How much of a X machine do you need to surf the internet

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HarryWild · #1 Post by **HarryWild** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 1:59 am

fast like my ThinkCentre S50 3.2GHZ Prescott with 74G Raptor and 1 GB ram. The reason I am asking is that what I would spend a major of the time on the X31 I was going to get.

Spent some time talk with friends and they said that a Pentium III 650MHZ or better with 256MB RAM would be sufficent. I think that really not the case; but I don't have a computer that slow to test it out; so can you guys voice in on your opinions.

I have a broadband DSL at 1.5MPSs -the top the line for residential customers! Please answer this question by name a Thinkpad X model that would be the mininum to meet the fast internet surfing. I will be on the road doing it so it would probably in the range of the 256KPS broadband but I would test it with my home and see if there is an comparable difference like 2 second or more to render a webpage. I it was not noticeable or 1/2 second slower then it is equal to me in this test!

For example: X20 with 512MB upgrade drive to 7200rpm!

Thanks!

skanky · #2 Post by **skanky** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 2:07 am

imo anything to surf the net, around a 1Ghz processor is perfectly fine.

i used to use a 650mhz p3 toshiba laptop with a 4200rpm drive to sit on my bed and surf the net, not a problem, except for file transfers!

nowadays im using a T40 with 7200prm (which automatically adjusts to run mostly at 600mhz) and i dont see any problem at it running at its lower speed.

i mean who needs a 2Ghz+ machine for internet?

HarryWild · #3 Post by **HarryWild** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 2:16 am

skanky,

Thanks for responsing! But 1GHZ is a lot speed depending on the class of Pentium each has different size on board caches and FSBs. Did you know that you did not response correctly to my question? You are fired!

DavidNZ · #4 Post by **DavidNZ** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 3:22 am

HarryWild wrote:Please answer this question by name a Thinkpad X model that would be the mininum to meet the fast internet surfing.

But that's just it, any X model made in, say, the last two years is over-spec'ed for www stuff. Maybe even long before two years - dunno as this is the first X i've owned.

aabram · #5 Post by **aabram** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 5:43 am

about 500MHz with sensible amount of memory - starting with and upwards from 256 - is really enough for regular surfing. thats the speed what I used to run my T22 on battery. no problems. that speed may not, however be enough for other things you may need to do.

currently I have x30 with 512MB and I run it at 791MHz when on battery. it's *more* than enough for web browsing. then again - I don't play flash games, don't use java applets and don't view inline movies. memory is more important than speed from certain point onward. I'd say processor speed around 600-700 is proabably breakpoint for regular web-surfing use. if you're after cheapest option then get x30, it'll be fast enough.

HarryWild · #6 Post by **HarryWild** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 12:32 am

If you are going to run XP and want to have the best responds; then I am looking for a notebook that has a fast rpm drive and around 1 gb ram and the cpu is really secondary but the minium is a Pentium 4 but I going to step up to the Pentium M 1meg on board cache.

I figure that another $300-$500 spent will buy me happiness for the future apps. Remember PCI Express is coming version 1 which is nothing; but future version will be super fast and the new Intel graphics chipset is coming 958 or something like that which is suppose to be very, very good in graphics like the middle high end graphics card now for $200; will be incorporated to replace the 855mm chipset which cost OEM an additional $10 a piece on orders of 100,000 or $14 a piece. The 855 is currently on the X40.

It can even play DOOM 3!

I am kind of fighting off want vs. future technology coming. I know if I go high end now; I will loose big so; I am looking for the lower end and hope to save 50% off of the high end. For example the X31 with 1.7 Dothan HS40 and the IBM 802.11 a/b/g Bluetooth modem is around $1600 to 1,800. If I can find a low end unit 1.2-1.3 Dothan 20-30GB, 256MB for $900-1050. I save around 40%-50% to buy later when the "cream of the crop" is gone on the unit and then price fall for the new technology. Then the notebook around $1200 will be middle of the road and I can afford it because I did not spend the whole amount on the high end. I am talk two to three years from now and by then my X31 will be like the X20 (Pentium III) is now. I will upgrade the memory with 512MB $100 and $200 for the a 30GB 7200rpm. I am set for two or three years! Total cost around $1,200-1,500. Then I have to buy an external DVD/CD USB 2.0 drive $89-$250 depend if I want it to be slim and black and runs off ove the USB 2.0 without the powered propieratory USB of the X40.

