Returned my X200 this week

[naus]

Though I really enjoyed the form factor of the X200 (2.26ghz), I found the display to be really, really lacking. I thought I would get used to it, but I just couldn't coming from my matte Macbook Pro.

The X200 has really poor vertical viewing angles, so bad that a solid black background that looks black at the top of the screen would look brown (or indigo-gray depending on your hue settings) at the bottom of the screen. If I tilted the screen so that the bottom looked black, then the top would look washed out. To be fair, the brightness of the screen was fine and there was no annoying "sparkle" found on some laptops. But the contrast and viewing angles were just hideous.

Battery life also didn't quite live up to the hype. I got about 4 hours on the 6-cell with medium brightness (not very bright) and WIFI off when I didn't need it. While this is pretty good, it's not THAT good when my one year old Macbook Pro with dedicated graphics gets 3 hours of battery life in Vista on full brightness (which is much brighter than the X200's max brightness).

So I took the 15% restocking fee, and returned the X200. Maybe the Tablet version or the X200s (LED) will have a better screen? Or maybe I should consider the HP 2730p?

[atlacatl]

What do you use your computer for, if you don't mind asking, that you need such extreme viewing angles?

[naus]

Just browsing, word processing, Excel, programming and occasional movie.

My viewing angle requirements aren't extreme, it's just simply staring at the screen. I don't like the fact that the top of the screen is a different color and shade from the bottom of the screen without even moving my head as I stare directly at the screen with the laptop on the desk. The vertical viewing angles is the problem. Even if I adjust the screen's angle to my line of sight, the part of the screen that just got better contrast is now offset by the other part that just got worse. There is no sweet spot angle, or if there is, it's very narrow. Or maybe my eyes are just very sensitive to differences in shade (but they don't have a problem with the Macbook Pro's screen).

Had the X200 cost $400, I wouldn't care. But it's $1200. Frankly said, I think most Sony's, Dell's and HP's at that price range kick the X200 display's butt. The MBP's screen is at least 2 leagues above the X200 (in brightness, color accuracy, contrast, deep black, and clarity).

[atlacatl]

I guess it's a matter of choice.

I think the X200 is a great machine. It's taking me a while to get used to the screen size, as I prefer the old screen ratio: I used a T40p and then an X60s machine, but I have no comments on the viewing angles of the X200. I mean, everything is crisp, and most backgrounds of every application I use are white anyway, so I don't notice the washing out of blacks.

The screen remains quite descent at most viewing angles, unless you go to the extremes. And if you do heavy graphing application development that requires exact colors, then I can see the issue with the screen. However, I don't think this machine serves that market.

Moreover, $1,200 for this kind of laptop is actually mid level pricing. It's not too cheap, but not the most expensive hardware out there. Is it top of the line? Yes, for some things, but not necessarily for the display. So everything packed into this machine is actually quite good for its price.

As per your comparison of Macs, Sonys, Dells and HPs, I have no comments. I wouldn't touch any of those brands. ThinkPads and any of those machines are not even in the same league. The hardware specs could be similar, but they are not ThinkPads. (Note that I don't want to start a philosophical discussion here; I just think the ThinkPad keyboard alone puts it in separate category as the other cheap models.)

Do I like the X200? Yes.

Is the screen as bad as you describe it? No. Of course, this is a subjective answer.

Should you return it and get your money back (some of it)? Yes. And you did.

[dfumento]

Get the X200s with LED backlit display and 9-cell, not 6-cell battery. It will weight 3.2 lbs which less than the weight of the 9-cell X200. Just consider waiting a bit longer until it goes on sale.

There is an X200s review on laptop magazine on-line. It promises almost 11 hours running WiFi with the 9-cell.

MacBooks weigh much, much more than X200(s).

[OldManClayton]

This pretty much puts the nail in the coffin on my idea of wondering whether the x200 tablet was worth saving up extra for. ^_^ I don't mind battery life, but I don't like the widescreen, or the weird bezel. And I assume this thinkpad has a glossy screen?

[Puppy]

I don't like the fact that the top of the screen is a different color and shade from the bottom of the screen without even moving my head as I stare directly at the screen with the laptop on the desk. The vertical viewing angles is the problem. Even if I adjust the screen's angle to my line of sight, the part of the screen that just got better contrast is now offset by the other part that just got worse. There is no sweet spot angle, or if there is, it's very narrow. Or maybe my eyes are just very sensitive to differences in shade (but they don't have a problem with the Macbook Pro's screen).

Frustrating, eh ? No, your eyes are pretty perfect. That's just current notebook display market putting more and more crappy displays into new notebooks. Lenovo absolutely does not care about this problem. Don't expect any improvements. I made it a comment http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/?p= ... ment-53478 in Lenovo blog.

[Hudson]

I used a MBP for my main computer since they came out in 06. I bought a X61 T when they came out and loved it but I sold it because I didn't need it anymore for work and needed the money.

