can you write code on a 12" thinkpad?

[beefjerky]

I'm still in the market for an X40 and I'm wondering if anyone here develops with Visual Studio on a 12" laptop? I'm not going to mind the slow compile times with the slower CPUs but is it going to be a pain in the [censored] to write code at 1024 x 768?

[HarryWild]

going to be a pain in the [censored] to write code at 1024 x 768?

Hi beefjerky,

I think it may be but you can lower the resolution to like 800X600 to get the characters on screen larger if you have bad eyesight. Remember it is a 12" screen size so compare to it with a say 14" the resolution would probably be 1280 X 1050 for the same size image of the 12" X40 in 1024X768.

Hope this helps!

[monty cantsin]

going to be a pain in the [censored] to write code at 1024 x 768?

Hi beefjerky,

I think it may be but you can lower the resolution to like 800X600 to get the characters on screen larger if you have bad eyesight.

No, the characters would look awful at a non-native resolution of the screen. And I don't think that this really answers the OP's questions. I'd rather think his main concerns with XGA were that with such a low screen resolution (and small display dimensions), he's afraid there isn't enough space for all the windows and palettes.

[MojoChopper]

It depends....

If you are willing to have all the widgets docked and autohidden and are not working with the form designers a lot, then working with a 12" 1024x768 is tolerable.

I have both an X20 and an A22p. Though I prefer to work with the A22p, I don't always feel like lugging it around and very often find myself using the X20 to write Visual Studio code.

As mentioned above, I find if I keep stuff autohidden, except maybe the Solution Explorer, I can get a decent amount of code written somewhat comfortably. I tend to work with asp.net code and mostly use the code only views and not the form designer much after initially laying out a form. I also tend to use Verdana or Lucida Sans Typewriter fonts, which are easier on my eyes than Courier, which helps a bit. It's a little bit of a nuisance when I need to refer to the hidden toolbars, though it's probably would be less of an issue on a faster machine.

It's definitely not ideal though. If I were doing a lot of Window Forms programming, I'm sure I would feel quite differently about using an X machine for Visual Studio code.

Actually, the main hinderance with my X20 is speed. I actually got this machine used about a year ago to take notes at meetings and seminars, but its portability has me using it in ways I didn't anticipate, including using it for my programming work. I am learning to love this form factor. I may be looking into getting a more current X before long.


Hope this helps....

Mojo Chopper

[beefjerky]

Fortunately, I won't be doing any windows form programming (crossing my fingers). I'll mostly be working on C# stuff for work and I'm interested in the form factor as well. I think I'll give the 12" a try and see how it goes.

[leesiulung]

beefjerky,

I have an X31 and use it to program in Visual Studio .net and Eclipse, and find that the screen is small... really small. But I like the form factor and decided to get an external screen instead of purchasing a T series.

Keep in mind a lot of people prefer the 14" SVGA+ resolution of the T series for development. And if you don't need the optical drive (most likely since you are considering X40) you can always swap it out for one of those bezels to save some weight.

Another issue is also the keyboard, the keyboard on X series is significantly smaller and people with big hands might not like it. It is perfect for me and I actually prefer it over the oversized keyboards of T series...

Also the palm rest on the X40 is considerably smaller than X31 and this is a problem for some. In addition, the hard drive bezel (the part you yank out the hard drive out) is where the palm would rest and probably would over time get loose due to your palm resting on it.

That said, I prefer the x31 over any thinkpad series right now. If you have any other questions I'll be happy to answer them.

Good luck!