So in round figures for everything $1,800-2,400. Cannot forget about software! It the third most expensive purchase after your house and car you know!

lfeagan · #7 Post by **lfeagan** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 12:52 pm

The new Intel Integrated graphics are better, but they certainly are not comparable to a $200 video card. Here are some numbers for the Intel Integrated Graphics core which will be on the notebooks coming out in about 6 months.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1 ... 350,00.asp

A few notes, the X300 is an Radeon 9600 on PCI Express. Benchmarks show pretty conclusively that there is nil difference so consider it an 9600 for all intents and purposes.

The new Intel chipset is called the GMA 900. Notice that they run this on the 3.4 Extreme Edition, which is clearly far faster than our notebooks Dothan ~2.0 GHz CPUs.

roblim · #8 Post by **roblim** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 1:56 pm

I bought a refurbished IBM X22 384 megs ram three years ago from IBM. I am still using it today. 60% web surfing, 40 % ms word. It runs windows xp pro and it is still very very quick for those tasks. boots in <30 seconds. i keep waiting for the lcd to die or something to go wrong so that I have a good reason to replace it with an X40.

I always do a clean install of windows xp, and avoid most shareware and freeware. i don't install a lot of the ibm apps as well. that helps a lot. Sometimes i see people running much newer laptops that have 2 or 3 x the processing power of my computer but there are like 10 icons in the system tray showing "useless" programs that were installed by default so their computers actually perform much slower.

when i buy, I usually buy according to price. I don't mind used or refurbished products esp if they come from IBM and are backed by a no reason return policy. I spent $1100 on my X22 three years ago. I will probably spend the same amount on my next x series.

HarryWild · #9 Post by **HarryWild** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 9:21 pm

Ifeagan,

You are right! I must of read it wrong or it was another article! Thanks for the article! But you have to see the progression - it towards more performance on the video; even in the integrated chip sets that the OEMs pay like $10-15 for and is suppose to be so bad but just look at your article!

Harry

HarryWild · #10 Post by **HarryWild** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 9:25 pm

"I bought a refurbished IBM X22 384 megs ram three years ago from IBM. I am still using it today. 60% web surfing, 40 % ms word. It runs windows xp pro and it is still very very quick for those tasks. boots in <30 seconds"

Based on your reply and talk with my friends; I willing to gamble on a lower performance notebook like what you have. I will am for something in the 700-800MHZ Pentium III unless I find a great deal then I will jump on it!

Thanks!

Harry

selvan777 · #11 Post by **selvan777** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:19 am

Any X would do, IMO.

I've been surfing the web on my X20 since 2001 and am content. I added the maximum ram but more or less for running programs.

Granted, I'm also putting on a dial-up. But while at a friends with cable modem, pages were loading so fast I didn't even have time to change the chanel on the TV using the remote.

stgreek · #12 Post by **stgreek** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:41 pm

Something that I think noone noted is that you don't state what you will use to browse the net....

On a Centrino you'd be fine, whatever you used. However, on slower machines, the OS is MUCH more important than the system. If you want to know what I mean take a 600 series machine (PII-233 to PIII-650 unless you are James

) and try to use your desktop and internet applications using Windows XP and then a light Linux window manager (like openbox). The difference will be HUGE. As long as you pick the correct OS, and since your needs are fairly simple I believe you can do with ANY machine (my "notepad" system is a 560X which runs very fast for the simple apps I use it for)

HarryWild · #13 Post by **HarryWild** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:13 am

Posted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 8:41 am Post subject:

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Something that I think noone noted is that you don't state what you will use to browse the net....

