Any X-Series owners who switched from the T-Series?

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campobello · #1 Post by **campobello** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:29 pm

I was curious to find any of you who have had a X vs. T dilemma, which laptop you finally chose and your personal experience thus far.

Thanks much

pphilipko · #2 Post by **pphilipko** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:40 pm

A X40 suits my needs well. It all depends on whether you value performance over portability. YOU decide what's right for you, not us.

campobello · #3 Post by **campobello** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:46 pm

I been spending alot of time comparing the two and have a decent understanding of the technical/portability trade-offs of both. More importantly, I'm not sure about the 'soft' comparables, i.e. if I could personally get used to the X41's 12" screen and lack of trackpad or whether the T43 (w/ 14" screen) would seem too bulky after a while.

Myung · #4 Post by **Myung** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:18 pm

Well, based on my experience, I would choose an X series.

I've been using T30 about 3 years, and I have a pretty good idea on what to choose when it comes to upgrade.

I will move to an X series, either X41 or X32 (or a later model of an X series). The reason is portability and long battery life. And I don't need a high-end graphic card for the stuff that I do with a computer. I have a desktop to do a CPU-demanding job. The weight adds up when you carry adapter and other stuff. For the daily use, I want a light laptop not worrying about battery life: about 5 hours is enough for me.

One drawback is how I can refrain myself from spending too much money on upgrades such as ultrabase, docking stationg, external drives, etc.

Although it was fun to upgrade my 570E(13.3" screen), it has made me wonder why I didn't buy 600X (14" screen) to start with.

campobello, if you have a decent desktop, go with an X. Otherwise, go with a T.

LumberJack · #5 Post by **LumberJack** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:24 pm

if you are suing this as a primary machine or desktop replacement i would go with the T series because it is more well rounded as a general use PC...

However if you travel a lot between networks and stations I would go with the X series. I have a main computer I home which I use as a server for my X31 to give me more HD space, CD/DVD capability etc...

Really depends on how you will be using your laptop.

LJ

staeiou · #6 Post by **staeiou** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:18 pm

I was struggling between the two, and ended up getting a T43. I really wasn't that happy with it. I mean, it was a very nice machine (it could get 2200 3dmarks 2003), and I was getting killer battery life (five to six hours), but I just wasn't happy. I returned it, and I am waiting for lenovo to credit my card back so that I can get an X series. But which one....

The reason I returned it is because I already have a sweet gaming desktop that will fulfill all my needs. And gaming on the road is useless, as I am installing Linux on it. I figured that the T43 was just too much machine, and I could really benefit from the 3.3 or 3.6 lbs that the X series has.

YukYukLee · #7 Post by **YukYukLee** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:58 pm

x31 is good light weight 12.1inch and has really good battery life.
But I guess it all depends on what your doing

But for me usin Office Excel making graphs is ok

bhtooefr · #8 Post by **bhtooefr** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:18 pm

Well, I've never actually owned a T.

However, when I was getting this X21, I also had the choice of one of several T22s. I decided against it, though, because of four reasons:

The X21 was MUCH smaller
The T22s had pressure marks on the screen
The T22s weren't that much faster (800MHz instead of 700MHz)
The X21 was BARELY any more expensive

That said, the X does almost everything I need. And, for anything else (gaming), a desktop would do. (However, the most powerful computer I own is this X21...)

mzd · #9 Post by **mzd** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:28 pm

I switched from T series to X series. Just think such a fact, even the most powerful laptop can't compare with the powerful desktop. I let my desktop do
the time consumimg job, like computing. And I let my lattop to go with me, and everyday 5-6 hours use of the laptop is enough for me. So I need the
most portable one, not the most powerful one, as I said,the most powerful laptop can't compare with the powerful desktop.

campobello · #10 Post by **campobello** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:55 pm

Myung, LumberJack, staeiou, YukYukLee, bhtooefr, mzd,

Thanks so much for your posts/advice. While everyone's case is obviously different, it still helps to hear personal experiences in coming to my own decision making process about which TP to buy. All other things being equal, it sounds like an X is a no-brainer if you've got a good desktop at home. Should I use my TP as the one and only computer, a T might be the way to go.

