Thinkpads Forum

Hello,

I am consolidating laptops and need some advice on X200s vs X301

I have:
X31 - 1.6GHz, 2GB, 120 GB 7200RPM, 12.1"
T61p - 2.4GHz 3GB, 160 GB 7200 RPM, 15.4" 1920 X 1200

I find myself almost NEVER using the T61p. Literally I've used it less than 30 times over the past year. I find the text too small and the dpi tweaks result in unacceptable results in certain applications. It is simply too bulky. I use the almost 5yr old X31 daily, but it is getting to be too slow.

Cost is not really an object as I use these daily (except my T61p!!) , 10 hours a day until they die or pass them along in the family.

My concerns about the x200s - Screen resolution higher than x200 and would make it unreadable.

My concerns about the x301 - Slower processor and poorer battery life. I don't care about the DVD drive and would likely just get the 3 cell bay battery.

My use is pretty light processor wise, pretty heavy with many open applications (usually office), and some VS2005/7/8 programming.

I saw the X300 in person and find it terribly attractive and the screen seems just fine. The current price gap for me between similarly equipped X200s and X301 is $1000 (x301 with 128GB SSD vs x200s w/ 160GB 7200 HD)

I guess the question comes down to this
Is the screen real-estate worth $1000? Is there something else redeeming about the x301 I am missing?

The pixels per inch of your X31 is 105, while the X200s would be 140, which would be close to the 147 on your T61p. The X301 would be 133 and the regular X200 would be 124. I think if you like your X31 the X200 would be the closest in terms of icon/text size though it's a bit smaller. Value is a tough question for me to answer for you. If can spend the money, and value the screen real estate, I don't see a reason to stop you from getting the X301. I personally would probably get the regular X200 because I don't really use my notebook enough to justify the cost. And I'm cheap too.

I can't help you on your X200 or X300 issue but if you decide to sell your T61p it's exactly the machine I'm looking for

FWIW I just upgraded my 2GHz x32 to a x60 but as you know an x60 isn't widescreen.