x41 the best or go with the newer x60?

[kidofhope]

Hey guys,
Im a month long reader and first time poster. I do have a question. Which situation do you think is better

1) x60 (T17023QU)---------- IBM certified Used equipment
$884.25
4 cell battery
6 months limited warranty


2)X41 (#2525A2U) .....IBM outlet
$999.00

40 GB
8-cell battery
3 year system warranty

The question I have is which is better for me to get.
I also understand that the x60s (not x60) is a newer version of x41. So does that mean x41 can even be better than x60? Anyways here are my questions.

1) Which one will have better battery life with wireless (since i use that alot) : x60 but with 4 cell or a x41 with 8 cell?

2) Which one will be better for me to get costwise?

3) Does the warranty on the x41 make it that much better?

4) Which laptop is lighter, a x60 with 4 cell or a x41 with 8 cell battery?

5) Finally, which should I buy, considering the factors of weight, battery, and warranty?
or should I just go after x40 (certified used) for around 800 dollars

[/b]Thanks a bunch guys! [/b]

[pianowizard]

Please read this and modify your post:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=14339

[kidofhope]

is this better? I edited it.

[pianowizard]

Perfectly done!

According to the Tabook, the X60 with 4-cell battery weighs 3.15 lbs, whereas the X41 with 8-cell battery weighs 3.3 lbs, a difference that is small but noticeable. I think the most important consideration would be how important battery life is to you. I personally would choose the X60 because it's slightly lighter and has a bigger hard drive, and I almost always plug in my laptops. I use my laptops properly and gently, so the warranty doesn't concern me that much, but if you have a habit of breaking things, then the X41's 3-year warranty would be very helpful.

[kidofhope]

I notice you have the x40. That is lighter than both x41 and x60, correct? Do you recommend the x40 actually? I can then get an 8 cell x40 battery cheap correct? What do you think?

[pianowizard]

It seems to me weight is your most important criterion, followed by battery life? These are the weights I found from the Tabook for units with 8-cell batteries, and how long they last:

X40: 3.2 lb, 7.0 - 7.5 hr
X41: 3.3 lb, 5.7 hr
X60s: 3.46 lb, 8.0 hr
X60: 3.6 lb, 7.8 hr

[dmar]

In short, I'd go for the x60 (even though it sounds like an x60s is your best fit).

I'll tell you my reasons: 1) the x60 uses a more common 2.5" Hard Drive. 2) You're going to retain much better value on the x60 down the line. 3) You can easily get an 8cell x60 battery for around 100 dollars -- which will leave you with a 4cell spare.

I think the short warranty is the only downside. However, if you really like the peace of mind that comes with IBM/Lenovo's legendary warranty service, then maybe you should look into seeing if you can purchase additional warranty on a refurb (I'm not sure if that's possible. Search the forum posts to see).

That's my 2 cents.

[pianowizard]

In short, I'd go for the x60 (even though it sounds like an x60s is your best fit).

I'll tell you my reasons: 1) the x60 uses a more common 2.5" Hard Drive.

The X60s also uses a 2.5" hard drive.

[epbrown]

pw, the X40 is listed at 3.2 lbs, but your sig says 2.76 lbs for yours - the 8-cell battery adds that much? Or is yours some sort of CSL version?

[pianowizard]

pw, the X40 is listed at 3.2 lbs, but your sig says 2.76 lbs for yours - the 8-cell battery adds that much? Or is yours some sort of CSL version?

In fact, the Tabook says the X40 with a 4-cell battery weighs only 2.7 lbs (meaning it should be no more than 2.75 lbs), but mine weighs 2.76 lbs with only onboard memory (and the other slot left empty), so there is some variability. So yeah, using an 8-cell battery instead of 4-cell adds about half a pound to an X40, which is why when I bought my X40 from Yak (brainpicker), I specifically asked for a model with 4-cell battery.

[kidofhope]

Hey!
Thanks for all your help. I really appreciated. Now with more research and looking at my funds, I realized I dont have much money. But with your help guys, I decided to go with x40,x41...although i have to get a used model

So actually, im surfing around and going on ebay to look for x40, x41 for a cheap price. If you guys have one or know anybody selling them for 600 and under, let me know. im really desperate for one, and I don't want to keep on spending my time going on this forum, when I could be studying...haha.

Thanks again guys!

