Q's about X30

[Mack]

Hi everyone,

I'm just about to buy an used ibm x30. I did a search on this forum, and I don't find much info about it. Seems most people own a x31 instead. I am familiar with the specs for the x30, but have some questions.

1) In general, you people that own a x30, are you happy with it?

2) x30 uses shared memory architecture for the graphics, but is it still possible to play less demanding games like civilization 3? Just want to know if anyone actually have tried some games on their x30 despite it's not a gaming computer.

3) I am about to give 800 $ for the machine. I will get the dock with extra ports and cd included for that price. It seems reasonable to me, and it still have 1 year warranty left. Is it possible to get the keyboard replaced with another one? If I want a chinese keyboard, will ibm replace it for me for free? (i will intially get it with swedish keyboard, since i am from sweden)

4) The screen.. if this machine is 2 years old which i suspect, could the screen have burnt out a bit? How long are they supposed to last? I guess ibm will not replace the screen for me just because I think it has lost some brightness?

5) Edited this.. : Is the computer fine for watching movies? Not too much ghosting?


Thanks for any input on this x30 machine.

[mieske]

I got a great deal on an x30 a month or so ago and have been using it regularly since. A few responses.

1. I am, generally, happy with it. An integrated optical would be ideal (ie. fujitsu), but the speed is acceptable and the build quality fantastic.

2. I'm not much of a gamer, but I have played warcraft iii on the x30, and it played ok...not great...but acceptable. I suspect most problems would be hd speed than anything else.

3. Don't know about price one way or the other. I'll tell you what I "paid" though...I traded my year old Compaq x1000 system and received the x30 w/ 2 years warranty remaining, external cdrw, leather case, and $200. If I had to value the x1000 I would put it at $850-$900.

4. Coming from the Compaw (beautiful widescreen) the IBM was obviously a slight downgrade. The viewing angles aren't great and the screen is nowhere as bright. But here's the thing...I needed an ultra-portable notebook, and the x30 is the best one I found in my range. There are systems with superior screen, but you likely won't find one on an ultra-portable in this price range.

5. I need to kick the ram up a bit, but generally I watch old West Wing avi's on my system with minimal issues. DVD's I cannot speak to, but I don't see why you would have a problem with an ultrabay drive.

Feel free to email me with any specific questions.

Matt