Thinkpads Forum

Experiences: 12" X Series SXGA v/s 14" T Series SXGA?

- People who have used a 14" SXGA+ and a 12" SXGA+. Please share your experience.

- I like high resolutions so the SXGA+ is a must. the question is one of using a 14" v/s a 12" on a daily basis as a primary computer.

- I have used the following:

17" 1920 x 1200 WUXGA Inspiron 9300
15.4" 1920 x 1200 WUXGA Inspiron 6000
14" T42 SXGA+

- I love high resolutions.

- Now I was tempted by the portability and facility & foldability of the Tablet PC. But I am wondering if I can substitute it for DAILY USE v/s a T4x SXGA+?

PS: I still have a desktop replacement 17" 9300. But at the same time I dont use it as much since I like lounging on the bed, couch and etc while using a 14" machine.
The question is will my experienced of using a 12" be more difficult from a "ON THE LAP" perspective v/s an on the DESK perspective.

PS: Where can I go have a hands on feel of the 12" X Series SXGA Tablet? Are there any stores where I could go check them out?

Anyone in TEXAS willing to meet with me for a coffee and show me their likability for the X Series SXGA+ ?

I use both a T60 14" SXGA+ and an X61 SXGA+ everyday. I really like the 14" resolution, as I think it is almost the perfect match of dpi/readability/clarity. Real sharp image, and sure beats the xga and wxga resolutions I see on typical machines.

SXGA+ on the tablet is a bit more straining. Not too much to be uncomfortable, but you can really see the difference with the system font sizes. I dont use any scaling (96 dpi I think is default on xp), and while I like it for the real estate, it is a little harsh on my eyes after several hours. BUT, this is only if I am running desktop routines with the system font. For my browsing/office/cad use, I find the resolution almost perfect. Also, for note taking one one note, the resolution provides almost 1:1 scaling with an actual letter sized paper, which is really handy.

I've found SXGA+ on X61 tablet too small for my usage.

ryengineer wrote:I've found SXGA+ on X61 tablet too small for my usage.

absolutely my opinion as well! Then again, its all in the eye of the beholder!

I have to support the sxga+ res though just to let Lenovo know there is stilla market! Otherwise we may just end up w/ low-res widescreen lappy's...oh wait...

Really? the DPI is actually very decent as soon as you gets used to it.
You will love the Flexview screen. X61t current has the best screen option available and I kid you not.

As I've said many times before, it mostly depends on what your eyes are used to, and how good of an eyesight you have.

FlexViews are, by far, the easiest LCDs on one's eyesight in my experience, and that can, in many cases, compensate for the eye-strain required by a higher DPI number.

To put it into another perspective: I've just gotten rid of a nice R60 with 14" SXGA+ because it was giving me headache after more than an hour of usage. My eyes are bad, and then some. However, I can look at any FlexView in my house (a variety of A31p units plus my wife's T42p, all with UXGA resolution) for five hours straight and not feel a thing. Higher DPI is, in my case, completely off-set by the fact I'm using a FlexView.

I've had a tablet like one you are inquiring about in my possession for a couple of days and was perfectly fine with it. The only reason I don't own one is the simple fact that I've got absolutely no need for it.

Once again, these are my experiences only, not a rule of any kind, or something that anyone has (at least to my knowledge) proven on a scientific level.

crashnburn wrote:- I have used the following...15.4" 1920 x 1200 WUXGA Inspiron 6000

15.4" @ 1920x1200 has 147.0 DPI, whereas 12.1" @ 1400x1050 is actually lower, 144.6 DPI, so things will appear bigger. You won't have any difficulty adjusting to the 12.1" X series SXGA+ as far as image/text size is concerned. However, for some reason, the X6* tablet's SXGA+ screen looks a little grainy, so IMO it's not as nice as the 15.0" Flexview screens of the A, R and T series. If possible, try to view one in person before buying.

crashnburn wrote:- Now I was tempted by the portability and facility & foldability of the Tablet PC.

The X6* tablet isn't that portable. The lightest configuration weighs 3.84 lb.

pianowizard wrote:However, for some reason, the X6* tablet's SXGA+ screen looks a little grainy, so IMO it's not as nice as the 15.0" Flexview screens of the A, R and T series. If possible, try to view one in person before buying.

I've read on this forum that the graininess of the Tablet screen, which affects both SXGA+ and XGA versions, is a result of the sensor mesh that recognizes pen and/or touch input.

I have to confirm that while you consciously forgot about the graininess, and not notice it after a little use, it does add a tiny extra bit of strain on the eyes. I have the XGA screen so letters and fonts are big, but after a long day's use my eyes do feel tired. Of course this may be unfair, as my sole comparison is my desktop monitor, a large Samsung S-PVA LCD. Also to note is that the multi-touch panel I have isn't as bright as the SXGA+ the OP is considering.

hart22 wrote:I've read on this forum that the graininess of the Tablet screen, which affects both SXGA+ and XGA versions, is a result of the sensor mesh that recognizes pen and/or touch input.

I was about to add this to my original post but you beat me to it. Yeah, I had an X41 tablet with XGA and it too looked grainy.

IMO, due to such graininess of the X61t SXGA+ screen, it's not much better than the 14.1" SXGA+ TN screen of the T series. Quality per se is still slightly better, but the higher DPI makes things smaller so the 14.1" TN screen is more comfortable to use.