[pianowizard]

So actually, im surfing around and going on ebay to look for x40, x41 for a cheap price. If you guys have one or know anybody selling them for 600 and under,

It will require some patience to find an X40 for that price. You can easily get an X31 for less than $600, but I wouldn't get one because it's much heavier than the X40 or X41.

[dmar]

I agree with PianoWizard on both his comments regarding the pricing, and the weight of the x31. Actually, I love my x31 a lot, but the x41 is leaps better for portability.

I think it also doesn't help that Lenovo.com is pushing the x41 in their outlet for $999. You might be waiting awhile.

If you're a student, you might also look to see if your campus has any educational agreements, or combo a Visa/Mastercard discount somehow. That might be better than getting it second hand.... Just a thought.

[epbrown]

I agree with PianoWizard on both his comments regarding the pricing, and the weight of the x31. Actually, I love my x31 a lot, but the x41 is leaps better for portability.

He was looking at the X40 with 8-cell battery - that only saves 4 ounces of weight compared to an X30 or X31, and the latter are well within his budget.

[pianowizard]

He was looking at the X40 with 8-cell battery - that only saves 4 ounces of weight compared to an X30 or X31, and the latter are well within his budget.

Hey I actually forgot that he wanted 8-cell batteries, so he shouldn't even consider the X30 or X31 which use 6-cell batteries.

[kidofhope]

actually, I think im just considering any x40,x41...6 or 8 cell battery.

If the weight is that much of a difference between x30s and x40s, then ill go with x40s. Maybe I can get a 8 cell later when I have the money. So a 6 cell x40 would be okay now.

So yea, its tough. ive been trying to bid on them on ebay. Im even looking at 700 dollars if you guys have a used x40, x41. Anyways, I appreciate all the support and care in helping me out. I think at 800, I can get a outlet or IBM certiried x41 at that price. So 700 or under, would be great. Mixing pixels, cracks here and there, its okay. Im just looking for something workable. Thanks again guys!

[leon_charl]

X41 is not a good choice.
1.8 inch Hard Drive will kill u .trsut me!

[tomh009]

actually, I think im just considering any x40,x41...6 or 8 cell battery.

If the weight is that much of a difference between x30s and x40s, then ill go with x40s. Maybe I can get a 8 cell later when I have the money. So a 6 cell x40 would be okay now.

So yea, its tough. ive been trying to bid on them on ebay. Im even looking at 700 dollars if you guys have a used x40, x41. Anyways, I appreciate all the support and care in helping me out. I think at 800, I can get a outlet or IBM certiried x41 at that price. So 700 or under, would be great. Mixing pixels, cracks here and there, its okay. Im just looking for something workable. Thanks again guys!

There is no 6-cell X40/X41.

So an 8-cell X41 is rated at 3.3 lbs and 5.7 hours, according to ltwbook.pdf. The 6-cell X31 is 3.6 lbs and 5.5 hours. (Real life battery life will be somewhat less in either case.)

Personally I think the numbers are very close, and the 2.5" hard disk in the X3 series more than compensates for the small difference. And the X31 is easily available around $600, maybe even $500 if you don't mind a 1.4 GHz model.

[kidofhope]

thanks guys.

BTW, what do you mean a 1.8 harddrive will kill me? Does that affect the weight or how fast the computer runs? Parden my low knowledge of computers. Thanks again.

[tomh009]

BTW, what do you mean a 1.8 harddrive will kill me? Does that affect the weight or how fast the computer runs? Parden my low knowledge of computers. Thanks again.

1.8-inch hard disks, used only in the X4 series, are uncommon, slow and expensive. Their only real upside is the weight.

X3 and X6 series use industry-standard 2.5-inch drives; these are available in large capacities and high speeds, and are generally much less expensive than the 1.8-inch drives.

[kidofhope]

Thanks again.

I got a reply.

Is this a good deal for 560 (includes shipping)? what do you guys think.

x40
Hard Drive Capacity: 20 GB
Processor Speed: 1.2 GHz

Pentium Centrino M 1.2GHz Low Voltage, 1.280GB RAM, 20GB 4200rpm HDD, 12.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Intel Extreme, Upgraded to Intel 802.11b,g wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), Secure Chip, 4 cell Li-Ion battery(*), WinXP Pro

(This Notebook was part of a Professional Photo Studio Stock )

[tomh009]

Is this a good deal for 560 (includes shipping)? what do you guys think.

x40
Pentium Centrino M 1.2GHz Low Voltage, 1.280GB RAM, 20GB 4200rpm HDD, 12.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Intel Extreme, Upgraded to Intel 802.11b,g wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), Secure Chip, 4 cell Li-Ion battery(*), WinXP Pro

That looks pretty good. 1.3 GB of memory is good. The disk is a bit on the small side (and slow, but that's to be expected for 1.8-inch), but it includes 802.11bg and XP Pro, so as long as you can manage your disk space this should work well for you.

