Thinkpads Forum

The new x220 is so small, that the palm can not rest on the palm rest. You have to hold your fingers like playing piano. Piano players have special training to avoid problems with their hand, now this is something to consider with the x220 users Video review from laptopmag.com. From 4:40 min the palmrest is reviewed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVeNdSN41Tg

Please vote within the survey!

Can't know how it feels until I actually get my hands (or should I say, palms?) on one!

We'll see. As dr_st suggests, it's a little premature to judge at this point.

Looking at the form factor, the depth of the X220 is 8-1/8". My 14.1" T42's depth is 10".
Looking at the photos of the X220, the keyboard is about 1" closer to the display than it is on my T42.
That means the palm rest is about 1" shorter than the palm rest on my T42.

I 'think' that my palms will still have something to rest on, but it will be a little less than what I am used to. Since I mostly use my ThinkPad on a desk in one location, I can get an aftermarket palm rest and use that if needed. I can even keep such a palm rest in my briefcase when traveling for when I am using my X220 on a table or desk.

One of the reason's I chose to purchase the X220 was that the width was no larger than my T42. Actually the width is about the same - 12" on the X220 vs. 12-3/16" on my T42. I wanted a notebook that would fit in my current briefcase along with the other the other items I normally carry. I use a metal-sided briefcase for carrying my laptop because of the extra protection afforded as compared to a traditional laptop bag. *If* I could get a T420 with a 4:3 SXGA+ resolution and the same form factor as my existing T42, I would buy that instead. The current 14" T420's are too wide at 13-1/2" for my use. I really don't like widescreen notebooks, but what choice do I have anymore?

Video review from laptopmag.com. From 4:40 min the palmrest is reviewed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVeNdSN41Tg

ssd_thinkpad wrote:The new x220 is so small, that the palm can not rest on the palm rest.

and you're voicing this concern now? the x220 palmrest is similar in size to a x201 with touchpad. how many people have complained that the x201's palmrest is unergonomical? it's part of the price you pay when using a small factor laptop.

if you use the touchpad and like to rest your palms, you'll learn to lift your hands.

it's no difference to me since i lift my hands when typing. (i rarely use the touchpad, but do have it enabled.)

My palms rest on the palmrest provided on my X201 without any issues in normal typing position. I can't see the X220 being that much worse.

KnightZero wrote:My palms rest on the palmrest provided on my X201 without any issues in normal typing position. I can't see the X220 being that much worse.

Unfortunately I have never used an x20x, the x220 may have a smaller palm size than the x20x series.

According to tabook, the depth of the X201 is 8.3", and the depth of the X220 8.13". That difference is less than 1/4 of an inch (actually about 3/16").

GomJabbar wrote:According to tabook, the depth of the X201 is 8.3", and the depth of the X220 8.13". That difference is less than 1/4 of an inch (actually about 3/16").

If the keyboard is not larger - which I doubt. Thanks for your explanation. So if the x220 is to small for anyones hands, the x200 series would be also, I guess.

Think about it this way: Has there been anything resembling mass complaints about an unergonomical X100e/X120e palmrest? It's nowhere near 8" in depth.

My palms need some place where they rest. I am unaware if this is true for others - everyone has specific needs. I do rely on the opinions stated here, but it is also good to find out which model suits your needs the best.

As an example the x300 was said to have an average display and I told my concerns here - no, the display was fine. I bought this unit for much money (it was just when it came out) and gave it back because of the horrible display. I understand that some people like the display while others do just the opposite.

I prefer to have highly sophisticated input and output units - keyboard, mouse and display. As an example, while I like the T60 keyboard, I dislike the display of my Flexview T60 SXGA+ from LG for its low contrast. I am used to displays from eizo and even there I dislike some of its pva and ips models. It all depends what you need and what you want to pay for it.

if others' opinions on the X300 display didn't meet your expectations then how would opinions on the X220 typing ergonomics be any different?   you're asking the public about a product none of them have encountered first-hand and requesting they make a judgment call based on the same video you're seeing.

one reviewer's dislike of a feature does not make a bad product.   wait until people actually get these systems before dissecting the minutia.

Hi Erik!

from this thread I know that the x220 palm rest is most likely around the same size as the x200 series. This is important for me when deciding whether to go with the x200 or the x220 series or taking another notebook. Or avoid 12 inch widescreen notebooks at all!

I value opinions very much, and this forum is the best I have seen - you have very dedicated members with much knowledge. But of course seeing and using the product is even better.

Before I actually used a X200 I too had this exact same concern. It was a non-issue once I received it. Using the trackpoint is no biggie with the shorter palmrest, your hand is just slightly more angled. Typing takes a slight amount of getting used (not much), with your hands closer to the keyboard or not resting on the palmrest at all (both of which are supposed to be ergonomic). Hope this allays your fears of the X220's usability.

Well, I have no complaints with my X201s' palm rest. The palm rest should only be used when you are not typing so I'm not sure why this would be a problem?

It doesn't make a difference. Look at any small laptop, it just doesn't matter. What is the solution??? Make it say a 15.6 inch wide screen laptop so there is enough palm space? I think they make that laptop, its called a T510.

Its just a silly thing to even discuss really. Even the 4:3 X61s has a smallish palmrest, it doesn't matter. You rest your hands on the desk.

Initial D wrote:The palm rest should only be used when you are not typing so I'm not sure why this would be a problem?

I usually rest my arms on the table when typing - but I am typing 99% of my stuff on desktop keyboards. Do you do otherwise? It is possible with training I suppose.

Cunha wrote:It doesn't make a difference. Look at any small laptop, it just doesn't matter. What is the solution??? Make it say a 15.6 inch wide screen laptop so there is enough palm space? I think they make that laptop, its called a T510.

Its just a silly thing to even discuss really. Even the 4:3 X61s has a smallish palmrest, it doesn't matter. You rest your hands on the desk.

As I remember, my palms rested on the x60 series palm rest. I think it's palm rest ist larger than the one from the x200 series. I may be wrong here! This discussion is great for getting personal feedback, at least for me it gives me very good feedback from you! Thanks!

It is a little longer but not much. My desktop keyboard doesn't have a palmrest that my palms can touch..my palms rest on my desk. It works great. If I am without a desk, it will be on my lap anyways. It is an unavoidable aspect of a small laptop. Would it be better if they were making a 4:3 12 inch 1400X900 IPS ultraportable laptop? YES, a lot better..but they don't and almost certainly never will.

Cunha wrote:a 4:3 12 inch 1400X900 IPS

A what now?

A Dream.

you dream of rectangular pixels?   sounds more like a nightmare to me.

erik wrote:you dream of rectangular pixels?   sounds more like a nightmare to me.

A nightmare come true: the Lisa actually used rectangular pixels.

Most everyone hated them then too.

Oh, now I see. My bad. You know what I meant.

It helps keep actors and actresses from appearing shorter in real life than the films and tv shows you see them in.

X200/X201 palmrest length is 70.67 mm or 2.782 inch.

X6x/s palmrest length is 75.11 mm or 2.957 inch

X31 palmrest length is 77.64 mm or 3.056 inch

lead_org wrote:X200/X201 palmrest length is 70.67 mm or 2.782 inch.

X6x/s palmrest length is 75.11 mm or 2.957 inch

The x60 palmrest was nice. I have to try the x220 myself.