interface with the computer. Nothing adds to ones enjoyment like have the best of those two.
X200 it isbcherry wrote:x200 recommended w/o reservation.
Thanks again to everyone who's helped in my decision making process. Now to decide on the specific parts!
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I've found this thread really helpful as I'm in the same boat. I can't make up my mind between an x200 or a t400. For six -- SIX! -- years I've been on an x30 so needless to say I'm smitten with the series. But I've never liked the Intel graphics set and the brightness with the display has always been lacking. Of course, a lot has changed with the x-series displays since I last bought a thinkpad, but still I wonder ... Have any of you x200 owners had issues with graphics/screen brightness? (I will photoshop and edit a digital video now and then.) Also, I like the idea of an LED screen. Any idea if and when the x200 will get them?
T400s | 27" iMac (mid 2010) | T43 | Powerbook G4 | OptiPlex RAID 10 Ubuntu server
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I came from an X61, and we still have an X31 in the family, so the LED-backlit screen on the X200s is certainly a new experience. It's not on par with IPS in terms of viewing angles or lighting evenness, but it's much, much better than the old X screens.
And for Photoshop, the 1440x900 resolution is fabulous. Even with the tool palette displayed and the dock in use, there is almost 1300 pixels of vertical resolution, and the workspace is now almost exactly the right proportion for 3:2 aspect ration photos.
And for Photoshop, the 1440x900 resolution is fabulous. Even with the tool palette displayed and the dock in use, there is almost 1300 pixels of vertical resolution, and the workspace is now almost exactly the right proportion for 3:2 aspect ration photos.
X220 (4287-2W5, Windows 8 Pro) / X31 (2672-CXU, XP Pro) / X61s (7668-CTO, Windows 8 Pro)
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
How about CPU power? For reasons I don't understand, the .5GHz difference between the x200 and x200s seems really significant to me. Has it been sufficient on your model? As for the screen, do you wish you went with the tablet?tomh009 wrote:I came from an X61, and we still have an X31 in the family, so the LED-backlit screen on the X200s is certainly a new experience. It's not on par with IPS in terms of viewing angles or lighting evenness, but it's much, much better than the old X screens.
T400s | 27" iMac (mid 2010) | T43 | Powerbook G4 | OptiPlex RAID 10 Ubuntu server
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I can only speak for the X200, and I have 2.4 Ghz CPU with 4GB of RAM. I do a lot of software development and usually have a couple of IDEs and multiple servers running at the same time without a hiccup.miketoro wrote: How about CPU power? For reasons I don't understand, the .5GHz difference between the x200 and x200s seems really significant to me. Has it been sufficient on your model? As for the screen, do you wish you went with the tablet?
I think it's a compromise: longer battery life or faster CPU. I originally had an X60s, and it was good enough. The only reason I went with the higher CPU was because I would have hated wondering if I could compute any faster.
X200: 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 160 GP @ RPM drive, WinVista Business 64-bit
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro
T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
It depends on what you are going to use your computer for. Unless you are doing some resource intensive work the difference goes unnoticed during everyday usage. For Office, and the web, presentations and the like, their is no difference. Having both models to compare, I find very little difference.miketoro wrote:How about CPU power? For reasons I don't understand, the .5GHz difference between the x200 and x200s seems really significant to me. Has it been sufficient on your model? As for the screen, do you wish you went with the tablet?
Cheers...
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
The X200s CPUs are the LV (low-voltage) and ULV (ulta-low-voltage) which make some difference -- but the LED backlight also drops the power consumption. Right now my battery gauge is showing 75% and 8h 16 minutes (and, yes, that's with wireless), though I have as of yet insufficient experience to be able to judge its accuracy.miketoro wrote:How about CPU power? For reasons I don't understand, the .5GHz difference between the x200 and x200s seems really significant to me. Has it been sufficient on your model? As for the screen, do you wish you went with the tablet?
I decided that for Photoshop a ~10% difference in CPU performance was acceptable as many of the really time-consuming Photoshop operations (opening and saving files) are really disk-bound, and most of the filter/transform operations are pretty quick anyway. So far (less than a week with the X200s!) I'm happy with that trade-off.
As for the tablet, I was tempted by that option when I got my X61 in order to get the high-resolution, high-quality LCD, but the extra weight deterred me. This time, with 1440x900 and LED backlight available on the X200s, the tablet really didn't make any sense for me (as I have no use for the tablet functionality). I'll just need to pick up a nice external IPS monitor sometime!
X220 (4287-2W5, Windows 8 Pro) / X31 (2672-CXU, XP Pro) / X61s (7668-CTO, Windows 8 Pro)
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
I would NEVER pick an LED TFT screen for graphics work; the colors just don't translate to anything. You can't even tell what you're looking at. The LED's that I have seen are spectrally sparse (never mind the fabulous claims) so they are a lousy source for further filtration. On 'pure whites' the illumination is uneven and varies widely with viewing location. Then you combine that with a TFT filter and you can't tell if you're looking at a solid color or a gradient, because the density varies with viewing angle. There is nowhere you can sit where the whole screen looks the same. Worse, different colors invert at different angles, so if you position your head so reds don't invert badly, but the blues will invert differently; pick your poison. And the saturation is so poor that you'll pump the colors to make them look almost OK on TFT and you'll burn your eyes when you see the palette you picked on a sane screen.
Re: Need purchase advice - X200/X61/other...
There really aren't many alternatives -- no one is offering IPS displays on small notebooks today, the only high-quality displays are on the heavier and clumsier tablet designs or on battleship-sized monsters.
I need the portability of the X series, and for photojournalism-level Photoshop work I find that LED screen colours are quite acceptable to me so far. And the brighter LED backlighting allows me to keep working when sunlight would have washed out a traditional display.
Silver bullets are pretty scarce, it's all about compromises. For me, the X200s turns out to be the best compromise available today.
I need the portability of the X series, and for photojournalism-level Photoshop work I find that LED screen colours are quite acceptable to me so far. And the brighter LED backlighting allows me to keep working when sunlight would have washed out a traditional display.
Silver bullets are pretty scarce, it's all about compromises. For me, the X200s turns out to be the best compromise available today.
X220 (4287-2W5, Windows 8 Pro) / X31 (2672-CXU, XP Pro) / X61s (7668-CTO, Windows 8 Pro)
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