Thinkpads Forum

hello all, I'm seeking some advice on upgrading from my x41t (Windows XP, 1.5 gb ram and stock 60gb hdd with ultrabase).

Right now I use it for programming, browsing, and old games usually with one VirtualBox VM running.

At first I thought of going right to the x220, as the outlet has some good looking prices right now. For example, http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/co ... 4F-4286CTR -- i7, Windows 7 Pro, IPS, 8gb ram, 250 gb hdd for $765.

However looking around some more I'm curious about a short hop to the x61, pluses in its favor being the 4:3 aspect ratio, and no touchpad.

Doing some shopping I get this build:

2.1 ghz core duo with docking station and dvdrw on ebay, $175
Intel x25-m 80gb ssd on ebay, $75
windows 7 pro sp1 64-bit full build on Amazon, $130
2 sticks crucial 4gb on Amazon, $170

total: $550

So for $200 less I get a docking station, dvdrw, and ssd with 4:3 and no touchpad. I sacrifice processor (wondering about core duo vs. i7), and HD space (not that important to me), and maybe some other things I'm not thinking of.

What do you think? Is this a dumb idea?

Coming from X41T you're likely to miss the IPS screen on a non-tablet X61.

X220 is a fine machine. Do bear in mind that the warranty on units purchased in the Outlet can't be extended past the original 12 months...

Just something to consider when deciding...

I believe outlet purchases are eligible for a post warranty extension, but it's expensive, like $170 for one year. You're better off forgoing it in my opinion, especially on an inexpensive notebook. Given the usage, I don't see the better i7 CPU making much of a difference. If you're going to shoot for an upgrade on the X220, it should be the IPS screen over all others. Here's a X220 with the IPS and i3 for a few hundred less. If you really want the i5, here's one, though it only has the six-cell.

ZaZ wrote:I believe outlet purchases are eligible for a post warranty extension, but it's expensive, like $170 for one year.

my mother was able to extend on her outlet r400. you're right... it was expensive.