X61t vs X200s

[Utwig]

So the GPU on my T42p died today and I need a new Thinkpad, I'm typing this on old A21p.

I've narowed my selection down to two models: X61t with 1400x1050 and X200s with 1440x900. My primary priority in notebook is screen (both A21p and T42p are UXGA, the T42p is FlexView). They both cost the same, though X200s would be new, while X61t would come used and I'd have to ebay them and order Slovenian keyboard separately. The reason for going smaller this time is that I want more portable notebook with very long battery life that I could carry around more, work in cafés, parks, could more easilly put it on pilled up client's desks and in server racks. I might get a desktop or another mobile workstation latter. I also considered W500 but with Nehalem due in Q4 and possibly better screen I'll wait. X200 and X200 tablet are out because 1280x800 is not enough.

Currently I'm inclined towards the tablet because of:
- Flexview SXGA+ (I've handled Motion Computing tablet with SXGA+ IPS and I loved it), better angles, 13% more pixels
- Tablet functionality
- Firewire (not important to me at the moment)
- I like the footprint of the Tablet better
- better form factor with 8-cell battery

The cons with the tablet:
- used (I'll buy one still in warranty)
- LCD separation problem Thread on TabletPCReview - Was this resolved, should I just buy one made after 9/2007?
- the Flexview is CCFL which degrade over time (my T42p is no longer as bright as she used to be), while x200s has 250 NIT LED screen
- higher weight (not that big of a problem, I had more problems with the size of T42p, not the weight)
- keyboard with narrower keys at the edges
- slightly lower performance (I don't need blazing fast performance, both have 64 bit VT CPUs), how does X3100 graphic work with Windows7?
- no webcam (I don't use webcam much, though it might come handy)
- no UMTS (but can be added, not a major killer feature for me)
- slightly worse battery life than X200s, both have great battery life with 8-cell battery

In other departments (cost of maximum batteries, connectivity, cost of docks, cost of 4GB RAM, n wireless) they are the same. I will pimp the notebook out with 4GB, dock, UltrabaySlim burner, Slovenian keyboard and 500GB drive. Since neither i I will also get external keyboards with trackpoint for home and work.

Questions:
- How big the problem with separating bezel on X61 tablet really is?
- Anyone handled both X61t and X200s - what's your take?
- Any other major problems with either model (like the GPU on T4x series)?

- Should I just reflow or replace motherboard on my T42p and wait till Autumn (better finances, Nehalem, W500 refresh, Windows 7)?

[ajkula66]

If you loved your T42p for its IPS you will hate X200s...and you'll be comfortable with X61T...and yes, I've had both in my hands.

Your T42p deserves a new or re-flowed planar regardless...these are fine machines that should be saved. I sold a T42p planar to another fellow forum member in Slovenia a month ago, and he's up and running...these machines will run current W7 RC1 without breaking a sweat.

Hope this helps and good luck...

You wouldn't happen to know someone who has an A3x keyboard with a Slovenian layout, would you?

[Utwig]

I have Slovenian A21p but I'm not parting with it. You can try emailing servis@ibm.si or servis@alterna.si or looking for A30/A31 on bolha.com (slovenian Craiglist/ebay).

I definitely plan to reflow T42p and yes I tried W7 and it worked great.

[Utwig]

X61t arrived today. It is perfect.

[ZaZ]

Lovely when a plan comes together isn't it?

[mattbiernat]

i got an x61t few months back and returned it promptly, that thing had so much bleeding that it was unusable.

[Utwig]

Was it SXGA+ or XGA. Mine is SXGA+ and has no bleed.

[mattbiernat]

it was XGA. too bad for the bleeding thou because the keyboard was really solid and i liked it.

[AvalonXIII]

I'd vote for X61t. Best machine with best screen ever made. The X200s is quite good too though. It is the lightest laptop I've ever held. Without the battery, the laptop feels like it's hollow inside!