Thinkpads Forum

I need a laptop for portable software development. I'd like to use my existing (2x4GB modules from a T500) in the new laptop and as I have read the modules would most likely be compatible with the X series, at least the X200/201 and X300.

So basically I need a non-sluggish 12.1" that can take my 2x4GB modules.

I have read a bit about the X200/300 and am still unsure as to the differences between them and even which one is better, but i have found out the following.

On eBay (in the UK):

X200/X200s are plentiful and dirt cheap, this is good news for me as I can max out with 8GB.

1. Is there a way to tell between 1280x800 and 1440x900 easily given that nearly all listings fail to mention screen resolution?
2. Should I choose a P or T series CPU? Seem to be a huge number of CPU available.
3. Better built than X300?
4. Other than slimmer is the "s" model any better?

X201s are rarer, but I can get one for 20-40% more than a X200/200s, saw a great bargain i5 X201s, but unsure of screen resolution and also whether the i5 worth it. If it's just the CPU that's faster I can miss out this model for sure.

X300 about 20% more expensive than X200 and fewer items for sale. Not sure of any advantages, best screen option/cpu version I should aim for?


I know the T series really well and they are easy to figure out. But the X series (after the X61) seem a lot more confusing.

Any help appreciated, it will save me money and my budget is tight

X300 is getting long in the tooth, and uses DDR2 RAM as opposed to DDR3 on X200/s and X201/s.

If you like that format, get a X301 and call it a day. I know I would.

When it comes to X200s, the machines with WXGA+ resolution don't have a webcam. Asking the seller for a full model number, and/or screen resolution helps as well.

Good luck.

I like the X301 because it's a light system and has a built-in optical drive. The only drawbacks for me is that it takes the more expensive 1.8" drives and doesn't have the best display in the world.

As far as extracting the configuration details from sellers, get the model type number and plug it in here: http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/products/search

The X301 is one of my favorite ThinkPads. The keyboard and build quality easily surpass a X200(s), and you always have a 1440x900 display. However, the processor offers limited performance and battery life is somewhat mediocre, but everything else is pretty much unmatched by other ThinkPads. I can definitely recommend it.

1. Is there a way to tell between 1280x800 and 1440x900 easily given that nearly all listings fail to mention screen resolution?

If you are sure the picture is actually the x200s you would be buying, there are several ways to know which LCD is on an ‘S’ machine.
The only part a 1440 & 1280 LCD lid share is the BT module.

Lid: 1440 is one piece. 1280 is two pieces with a seam running left to right in front of the Lenovo logo.
LCD Bezel: 1440: the Lenovo name is on the LEFT side. 1280: is on the RIGHT side
1440 lacks a cutout for a webcam
1440 has four screw covers across the top of the LCD bezel. 1280 has none

Have several 1440 x201s and many x301 but always come back to the x301 – just ‘feels’ right.
I would not get an x300, they really felt slow.

600X wrote:The X301 is one of my favorite ThinkPads. The keyboard and build quality easily surpass a X200(s), and you always have a 1440x900 display. However, the processor offers limited performance and battery life is somewhat mediocre, but everything else is pretty much unmatched by other ThinkPads. I can definitely recommend it.

Yep, I agree fully. Unfortunately, the crappiness of the screen in terms of viewing angles, contrast and color reproduction, is also unmatched by any other Thinkpad I've got to see to date.

X300 is pretty slow... its basically a lower voltage X61s, beautiful designed machine that is a blast to type on.
But I've yet to witness a WXGA+ X2xx, I'd definately would like to get one one day as a replacement for my X61s.
I'd say X201s if its within your budget, DDR3 ram is cheaper to upgrade and you'll definately love the iCore performance.
Sadly the X301 still uses a Core2Duo, third gen however. I think it was released within 8 months after the X300...

Many thanks for the informative replies guys.

Especially "91011" when he says:

LCD Bezel: 1440: the Lenovo name is on the LEFT side. 1280: is on the RIGHT side

This REALLY helped me in my quest for a machine (eventually got a X200s at the right price).

Managed to get a 1440x900 (and happened to be LED) for the same price as a 1280x800 version.

In 90%+ of eBay listings the sellers fails to identify the display resolution and by looking at the actual device pictures I found the few 1400 devices (probably around 10% of total offered) at similar prices.

Managed to buy a locally advertised X200s with the owner completely unaware he had the LED 1440 version.

edik wrote:In 90%+ of eBay listings the sellers fails to identify the display resolution and by looking at the actual device pictures I found the few 1400 devices (probably around 10% of total offered) at similar prices.

Its great to find a gem mislisted. I used to get IPS T60's at low prices by checking out the MPN.
May it serve you well!

Also thank you 91011, I'll use that information to get a WXGA+ X2xx now.

I got my i7-3770 Dell desktop sub $300 because the seller wrongly listed it as an i3.

dr_st wrote:

600X wrote:The X301 is one of my favorite ThinkPads. The keyboard and build quality easily surpass a X200(s), and you always have a 1440x900 display. However, the processor offers limited performance and battery life is somewhat mediocre, but everything else is pretty much unmatched by other ThinkPads. I can definitely recommend it.

Yep, I agree fully. Unfortunately, the crappiness of the screen in terms of viewing angles, contrast and color reproduction, is also unmatched by any other Thinkpad I've got to see to date.

Yeah, the Display is utter junk. I couldn't use mine without the AFFS mod, but it only has 1280x800 then which for some reason people don't like. But to each their own, I know that I value my eyesight.

Glad you got sorted, edik. I also bought an X200s on UK eBay recently. Great machine. I am surprised at the criticism of the keyboard earlier in this thread. Maybe there was more than one type fitted. I actually think the keyboard on mine is one of the best I have ever used, on laptop or desktop. It is rock-solid and the key feel is delightful. I also agree about mis-described machines on eBay. I bought my T60 that way; it has the 15.1" IPS screen which is a gem but the seller was completely unaware. He was also completely unaware, and so was I, that the T60 had a Dutch keyboard layout. At first I found this a nuisance but now that I am familiar with it, it is great; lots of extra characters are available which are surprisingly useful in document creation.