Hi,

I'm new to this forum, so I apologize if I breach etiquette.

Could anyone who actually has an X1 comment on the laptop? I'm specifically looking for feedback about the screen (how vivid+bright it is, is the glossiness obtrusive, etc), real world battery life, sturdiness, and 3d rendering performance, but anything you can comment on would be useful.

There doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm about the X1 on most forums i've checked out, but reviewers who've gotten their hands on one rate it highly. I'm wondering if maybe the device is more impressive in real life than it is on paper.

Also, does anyone know if the warranty for the X1 includes a battery replacement? There isn't any battery warranty option on the customization page, and it's not as if i can buy a new one and side it in.

Thanks so much!

The general consensus I think is the X220 is a superior product in most regards - lighter, more durable, better battery life, better screen, etc. That's unless you need an uber thin notebook. If I did want a thin notebook, I'd be more inclined towards the Macbook Air because of the WXGA+ LCD, but that's me.

I have an X1. I do not do 3d, so I may not be the best person to judge that, but I do like the unit better than my X201. The extra screen size has made it worthwhile. (But again, I am using it for office type applications and the Internet). The screen actually isn't bad. The glossy part doesn't seem distracting (in the screen area). The only complaint my wife has (I don't even notice it any more) is the fan. It's high pitched, right on the edge of hearing (it sounds like a hair dryer off in the distance). The unit is very rugged (I haven't attacked the screen with a screw driver, but it does seem to take a hit). I would recommend it over the X201, but I know the 220 has a few more bells and whistles.

Thanks so much Spankmd! Would you be able to give a ballpark on how long your battery lasts you under whatever your normal usage conditions are?

Internal battery running wifi at a Starbucks, I got about 1:22 (Doing remote desktop work, so processor drain would be minimal, screen draw would be high). That was without tweaking any internal power settings. and using the dafult 15 on the screen brightness. I think a wedge battery may be in my future (not just for battery life, the unit sits very flat, I'm more used to the angle keyboard). If anyone has other questions, let me know (Like how to cut screws on an Intel reatil package ssd to take off the top spacer and put the drive in your X1. That's a simple answer, use wire cutters (even the good old needle nose will do))

You got only 1 hour and 22 mins from a full charge? This is with the default settings?

Yes, but I did notice the screen was at 100%. (I updated the power management software from Lenovo since, and have noticed better unplugged performance, but have not gone on any marathon sessions). I'll let you know the results next time I do a remote work session.

I ordered the slice battery, but am being told it will not ship until 7/20. (Although this is better than the 8 GB module, which is apparently never available).

in case you are still on the lookout for x1 user reviews, the notebook review forums may prove useful
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thinkpad-edge-x1-x100e-x120e-sl-l/

hth!

Here is a review of X1 from a X301 user:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thinkpa ... rning.html

I purchased an X1 on Aug 10th from Lenovo.com. Nicely configured (i7 second gen, 8GB RAM, etc) for US$2,700. Nothing but problems right out of box. There are problem using skype. Makes skype unusable. I have turn on/turn off skype mic/speaker controls, on/off thinkpad controls, all with no luck. I have not tried an external mic to see if that solves problem, but really not that interested in carrying an external.

That may be the least of my problems. System froze with no lights nothing after 2 days out of box. Also right out of box the "slice battery" was not charging and showing replace battery. I have had 2 different batteries same problem. Machine shuts down without notice even when showing 35%+ battery life. I have had mobo replaced. Machine now back at Lenovo (actually IBM does their repair). They keep sending it back as repaired but same problems right out of box.

Sorry I spent so much on what I expected to be a top-of-line machine. I could have spent $600 on a Dell that worked better. Wondered if anyone else had these problems.

I really like a thin & light 13.5" and there are not many alternatives (not interested in an Air). I'm lobbying for Lenovo to pull hard drive and install in a new machine (hoping it is just a unusual lemon).

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A regular Thinkpad still sounds better than an X1 IMO.

I wonder if X1 is selling better than X30x. Does anyone know the sales figures for X1?

Well considering that it wasn't introduced at a price of three grand, I'd imagine so...

May be it was introduced at ~$3K but the price quickly came down to about $1500. The number of submissions on X1 board is quite low, especially compared to the early days of X300. So I don't know if it is really selling well.

Expensive, low resolution LCD, high glare, unimpressive battery life and fairly heavy. What more does anyone need to know? Just buy a T420s.

The X1 is more of a niche market product, i don't think it sells well to the regular Thinkpad demographics, but it is popular with the executives whom are not working in the IT industry.

The X1 wins out on the T420s in terms of mechanical toughness, other than that the T420s wins.

I have used an x301 for 2 years which I purchased in the UK for £1900 GBP with the SSD and WLAN. I purchased the X1 direct (for my wife for its portability) from Lenovo USA for $1100 with SSD but no WLAN. I love both machines.

1. Such a pity I could not find something closer to the x301 with a matt screen, changable battery and DVD bay . ( would have considered the 420 recommended above if i'd had read this forum)

2. The X1 internal battery life typically lasts 4-5 hours.

3. Mic problems when using the default settings - need to change to conference mode for Skype.

4. X1 keyboard is more like a mac and i sometimes mistype when switching between my x301 and X1 as "seems" to be wider spaced.

5. Glossy screens look pretty but the glare (eye strain from trying to look past the reflection) is really bad. I'm wondering if an ipad anti glare cover would fit. Wish it had a matt screen.

6. The x1 is just as strong and well built as the x301 but with more modern looks.

7. Love all the usual and new Lenovo features.

Yes, it's a shame that Lenovo stopped X3xx development.


Not too surprising there. A lot of people find that chiclet style keyboard , while fashionable, is a step backward.


Lenovo could have offered an optional glare or matte.



X1 seems to be an experiment on Lenovo's part to broaden what a thinkpad is. Most on the thinkpad forum don't seem to like it. Not sure on what non-thinkpad users think.

Apple fanboys or fangirls think the X1 keyboard is fantastic and Thinkpad diehard think the X1 keyboard is atrocious. Personally i think keyboard is okay, but the key on the keyboard is too rigid and lacks the shortcut key for the hibernation and Trackpoint/Trackpad switchoff key.

However, the biggest problem about the X1 is not the keyboard, but rather the trackpoint's button, they are angled and placed in such a manner that make it hard to use. While, the fact there is no shortcut button for switching off the trackpad also make it less ideal for Thinkpad.