Add back the optical drive in the X1

[HarryWild]

I am returning my Thinkpad X24 because there is no optical drive built-in. The Dell 700m, Sony and Asus 12" have built-in optical drives and are priced around $300-$900 less. The weigh is around the same 3.5 lbs. The Dell offers already a dual layer DVD burner too for only $125 more.

I know that IBM cannot keep this a separate component too much long because other major competitors already have it! For one, I don't mind that they price it the same as having to buy the individual components separately - $500-800 more!(Utarabay docking station, multi-burner, etc...)

I am hearing rumors that the X50 may have a optical drive back in one unit again like the 600X! It really feel stranged to not have the optical drive in a notebook!

Does anyone else feel this way?

I could go for a 13" WXGA model in a T series too.

IBM Thinkpads should come in that format from some rumors; in first quarter 2005! These are messages posted in the European circles!

I would think that IBM would concurrently introduce the same here in the U.S. too?

Cheers!

[LumberJack]

I personally only use my laptop for mobility and not as my primary desktop. I really only need a CD for Installing software. For that I just plug into my switch at home and run off my desktop drive. I understand what you are saying, that is the primary negative of the X series is that they don't have an optical drive.

I agree that an optical drive is a great bonus... I say, take an X40, increase it's size to that of the X31 and add and optical drive! that would be nice...

LJ

[leesiulung]

Unfortunatly, I disagree. I like the fact that a cd drive is not included, the reason for this is that less parts are likely to break (cd-rom drives has many loose parts in it, i.e. the read head). It also makes the unit heavier, and possibly consume more power. I like the 1 spindle design, but although prefer a 0 spindle design ... even less mechanical parts to break.

As for as I know, I don't think IBM has ever made a widescreen laptop. IBM generally don't cater to home users, but mostly business users...