X301 UK Models

[Nifill]

I am looking to purchase the following configuration
X301, 2Gb Mem, 128Gb SSD, 3GWAN, Wifi, Windows Vista Bus.

Has anyone seen a full manufacturers lisiting of the configs for UK models?
When you check Lenovo's or distribs sites it comes down to the following 3 models:

2774-LBG
2776-LEG
2776-LFG

Each of these models has a different price but apparently exactly the same description.

I have seen a US systems reference but it does not include UK models.
I'd be grateful for any feedback from anyone who has access to a full description for these models

Many thanks, Nigel

( Currently upgrading from X41/1Gb/Ultrabase/XPpro)

[nrh1703]

I was wondering the same thing when looking at the x301 range a couple of months ago. I emailed lenovo and asked about the 2776-LEG and they said something along the lines of it being a custom spec model that is specially exported to the UK and to contact one of their UK suppliers for further details.

I don't have the email anymore so can't give more details.

I saw the 2776-LEG on a supplier site for a really good price with minimal spec info, just the pertinent stuff (2GB RAM, 128Gb SSD, Vista Bus). I figured at that price i couldn't go wrong cos the cpu, gpu etc is fixed. Even if it didn't have 3gwan, gps, big battery it wasn't the end of the world for me. Turned out all the undisclosed spec items were the good options (6 cell batt, 3G, gps, etc).

[Nifill]

I now beleive the following:
Lenovo apply the term "Topseller" to the 2776 range of models.
Most other X301 models are 2774 range.
What's the difference?
Topseller products are priced by Lenovo at a % less than 2774 for equiv models.
There's typically no difference in the spec. Some models are like for like.
Topseller is a marketing strategy, only certain distribs sell 2776 range, typically volume distribs who live off low margins...often don't have the units in stock... place the order and they'll confirm the lead time... that story.
2776 are sometimes a limited range of configs, albeit just what most "normal" people need.
Other distribs ( sometimes offering more pre-sales service value) only offer 2774 models at a fair % higher (poss £ 200+) for same config. You may be able to spec a 2774 with a unique config... and guess what, they'll have it in stock.
My advice...check like for like specs, if dealing in 2774 models, press hard for discount.

[fireboarder]

Thats an intersting insight,

I have another question on top whats been discussed already. Im strongly of thinking getting x301, but Im thinking what are the differences between the one supplied in UK and US ?

In fact I want the US one, for the following reasons. If anyone can advise anything on that (maybe if its totally pointless or vica versa), then please do so, any comments are appreaciated.

So I'm thinking the followig, firsly - it is possible to get the note in US with Vista Ultimate pre-installed, meaning that it would have the bit locker on it. I Understand that in UK you can't get Vista Ultimate pre-installed, hence if you want it, then you would need to get distributive separetelly. I've seen a thread somewhere here discussing this option, and ofc it is possible, but I would not want it, because I want the system to be isntalled nativelly by the manufacturer. Again discussion point here, is it really that important to have a system installed by the manufacturer. I want it for the sake of all those feautres programmes, such as recovery and security utilities. Ofc with proper dilligence, one should be able to install them manually, but there is always a possibilty that you may miss something vital.

Secondly I'm thinking that the reason for not to provide Vista and consequently Bit Locker in UK nativelly is because of those laws, which prohibit exports of strong cryptography algorythms outside of US. The law is stupid and redundant now, as everyone can use firefox for instance now with 128 bit encryption, but nevertheless. Discuss here ? So potential implications here for the level of crypt key, and hence for the usability and applicability of TPM (if any). Im no expert here, and my knowledge of the subject is on internet wide availbable FAQs. So maybe someone with more in depth understanding of the matter can advise on that.

Thidly Im concerned with overall quality of the product. I have a feeling that somehow it may be better in US. Any thoughts on this ? I know for someone out there these kind of considerations may potentialy sound a bit odd, but please do give some constructive thoughts.

many thanks

[Nifill]

First point is that you can order with Vista Ultimate pre-built in UK.
Check www.pcwb.com ( PC World for Business)
They have an X301 model with Vista Ultimate, it's approx £ 400 more than with Vista business though.

If you ordered a US model you need to be careful on a number of points.

First you'd get a unit with Ext US power supply and power cord. The external power supply is prob universal but for sure the power cord will be US.
You also need to be careful about the Keyboard, a US QWERTY kbd may have certain currency keys in different places..it may not have £ or Euro.

There may be a few other US market specifics which may not be desireable here.
Since the units are all manufactured in Far East, I'm sure there's no difference in quality.

Another issue will be the WWAN (3G Modem) It may well be a different model for US markets.

If you really wanted a US model, probably only place to buy one would be from a US distrib or maybe a UK distrib could order one for you... at a price!