Lurking A31p user wants to know

[jack NYC]

Hey X users, A31p user here. I checked out the Lenvo site to get a clue as to what the x series was all about and like most of the site it's an abismal mess. Can someone help me figure out the differences in the X series. x31 seems better in many respects that the x41, what gives? Anyone seen a good website with good comparison and feature explanations?
Thanks
Jack

[LordGop]

Hey X users, A31p user here. I checked out the Lenvo site to get a clue as to what the x series was all about and like most of the site it's an abismal mess. Can someone help me figure out the differences in the X series. x31 seems better in many respects that the x41, what gives? Anyone seen a good website with good comparison and feature explanations?
Thanks
Jack

Yea the site is a mess and it was back when IBM runned it too lol. Basically from my understanding is that the X31 is bigger then the x40 but you do get some of the features that the x40 doesn't have. Other then that hopefully a person that got and x31 over and x40 chimes in.

EDIT: PS: love me ultraportable x40 though hehe.

[mekman]

Hey X users, A31p user here. I checked out the Lenvo site to get a clue as to what the x series was all about and like most of the site it's an abismal mess. Can someone help me figure out the differences in the X series. x31 seems better in many respects that the x41, what gives? Anyone seen a good website with good comparison and feature explanations?
Thanks
Jack

Hi Jack,
I don't have the X31, I have the X32 2885 k4u.
1) The X40/X41 uses the Ultra Low Voltage version of the cpu. Current speed is 1.5ghz vs 2.0ghz on X32. -- Observation: I don't think you'll notice a difference.
2) The X41 will max out at 1.5gb of ram, the X32 at 2.0 gb. -- Observation: It's always nice to be able to add more ram, but honestly I think for most people 1.5 is alot of ram. The ram on the X41 is faster.
3) The X41 uses a new 1.8" 4200 rpm drive, the X32 uses the 2.5" form factor which goes up to 7200 rpm. Observation: It doesn't hurt to have the extra rpm's I have the 5400 rpm drive. But I think the 4200 should be sufficient for most people.
4) The X32 has firewire. Observation: Nice to have, but I think USB 2.0 is sufficient. I guess USB 2.0 will be fine until I have both my DL DVD writer and external HD daisychained...then firewire is the way to go. Again I don't think it really doesnt matters. USB 2.0 should be fine for most people.
5) The X4? has a powered (not sure) USB 2.0 port. The 2 USB ports on the X32 aren't powered (I don't believe they are).
6) The X32 has a compact flash slot convenentient for me since I use CF with my camera. The X4? has a SD slot...great if that's what your camera uses.
7) The X4? is sleeker and slimmer. The X32 is clunkier (according to the various posts): Observation. Honestly I don't even notice! (ok I don't have an X4? to compare with). I personally like the shape of the X32. The X41 comes with the 8 cell battery which adds an extra 1" to the back. I didn't like that. From the pictures I've seen the X41 is much smaller (if you don't include the battery). I think the keyboard and wrist rest area is about the same or a tiny bit shorter.
8 ) Battery life...I guess both are good.
9) The X4? has the ability to connect and power a special CD/DVD RW(I believe) that is small and portable. I have to either carry my X3 UltraBase or my HUGE DL DVD Writer. no big deal I don't use them on the road.
10) The X4? is newer technology. The X32 just came out. but it's based on the older chipset.
11) Looks like the X41 has better hinges.
12) The X32 can use the older docks. Big selling point for me. I have an A21p, with dock...I use that old dock at work and keep the ultra bay at home. I don't think the older dock works with the x4? (correct me if I'm wrong).

Overall I still prefer the X32.

good luck with your search

[bhtooefr]

Before the X4*, I've NEVER seen a laptop that had unpowered USB ports.

Do you have any devices that draw more than 100mA (some flash drives do this - I'm looking at you, Kingston and SanDisk)? If so, try the ports on your X32. Basically, if it needs more than 100mA, it shouldn't work, without plugging an AC adaptor into the device (if it can take it). If it does work, then you have powered USB ports.

Yeah, I've noticed the X32 competing with the X41, too...

IBM almost needs to rename the X4* to the U4*, b/c it's a different form factor. The X3* can then be updated (an X33 with a 915GM (or PM, and a decent GPU), maybe?), without conflicting with the X4* series.

I can see a lot of reasons why someone would want a *slightly* bigger laptop that could compete with a T series...

Of course, this is all from a future X21 owner, who drools over the X41 (tablet or not)