Choosing An X Notebook

[Agent69]

I am trying to pick between the Thinkpad X models but there are four of them (X31, X32, X40, and X41) and the IBM website doesn't do the best job in the world in laying out the differences.

Does anyone know of a good chart or summary that compares the features of the X line?

Also, is the model number an indication of order of release? For example, was the X32 released before the X40 but after the X31?

[JaneL]

Item #1 in the FAQ.

[akao]

Hi,

I just bought myself one, after doing lots of research. Distilling all the information will take a while, but it's kind of fun. I bought the x40, because I was looking for something light and had enough juice to last the day. Here's my notes:

I think in order of release they are: x31, x40, x32, x41.

In order of decreasing battery life the order is: x40, x41, x31, x32

In order of increasingly poor video cards: x32, x31, x41, x40
x3's have bettter video cards (ATI)
x4's have worse video cards (Intel)

x3's has faster 2.5" 5400RPM Hard drives.
x4's have slower 1.8" 4800RPM Had drives.

x3's are heavier and bigger
x4's are lighter and smaller

x3's have two removable ram chips
x4's have one removable ram chip, and one soldered.

x3 ultra base takes a battery
x4 ultra base does not

There are lots other differences that I'm leaving out: chipsets, ram speeds, hinge design, keyboard light color, ad naseum. Seriously, this board is great place to find out everything.

Anyhow, you can't go wrong. A cadillac is still a cadillac even if its not in your favorite color.


Cheers

[selvan777]

It is quite annoying that they don't list a comparison chart like most others.

It would be nice if there were a single page that would show what each had to offer with todays maximum upgrades installed.

[brainpicker]

In order of increasingly poor video cards: x32, x31, x41, x40
x3's have bettter video cards (ATI)
x4's have worse video cards (Intel)

Actually, The X41 has the better video as the latest version of the Intel Integrated Video is superior to the very old Radeon chip. Plus the X32 and X31 share that same Radeon chip. So the order should be more like:

X41 - X3* - X40

Yak

[akao]

It is quite annoying that they don't list a comparison chart like most others.

It would be nice if there were a single page that would show what each had to offer with todays maximum upgrades installed.

The poor quality of the website amazes me. If IBM did not have such a strong brand and an amazing reputation, I would've just gone with another brand. Good luck to Lenovo.

[JHaislet]

I agree! I spent at least a couple days pulling my hair out trying to find the configuration I wanted. Then I found Bill's site & Thinkpads.com and the holy grail...I mean "tabook" was finally located!

[rayfranco]

Actually, when you compare the X41 with its 8 cell extended battery to the X32 with its six cell battery there is not that much difference in the weight and size. Plus, the X32 doesn't have the slow HDD that the X41 has. See the topic X41 vs. X32:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=10050

If you belive things are complicated now. Wait until you look at prices. Some Express models offer more for less money, and the Visa/Mastercard and FedEx discounts are not the same for the same model or models.

[selvan777]

... If IBM did not have such a strong brand and an amazing reputation, I would've just gone with another brand. ...

Definitely, it's the whole reason I own a Thinkpad too. Hopefully Lenovo won't take them down, only time will tell.

[roast]

Definitely, it's the whole reason I own a Thinkpad too. Hopefully Lenovo won't take them down, only time will tell.

Perhaps Lenovo will shape up the model selection site. That would be something I'd look forward too.