What to buy, X vs. T?

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Yossarian1 · #1 Post by **Yossarian1** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:24 am

Trying to simplify my life, getting rid of the desktop PC, want to replace with a Thinkpad laptop that I can take with me when needed. I currently have a X40 that is great for traveling, but limited in that some USB external devices do not work on it (not 2.0?).

Found this today on craigslist, http://denver.craigslist.org/sys/1642650388.html

Also looking on Lenovo's outlet at X series and T series.

The T is supposed to be more of a work horse, good for replacing a desktop right? Though I really like the X for size and travel. I already have a USB DVD RW, and a USB camera so they don't have to be integrated. I also have all the software I need, so if it's loaded with Vista, easy change.

Card readers for my digital camera's memory stick seem to be scarce unless you go newer, solutions?

Lenovo vs IBM era thinkpads?

I know, lots of questions, any random thoughts?

#2 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:40 am

You may also want to consider X60/X61 series.
Same portability as you have now, but improved horsepower.

Yossarian1 · #3 Post by **Yossarian1** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:48 am

RealBlackStuff wrote:You may also want to consider X60/X61 series.
Same portability as you have now, but improved horsepower.

Looking at them also, whey would one pick up a X60/X61 vs. the newer X200's etc?

pianowizard · #4 Post by **pianowizard** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:22 am

Yossarian1 wrote:Trying to simplify my life, getting rid of the desktop PC, want to replace with a Thinkpad laptop that I can take with me when needed. I currently have a X40 that is great for traveling

I STRONGLY recommend against owning just one computer. It's important to have a backup. So, after getting this new Thinkpad, I hope you will keep either your current desktop or X40 for backup. If you must get rid of your desktop PC, keep at least the monitor so you can use it as your laptop's external monitor.

Yossarian1 · #5 Post by **Yossarian1** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:32 am

[/quote]I STRONGLY recommend against owning just one computer. It's important to have a backup. So, after getting this new Thinkpad, I hope you will keep either your current desktop or X40 for backup. If you must get rid of your desktop PC, keep at least the monitor so you can use it as your laptop's external monitor.[/quote]

I agree, the wife has a laptop and we plan on getting a external drive to back up both.

Space is limited, we don't live in a McMansion and the kids are more mobile, easy to hide the laptop.

Keeping the X40

ThinkRob · #6 Post by **ThinkRob** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 2:04 pm

Yossarian1 wrote: Looking at them also, whey would one pick up a X60/X61 vs. the newer X200's etc?

Cheaper. Smaller. (Arguably) better build quality. 4:3. Better keyboard.

#7 Post by **archer6** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:17 pm

pianowizard wrote:I STRONGLY recommend against owning just one computer. It's important to have a backup.

This is excellent advice, just don't fall into the trap that I have...ha..ha.. why have one backup when I can have ... uh... well... one glance at my signature line and you'll see I've truly lost it...

Cheers...

#8 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:27 pm

archer6, how many Thinkpads do you own? Your sig is just a list of your favorites, right?

Yossarian1 · #9 Post by **Yossarian1** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:35 pm

http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/ca7675rf6.html

Look good? Found them slightly cheaper, but this does have a warrenty.

Volker · #10 Post by **Volker** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 3:45 pm

+1 for backups.

But on-site doesn't count. Synchronizing files between a laptop and a desktop that are kept under the same roof is not good enough. A single laptop with online backup is OK.

Utwig · #11 Post by **Utwig** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:06 pm

Pick by size. Note that X61 is already quite powerful if maxed with 8GB RAM, SSD and 64-bit OS. Otherwise decision factors should be:
- what resolution is minimum I need, what resolution I like (You can get 1280x800 in 12, 14 and 15" but if you want 1680x1050, 15" is minimum). If you plan to use external monitor at your desk, you can get smaller notebook
- do I need discrete graphics - Intel in X series is fine for very light gaming, otherwise you need T series
- how much battery life do you need (X have very long battery life)
- do you need a better display panel than average low-end TNs. Tablets and some other models have better screens
- how much CPU power do you need (X have ULV slower processors)

If you plan on replacing your desktop and keeping X40, I recommend getting a recent 14" or 15" T series or a workstation model (T60p, Z61p, T61p, W500, W700, W510, W701). I have both T42p and X61T and for desk work I more often pick T42p, while for taking around I prefer the X.

dr_st · #12 Post by **dr_st** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:07 am

X may have a very long battery life only if you are talking about the ULV CPUs, which are in the X60s/X61s/X200s/X201s models, not the regular ones. X60/X61/X200/X201 use regular voltage CPUs, which means they have the same performance as their T counterparts and roughly the same power consumption (at least when comparing to integrated GPU models). When taking a regular non-ULV X laptop, and the 4-cell battery, battery life will not be long by any stretch of imagination.