On a Centrino you'd be fine, whatever you used. However, on slower machines, the OS is MUCH more important than the system. If you want to know what I mean take a 600 series machine (PII-233 to PIII-650 unless you are James ) and try to use your desktop and internet applications using Windows XP and then a light Linux window manager (like openbox). The difference will be HUGE. As long as you pick the correct OS, and since your needs are

After reading this, I am not sure what to think. The difference will be HUGE? Are you saying that openbox will be faster then Windows XP? and how huge is it? Two times faster boot up? Can you provide some examples of speed difference between the two OSs. I actually thinking of purchasing a 600X 650mhz Pentium III; so any input would be greatly appreciated! Or for that matter anyone else who knows!

stgreek · #14 Post by **stgreek** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 7:10 am

HarryWild wrote: After reading this, I am not sure what to think. The difference will be HUGE? Are you saying that openbox will be faster then Windows XP? and how huge is it? Two times faster boot up? Can you provide some examples of speed difference between the two OSs. I actually thinking of purchasing a 600X 650mhz Pentium III; so any input would be greatly appreciated! Or for that matter anyone else who knows!

I am not talking about boot up times, I am talking about desktop responsiveness, since boot is very affected by your HD speed. Firefox in openbox will open almost instantly, on XP it will struggle. Windows XP ties up around 200MB for its use, openbox does away with 40 or so. That means that on a 256 MB machine the first 1-2 applications you'll load on XP will use virtual memory while on OB they'll be much faster. As for the 600X, amazing machine and the build quality is probably the best that has appeared on any laptop, ever (The only thing that come remotely close is the X31 imo). You won't regret it.

HarryWild · #15 Post by **HarryWild** » Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:08 pm

...openbox does away with 40 or so...

How much effort is it to do the openbox linux compiler and such. Can you do it like in day or two or is it really simple. I heard from people who try linux; that it is quite a learning curve just to setup the system and after a week of trial and error they gladly went back to Windows with no complaints!

I love to have a 600x with linux which one is the key to it all. All I would like is to have one that is fast and stable and has like open office/star office installed and a internet brower maybe Firefox. Alot says Linstar or something like that is the easiest but you have to purchase it and that okay with me too.

stgreek · #16 Post by **stgreek** » Fri Nov 05, 2004 2:06 pm

HarryWild wrote:
...openbox does away with 40 or so...
How much effort is it to do the openbox linux compiler and such. Can you do it like in day or two or is it really simple. I heard from people who try linux; that it is quite a learning curve just to setup the system and after a week of trial and error they gladly went back to Windows with no complaints!

I love to have a 600x with linux which one is the key to it all. All I would like is to have one that is fast and stable and has like open office/star office installed and a internet brower maybe Firefox. Alot says Linstar or something like that is the easiest but you have to purchase it and that okay with me too.

First of all, you only have to compile something if you want to. You can get binary-based distributions (like Mandrake, Fedora or Suse) that are free and install as fast as windows. Also, thinkpads are really linux-friendly, so with the sole exception of the modem (which is a pain sometimes) it should be trouble-free.

If on the other hand you want a source-based distribution (like Gentoo), the initial install will take longer, usually 2-3 days to have a fully working system. (mind you, I mean a FULLY working system - compiling openbox takes 5 mins or so!). The upside is that your system will be faster and in the case of Gentoo, maintained easier. If you already have another PC I would really suggest you try out linux, you will learn an extra thing or two about computing and end up with a similar (and in my opinion superior) system to a windows pc.

HarryWild · #17 Post by **HarryWild** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 12:22 am

I know my needs are not a power users notebook; but I do like the quickness of a computer in boot up and to have a fast or immediate reply. The 12.1" size is really the computer that I first used and I like to continue to have. I decided to see if I can get a X31 or X30(has to be really discounted because it old technology 100FSB, Pentium III CPU, etc....). If I can find again the power custom configuration I going to just buy it; retail because I really like "power". And it cost a fortune to fix notebooks if something goes wrong so I will look of a IBM warranty even if it a premium amount! You only live once and why fuzz with a notebook you will not really enjoy!

I don't have alot to spend; but I love my ThinkCentre S50 and I think I will love a X31 or X30!

whizkid · #18 Post by **whizkid** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:10 am

HarryWild wrote:... X30(has to be really discounted because it old technology 100FSB, Pentium III CPU, etc....)

The X30 has 133FSB (as do the X22, X23 and X24) and can "only" use 1GB of RAM.

The X31 runs its memory at PC2100, which is twice as fast, and can use 2GB.

