Thinkpads Forum

Im sorry this post is so long!

CLIFFNOTES ARE BOLDED!!!

Ok so I am about to upgrade from my X41-tablet to a Lenovo x200s. My tablet is working fine, it is just too [censored] slow for me. In every other way (other than speed), it has been amazing though and has compelled me to get another Thinkpad. The 3 things im looking for in a notebook are size (both weight and physical dimensions), battery life, and build quality/durability.

The x200 seems to be perfect for me in every way but a few. 1, thickness (is is thicker than my X41-T?), and durability. Coming from an x41, how solid is the x200s?

Also, X200s users, would you purchase the x200s again knowing what you do now about the machine, or would you get something else? Why?

Few questions about config options.
1. Which HDD should I get? I have a desktop computer so speed/storage is not a huge issue but it is always nice to have. The two drives im looking at are the 160gb 7200rpm drive, and the 320gb 5400rpm drive (these are 2.5" right?), with a balance of speed, power consumption/noise, and space.

2. Which Wireless card? I have the 12.1" WXGA LED Panel, 3x3 UltraConnect II antenna selected. What is the build quality difference between that and "WXGA+ (1440x900) LED backlight with the Next Generation ThinkPad Roll Cage, 3x3 UltraConnect ll antenna"?? I do NOT want a WXGA+ screen on a 12" laptop

What is the difference between the wifi cards? I have WRT310N router and would like to be somewhat futureresistant, but I dont want to spend $ on something that doesnt really matter. Prefrence here, heat/power consumption before all out speed (obviously a moderate compromise between the two would be ideal.

3. WTF is up with the warranty options?? I want the 3 year depot + adp but ALL the other depot + adp warranties are hugely discounted.
ex.
2YR Depot + 2YR ADP 2YR Depot + 2YR ADP [$69.00] *SALE*
3YR Depot + 3YR ADP 3YR Depot + 3YR ADP [$279.00] [Lenovo recommended]
4YR Depot + 4YR ADP 4YR Depot + 4YR ADP [$229.00] *SALE*

4. Media Card Reader/Modem option
Another confusing option, the 3-1 media card reader WITHOUT the modem, or the 5-1 card reader WITH the modem? Which formats does it handle? I have absolutely no use for a modem, but I am a photographer so mem card compatibility is nice.

This is the machine I spec'd out: Total: $1270 after 15% coupon, before tax and shipping. Any and all input would be appreciated. It has been AGES since ive bought a new notebook for myself, and being a student I will for sure not be able to buy another one for a long while. Thank god thinkpads are built so well though

Also, what kind of runtime does the 4 cell usually give (average web use)?

I just got an X200s and am very happy with the configuration.

1) My personal opinion is to get the cheapest drive available (160gb 5400pm), and then buy an aftermarket drive that you really want for much less than what Lenovo is charging. There are literally dozens of options, just check http://www.newegg.com for 2.5" SATA drive in the capacity and speed that you want.

2) I would recommend the Intel WiMAX 5150. There aren't many places that support WiMAX right now, but there may be in the future. The 2x2 UltraConnect II is just fine, so get that with the webcam and WWAN card if you want. If you absolutely don't want webcam and WWAN, then get the 3x3 Ultraconnect II. Build quality is the same.

3) Not familiar with the ADP option.

4) Just get the 5-in-1 with modem.

The 4 cell battery gets more than 2 hours of use, depending on what you are doing.