I recently bought the X200 after doing a lot of research and almost buying the X300, I think that the screen was the biggest draw back for me prior to purchase becuase the pictures don't do it justice.

Now that I own it I haven't touched my Macbook Pro, I'm sure I will use it again but I love this compact computer. The screen only took my one night to get used to and I don't pay the bezel any attention. I do all my classes online and I do a lot of typing and the key board as someone stated it definately worth it.

For the size and the speed of this computer I think its a great buy. I am blown away at how well it works for me. And I think thats it right there its all in individual preferances and this computer is great.

It makes me wish I still had my corporate jobs where I could use it for more things.

Overall the screen works good and its not a deal breaker (it could be brighter but it works) I think its crisp in quality images look sharper to me.

[phaedrus]

Okay, here's my story:

I was a happy X41 owner, minding my own business. Okay, it's not a stock X41, but one that I modified (with the help of this site) to use a SSD system disk. This conversion turned a sluggish, ticking time bomb of a laptop into a quick, silent cool-running cheetah. I was a happy man.

Then one day my daughter (who uses a laptop for her home schooling) complained about her Inspirion 1520 running excessively hot. I offered to look at it and gave her my X41 so she could continue with her lessons. Well, to make a long story short, I had a hard time getting my computer back. She loved its light weight, small form factor and cool running ways. I started to think about giving my X41 to her and finding a replacement.

So I started looking for a possible upgrade machine. I was initially attracted to the X61 as a refurbished model could be had for as little as $700 on the Lenovo Outlet Store website. But I kept hearing stories about its hot-running ways and this turned me off to it.

Eventually I decided that the X200 was the way to go. I started playing on the Lenovo site with a dream configuration and eventually (with the help of online coupons) got the price down to ~$1150.00. The fact that it had Windows XP and WWLAN was probably what tipped my hand into pushing the 'accept' button.

But then I had misgivings. The economy is not at its best, you know? And I didn't exactly clear all this with the missus before hitting that button. So, 4 days after ordering the machine I called Lenovo's customer support and canceled the order. They told me that it might take "one or two days" for the cancellation to take effect but given the fact that the ship date was still more than a week in the future I didn't take it seriously.

That is, until 8 hours later I got an email notification that my system had shipped and was due to arrive in 2 days! Now what do I do? I know that if I open the box and then want to return the laptop I get slapped with a 15% restocking fee. But to have that box arrive on my doorstep and keep it, unopened, until I can arrange a return, well, I'm not sure I can do that.

So, what to do? Check it out or tough it out?

Phaedrus

[tselling]

I am enjoying the HP 2510p 12" notebook I recently picked up. The 2530p should be very similar.

The trackstick on this thing works nicely for me (I am not a trackpad person), but only has two buttons. It is nice having the built in DVD drive for those occasions when loading software or just want to pop in a movie. The 6-cell battery lasts me 5-6 hours. It sticks out a bit in the back but not across the whole back like thel lenovo X6* series. The 9-cell is very bulky (lifts the rear of the laptop up as well as sticking out the back) but would probably last 8-9 hours. The viewing angles of the LCD are not great but I don't mind and for the $600 + shipping I paid on eBay its a deal with 2 years left on warranty. I don't like the volume control but its not a deal breaker for me. And the PgUp, PgDwn, Home, End keys aren't where I'm used to but again not a deal breaker. I do hate the 3 prong ac-adapter. And it only takes a 1.8" ZIF PATA HD. I have a 120GB 5400rpm drive on the way that should fit it. I think the 2530p might take a 2.5" SATA drive though... but I think I saw something about not having the dvd drive then.

I have to say I am thinking about jumping ship from lenovo thinkpads and going with HP business notebooks since the build quality seems just as good if not better (trackstick is also a requirement for me). And HP sent me recovery cds free.... but still waiting on the replacement keyboard to ship.

[Hudson]

"That is, until 8 hours later I got an email notification that my system had shipped and was due to arrive in 2 days! Now what do I do? I know that if I open the box and then want to return the laptop I get slapped with a 15% restocking fee. But to have that box arrive on my doorstep and keep it, unopened, until I can arrange a return, well, I'm not sure I can do that. "

This seems to happen a lot, I think it' smart on their part because they think we will probably open the box and not send it back. This happened to me also. I kept it though.

[phaedrus]

This seems to happen a lot, I think it' smart on their part because they think we will probably open the box and not send it back. This happened to me also. I kept it though.

Well, it looks like it happened to me as well.

The X200 arrived this morning and I did my best to ignore it for the first part of the morning (I was working from home on my employer's T42). I was a little annoyed at they way Lenovo was playing me by shipping the unit after I had canceled. But finally, I couldn't take it anymore and I opened up the box, figuring that I've wasted $170 (the 15% restocking fee) on dopier things.

