Happy with your X41?

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Vindum · #1 Post by **Vindum** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 6:29 am

Dear ThinkPad owners!

I just received my new T43 but will definitely return it because of the always-on fan problem together with the pulsating noise. As I know little of computers I am not willing to “tamper” with it by installing Shimodax’s “T43 fan control” program (http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=17715) even though it seems to solve the problem.

Now I am thinking of getting an X41 instead - hopping that it is silent. Does anyone know if it has the same problem as the T-series or if the fan is very loud (I read somewhere that it has a sound emission of 41 db where the T-series only has 36db)? How much is the fan turned on during normal web-browsing or word processing? When it is on is it then a pleasant sound without too much pulsation?

I read that the 2525-6NG (which I am thinking of getting) has another fan related problem where is makes an scraping noise when you tilt it (http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... an+tilting). Is this a common problem and/or can it be fixed.

I appreciate any input as I fell desperate and confused.

Thanks!
Best regards, Anne

christopher_wolf · #2 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 6:47 am

Depends

My Friend's X40 runs slient for one reason, the fan doesn't come on for a long time. That would be somewhat dangerous on a higher spec system,

The fan-always-on-problem is in no way just unique to the T43, take a look at this http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_fan_noise

Shimodax's Utility has been proven to work fine on T Series, R Series, Z Series, and X Series systems. I can't say how "pleasant" it is as that depends on personal preferences. I can say, however, that it is sounds about the same at full blast; though it rarely, if ever, gets to that level. for an hour or so, the fans are *off* on it (much like on my T43 pre-fan control program and minimal power consumption) then they would come on for awhile, but I would always filter them out since they stay on for some time and are constant, no pulsing. The pulsing problem, though, seem to be power setting dependent. the few tmes I have heard it, I have been able to toggle the power schemes to stop it. From what I have seen, and heard

, the fan-always-on problem varies from machine to machine; it doesn't seem something that can be pinned down, interestingly enough.

I would rather have something where I could fix the problem via softare control rather than have something *mechanically* wrong with the system; even though it is a tad bit risky through the BIOS and EC, it is still better because it requires less effort and is slightly more controllable instead of tilting, etc.

The X40, when I used it for a few days, was just about as quiet (or loud if you want) as my T43 during the same time period. I don't know whether it was the ambient temperature or something, but they were both pretty quiet. The X40 is good for browsing, but then again, I prefer the 1400x1050 Screen on my T43 for that. Another good advantage was the weight, which was minimal at best. Again, it depends on what you want to use it for; if you are trying to do a T43's Job, you might enocounter some problems, if you are simply using it day-to-day for email and web browsing and mobile multimedia, it should be OK. Then, there is always the "Cute and Zippy" Factor for the X40 whilst the T43 has sleek and svelte aura around the T43 and T4X Series.

Good luck on finding the system that is right for you

Edward · #3 Post by **Edward** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:51 am

Vindium,

I was in the same situation as you. I had originally purchased a T43 but returned it because of the fan noise. It wasn't that the fan was on all the time that bothered me, it was the pulsating as someone else described, it would go mmmmmmTTmmmmmmmTT and that really disturbed me.

So I bought an X41. My fan seems to be on quite a bit but its quiet. Literally the only time I can hear it is if I put my ear against it. I have it in a docking station. When I have it on battery, I do not recall the fan being annoyingly loud. So IMO fan noise shouldn't be a problem to you.

The HD does make this clicking noise as reported. It is somewhat irritating but not bad enough to make me want to return it.

All in all, I wish I had Shimodax's software to play with on the returned T43. That T43 had a perfect lcd, in my X41 I have 1 dead/stuck red pixel.
But hey, I'm sure that if I started travelling again, I will really see how the X41 shines in portability.

dr_st · #4 Post by **dr_st** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:55 am

Seems kinda strange swapping a T43 for an X41 due to the fan noise problem. Kinda like swapping a trenchcoat for a pair of boots, because the buttons on the trenchcoat are of the wrong color...

cj3209 · #5 Post by **cj3209** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 1:31 pm

The T-series and the X-series serve different needs; they don't replace each other. Try running some serious number-crunching programs with the X41 or do web design on that tiny 12" XGA LCD; you'll see what I mean.