[kidofhope]

sweet tom. Thanks. Last question...so is the above x40 price of $560 is a better deal than this new one?


x41 for $685
-docking station
-2 powerchords
- not sure rest, but he gave this model number.....1869-5cu

im still guessing the x40 is better, cus of price....what do you and others think? cus the x41 does at least come with docking station.

[tomh009]

sweet tom. Thanks. Last question...so is the above x40 price of $560 is a better deal than this new one?

x41 for $685
-docking station
-2 powerchords
- not sure rest, but he gave this model number.....1869-5cu

Ah, too many choices! That one bumps the CPU from 1.2 GHz to 1.5 GHz and the hard disk from 20 GB to 40 GB. Memory is down to 512 MB, but you can always add more later. The docking station is maybe nice, up to you.

But the big difference is that the 1869-5CU is an X41 tablet. A bit heavier, but if you like the idea of a tablet, it's really quite nice.

The $685 is a really good prices for an X41 tablet, I think, so make sure it's not too good! I don't know where you are buying it from, but make sure it's a reputable seller and ideally you can inspect it before paying for it.

[freddy418]

sort of a clarification, but the X60 that's on sale at the IBM Certified Used Equipment shop is actually a X60s, it is a REALLY good deal.

-dan

[pianowizard]

The $685 is a really good prices for an X41 tablet, I think, so make sure it's not too good!

Yeah, that sounds too good to be true. If it's on eBay, make sure the seller has at least 99% positive feedback and has sold many laptops recently. If it's on Craigslist, make sure it indicates the seller's location.

[kidofhope]

thanks guys. I might actually go with the x40 since its lighter and also its not tablet. So if any of you guys are interested in buying the x41 tablet for that price, let me know! Cus I was the highest bidder but I told the guy he never mentioned it was a tablet. So it might still be available.

Also, the guy selling the x40 told me the warantee expired. Can this be true? cus it looks like the x40 came out in 2004 and I thought the warantees are usually three years (which would make it last until 2007). what do you make of this?

anyways, like always...thanks! i appreciate all the comments I have received. Also, let me know if you guys want the x41, I want to help you guys out also. The seller has a feedback of 99.3% Positive and is a powerseller of 558 items.

[kidofhope]

also along with the waranttee questions...which is more important (I guess in regards to x40):

1) that a laptop has at least 1 GB of memory

or

2) laptop is 40MB than 20MB

I----------------

im guess im just wondering...cus there is opportunity for laptop for like x40 with 40MB but with 512 memory. Also, is .2 of memory that much?

[dmar]

Amazing that the price of Tablets has depreciated so much! I know the x60 Tablet has something to do with it, but I'm still surpised that you were able to get that Tablet for such a low price.

Anyways, onto your questions. In my opinion, you're the only one that can answer your HD vs. memory question. It's all based upon your desired usage.

Here's some of your upgrade/pricing options. You can make an informed decision based upon relative worth.

Ebay
[FRU 39T2545] 40GB HD (1.8") 5400rpm - New ~$130
[FRU 39T2547] 60GB HD (1.8") 5400 rpm - Factory Refurb ~$180.00


Lenovo.com
[FRU 31P9832] ThinkPad 512MB PC2700 CL2.5 NP DDR SDRAM SODIMM = $89.00
[FRU 31P9834] ThinkPad 1GB PC2700 CL2.5 NP DDR SDRAM SODIMM = $194.00

Crucial.com
[Crucial# CT367292] Crucial 512MB ~$71.00
[Crucial # CT367290] Crucial 1GB ~ $146.00

My personal opinion (for what it's worth) - max out the RAM, and wait for a bump in specs for the 1.8" HD's if it ever happens.

[kidofhope]

oh, i don't know much about computers. I didnt know you could upgrade the laptops later. I only thought you could upgrade computers not laptops. So I can always upgrade, correct?

Anyways, im probably only going to use to laptop for internet, microsoft word, and maybe mp3 music. What do you think is more important for my usage....memory or hard drive?