X201 i7-620M vs X201s i7-640LM

[Thinkpad4by3]

Which one is faster, the 620M or the 640LM and if I had the choice of X201 v. X201s which one should I pick?

[ZaZ]

Which one is faster, the 620M or the 640LM and if I had the choice of X201 v. X201s which one should I pick?

On paper the 640 is faster, but that's only if you're running them at or near capacity, so I would pick the lesser priced one, as it'll offer better value.

[RealBlackStuff]

X201s (where s=slim) is slightly thinner and lighter than X201.
There is a screen option WXGA+ (1440x900), most often on the X201s.
Lids with that WXGA+ do NOT have the webcam option, only WXGA (1280x800) has that.
Performance wise X201 and X201s are the same.

[apojoga]

I would primarily worry about the heat/noise situation. I don't have personal experience, but I hear the X201 likes to heat up with the i7; the X201s even more so on account of the smaller case.

[Lomax]

The 640LM is a "low power" part, with a TDP of 25W, whereas the 620M is a regular "mobile" CPU with a 35W TDP. Since I've always struggled with overheating the "LM" is much preferable - indeed I sorely wish there was a Thinkpad in the "X" series which had a "UM" ("ultra low power") i7 CPU, but it seems no such beast exists.

[harryK]

X201 is faster, X201s has a better screen with higher resolution (1440x900), is lighter and has longer battery life. The X201s with the 4 cell battery is probably the lightest "classic" thinkpad. I would go for the S model.

[x3o2]

X201 is faster, X201s has a better screen with higher resolution (1440x900).

Don't agree. The s-model can have a higher resolution, but the WXGA+ TN panel is one of the worst I have ever seen (lousy colors and mediocre brightness).

[jdrou]

indeed I sorely wish there was a Thinkpad in the "X" series which had a "UM" ("ultra low power") i7 CPU, but it seems no such beast exists.

All the newer X-series (starting with X240) use only "UM"-equivalent CPU (15W TDP). 25W-35W are not even options.

[Lomax]

indeed I sorely wish there was a Thinkpad in the "X" series which had a "UM" ("ultra low power") i7 CPU, but it seems no such beast exists.

All the newer X-series (starting with X240) use only "UM"-equivalent CPU (15W TDP). 25W-35W are not even options.

That's good to know, but I cannot even consider them; I've been a Trackpoint user for over twenty years and it is the only pointing device I need and want - those massive great big multi-touch touchpads are a total waste of space, and worse! I've even modified my X201s with a non-touchpad palmrest to get rid of the small one it had. I do not understand what Lenovo are thinking. Thinkpad = Trackpoint as far as i am concerned - if I want to fiddle with something "multi-touch" I'd rather go play with my girlfriend

Edit: I'm sorry to say it, but the Thinkpad line ends with the X230 - and even then i'd have to swallow a six-row "chicklet" style keyboard, which is already a pretty hard sell for someone who can touch-type.

[shawross]

if I want to fiddle with something "multi-touch" I'd rather go play with my girlfriend

Yes Thinkpad does = Trackpoint especially for the X series


Some people think the X class Thinkpads finished with the 16:10 X201 series

[Thinkpad4by3]

All the newer X-series (starting with X240) use only "UM"-equivalent CPU (15W TDP). 25W-35W are not even options.

That's good to know, but I cannot even consider them; I've been a Trackpoint user for over twenty years and it is the only pointing device I need and want - those massive great big multi-touch touchpads are a total waste of space, and worse! I've even modified my X201s with a non-touchpad palmrest to get rid of the small one it had. I do not understand what Lenovo are thinking. Thinkpad = Trackpoint as far as i am concerned - if I want to fiddle with something "multi-touch" I'd rather go play with my girlfriend

Edit: I'm sorry to say it, but the Thinkpad line ends with the X230 - and even then i'd have to swallow a six-row "chicklet" style keyboard, which is already a pretty hard sell for someone who can touch-type.

1: I cant tell if playing with your girlfriend is good ro bad for you from the way you said it. Im aasuming its good. By that perspective, id rather do that use a slim height trackpoint.

2: For a while I debated Hacking a X220 keyboard into an X240. Dremel all the way!

[Lomax]

Some people think the X class Thinkpads finished with the 16:10 X201 series

You know I completely forgot about this 16:9 nonsense there for a moment. *shudder*

[YaoThinkpad]

X201s is a rare and special machine.

12.1" 3:2 aspect ratio 1440x900.

really cool and amazing.

1st Gen i5 and i7 may not be as good as sandy bridge or ivy bridge of x220 and x230, but if you are using it for daily office productivity and some light photoshop work, its totally fine.

[wujstefan]

12.1" 3:2 aspect ratio 1440x900.

This is actually 16:10 ratio

With screen upgraded to AFFS and led-modded this system loses it's last weak point.

The 640LM is a "low power" part, with a TDP of 25W, whereas the 620M is a regular "mobile" CPU with a 35W TDP. Since I've always struggled with overheating the "LM" is much preferable - indeed I sorely wish there was a Thinkpad in the "X" series which had a "UM" ("ultra low power") i7 CPU, but it seems no such beast exists.

Some time ago I made a comparison X200 (P8700) vs X201 (i5-560m) vs X201s (i7-640LM). The "LM" is substantially weaker compared to its standard voltage counterpart, its GPU is also a bit nerfed but the system does not run that hot.

Doesn't mean it runs cool, not by any means The coolest running classic X-series was actually X200

[axur-delmeria]

Doesn't mean it runs cool, not by any means The coolest running classic X-series was actually X200

True. I remember a thread where the OPs X201s was running hot, so he put it in a regular X201 chassis in order to use the larger heatsink. The result: no overheating.

[WarMachine]

Hello,

I bought an X201 two months ago. I had an X201s screen and I installed it to replace the original screen. It's thinner, lighter, better resolution (1440x900 vs 1280x800) but no webcam. My unit has an i5-560M and performance-wise, it's perfect for everyday use (surfing, little programming, music listening, watching videos and writing). No heat problem so far and I didn't even install TPFancontrol. A great little machine. If I don't use my T410, I use the X201.

The M CPU is slightly better than the LM one, but it's not noticeable and if you choose an X machine, I think it's more for portability so, If you have the choice, the LM is more interesting. With a good battery, you'll have a machine which you can use hours in the wild (mine is a brand new 9-cell and I have 8 hours using it when listening music - with wi-fi active and brightness not at minimum but first level).

W.