Honestly, I don't understand what all the fuss is about the fans. I use a T43p at work and yes, the fans seem to go on most of the time but then I'm working most of the time so I don't really care. If I worked in a library 9-5, maybe I'd care.

If the fans bother you, get another brand like HP or DELL.

dr_st · #6 Post by **dr_st** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 1:52 pm

cj3209 wrote:Honestly, I don't understand what all the fuss is about the fans. I use a T43p at work and yes, the fans seem to go on most of the time but then I'm working most of the time so I don't really care. If I worked in a library 9-5, maybe I'd care.

It's not the fact that the fan is working per se. Some people report that the fan is either loud or whining, or just exhibits this acceleration-slowdown (which is far more disturbing to the ear than a constant pitch). That may be a problem.

I think that the fan on my T42 is on all the time, but it's whisper quiet and only accelerates for brief periods and slows back down again. This is how it's supposed to be I think.

Vindum · #7 Post by **Vindum** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:14 pm

Thanks for replying!

It seems like the X41 is not as noisy as the T43. Can I ask you for the model number of your X41, Edward?

dr_st wrote:Seems kinda strange swapping a T43 for an X41 due to the fan noise problem. Kinda like swapping a trenchcoat for a pair of boots, because the buttons on the trenchcoat are of the wrong color...

Even though I am a girl I can tell the difference between the T-series and the X-series. And a trench coat with buttons on the wrong colour is a no-go and I would most likely swap it for a pair of nice shoes.

I need the computer to be quiet.

I like the X41 and I would like to get away from the fan-troubled T43.

New inputs?

dr_st · #8 Post by **dr_st** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:22 pm

Vindum wrote:Even though I am a girl I can tell the difference between the T-series and the X-series. And a trench coat with buttons on the wrong colour is a no-go and I would most likely swap it for a pair of nice shoes.

I will not ask whether you understood what I meant, I'll just assume that you did. At no point did I imply, however, that I suspect you were unable to tell the difference between a T43 and an X41.

All the additional input I have is that from what I've heard, the T43 is, on average, the most haunted notebook of the entire T-series when it comes to fan noise, and I haven't heard of noise issues on the X-series. Of course, you can never be 100% sure to get something that will be quiet all the time, but if you understand all that you are gaining and giving up by moving from T to the X, and if at the end of the day you are willing to make the decision based on the fan noise, chances are you will be happier with the X.

christopher_wolf · #9 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 3:33 pm

Well, if I remember correctly, there is a download from Hitachi that lets you, more or less, "tune" your HDD to a point where the sounds are acceptable for you; somewhat like Shimodax's Fan Control Utility, but has less to do with the Fan. The fan on an X41 isn't a big deal for me, I have heard it yes but I am not annoyed. As I said, the X41 is pretty quiet for the most part; right now, my T43 is about as loud as the X41 (fans have been off for near one hour since a cold bootup). As stated before, it really depends on what primary role you want to apply the Thinkpad to.

Edward · #10 Post by **Edward** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:15 pm

Vindum, my X41 model is 25256HU (1.5, 60GB, 512MB w/Dock). From the tabook, I think they are withdrawing this model soon (for the 1.6). I don't think you have to worry about the model though, I think any of the X41 series will suffice for you as far as your noise criteria.

dr_st, you're right ... my main problem with the T43 was the acceleration/slowdown. My soon-to-be-banished Dell I8200 is far louder than the T43 but it was easier to deal with as it was a constant hum.

christopher_wolf, if your T43 is as loud as your X41, I think you got one of the specials ones, I wish I was as lucky!

I know over in the T43 forum, folks are saying the noise isn't a big deal, however I wonder how many of them have the acceleration/slowdown. I can't believe most people can handle the consistently irritating noise.

Frank Ponte · #11 Post by **Frank Ponte** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 7:03 pm

I love my X40 and my T42P. They're both dead silent. Goes with the territory when you've got 30-50% hearing loss in both ears.

If your fan is too loud you might want to spend a couple years firing a 50 cal. machine gun. You'll never complain about fan noise ever again and will probably have a new attitude about everything else as well.

