Thinkpads Forum

Hey everyone...I would like to get an X series Thinkpad, so that I can just take it out and about without having to carry around my T60p, which I don't want to risk damaging or having it stolen after pouring so much money and work into it. I also don't want too small a laptop, so I'm not interested in a UMPC. I also need a 2nd PC period, so the X series sounds perfect. I've seen people using it in public, and I always thought they looked awesome!

I understand that there are BOE-Hydris IPS Flexview screens on some of the X series models, which, ideally, I would like to get. For the 12.1" LCD, SXGA+ resolution sounds perfect. In this case, getting an IPS is NOT as important, so a regular one will do as well. However, it would definitely be a plus, as I would not only use it on the road, but also as a 2nd system at home, like I said.

I am a total n00b when it comes to the tablet PC's. The touchscreen ones look awesome. Which models have the IPS screens? How advantageous would it be to get a low-voltage one? What else do I need to know before I purchase.

Thanks all...

Just to speak on the "touchscreen would be awesome" part of your post:
I have the SXGA+ (the non-multitouch version), and there are sometimes when I feel it would be easier just when I'm doing my regular usage (annotating notes) to be able to quickly touch the screen with my finger and do quick tasks.
However, the option wasn't available when I needed to order my X61T from the website at the time. Despite not having it, I am really liking the resolution the SXGA+ provides especially using the tablet as my primary (only) computer when it comes to everyday computing.

im interested in a tablet as well and i have the same question. Is it worth it to have the higher resolution over the ability to use your finger for pointing?

Unfortunately I can't say because I've never tried out both.
But I'm sure someone here has and can speak to it better.

If you have the opportunity to test out both, than I would take advantage of it for sure!

At the moment all X-tablets with SXGA+ do not have the touch function, only selected models with XGA. It's known as MV-MT Multi View - Multi Touch.

SXGA+ 12' screen, eye strain screen

gunston wrote:SXGA+ 12' screen, eye strain screen

Having the SXGA+ 12', I don't find it harsh on my eyes at all, but thats just me...I eat a lot of carrots as well!

this is kind of a determining factor for me because i have right now a t42p with UXGA. So going down to a 12"XGA is kind of a big deal. And i dont want to pass up my option of SXGA+ just to have the ability to use my finger.

Like I said, if you have the opportunity to test out both I would for sure take advantage.

(I'm 22, and my eyes are fine, so if previous posts mention the eye strain, could be because of other factors; but nothing personal meant by this)

I've got an sXGA. Sometime I go down to lower res. It's slightly fuzzy, but when I'm really tired I'll use it. Too often, at lower res. I'll be crazing to see more on one page (whether it's a webpage, coding, or the likes). Ocassionally I'll want to tap a button with my finger, but I prefer the screen to the touch.

I found on the SXGA+ X61, the lower DPI setting, 120 I think was VERY nice.

Better than actually lowering the resolution. Espeically in VISTA this works nicely

nikemen wrote:I found on the SXGA+ X61, the lower DPI setting, 120 I think was VERY nice.

Better than actually lowering the resolution. Espeically in VISTA this works nicely

To reduce eye strain?, or do you find it clearer?
Just wondering, maybe I'll check it out...

i have the multitouch screen x60. i don't really use my fingers on it. it doesn't drag and drop and write easily w/ your fingers, i think it's just for pressing buttons. it depends on what you want to do w/ the tablet. personally, i don't really use the tablet function, but my niece and nephew LOVE it. the multi-touch really doesn't add much for me. all i really wanted was a brighter screen.

so is it known fact the tablets have the brightest screens out of the thinkpad line up?

X61 is bright enough for me

skitty4gzus wrote:so is it known fact the tablets have the brightest screens out of the thinkpad line up?

I don't know this for a fact, but it seems to me that 12" screens are generally brighter than larger screens. My theory is that the backlight doesn't have as much of a screen to light, so the area it lights up is brighter.

jamiphar wrote:

skitty4gzus wrote:so is it known fact the tablets have the brightest screens out of the thinkpad line up?

I don't know this for a fact, but it seems to me that 12" screens are generally brighter than larger screens. My theory is that the backlight doesn't have as much of a screen to light, so the area it lights up is brighter.

based on my observation and comparison within X61 and T42, in fact your statement is true.

You poured money into a T61p, and you're worried about it getting stolen or damaged , so you're going for...an X61 Tablet? One of the most expensive models in the Thinkpad lineup?

As for SXGA vs Multitouch, I've been using the 1024x768 resolution on my 12" computer and find it fine, but it does get a bit crowded when I'm multitasking. Personally, I would go for the Multitouch screen just for the novelty of being able to use fingers and sticks, but if you're used to lots of desktop space and you leave lots of icons on your desktop, you may want to go for the higher resolution. Reading-wise, I find, it doesn't much matter what you choose--most programs allow you to adjust the zoom of the text, so you can compensate for a high resolution by increasing text size and still get the benefit of the big desktop.

When I purchased my X61T, I decided to get the SXGA+ monitor because I really wanted the additional pixels. However, I am now in my 40's and recently was forced to don reading glasses (power 1.25) because my eyes could no longer focus close range. For this reason I was very concerned that my eyes could not deal with the resolution of the SXGA+.

Now that I have had the machine for almost half a year, I can honestly say that I will *never* go back to that 1028x764 screen. My old X32 screen looks like crap compared to this screen! This screen is much crisper and much brighter and a pleasure to use. I have no trouble reading anything except websites that use fonts that are far too small, but that is easily compensated for.

I very much dislike this tablet, mostly because of the bezel debacle which continues to plague me and which I refuse to have "repaired" since I am certain there is no reasonable fix. Further, I do not like the monitor "wiggle" due to the tiny hinge (it is very well designed for what it is, I just don't like it). Frankly, I would rather buy an X61s and a separate "slate" machine, than have this single tablet.

Thus, I will either be upgrading to an X61s soon or an Apple MacBook. If Lenovo does not get their act together and put a better screen into the X61 models, I will be a Mac owner.

Frankly, Lenovo doesn't care much how you think in the end. They innovate to fulfill the corporate customer need.
You can swing to Apple if you like but I am sure you will come back.