Thanks again all for your input

Pennstate · #11 Post by **Pennstate** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:03 am

I also switched from T to X. In my case it was a T40 --> X22 since I bought a Powerbook and didn't need two top of the line machines.

The T40 was only a bit over 1lb more than the X22. But it "feels" much bulkier and heavier. The lack of an optical drive doesn't bother me. If I need to install programs from a cd, all I have to do is to copy the CD to my USB key using my Powerbook, and install it on the X22. I think what has made the X series more "usable" is that many softwares are now available online. And with broadband download speeds, the installation CD is becoming irrelavant. And with external hard drives/USB keys being so cheap, so fast, and so portable, you don't really need to burn CDs any more.

Also the battery life is longer using a 12" screen. Even on a half dead X22 battery, I can get over 2 hours out of it with highest LCD brightness and WiFi on.

I read somewhere that the "practical" battery life of the new X32 is over 5 hours where as the "practical" battery life of the T42 is under 4hours

sniffur · #12 Post by **sniffur** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:37 am

i recently sold my T42 for the X41 cause the weight of the laptop is really getting to me.

Weight wise...
the X41 with the 4 cell is HALF the weight of the T42 i was using.

Battery wise
I'll probably never have to bring my adaptor around in campus if i pair the X41 with an 8 cell (5+ hrs practical usage). My T42 after a year of usage can barely last 2 hrs of multitasking general work. (140 + recharges) and initially was only about 3 1/2.

Screen
On the other hand i would definitely miss then 14" screen but i intend to buy a 17" lcd

to hook up to the X41 when using it at home. there is not much diff if u r choosing an XGA res 14" or 12" XGA. if ur going for the T42, getting higher res would be a good investment.

Performance wise,
1.5ghz (X41) vs 1.6Ghz (T42) isnt a big diff and the only thing tt hurts is the slower harddrive access time (can be compensated partially by adding more ram). the new GMA 900 is good enuff for VERY LIGHT gaming and i rarely played games on my T42 so its an non issue.

all in all...
carrying a laptop + charger for a mid-weight laptop (T42) can be a really pain if u r walking around alot with it (i.e campus, student). after a year stinct with my beloved T42, i discovered that i NEED the X41.

T42 is great with u do less commuting and access Cds frequently, play games and can deal with the bulk.

RS_003 · #13 Post by **RS_003** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:50 am

Owned them both.

But I begun with a X40.

must say, its a very good laptop, 1.4kg with the 8cell, I really loved it, but the 1.8" disk was such a pain in the @ss. (but 7 hours on 1 battery = superb)

So I Bought a T42(P)
Like'd it but it was to heavy, used an 14" T41P, liked it a lot, (2kg) but stil a tad to large.

Now I got an T1XP, 10" ... really like it, but the harddisk is too slow (1.8") so prolly my next laptop is going to be an X31 with a 7K60 hdd.

The only disadvantage is that the IBM's dont have highresolution screens.

My T1XP has an 1280 screen, while the (larger... 12") X31 has only 1024

jsfrank · #14 Post by **jsfrank** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:42 pm

hi... I switched from a T40p (great computer) to an X40 with the following setup at my desk:

X4 ultrabase
17" SXGA external LCD
external keyboard

This way, I have the extra screen real estate of two monitors, the comfort of a regular keyboard, etc.

When I travel, I pop the X40 out of the dock and it's *very* lightweight.

I highly recommend this setup; buy the smallest, lightest laptop you can, and have a 'home base' type setup to maximize your productivity.

It beats having a somewhat less than optimal laptop used in a desktop setting, and having a somewhat too heavy laptop out in the field.

GpsPasSion · #15 Post by **GpsPasSion** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 2:52 pm

waking up an old thread !
I was looking for a backup for my aging X31 that needs to get repaired and was quite tempted by the T42P, so I got a friend to lend me his T40. Well it's certainly a nice laptop, but wow it's much lheavier and larger than the X31 (not thicker though) and the 14" screen is almost a bit big to sit close to your face on a desk, not to mention a plane. One thing it has going for it though is that it runs much cooler than my X31, must come down to the larger case. My X31 has been my main computer for 1+ year now so I might not be a good example. I don't move it around much, but when I do I don't have second thoughts about it as it is really thin and light.

