X31 size/weight compared to X41

[vext01]

Hi,

My X41 went back to the supplier and was refunded. It had a bad disk.

Now I am looking at the X31 as the disk will be very cheap to replace if the same happens again.

My main concern is the size and weight. Can someone comment.

Here is the laptop I am looking at:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IBM-THINKPAD-X31- ... 286.c0.m14

[mazzinia]

it's a bit bigger than an x4x, and a bit heavier (1.6kg , more or less), but I think is also more solid & has the advantage of the standard hd

[SteveS]

I concur with mazzinia.

Having owned X40, X41 and X31, I have to say the X31 is a more robust machine. Sure the X4x is sexy because it is so small and light. The keyboards in the X4x series use a two piece actuator, versus 3 piece in the X31 and T4x series (probably to save a little weight). I have managed to break two keys off my X4x machines, and have never done so with the X31 or any T4x. And they don’t just pop off – the plastic actually breaks, running the keyboard.

In addition to the impossible to find 1.8” PATA drive in the X4x, you are stuck with 4200 rpm, and 60 GB max.

[WarMachine]

Hello,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IBM-THINKPAD-X31- ... ms=72%3A12

The pic shows an X2x...

W.

[underclocker]

My main concern is the size and weight. Can someone comment.

An X4x with the 4 cell battery (good for 2.5 hours runtime) weighs 2.7 lbs. It is also smaller and thinner than an X31/X32.

If you can live with that type of battery life, then the X4x is hard to beat, although the new X200s just did at 2.47 lbs. (although I haven't personally weighed one yet!)

If you need greater battery life, then the 8 cell X4x battery adds considerable weight. Not enough to reach the 3.5+ lb. weight of an X31/X32, but you'll be over 3 lbs. At that point, you might as well get the faster and more flexible X31/X32.

On the other extreme, if you need really long battery life, up to 10 hours, then the X4x is the only way to go. You can use the 8 cell plus the extended battery at the same time for 10+ hours of runtime.

I personally use my X40 with the 4 cell most of the time. However, on international trips, I take the 8 cell battery, too.