Thinkpads Forum

First Vista or XP Tablet?
I am not interested in the GUI being real slick. I just want it to work and be fast. I would not even consider Vista, but I figure support for XP is going to end pretty soon. Also I have read here that Vista works better on tablets. What do the users say?

If I buy 1 1gb stick on board, and buy another 1gb stick will I have the same benefits as buying the 2gb sticks at the same time. IOW do they have to be MATCHED? I am really dumb about all this.

Why are the SATA drives so expensive from Lenovo? Is it cool to buy a Seagate SATA drive to upgrade? For $50 more from Lenovo I can upgrade to 7200, but lose 20 gig. For just 95 bucks I can buy a brand new Seagate from newegg, and keep the standard 80gig 5400 as a storage drive. Does this make economic sense to you guys?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822146228

Does Lenovo provide a RESTORE disk the way IBM used to so I can get my hard drive back to preload? I like to restore once a year. I also run more than one drive with different applications and dual boot to the ultrabay. Will they provide the disks with the computer, or do I have to call them and ask for the disks? Do they even exist? I have not had good luck with R&R. I tried it on my A31 and it took 27 CDRs. My preload is just 2 disks and the disks are not as vulnerable as using an external HD plus they are a lot cheaper.

Can I use Vista to remote desktop to my XP Pro A31? That is my number one reason for buying the tablet so if it doesn't work I will be sending it back. I will be doing this on a closed network using WIFI either with a router or ad hoc.

Does anyone know of a way to scale non-scalable programs so I could get the XGA multi touch and still have the real estate needed on the screen for the particular software I'm using that will not scale (IOW it's x pixels by x pixels no matter what the window size is).

If I get Vista can I turn off all the GAK? I would want to get it running as smooth and fast as possible. I'm currently able to play GTA San Andreas/ Multi Player on my A31 with only 32 megs of ram and it's all nearly all out. It's not that I want to play games on it, just that I want to be ABLE to get the most performance out of it.
I have read that the XP version can be re-imaged from the original preload to a faster, cleaner image. Why is Lenovo gaking it up? I read someone Norton was pre installed?!!! That is the first thing that has to GO! I have found there is no way to remove norton it has to be formatted and done from scratch. Your thoughts?

Edit I forgot to ask about the pen thing. I have never had one of the X60Tablets in hand so how does the pen thing work? Is it possible to replace it with some sort of fingertip worn version? Is it a generic part or if lost only replaced by lenovo "while supplies last"?

Also, what is an X60/s Tablet? I can't figure it out. Is that like an A31P? Where can I get that?

Thanks everyone. Spending this kind of money on a second computer is a big deal around here so all your help is appreciated.

First Vista or XP Tablet?
I am not interested in the GUI being real slick. I just want it to work and be fast. I would not even consider Vista, but I figure support for XP is going to end pretty soon. Also I have read here that Vista works better on tablets. What do the users say?

I think most agree vista is better.

If I buy 1 1gb stick on board, and buy another 1gb stick will I have the same benefits as buying the 2gb sticks at the same time. IOW do they have to be MATCHED? I am really dumb about all this.

Edit: Yes, upgrade $10 to 1 stick and buy the other separate from somewhere other than lenovo.

Why are the SATA drives so expensive from Lenovo? Is it cool to buy a Seagate SATA drive to upgrade? For $50 more from Lenovo I can upgrade to 7200, but lose 20 gig. For just 95 bucks I can buy a brand new Seagate from newegg, and keep the standard 80gig 5400 as a storage drive. Does this make economic sense to you guys?

Yes, don't upgrade on lenovo, keep the 80gb, or upgrade to 120, and then buy a 7200 separate. Also, I would go with hitachi for the laptop drive.

Does Lenovo provide a RESTORE disk the way IBM used to so I can get my hard drive back to preload? I like to restore once a year. I also run more than one drive with different applications and dual boot to the ultrabay. Will they provide the disks with the computer, or do I have to call them and ask for the disks? Do they even exist? I have not had good luck with R&R. I tried it on my A31 and it took 27 CDRs. My preload is just 2 disks and the disks are not as vulnerable as using an external HD plus they are a lot cheaper.

It does not come with restores, but you can create restores when you get it. I have heard some people have been able to get them by calling. In any case you can probably warez a copy of vista business and just call microsoft if you have any problems activating, since you do have a key.