After playing with it for half a day all I can say is - what a nice laptop! I can see what naus was talking about with the poor viewing angles, but I feel it is overshadowed by the brighter screen, larger keyboard, quiet disk, long duration battery, fast CPU and cool operating temperatures. Seriously, this thing is as quiet as my SSD x41 and runs faster and cooler! And now I have 130GB of free disk space to play with instead of the ~8 I had on the x41.

I also like the slightly higher resolution of the screen, the onboard GPS and the option to explore WWLAN should I want to. This is a nice box.

The larger bezel was annoying at first but soon became invisible. Seriously, it's not a big deal.

So I think I'm going to keep it. The folks at Lenovo played this sale exactly right - they knew that if I got my hands on a X200 I wouldn't send it back. This is one nice machine.

[carbon_unit]

Just goes to show that you can't make your decision based on someone else's opinion.

[akao]

If you are coming from a ThinkPad, you will be greatly annoyed and possibly disappointed with the HP nc2300, 2510p, 2530p line of notebooks.

Here are the things that are lacking on the HP compared to a TP:
* The thumbstick is smaller and less accurate.
* The thumbstick only has two buttons. It lacks the middle button for scrolling.
* The thumbstick buttons are poorly shaped. The ones on a TP have a that ridge (and with bumps), that makes them easy to feel out and use. The HP's lack this. The buttons are also made of soft rubber, which reduces the tactile feel.
* The function keys (at the top) are minuscule and are not spaced apart. On the TP, there are spaces between every 4 keys, so that it is easy to feel the key you need. Not possible with the HP.
* the pgup/pgdown, home/end, insert/delete buttons are side by side to each other, rather than on top and below.
* The thumbprint reader does not work with the BIOS (at least when I used it about a year ago).
* The vents from the CPU heatsink are on the bottom. There are no side vents. This essentially guarantees a hot lap.
* The HP does not use buttons for things like changing the volume or turning on / off the wireless. Instead it uses a "touch strip". Even the lightest brush will trigger the switch, so get used to avoiding the top of your laptop keyboard.

Like the other poster stated, these laptops can be had for the cheap on eBay (used and new). They are solid laptops, and definitely worth the money.

[naus]

If you are coming from a ThinkPad, you will be greatly annoyed and possibly disappointed with the HP nc2300, 2510p, 2530p line of notebooks.

I just got the HP 2710p tablet (1.33ghz ULV C2D, 12" LED, 120gb 5400rpm) for $700 new on Ebay.

Here are the things that are lacking on the HP compared to a TP:
* The thumbstick is smaller and less accurate.
* The thumbstick only has two buttons. It lacks the middle button for scrolling.
* The thumbstick buttons are poorly shaped. The ones on a TP have a that ridge (and with bumps), that makes them easy to feel out and use. The HP's lack this. The buttons are also made of soft rubber, which reduces the tactile feel.

The accuracy of the trackpoint to me seems about the same as the Thinkpad. The 2710p's trackpoint also has the ridge and bumps. HP's lack of the third scroll button is annoying though. But I like the silent click of the HP buttons more.

* The function keys (at the top) are minuscule and are not spaced apart. On the TP, there are spaces between every 4 keys, so that it is easy to feel the key you need. Not possible with the HP.
* the pgup/pgdown, home/end, insert/delete buttons are side by side to each other, rather than on top and below.

True, the HP 2710p uses a 95% size keyboard. However, I rarely if ever use function buttons. I prefer however HP's putting the Ctrl button to the far left, rather than the Fn button. It's just so much more satisfying using shortcuts when the Ctrl button is left of the Fn button.

* The vents from the CPU heatsink are on the bottom. There are no side vents. This essentially guarantees a hot lap.

Not on the 2710p.

* The HP does not use buttons for things like changing the volume or turning on / off the wireless. Instead it uses a "touch strip". Even the lightest brush will trigger the switch, so get used to avoiding the top of your laptop keyboard.

True. They should've just stuck with buttons or jogwheels instead of being all fancy here.

Now here are some of the things the HP is better at than the Thinkpad X200:

1. Much better viewing angle (about 160 degrees vertical and horizontal). The regular X200's vertical viewing angle was absolutely hideous (I'd say around 100 degrees). Blacks are black on the HP, not gray, brown or purple.

2. Extended battery on the HP uses a 10mm thick slice, that gives the computer an extra 4-5 hours without protruding an inch out like the X200.

3. Less bloatware. Drivers on the HP can be individually downloaded. The Lenovo drivers are more like cumbersome software.

4. Free 3 year parts/labor warranty for the business notebooks (if you buy from authorized dealers/resellers). HP Service from what I hear is top notch.

5. AC and ethernet cables go into the HP from the rear, not the sides. Don't you just hate being on the wrong side of your charger?

6. LCD is glass covered (coated with antiglare). Very smudge and scratch resistant.