Upgrade questions (current: x22, proposed: x31) help!

[kanderson]

Heya -- I just stumbled on this forum from a link on another forum and thank GOD am I glad to have found this place!

I hunted for years for a laptop that fit my needs perfectly, and finally found one in the X22. Integrated wireless, decent speed, decent video, absolutely PERFECT size, and an amazing keyboard that I still prefer over desktop keyboards to this day.

My problem now, however, is that the x22 is getting dated. I'm a consulting network engineer, so portability is an absolute MUST. And I don't think I could EVER give up the keyboard on the x22...

My question is: How does the x31 compare with the x22? Similar chassis? How different are the keyboards? I'm familiar with the specs, I am mainly curious about its design compared directly with the x22.

I have not been able to get my hands on an x31 to use or see to compare it, but I am sure someone here must have upgraded from an x22 to an x31 and has some input for me.

Thanks!

[Voodle]

I upgraded from an X20 to an X31, although I didn't use the X20 for very long. If the keyboard on the X20 is the same as the X22, then it should have a rather firm key action that I personally like although it can become annoying because by the time I got it, all the keys had been worn to shiny plastic which isn't so nice to type on.
The X31's key action is slightly less firm, although the key travel remains about the same, the keys do feel slightly less secure on the keyboard, which I think is partly due to differences in how the keyboard is held down on the X31. There's more keyboard flex on the X31 than there is on the the X20 that I'm comparing it with.
I get the feeling though that the X20's keyboard is a higher quality one, I can get a replacement keyboard for the X31 from IBM's site for £30, but a replacement keyboard for the X20 costs over £50 last time I checked.

So, the X31's keyboard is not so great as the one on the X20, although it is still a good keyboard. I think it generally goes like this (in my experience, there probably are better ones but this is for comparison purposes between what I've used):

600 series > X20 series > x31 > T23 > Dell

The unit feels more solid than the X20, with the case being less likely to flex (which left pressure marks on the screen of the X20) and the palm rest is nicer too, I'm not sure if the X22 has the same rubber coated one as the X20, but I prefer the plastic palm rest. There is more plastic on it though, and it does seem to be slightly thicker.

[tekmantoo]

I too upgraded from an X22 to an X31. The X22 keyboard is much better in my opinion. There is quite a bit more flex in the X31 which is disappointing but in every other way the X31 is a great machine...just not the keyboard.