Can I use Vista to remote desktop to my XP Pro A31? That is my number one reason for buying the tablet so if it doesn't work I will be sending it back. I will be doing this on a closed network using WIFI either with a router or ad hoc.

No reason why you shouldn't be able to RD to your other pc over lan or wan, I have never tried with ad-hoc though.

proaudioguy wrote:First Vista or XP Tablet?
I am not interested in the GUI being real slick. I just want it to work and be fast. I would not even consider Vista, but I figure support for XP is going to end pretty soon. Also I have read here that Vista works better on tablets. What do the users say?

Vista has much improved handwriting recognition and the tablet feature is a lot more integrated.

proaudioguy wrote:Does Lenovo provide a RESTORE disk the way IBM used to so I can get my hard drive back to preload? I like to restore once a year. I also run more than one drive with different applications and dual boot to the ultrabay. Will they provide the disks with the computer, or do I have to call them and ask for the disks? Do they even exist? I have not had good luck with R&R. I tried it on my A31 and it took 27 CDRs. My preload is just 2 disks and the disks are not as vulnerable as using an external HD plus they are a lot cheaper.

It doesn't come with restore disks, only a restore partition on your hard drive. You can manually burn a set of disks. That's what I did, using my desktop's burner through LAN. Or you can buy a set from Lenovo for $45, but some people seemed to have gotten it free.

proaudioguy wrote:Does anyone know of a way to scale non-scalable programs so I could get the XGA multi touch and still have the real estate needed on the screen for the particular software I'm using that will not scale (IOW it's x pixels by x pixels no matter what the window size is).

Not a real solution but there's a on-screen magnifier. It's a little awkward though IMO.

proaudioguy wrote:I have read that the XP version can be re-imaged from the original preload to a faster, cleaner image. Why is Lenovo gaking it up? I read someone Norton was pre installed?!!! That is the first thing that has to GO! I have found there is no way to remove norton it has to be formatted and done from scratch. Your thoughts?

You can do a factory restore and it lets you choose what you want to keep and what to not install. I did it on my tablet.

proaudioguy wrote:Edit I forgot to ask about the pen thing. I have never had one of the X60Tablets in hand so how does the pen thing work? Is it possible to replace it with some sort of fingertip worn version? Is it a generic part or if lost only replaced by lenovo "while supplies last"?

I don't think so. It's one of those Wacom pens, but made specifically for the X60 tablet. Other Wacom pens would work but wouldn't dock in the pen silo.

Great stuff so far guys. Keep it coming.

I have run ad hoc remote desktop using XP. I'm just tired of borrowing a 15" Toshiba tablet from the employer. My arm aches after 10 minutes and I hate the pen thing.

Hey I have another question. How do you tell the other WIFI option is atheros? It doesn't specifically say. Why does the intell cost $5. more if the atheros is better?

I would like the most powerfull wifi card I can get, but I also have a pretty decent PCMCIA card (with external antenna) I could use in a pinch.

proaudioguy wrote:
**mucho snippage, here**

Thanks everyone. Spending this kind of money on a second computer is a big deal around here so all your help is appreciated.

uhmm, ok, so just where IS "around here"..

please edit your location with city and state..

thanks

proaudioguy wrote:
Hey I have another question. How do you tell the other WIFI option is atheros? It doesn't specifically say. Why does the intell cost $5. more if the atheros is better?

why do more people kill in the name of religion..?
who knows..!
atheros is better and cheaper..
in this case, don't question, just do it..

BillMorrow wrote:

proaudioguy wrote:
**mucho snippage, here**

Thanks everyone. Spending this kind of money on a second computer is a big deal around here so all your help is appreciated.

uhmm, ok, so just where IS "around here"..

please edit your location with city and state..

thanks

proaudioguy wrote:
Hey I have another question. How do you tell the other WIFI option is atheros? It doesn't specifically say. Why does the intell cost $5. more if the atheros is better?

why do more people kill in the name of religion..?
who knows..!
atheros is better and cheaper..
in this case, don't question, just do it..

"Around here" is MY HOUSE not a city and state.

OK so I ordered it.
Got the 3 year warrantee depot repair thing. Not sure what it means, but with the video ram defect on my A31 I figured I'd not take the chance. I relaly had no idea wha tthe upgrade protection thing was. I passed.