HarryWild · #19 Post by **HarryWild** » Tue Nov 09, 2004 3:33 am

quote]The X30... use 1GB of RAM. The X31.... use 2GB.[[/quote]

Talk with IBM on this a couple of months ago and the only Thinkpads that come with a 1/2 of maximium solder in are custom orders from big vendors. Most either come with 256 or 512.

There are some that are fully loaded; but not for individual sale or retail customers.

whizkid · #20 Post by **whizkid** » Tue Nov 09, 2004 8:27 am

The X30 and X31 have no soldered in memory, just two sockets with memory in one.

The X40's do have either 256MB or 512MB soldered in, and they have one socket which either has 256MB or is empty.

HarryWild · #21 Post by **HarryWild** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:16 am

I purchased a Thinkpad 600X 650MHZ Pentium III, 20GB 4200 Hitachi Travelstar(slow), CD ROM. Purchased new 600X battery from Ebay for $60($13 for shipping and insurance). Plan on getting a 256MB module to max it to 576MB and a b/g wireless PCMCIA card and wireless router. The 3COM a/b/g with X-Jack is really expensive around $100.00 plus. I could get the card and router for that amount. I been informed that the a/ is a very old protocol and is used for file transfers/sharing? I know I will never used this a/ wireless!

Check on Trackpoint caps and they are $5 a piece! That expensive!
Will purchase a new CMOS battery too! Stop in at Best Buy and they wants $30 to install it!

Since I am only going to do internet surfing; I made a mistake and have to correct my statement on hard drive performance. I was informed that it is a non-issue for performance; unless I do file downloading. Internet surfing is dependent on two primary factors: CPU speed and Memory. That is from a computer engineer! So I know it right on!

Found out that the physical size of the drive affects the performance; with the rpm being the same. Bigger better performance!

I returned the Hitachi 60GB 7200rpm 2.5" hard drive. Save $165.00.
Hoping for a rebate on this drive and will buy it back!

So I kind of went low-end; in the hopes that the Thinkpad 600X will be okay for my needs for two to three years. Also, if I happen to get it stolen or damage; I will not be so upset. I guess quite a few notebooks do get stolen. Talk with a policewomen and they file around 20 a month in a city of 50,000.

Software Windows XP and Office 2003 in included.

600X is billed as 9.5/10 or mint condition.

Just purchased it today and don't know when it will ship.

Ebay!

Total cost of 600X is $400.
Upgrades for it including router is $200-250.00 unless I purchase the 3Com card then add $50 more!

I have not seen a 600X in person but I like the photos and everyone mentions the built quality!

Just seems like the right size for me and has all the items I want at a good price. Performance it lacks but you guys say it should be good for internet surfing so..... I am using a ThinkCentre S50 3.2GHZ Prescott Pentium 800FSB with 1 GB and Western Digital SATA Raptor 10,000 RPM hard drive to do Internet surfing and it is perfect!

I remember reading on old the reviews that in 1999 this machine 600X retailed for over $3,000 with 64MB of memory and 12GB drive! 128MB module cost $200. 256MB $500. WOW!!!!!!!

Will upgrade the optical drive probably next year when a dual layer DVD burner is available for cheap like $100 or the DVD burner comes down to $50! Or the DVD CD-RW is $25!

I don't even know if I get it or when! No word yet from seller!

But that is taken care of at least - my notebook decide is over with!

Did not buy a X31 or a X40!

Just remember I need to buy a bag for it too! I will try to see if my backpack will work! Save another $50-$100 maybe!

All these things add up quickly!

I think it should be fast enough for me; given a 1.5MPS DSL line at home and coffee shops with T-Mobile have that too! Only the freebie ones I have to see how slow it really is!

I going to sleep

whizkid · #22 Post by **whizkid** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 10:48 am

I have two 600X's. You will not be sorry.

IBM sells TrackPoint caps at 6 for US$10 to their US customers.

While 4200RPM will be fine, and have minimal impact on web surfing, it will impact startup times of both Windows and any applications.

HarryWild · #23 Post by **HarryWild** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 1:28 am

Hi whizkid,

"While 4200RPM will be fine, and have minimal impact on web surfing, it will impact startup times of both Windows and any applications"

Seller email me back and stated it was a 5400rpm drive so I am pleased!
But I like at least 7200rpm and it has 8meg cache too!

I have two 600X's. You will not be sorry.

