More X31 vs. X40 questions

[skanky]

we use IBM machines exclusively where i work so i get to play around with plenty of X31s and T42s.

initially i thought that a X31 would be great for what i need, sit around in bed and surf. so i borrowed one from work for a few days and for me, i had troubles adjusting to the smaller T4x keyboard, kept missing the odd letter when touch typing which was annoying

i ended up getting a cheap T40 which i wouldnt trade in for a X series even though its ideal for what i need and that i hardly use the optical drive, the T4x keyboard is much more suitable for what i need.

the X31 is a great machine and would have been ideal for what i need but the keyboard let it down for me imo.

[verktyg]

Also, still confused about the memory, it "appears" that the X31 is spec'ed for PC2100 memory, and the X40 is spec'ed for PC2700. However it looks like you can use PC2700 in the X31, but it runs at PC2100. Also PC2700 runs at PC2700 in the X40. Is all of that correct?? Sorry to sound confusing but I am confused.

I interpreted the specs as follows:

Some of the older (sometimes less expensive) 267x models use DDR266 PC2100 memory.

Most if not all of the higher end/later model 2885 X31s come with DDR266 PC2700 memory

All of the new X31s on IBM's web site show that they are shipping with PC2700 memory.

Aside from running benchmark programs, I doubt than anyone could tell the difference between PC2100 and PC2700 memory. The amount of memory and the CPU speed are what will be more noticeable to most users.

Seven or eight years ago, speed jumps from 100MHz, to 120MHz or 133MHz CPUs made noticeable decreases in boot times plus the speed that programs opened. I found that 192MB of memory was the point of declining returns as far as memory size with the Intel HX chipsets.

I have WinXP running on an old 240x PIII 500 with 192MB of memory. It seems to be only a few seconds slower than my new X31 PM 1.6GHz with 1Ghz of memory. A twin 240x running Win98SE blows the doors off of both of them!

[verktyg]

I think that the outcome is that I am going to go with a T42. I am doing far too much "fussing" with the X series trying to save a couple of pounds, then worrying about what kind of external optical burner I want to tote around. Ultimately, it just doesn't make enough sense for me to keep fooling with trying to make an X series work for me. I guess that is why the T series is much more popular.
Andrew

I pondered over X31 vs. X40 for several months myself. I finally went with an X31 2285RGU. Here's why:

I've been traveling all over the US, 2-3 weeks a month for the past 5 years. I was schlepping around a T20, only needing it for E-mail, Internet, PowerPoint presentations and a few other applications.

Using it on a plane, I had the screen get jammed more that a few times when the person in front of me decided to recline their seat back. With the seat back reclined it was almost unusable.

Trying to use this size or larger laptop on an aircraft tray table is difficult at best. Using a euphemistically named LAPTOP on my lap - you got to be kidding!

If you want to use a T42 on a plane, even in 1st Class, you may run into some room problems that you may not encounter with an Xxx series TP.

I picked up an almost new 240x PIII 500 which I love for traveling. The only shortcomings are the 10.5" screen is too small, it isn't very bright and it's too hard to see in daylight.

I bought my X31 to replace both of those models because of the wireless performance and the bright 12" screen. The 2.5" vs. 1.8" HDD was what really swayed me away from the X40.

I've had a CD-RW-DVD drive in my T20 for 2 years but I've rarely used it on the road. Instead I've been using a Virtual CD program call CD Anywhere. I just copy CDs to the HDD and run them from there. They run much better from the Hitachi 60G 7200 RPM HDD. Unfortunately CD Anywhere doesn't work with XP so I'm going to try another program called Alcohol52.

My X31 came with the X3 Slice and a CD-RW-DVD drive which I didn't need but this was the least expensive way to get the features that I wanted. My 2885RGU model comes with 512MB of memory, IBM's A,B,G wireless card, an Intel 10T/100/1000 NIC, BlueTooth and a 40G 5400 RPM HDD.

The 1.6GHz Pentium M is plenty fast for my requirements. I haven't noticed much performance difference between a 1Ghz and a 1.8Ghz CPU for bulk of the work that I do.

Memory increases and HDD speed are far more noticeable for most applications. There is a significant jump in performance between a 4200 RPM HDD and a 7200 HDD on an ATA 100+ system. The difference between a 5400 RPM HDD and a 7200 RPM UDD is less drastic.

The bottom line: I never cosidered anything but an Xxx TP because screen size was the biggest issue for me.

[leesiulung]

hey verktyg,

You might wanna give daemon tools a try. It is also a virtual drive software that is free. I use it all the time, and it is compatible with Win XP. In addition, it supports copy protections, so if u play games like I do then that is a plus. You can find it here:

http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/portal/portal.php

You must create the image files in a separate program though. But hey it is compatible with alcohol.

[leesiulung]

I love my X31, and I have seen the X40. I must say that the 5 main reasons why I choose the X31 over the X40 is:

1. The faster 1.6GHz (Banias) processor over the 1.4Ghz (Dothan). I think that in most cases you will notice that the Banias processor is faster.

2. The graphics card is an ATI with dedicated memory, versus the not so good Intel shared memory technology.

3. The 2.5" hard drive and more specifically the location of this drive. It is located on the side, while the X40 is right beneath the palmrest, where your palm would lean on. I noticed that the store display hard drive cover was loose from people using it. The machine was on display for a few months.

4. The standard battery is 6 cell and generally last about 3.5-4 hourse, vs the meager X40 at 4 cell, that last bout 2-2.5 hours. The 8 cell will increase its weight, stick out in the back and take away any real advantage.

5. The compatibility of docks and replicator witht the X31 and not with the X40.

(6. The size of X40 is a little too small for me. Didn't like the short palm rest.)

The only thing I can say for X40 is

1. Dothan

2. Smaller

3. Faster memory

Obviously all of this is subjective and dependent on your needs. Either way I don't think you can go wrong, if you have the money for it.