#13 Post by **underclocker** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 7:49 am

When you figure out how to simplify, let me know, for now I'm down to three that I use regularly;

T60p 15" IPS UXGA Home
X60s 12" XGA Travel
T60 15.4" Widescreen WSXGA+ Work

Yossarian1 · #14 Post by **Yossarian1** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:50 am

underclocker wrote:When you figure out how to simplify, let me know, for now I'm down to three that I use regularly;

T60p 15" IPS UXGA Home
X60s 12" XGA Travel
T60 15.4" Widescreen WSXGA+ Work

It's an attemp to simplify

Leaning more towards a T model for bigger keyboard and screen for home use.

#15 Post by **underclocker** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:05 am

Lenovo should design and adjustable laptop that can be configured to be light and small or big and wide as needed, like a Transformer. I like light and slim on the road, big with beautiful LCD for home, and big with widescreen for work.

Getting to just one machine is a tough nut to crack. However, if pushed, I'd pick one I don't currently use, a standard 4:3 T60 with SXGA+. It's the best all-around combination of weight, size & resolution.

dr_st · #16 Post by **dr_st** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:29 am

underclocker wrote:Getting to just one machine is a tough nut to crack. However, if pushed, I'd pick one I don't currently use, a standard 4:3 T60 with SXGA+. It's the best all-around combination of weight, size & resolution.

While I absolutely adore the T60 14" SXGA+ (typing on one right now), I'd vote for the T400s with WXGA+ (almost the same screen space), and weighs 0.5kg less. The screen size of a T and the weight of an X.

Volker · #17 Post by **Volker** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 11:34 am

Yossarian1 wrote:Leaning more towards a T model for bigger keyboard and screen for home use.

X-series has full-size keys for a while now. X60/X61 has full-size keys except for a slightly slimmer enter, X200+ has full-size keys. One of the few benefits of moving to widescreens

Of course the screen on the T-series is undoubtedly larger.

ssd_thinkpad · #18 Post by **ssd_thinkpad** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:41 pm

I read through your first post that transportability is important for you. That means weight and size. For me weight is more important than size. I am not sure how you are on this.

I think you should try out the T400s that you can dock to a dockingstation and use monitor / keyboard and mouse. Its 14 inch widescreen display has around the same height as your actual x40. All older non x2xx models have some minor less big keys than usual. I felt not that comfortable typing on a x60 I owned than on the T60 I use now. I'd either take the T400s or one of the x60s / x61s models.

emtee3511 · #19 Post by **emtee3511** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:57 pm

Yossarian1 wrote:
"http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/ca7675rf6.html
Look good? Found them slightly cheaper, but this does have a warrenty."

If you're still thinking about an X -- check this out: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=85306

I have no vested interest in this sale (except I have purchased from this forum member previously), but this looks like a nice machine with warranty through the end of the year, which you should be able to extend or upgrade to on-site -- you would also have no additional shipping fees and taxes, so the savings would be substantial -- I'm just guessing, but I think it hasn't sold because the forum member doesn't take PayPal -- but does look like a very nice, 'as-new' machine --

My husband uses my X61s (since hisZ61t found a new home) and I currently have two X200's (one for light use in our family room and one at my desk), as well as my X301 -- I actually like all the X's as well as my older T, but the smaller size of the X61s and the X200 and the lighter weight of the X301 make them better travellers --

ansible212 · #20 Post by **ansible212** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 5:41 pm

Yossarian1 wrote:Leaning more towards a T model for bigger keyboard and screen for home use.

Before I bought my X200s I was going to replace my ageing A30 with an X61s and a T6x. I wanted a really portable laptop for work which I could use on trains etc and pretty much take anywhere etc, and wanted something with a larger screen to use on my desk (i.e. to replace the A30).

One thing led to another and I missed the X61s I was watching on eBay and decided to just get an new X200s instead as I needed something asap for work. I was wary of the wide screen, but the benefits have outweighed the negatives (higher resolution compared to the X61s, bigger keyboard, better shape etc).

When I bought it, I still meant to get some form of T series, especially as I found I was still using my A30 as the 15" SXGA+ display was easier on the eye over long periods.

However, I decided to make the most of my new purchase (including UltraBase) and ended up buying a 24" HP IPS monitor (connected via DisplayPort) and haven't looked back. I can live with the 'inferior' ThinkPad screen when I'm working away and get the benefit of a stunning display when I'm at home working. I've now pretty much rounded things off with the ThinkPad USB keyboard and have a perfect working environment wherever I am.