Really two 600Xs! Just wonder what do I do about manuals for user and service - were do you get them at?

IBM sells TrackPoint caps at 6 for US$10 to their US customers.

How much is shipping?

#24 Post by **JaneL** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:54 am

>Just wonder what do I do about manuals for user and service - were do you get them at?
>

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=1689

#1 - 21

HarryWild · #25 Post by **HarryWild** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:46 pm

Nonny,

I bookmark the link for future reference when I get the 600X!

Thanks!

HarryWild · #26 Post by **HarryWild** » Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:25 pm

That is what I found out in a conversation with a Linux guru! Laptop drivers; video and PCMCIA cards are hard to find or don't work! I am now thinking of buying another Windows XP Pro and Office Pro 2003! Online DSL/Broadband usually does not work(no drivers for cards or then are bad)!

Does anyone know where a good price is? I had a offer for both for $370 but the seller sold it to some else in the mean time. Now I open to the shopping experience again! I looking for a retail box XP Pro and Office 2003 Pro. I should of purchase it but got cheap!

Now I face with ghosting it from my current hard drive into my new but am worried about not being able to re-install in case something happens!

whizkid · #27 Post by **whizkid** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 1:45 am

Linux works on most IBM ThinkPads very well. MANY varieties work on the 600X. Try some before you give up. I have use several on my 600X myself. Video and PCMCIA will work. Most PC Cards will work. Your modem will work.

stgreek · #28 Post by **stgreek** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 2:05 pm

HarryWild wrote:That is what I found out in a conversation with a Linux guru! Laptop drivers; video and PCMCIA cards are hard to find or don't work! I am now thinking of buying another Windows XP Pro and Office Pro 2003! Online DSL/Broadband usually does not work(no drivers for cards or then are bad)!

Does anyone know where a good price is? I had a offer for both for $370 but the seller sold it to some else in the mean time. Now I open to the shopping experience again! I looking for a retail box XP Pro and Office 2003 Pro. I should of purchase it but got cheap!

Now I face with ghosting it from my current hard drive into my new but am worried about not being able to re-install in case something happens!

Sorry, but that Linux guru either has no idea about Linux or has never used Thinkpads, as after 8 years working with both I NEVER had incompatible hardware, with the sole exception of the problematic Winmodem. Just go to www.linux-laptop.net and read about all the installations of linux on thinkpads if you have any problem with yours, it should fix it.

HarryWild · #29 Post by **HarryWild** » Sun Nov 21, 2004 12:54 am

Stgreek,

I did check www.linux-laptop.net and my conclusion is that it is still a work in progress. I will eventually end up in linux; that I am sure of but I will wait tell it is near perfect before I use it! Windows XP is just dandee and does not crash for along time. I had my older desktop computer get it registry messed up and had to use the retail version CD to fix it without formatting the drive all over again if I used the OEM or the Full Version! After that it been working good!

That one of the reason for me to buy a retail version of Windows XP Pro.
Office Suite 2003 is really going to hurt! It more like $100 more then the OS!

Harry

HarryWild · #30 Post by **HarryWild** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 10:45 pm

ThinkCentre S50 3.2GHZ 800FSB 1GB RAM. Hard drive is non-issue.
Speed of connection is prime in performance.

My 600X has: 650MHZ, 576MB, 20GB 4200prm.

VERY NICE!

SAME SPEED AS DESKTOP WHICH IS STATE OF THE ART CONCERNING SURFING THE INTERNET!

How much of a X machine do you need to surf the internet

How much of a X machine do you need to surf the internet

Re: How much of a X machine do you need to surf the internet

Here my thought on this; after so independent research!

Roblim

How much time spent on Linux and which one on 600X

Re: How much time spent on Linux and which one on 600X

What I going to try to buy! Maybe? That the way I feel!

Re: What I going to try to buy! Maybe? That the way I feel!

I thought about your advice and went with it! Thanks To All!

Reply to whizkid

Re: Reply to whizkid

LINUX STILL HAS ALOT OF PROBLEMS IN RUNNING NOTEBOOKS!

Re: LINUX STILL HAS ALOT OF PROBLEMS IN RUNNING NOTEBOOKS!

Am Writing This On My Thinkpad 600X and it is fast as my

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