By the way, I dropped in my X31's HD in the T40 and after reinstalling a few drivers it and rebooting it worked fine, impressive.

vincentfox · #16 Post by **vincentfox** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 9:29 pm

My chick has a T43 that work bought for her.

I don't like it. Too big, too heavy, too noisy.

My old X22 still runs great. After upgrading RAM and putting in a 40-gig Samsung (quiet!) drive, performance is good enough for me.

Trying to pick up an X2 UltraBase on EBay is about the only thing I'm missing with it. I have a USB CD-drive for now which does the job, but it's not a elegant as the UltraBase unit.

When her T43 was off to service center (bad hard drive), I loaned her my X and she seemed pretty happy with it. I think I actually heard her say I was right about recommending the X-series, and she should have listened to me.....

christopher_wolf · #17 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 11:17 pm

Business got her a T43, eh? Swell deal there, lucky girlfriend; there aren't too many companies that take the quality, durability, and performance route (Thinkpads) over the quick, cheap, and easy route.

dfumento · #18 Post by **dfumento** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:44 am

I had a T42 and purchased the X41Tablet because I wanted the tablet functionality and found I wasn't using the T42 at all so I just sold it on ebay. It really depends what you need the laptop for. If you need the screen real estate (e.g. SXGA+ 1400x1050 or UXGA 1600x1200) for programming or web development, etc. then go with the 'T' series. For my needs now, the 'X' is perfect and in fact wonderful to use.

Interesting to see how many users switched to 'X' from 'T'.

sneakyazn · #19 Post by **sneakyazn** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:21 pm

I originally purchased an X31 and used it happily for about 6 months, then started to yearn for a bit more power and game capability so I switched over to the T41p which I was also happy with. I appreciated the higher resolution screen and the more powerful graphics chipset. However, being a student, portability did make me miss the X31 a bit. The T series is by no means "heavy" but when I already have many books, the lighter load and smaller footprint was appreciated. I discovered that I wasn't using the CDRW/DVD that much, nor was I playing games because of my school load. And if I was, I would probably connect everything to external peripherals, so I might as well have a laptop. I recently sold my T41p and replaced it with an X41 tablet which i feel is the ultimate school device. I also scan in most of my reading material the week before, so I have in essence, reduced my load to around 4 pounds which does make it much easier on the back. It's just the simple dilemma of "the grass is greener on the other side." You'll always want the best of both worlds, but in the end, prioritize what you really need/want, and see which machine matches most of those desired features. Good luck.

GpsPasSion · #20 Post by **GpsPasSion** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:24 pm

Might want to change your sig then

Well I came across a T40P at a bargain price tonight so couldn't help myself and picked it up as a backup for my X31, the screen is simply marvellous and I should be able to switch the drives (X31 HD works on the T40 I know)...

bhtooefr · #21 Post by **bhtooefr** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:52 am

I'm going to be switching from X to R pretty soon

My X21 is on its deathbed, and I need something to replace it, and R series are cheap. If I could buy an X60, I would, but I can't.

ragefury32 · #22 Post by **ragefury32** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:27 am

Heh. I use several machines - 2 T23s, a 600E, a Dell Inspiron 4150, a pair of 240s and a Vaio SR27K. I would have to say that my X31 is about the most comfortable machine that I ever had the pleasure of dealing with. The 4150 was not Dell's heavy iron machine (back during its purchase the "heavy" was their 8200 and their new 1100/5100 machines), but it was thick and heavy. The 600E was nice but slow and missing alot of the modern conveinences. The 240 was smaller than the X31, but it felt kind of fragile (the LCD connector needs to be reseated once a month) and it's a bit underpowered by today's standards (mind you, those are 400Mhz Celeron Mendocino machines with memory counts over-maxed to 320MBytes - pity on that 10.4" SVGA screen though). The Vaio was hampered by the fact that it was a Sony with typical Sony tech support, pricing, and well, "Sony-ness". The T23s are nice, but they are kind of a shoulderful to carry around in a messager bag when you are slugging an adapter and portfolios of notes.