I got the 80 gig wiht the intention of upgrading that to a 100gig 7200 SATA. (am I right the regular 100gig 7200 I already have won't work?)
I got 1 stick of 1 gig ram, with the intention of adding another stick of 1 gig ASAP.
I got the SXGA screen. Not sure I made the right decision. I wish I could have tried them both, then decided. I really wanted the touch screen, but I'm a whore for high res.
I got the IBM ABG based on YOUR recommendations. I'm taking a hit on battery life I guess, but I NEED to have the most sensitive and powerful WIFI card. It's just how I roll. Fact is, if the WIFI radio drops out while I'm using this for what I got it for, then it will be not only frustrating but possible cost me a job.
I don't have any use for blue tooth but I got it just in case. I figured it would be a hassle to add it later and not likely cheaper than 29 bucks.

I'm very curious how much better performance I can expect from this compared to my Pentium 4m 1.6, with 512megs, and 100gig 7200. Does anyone have any experience with both? What do you think? Will Vista make it seem no faster?

I'm hoping there will be a tweak guide soon so I can get all the gak I don't need off. Someone please tell me there is no sign of NORTON ANYTHING on this computer.

proaudioguy wrote:I got the IBM ABG based on YOUR recommendations. I'm taking a hit on battery life I guess, but I NEED to have the most sensitive and powerful WIFI card. It's just how I roll. Fact is, if the WIFI radio drops out while I'm using this for what I got it for, then it will be not only frustrating but possible cost me a job.

Better make sure you have a 802.11a Wireless Access Point, and that you destroy every 5.8GHz wireless handset in a 200ft radius =)

Honestly though, wireless is *not* bulletproof, not by a longshot. I once had a client ask me "why should we install CAT5E our new office, can't we all just use wireless?" Fact is that so long as there are sources of interference, wireless will never really be a solid solution.

What I can say from 4 years of experience managing all kinds of wireless networks is that 802.11a is worth the investment, or alternatively a high quality 802.11g solution (ie not something you pick off the shelf at Best Buy). I have a SonicPoint 802.11g solution that I've had next to no issues with in a highly wireless saturated environment. Proxim also makes some solid units as well.[/list]

proaudioguy wrote:Fact is, if the WIFI radio drops out while I'm using this for what I got it for, then it will be not only frustrating but possible cost me a job.

What kind of a job is that (if it's not a secret)? If it's as serious as you say, I sure as hell wouldn't rely on WiFi. While usually it works fine, it will never be 100% failure-proof, and can drop just like that, even if it's only for a few seconds / minutes.

proaudioguy wrote:I'm very curious how much better performance I can expect from this compared to my Pentium 4m 1.6, with 512megs, and 100gig 7200. Does anyone have any experience with both? What do you think? Will Vista make it seem no faster?

Compared to Pentium 4-M? @1.6GHz. Easily double the performance. My 1.8GHz P-M is twice as fast as my 1.8GHz P4-M. I'm talking about CPU-intensive tasks, though (number crunching, video encoding). You may not notice the difference in routine tasks, though). Until you upgrade to the 7200RPM drive, some very specific, HD-intensive applications may not improve in speed, and in theory may even suffer. Once you upgrade it, though, it will blow the old computer out of the water. Even the bloated Vista won't be able to close the gap.

jimc wrote:

proaudioguy wrote:First Vista or XP Tablet?
I am not interested in the GUI being real slick. I just want it to work and be fast. I would not even consider Vista, but I figure support for XP is going to end pretty soon. Also I have read here that Vista works better on tablets. What do the users say?

Vista has much improved handwriting recognition and the tablet feature is a lot more integrated.

proaudioguy wrote:Does Lenovo provide a RESTORE disk the way IBM used to so I can get my hard drive back to preload? I like to restore once a year. I also run more than one drive with different applications and dual boot to the ultrabay. Will they provide the disks with the computer, or do I have to call them and ask for the disks? Do they even exist? I have not had good luck with R&R. I tried it on my A31 and it took 27 CDRs. My preload is just 2 disks and the disks are not as vulnerable as using an external HD plus they are a lot cheaper.

It doesn't come with restore disks, only a restore partition on your hard drive. You can manually burn a set of disks. That's what I did, using my desktop's burner through LAN. Or you can buy a set from Lenovo for $45, but some people seemed to have gotten it free.

proaudioguy wrote:Does anyone know of a way to scale non-scalable programs so I could get the XGA multi touch and still have the real estate needed on the screen for the particular software I'm using that will not scale (IOW it's x pixels by x pixels no matter what the window size is).

