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Configuration:
Thinkpad X32
Model Number: 2884A2U
Intel Pentium M Processor 725, 1.60 GHz
256MB Factory Installed + 512MB (Crucial) = 768MB Total
40 GB Hard Drive
6 Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
Cost:
$975 EPP System Price + $65 512MB Memory Chip = $1040
Intended Uses:
For use in daily graduate school classes and at my part-time office job 1-2 days a week. For use mostly with productivity applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), digital photography, and web programming. I have a desktop at home to complement my laptop choice.
Exchange:
I originally bought the T42 14 inch, but decided to exchange it for the X32 due to size/weight concerns.
Review
Size:
I’ve never seen the X40/41 up close, so it’s difficult to compare the X32 with those models. Overall, I’m impressed by the small size. The photos I saw online did not accurately portray the scale of the machine. The X32 footprint is comparable to a typical magazine (see pic below). I returned a T42 model I ordered for the X32, and the X32 fits much better in my briefcase/shoulder bag (as expected). The older chassis of the X32 is still a little “chunky” compared to pictures I’ve seen of the X40/41, but overall it’s still quite compact.
Weight:
The weight of the T42 was the major reason for my exchange. Though the X32 still isn’t feather weight (like I expect the minimally loaded X40/41 would be), the unit’s weight is still very reasonable. I don’t have a scale, but IBM claims the weigh to be 3.6 lbs.
Battery Life:
I’ll have a better gauge of this after I’ve used the unit for an extended period of time, but it looks like I’ll be getting 5+ hours from a fully charged battery. This is significantly better than the 3+ I would get from the T42 standard battery.
Screen:
As expected, the LCD is a little dim, especially in bright conditions. However, when plugged in, the LCD brightness is great. The screen is small - as I’m accustomed to the 1280x1024 flat panels, and the T42 model I briefly had was 1400x1050. Despite the limited real estate, I don’t find the text to be prohibitively small and I don’t find the display to be a strain on my eyes.
Keyboard / Trackpoint:
The “full” size keyboard does feel a little cramped, and I’ll have to adjust to the smaller keys (especially the backspace and enter keys). However, I’m used to typing on a Blackberry, so adjusting to the X32 keyboard should not be a problem. I’m not a huge fan of trackpoints in general, but the X32’s is fine. I’ll likely use an external laptop mouse with the computer (as I would with any laptop though)
Overall Build Quality:
The unit seems very solid and the Titanium cover w/ double latches give the laptop a durable feel. The keys likewise feel solid. I watched the IBM propaganda videos of users melting, crushing and freezing their thinkpads – and I must admit I’m curious how exaggerated those tales really are. I am slightly annoyed by the cut bottom-left corner of the screen case (see pic below). I suspect the laptop would look sleeker without the missing corner, but I guess it does add character. I don’t mind the elongated hinge.
Performance:
I haven’t really put it to the test yet, but I’ve been pretty satisfied with the performance. Boot-up/Shutdown times are good. 2D graphics editing is decent, considering the graphics card. (I like the CompactFlash slot; the digital photos you see below were transferred using it). No problems with the wireless thus far.
Noise:
The fan and hard drive noises are minimal but noticeable, but I’m not sure if they any more than a typical laptop.
Preliminary Conclusions
I chose the X32 because I hoped it would be a good balance between portability, power and cost. The T series was just too large to carry around to class and work everyday and the X40/41s were either too expensive or seemed to sacrifice too much performance. I also rarely ever use a CD/DVD drive, so it made sense to cut it out.
On first glance, I’m very happy with the X32. I think the value proposition is significantly better than the alternatives. The cheapest X40 would have set me back at least $200 extra for the system, plus another $150 more for an extended battery – and the system would be significantly slower (1.1 GHz). Plus the weight of the X40 w/ extended battery would be closer to the X32 (3.2 lbs for the X40 vs 3.6lbs for the X32). In short, I think the X32 is the best value for my student budget.
Photos:
I’ve tried to incorporate everyday items into the photos to give you an idea of scale. Often times it’s hard to gauge size from photos of the unit alone.
X32 Top View:
Standard Magazine on top of the X32
Thickness of the X32 in comparison to soda can.
Hinge / Cut corner of the X32
X32 on top of my friend’s T42 15inch
Standard CD-ROM and X32 on top of my friend’s T42 inch
X32 side view on top of the T42 15 inch
X32 and T42 15inch open on the table
X32 12.1 Screen
X32 Full View
Additional Comments:
I’ll try to post my long-term experience with the X32 if people are interested. If you have specific questions, feel free to post them. Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a good sleeve for the X32? (or X31, as I think the dimensions are the same). I've read the older waterfield and zeroshock stuff on this forum, but new suggestions/testimonials are welcome. I don't want a standalone bag, just a sleeve so I can put the laptop into my briefcase or backpack.
(FWIW, the X41T is second on the drool list. It'd be first if it could be used on the UBX4.)
Seems you got one helluva price too..