Needless to say, the -31 is in my bag pretty much at all times, with a lightweight charger, a USB2 memory card reader, a CF microdrive, a mini-retractable spool of RJ11/45/FW400 Type A cable, and a standard pair of screwdrivers.

P.S: I just ordered an IBM refurb 14.1" T41p for mobile Maya/OpenGL programming work. All I need is an Atheros a/b/g MiniPCI card for the T41p and I'll be set.

GpsPasSion · #23 Post by **GpsPasSion** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:56 am

X31, T41P...X31, T40P for me, looks like we're on the same boat and yes that X31 is a pleasure to deal with ! Mine is going back for repair tomorrow so I'll have to use the T40P for a week or so, good news is that all I need to do is drop in my X31's HDand boot up !
Do you have links for the accessories you mention 'lightweight charger', is that IBM ? And that multi-cable setup that sounds convenient ? I've got a neat CF to SD adapter to transfer files from my camera's SD card.

plucky duck · #24 Post by **plucky duck** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:58 am

Went from a X31 to a T42p, then back to a X41. I'm used to the XGA res on the 12" screen and don't really utilise the DVDROM that much, so a docking station solution worked for me. Most of the time I enjoy the lighter weight of the X series as I can more easily handle it wherever I go, even though its main usage is inside the house.

GpsPasSion · #25 Post by **GpsPasSion** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 3:35 am

X31 is packed and waiting to be picked for repair si I've dropped in the HD into my new T40P, only took a reboot to be up and running, that's neat.

1400x1050 screen is sharp, but the fonts are a bit small really, a 1280x960 resolution might have been better adapted. Keyboard is a bit squeaky too, but that should do for the week. I'm in two minds about swapping it out for a backup x31 or x32 though.

silo · #26 Post by **silo** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 5:46 am

GpsPasSion wrote:Do you have links for the accessories you mention 'lightweight charger', is that IBM ?

I, too, would like to hear more about a "lightweight adapter" for the X series. I have an X22 and just bought an X32, and I have a couple of T23s in the family and a T30 that I bought but don't use much (has a gorgeous 1400x1050 screen).

my x22 uses a smallish power brick (IBM FRU P/N: 02K6557 input 100-240V ~ 1.2A-0.5A 50/60Hz Made in China). My T30 uses a significantly larger power supply.

But, is there another "lightweight charger"?

#27 Post by **underclocker** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 10:37 am

Too hard to decide, I have both, T40 and X22. Use T40 at home X22 on the road.

With X2x's in the $200-$400, there may be no need to compromise.

underclocker

Larry Fine · #28 Post by **Larry Fine** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:46 am

I first purchased a T41p which is a great machine. I used it as my primary computer for a while. I then got an x41 tablet which I now use as my laptop out of the office. This is both due to the size and the tablet aspect. If you need the power and dvd drive then you can't really go wrong with a T series. But if your like me and don't really need those outside of the office/home then the X is the better choice.

PS Does anyone know if I can use a power adapter from the T41 in the X41. I have a spare and it would save me carrying it around.

rvehock · #29 Post by **rvehock** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 1:00 pm

This is right from the IBM/Lenovo website:

ThinkPad 72W AC Adapter--
Compatible with the X, T, R, & A Series ThinkPads, ThinkPad Port Replicator, ThinkPad Port Replicator II, The ThinkPad Multiple Battery Charger and The ThinkPad Multiple Battery Charger II.

Nebrie · #30 Post by **Nebrie** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 2:32 pm

I ordered a T41p this week to replace my x31 because I wanted to run World of Warcraft in non-slideshow mode. I carry this around a lot so now I'm worried about the weight. Can anyone share any insights on the graphics performance of the x41?

Any X-Series owners who switched from the T-Series?

Any X-Series owners who switched from the T-Series?

changeover T42 to X41

I

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