Questions about the TP since Lenovo

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CyberDude · #1 Post by **CyberDude** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 4:25 am

I have owned a TP X30 for 4 years and love it but am now looking to get a X32 for my partner. I have a few questions regarding the build quality of the TP's since Lenovo has taken over.

1. Is the build quality still as good as IBM's (i.e. pre Lenovo)?

2. What are the keyboards like now? My X30 has a fantastic keyboard and I heard that the keyboards (the one made in China) on some X31s weren't as good. Are X32's better?

3. Do the TP's still have an IBM logo on them.
will the X32 be compatible with my X30 docking station / port replicator?

4. I notice that X32s are not really featured on IBM's web site. Is the X3x series being phased out?

Thanks

ambientscape · #2 Post by **ambientscape** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 5:54 am

I think before Lenovo taking over IBM....most of the thinkpads its already made in china or somewhere else.

asiafish · #3 Post by **asiafish** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:06 pm

First I'll answer your last question. Yes, the X32 is fully compatible with all X30 accessories. Not sure if older X3 docks will support the X32's USB2, but at worst it would work at USB1.1 speed. Everything else from batteries to drives work just fine and are fully compatible across the X3* line.

As for quality, I can't really compare as I have never owned an X30. I do have an X22 sitting right next to my X32 and quality is similar. The area where the older machine is better is keyboard feel. The difference is slight and I still consider the X32 as being better than any non-IBM around, but the X22 is just a little crisper in key feel, though also a bit louder.

Case material also seems a bit better on the X22, and the rubber coating on the palmrest is rather luxurious, though I believe the X30 didn't have that either. X32 hinges feel a bit more sturdy. Overall, I'd say the X22 is a bit more solid-feeling, but then again, its a bit heavy and a few fractions of an inch larger in every dimension.

Most important for me is the versatility in battery and power options that the older X22 cannot match. I use both the main cell and the clip-on extended cell with my X32 and enjoy 10 hour battery life in a machine that weighs about 4.5 lbs so configured. I can use a second main cell in the Ultrabase X3 or an Ultrabay 2000 battery (both would be terrific if it works - I don't think so). The X22 had no such options, with just one main cell and no other battery options. Even the Ultrabay 2000 in the Ultrabase X2 specifically does not work with battery modules.

My X22 was made in Korea, I wonder if that has anything to do with the slight build-quality differences. Oh well, both are nice.

JonathanGennick · #4 Post by **JonathanGennick** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:42 pm

Asiafish, you bring up an interesting question that I was wondering about just last night. Is it possible to place an X32 in an ultrabase and run one battery in the X32, a second main battery in the ultrabase, and a third in the bay for the CD drive? Does anybody know?

CyberDude · #5 Post by **CyberDude** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:58 pm

Thanks Asiafish. I heard that the X31s keyboards already lost a little of the tactile feel quality of the X30 so I'm expecting the X32 to be like the X31. I'm very happy with my X30 which is why I want to get the X32 for my partner. Then we can then also both share accessories.

I agree IBM make the best notebooks. l

asiafish · #6 Post by **asiafish** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 12:41 am

I wish I knew on the 3 batteries at a time, I'd buy the Ultrabay 2000 battery if I knew it would work.

Questions about the TP since Lenovo

Questions about the TP since Lenovo

three batteries in an X32

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