Thinkpads Forum

this http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2288 can be had now for under $2k ... How is new X60 compared to this Pana W2 ??? I know that W2 can have 512MB memory max..

EDIT: Here are some videos of the Panasonic W2 dropped from 30cm height:
http://panasonic.jp/pc/appli/tough/
Scroll down and click on 30cm tab..

Its pretty cool! I'd never do this to my laptop though ...

The 2.64-lb Panasonic W4 is even lighter than the W2, and it still includes an internal DVD burner and a 12.1" display:

http://dynamism.com/w4/main.shtml

At $2,199, it's just slightly more expensive than the X series. And since I already have an X40, if I must buy one more laptop, it would be the W4 instead of the X60.

That doesn't look right...muscle car's hood on a laptop?

If you are comparing with the X60 then there is no contest. X60 all the way.

X60 has the latest technology with dual core, faster memory, faster HD, much better graphics card, AND top notch service.

Now, the W2 has a built in optical which is a plus, but I never got into a situation where I needed to use my optical while travelling. If there are softwares that I use that need CD inserted, I just use virtual drive and clone an iage of the CD and store in the HD.

The panasonic looks nice and it is rare breed. But I think it needs to upgrade their specs. If panasonic can come up with an upgraded version with dual core, and available 7200 rpm HD, then it will be much much more attractive.

You aren't buying a product, but a service. Tech support for IBM is far superior to others. Unless you have a truly compelling reason, always buy the IBM product with their service.

miniplayer wrote:That doesn't look right...muscle car's hood on a laptop?

I think the shape is for more strength on the lcd lid. Make it harder to push the center in.

It's probably harder from outside, but I've seen a strange case from another forum.
A guy actually damaged his LCD by just putting his thumb on the screen while openning the lid because there is a gap between the two-piece supporting material, which makes the middle part of the screen very weak.
It's not a good design...

Nope. Im buying a product. Good service is a nice addition...

dfumento wrote:You aren't buying a product, but a service.

KillBill wrote:Nope. Im buying a product. Good service is a nice addition...

Agreed!

pianowizard wrote:

KillBill wrote:Nope. Im buying a product. Good service is a nice addition...

Agreed!

Well, that depends upon one's needs. I need reliability and down time is a real issue for me. I want a machine that holds up better, that can get water poured on keyboard, that has anti-shock for hard disk, and a very durable machine and has very quick service by only Americans when I need it.

dfumento wrote:Well, that depends upon one's needs. I need reliability and down time is a real issue for me. I want a machine that holds up better, that can get water poured on keyboard, that has anti-shock for hard disk, and a very durable machine and has very quick service by only Americans when I need it.

The W2 is a Toughbook model and is supposed to be at least as well-built as the Thinkpad X series.

There is a very thorough review of the W4 here:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=108

personally, I would take the X60s. I've seen the Toughbooks at trade shows and they feel very cheap.