BTW, I also drive a Ford Excursion diesel......................runs smooth and quiet as a sewing machine.

Frank

scrible88 · #12 Post by **scrible88** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 7:24 pm

I have never used an x30 or above but I am sure happy with my x22!

alant · #13 Post by **alant** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:52 pm

ROFL!

Thank you Frank and Vindum for some of the funniest posts I've seen.

Rgds - Alan.

#14 Post by **BillMorrow** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 1:55 am

HI Frank..

all should notice that frank ponte is a senior member with 28 posts..
he has been around and part of the thinkpad community for YEARS and YEARS..

i will agree in part with frank in that where i use my T43p most is in my home/office..
where there are two or three computers running 24/7..
thus the ambient noise level is high enough to drown out any "piddly-[censored]" noise a T43p fan can make..
HOWEVER..
when i retire to the "library" and take a thinkpad with me to run on battery, the fan NOISE is evident but not bothersome..
the PULSATING is very annoying..
but it occurs only when running on battery AND the shimodex TPFancontrol utility has taken care of THAT probolem.. so far..

the X41 and T43 (14 inch model i assume) are wildly different..
but you will note that i have three thinkpads i use..
T43p
X41Tablet
X41

you can draw your own conclusions but i will say that when i want extreme portability, the X41 is IT..
when i want speed and power i chose the T43p..

Frank Ponte · #15 Post by **Frank Ponte** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 3:52 pm

Hi Bill,

Happy Holidays to all!

I hope my opinon about the fan niose with X & T series didn't strike a nerve or offend anyone! Maybe I'm becoming a bit of a grouch in my old age (but never the Grinch).

Best to all!
Frank

BillMorrow wrote:HI Frank..

all should notice that frank ponte is a senior member with 28 posts..
he has been around and part of the thinkpad community for YEARS and YEARS..

i will agree in part with frank in that where i use my T43p most is in my home/office..
where there are two or three computers running 24/7..
thus the ambient noise level is high enough to drown out any "piddly-[censored]" noise a T43p fan can make..
HOWEVER..
when i retire to the "library" and take a thinkpad with me to run on battery, the fan NOISE is evident but not bothersome..
the PULSATING is very annoying..
but it occurs only when running on battery AND the shimodex TPFancontrol utility has taken care of THAT probolem.. so far..

the X41 and T43 (14 inch model i assume) are wildly different..
but you will note that i have three thinkpads i use..
T43p
X41Tablet
X41

you can draw your own conclusions but i will say that when i want extreme portability, the X41 is IT..
when i want speed and power i chose the T43p..

asiafish · #16 Post by **asiafish** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 4:30 pm

Not sure about the X41, but I went from a T42p, which had a rther quiet fan that only intruded on startup or in heavy use (high-end games), to an X32 that also makes a slight fan noise on startup, and under heavy use.

Neither machine is even the slightest bit annoying in the noise department, and on batteries when not gaming (the X32 couldn't game if it wanted to) both are among the quietest PCs I've ever used.

Andrew

plucky duck · #17 Post by **plucky duck** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:05 pm

Just received my X41 2527-64U and unless I place my ear directly beside the fan I don't hear it at all. VERY quiet.

And the screen is bright enough for me, though I don't plan on using it outdoors or directly in view of sunlight.

I went from a T42p to this, so noise level has been a noticeable change.

mrdeucie · #18 Post by **mrdeucie** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:55 am

I am pretty happy with my X41 except for the slow hard drive and how audible typing is on it.

Grey Area · #19 Post by **Grey Area** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:46 am

Very happy with my X41 (2525-6NG). It´s my first notebook, though, and the ability to suddenly carry around all my... well, basically everything, in such a small package, offsets any problems it might have. Also, I´m generally not bothered by noisy machines, so the X41 fan is something I don´t really think about - it´s far far more silent than my desktop, that´s for sure, and that one never bothered me either. And I cannot notice any scraping when tilting the machine.

I´m also a bit surprised by the frequent complaints about the slow hard drive, as everything seems pretty smooth and responsive to me. But maybe that´s just me moving up from a five year old desktop.

Björn

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