So, I wouldn't discount an X series (either X61 or X200) as a main machine if partnered with a decent external screen and keyboard.

(The beauty of my HP monitor is that I've also got my largely redundant desktop PC connected to it as well.)

Of course, I may well end up getting a T series as I've always fancied one... I've actually got a half-dead T23 upstairs which needs some serious TLC, but for now at least my X200s meets my requirements perfectly.

RWDPLZ · #21 Post by **RWDPLZ** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:22 pm

I was suprised how much more portable my T61 is than the A31p that it replaced. But the T61 is a monster compared to my new X41 Tablet.

The A and T series are great desktop replacements, but X is the way to go for portable. For keyboards, the X series feels practically the same as the others when typing.

Yossarian1 · #22 Post by **Yossarian1** » Wed Mar 17, 2010 11:40 pm

I'll get the X, no the T, no the X, ah the T.............both?

Seriously, thanks to all that have contributed. I do have a X40, so the T just to try it out. I currently travel a lot, but am getting furloughed this summer, so portability will take the back seat.

The T61 on the local CL looks interesting.

t140568 · #23 Post by **t140568** » Sun Mar 21, 2010 11:09 pm

I know I'm a little late getting to this thread, but is there any way you can visit a local PC shop that sells Thinkpads?

Yossarian1 · #24 Post by **Yossarian1** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 10:14 pm

t140568 wrote:I know I'm a little late getting to this thread, but is there any way you can visit a local PC shop that sells Thinkpads?

I missed on the local T61, I blame the snow!

Sure....why?

jvarszegi · #25 Post by **jvarszegi** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 10:33 pm

I really don't think more than .5% of people, maybe not even that, couldn't do all of their work and home computing perfectly fine on an X series, and probably on an entry-level one at that. If you want a bigger screen part of the time, an external screen is the ticket, not lugging around a heavier machine all the time.

I wouldn't get an older X series, though. Widescreen is superior to 4:3 for smaller machines, since it enables a more properly laid out full-size keyboard. There's just not a good reason to get an older machine. Get a new one and extended support; the cost per year will be low enough, and the machine will last you longer.

I don't understand the need for multiple machines, personally. Get a good next-day on-site service plan and don't worry. Back up your data to a cheap external drive or two. If you must, move one off site.

I think people stress out about these things too much. Even a cheap new machine is a supercomputer by yesteryears' standards.

goofyGAguy · #26 Post by **goofyGAguy** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 10:40 pm

jvarszegi wrote:
I don't understand the need for multiple machines, personally.

t140568 · #27 Post by **t140568** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:37 am

Yossarian1 wrote:I missed on the local T61, I blame the snow!

Sure....why?

Well, I was just thinking that to see and use one hands-on is something that would help sway my decision. Reading reviews, opinions, and specs online is nice, but NOTHING compares to being able to get one physically in your hands. Just my $.02 worth.

Yossarian1 · #28 Post by **Yossarian1** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 5:24 pm

t140568 wrote:Well, I was just thinking that to see and use one hands-on is something that would help sway my decision. Reading reviews, opinions, and specs online is nice, but NOTHING compares to being able to get one physically in your hands. Just my $.02 worth.

Agreed.

arion · #29 Post by **arion** » Fri May 14, 2010 10:25 am

I am think of getting the next X series Tablet if it has DisplayPort with Audio passthrough so I can connect my Laptop to my Sony Bravia XBR45 (XBR8 in the US and X4500 in the UK) and Sony Amplifier/Receiver via HDMI

As for the backups you can get the fireproof safes quite cheaply that will supposedly not damage contents in a fire for over an hour or so which is long enough for the house to burn down.

Yossarian1 · #30 Post by **Yossarian1** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 2:46 pm

jvarszegi wrote:I really don't think more than .5% of people, maybe not even that, couldn't do all of their work and home computing perfectly fine on an X series, and probably on an entry-level one at that. If you want a bigger screen part of the time, an external screen is the ticket, not lugging around a heavier machine all the time.

I wouldn't get an older X series, though. Widescreen is superior to 4:3 for smaller machines, since it enables a more properly laid out full-size keyboard. There's just not a good reason to get an older machine. Get a new one and extended support; the cost per year will be low enough, and the machine will last you longer.

I don't understand the need for multiple machines, personally. Get a good next-day on-site service plan and don't worry. Back up your data to a cheap external drive or two. If you must, move one off site.

I think people stress out about these things too much. Even a cheap new machine is a supercomputer by yesteryears' standards.

My wife agrees with you, so.......X201 vs. T410s?

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