Not a real solution but there's a on-screen magnifier. It's a little awkward though IMO.

proaudioguy wrote:I have read that the XP version can be re-imaged from the original preload to a faster, cleaner image. Why is Lenovo gaking it up? I read someone Norton was pre installed?!!! That is the first thing that has to GO! I have found there is no way to remove norton it has to be formatted and done from scratch. Your thoughts?

You can do a factory restore and it lets you choose what you want to keep and what to not install. I did it on my tablet.

proaudioguy wrote:Edit I forgot to ask about the pen thing. I have never had one of the X60Tablets in hand so how does the pen thing work? Is it possible to replace it with some sort of fingertip worn version? Is it a generic part or if lost only replaced by lenovo "while supplies last"?

I don't think so. It's one of those Wacom pens, but made specifically for the X60 tablet. Other Wacom pens would work but wouldn't dock in the pen silo.

I thought i read somewhere that the x60 pens will work on the x41t

XP tablet hands down.

After being tweaked, it runs slick and stable.

Vista would be acceptable, if you turned off Aero and all the crap effects. You will need at least 2 gb of ram to run vista though, and expect 700mb+ to be chewed up by windows. XP tablet runs acceptably on 512mb ram.

I'm an audio engineer. I will be taking control of my A31 remotely but within the wireless LAN. If the onboard WIFI doesn't cut it I'll use my Proxim Orinoco card. If that doesn't cut it I'll buy a 400mw card from my friends at FAB Corp. I installed a broadcom card I bought here and it works great around the house. When I NEED to REACH OUT and TOUCH some WIFI on the road I still need to plug in my Orinoco. The on board card just doesn't have the same reach. I use the same external antennas with both.

I am routinely operating one of these http://www.magicaudio.com/ecatalog/pm5dcloseup.jpg

Using THIS http://mixonline.com/mag/601yamahaPM5D.jpg

I am not limited to controlling the console. I also control the system controllers, which is a fancy way to say CROSSOVERs, EQUALIZERs, and DELAYs.

Now the C2D is out as an option and I'm kicking myself for not waiting 2 days.

solitude wrote:XP tablet hands down.

After being tweaked, it runs slick and stable.

Vista would be acceptable, if you turned off Aero and all the crap effects. You will need at least 2 gb of ram to run vista though, and expect 700mb+ to be chewed up by windows. XP tablet runs acceptably on 512mb ram.

so what is the final verdict vista or xp tabled edition?

codek wrote:

solitude wrote:XP tablet hands down.

After being tweaked, it runs slick and stable.

Vista would be acceptable, if you turned off Aero and all the crap effects. You will need at least 2 gb of ram to run vista though, and expect 700mb+ to be chewed up by windows. XP tablet runs acceptably on 512mb ram.

so what is the final verdict vista or xp tabled edition?

I ordered Vista. The verdict isn't in yet as I have not received the machine. I will be shutting off everything that is not helpful. I am currently running XP Pro, but it's in classic mode in nearly every way. It barely resembles XP. I've been running it like this since day one. I have a hard time using XP in it's default form. I have no desire to move to VISTA, but I feel it is inevitable due to spport issues. This is the same reason I went to XP Pro, and also Windows 2000 wouldn't run 100% of the software I was playing with at the time. The closer I can come to Win 2000 look and feel, the better. I'm not trying to compete with OSX.
I think the OS should use as few resources as possible. Most of my mission critical software isn't even designed to work on Vista, and they have no plans to update it for Vista any time soon. My intention is to run this software on my XP machine and remote desktop to the tablet. Other than that it will play movies, surf the internet, etc. Unfortunately my main A31 has developed this video problem, so I might be stuck trying to make this stuff work on Vista. If I had ordered a couple months ago I could have had XP Tablet, then upgraded to Vista for free, and had BOTH so I could switch back if needed. I'm kind of bummed I can't do that now.

Incidently, how do I get recovery disks from Lenovo? For my A31, I just asked IBM CS and they appeared in the mail for free. The recovery partition is useless if your hard drive fails, which I've had happen twice. Both were factory 40 gig Travelstar 4200RPM drives.
Those recovery disks have saved me from a lot of hassle. I'd rather have full OS install disks and a utilities disk though, but I guess no one does that anymore.

For me I just burned a set of recovery disks using my desktop burner through a LAN connection.