Thinkpads Forum

I am trying to decide between those two thinkpads, both second-hand but in perfect shape (the first one has been used one time, the second is still under warranty until june 2013). Both have around 4 hours of battery time.

I am really interested in light weight and high screen resolution of the x201s, but the price difference is not small...
Additionally I would like an IPS screen that is available only in 1366x768 (x220) for what I know.
Any suggestion?
thanks in advance,
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ThinkPad X200 Euros 500
P8800(2.66GHz), 2GB RAM, 320GB 7200rpm HD, 12.1in 1280x800 LCD, Intel 4500MHD, Intel 802.11agn wireless, WWAN upgradeable, Bluetooth, 1Gb Ethernet, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, Win7 Pro 32

ThinkPad X201s Euros 800
i7-640LM(2.13GHz), 3GB RAM, 320GB 7200rpm HD, 12.1in 1440x900 LCD, Intel HD graphics, Intel 802.11agn wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 4c Li-Ion, Win7 Pro 32

I believe there are some Celeron powered X201s models floating around that are very inexpensive, including some factory refurbs which tend to be like new.

I seriously considered one when I bought my X220.

I would love to get my hands on a X201s, they just seem to be so [censored] rare. I couldn't find one anywhere for less than $1500, my dream machine...

Anyway, I don't know what the market for ThinkPads is like in Italy but I can tell you what I know about prices stateside.

-Used X200's are extremely cheap on ebay, even if the Euro-$ exchange rate was 1:1 (which it isn't at all) that would be a fairly overpriced X200
-The X201s offers pretty significant upgrades in the i7 cpu and WXGA+ screen, but as you said it is a fair bit more expensive. You said you really wanted an IPS screen, and in the US you can get a IPS X220 for well under $1000...but I know these things are often more expensive internationally.

Here's something you might be interested in doing: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=84941

If IPS is more important to you than longer battery life and more power, this is probably your best option. Unless, of course, the X200 has an LED backlit screen- then it won't work.

thanks Atreides, actually I think I could find a new x220 with an IPS screen here for about 1.000 euro, but I would never get a 1440x900 screen on an X220.

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Atreides wrote:I would love to get my hands on a X201s, they just seem to be so *****Expletives removed by Moderator***** rare. I couldn't find one anywhere for less than $1500, my dream machine...

Anyway, I don't know what the market for ThinkPads is like in Italy but I can tell you what I know about prices stateside.

-Used X200's are extremely cheap on ebay, even if the Euro-$ exchange rate was 1:1 (which it isn't at all) that would be a fairly overpriced X200
-The X201s offers pretty significant upgrades in the i7 cpu and WXGA+ screen, but as you said it is a fair bit more expensive. You said you really wanted an IPS screen, and in the US you can get a IPS X220 for well under $1000...but I know these things are often more expensive internationally.

achat_2 wrote:thanks Atreides, actually I think I could find a new x220 with an IPS screen here for about 1.000 euro, but I would never get a 1440x900 screen on an X220.

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That's exactly why I got a x200s instead of a new x220. And I have to say, I'm glad that I bought one ( probably one of the last few brand new from the outlet ) before they stop making high res 12" screen thinkpads. Be careful though, 1440x900 is not for everyone. Have you seen/used one before?

As to your original question. The only advantage of x200 to x201s is price ( may be a bit of battery time I guess ). So if you can afford it, go with x201s.

Choices between a x201s and x220 is less clear. x220's IPS is a huge improvement over x200s/x201s 1440x900 screen. x220's cpu is noticably faster, longer battery time, have more updated hardware ( sata 3 hard drive interface, optional usb 3, etc ) so it can be more "future proof". If you can live with less screen resolution, I'll say go with x220.

Other thing to remember about the S models of the X200 line is that the cases are significantly more flimsy to the touch and not as rigid / stiff feeling in areas like the palm wrest.

This gave some initial reviewers the perception that the whole X200 lineup was a significant downgrade from the X60 series when they didn't realize the case was so different.

I don't think you can really lose with any X200 laptop. Just get the one that fits your price point.

Cunha wrote:Other thing to remember about the S models of the X200 line is that the cases are significantly more flimsy to the touch and not as rigid / stiff feeling in areas like the palm wrest.

My experience with x200s is that the palmrest is actually much more solid than the 2 T400 I own. No squeaky sound anyway when I lift up the laptop. I feel the laptop is very solid but light ( well, 2.5lb helps ). When hard press against the lcd lid, I don't see any ripple effects on lcd. Overall I am very happy with the build quality. May be it's coming from a late batch that has most of the bugs iron out?

Tony Chan wrote: (achat_2)thanks Atreides, actually I think I could find a new x220 with an IPS screen here for about 1.000 euro, but I would never get a 1440x900 screen on an X220.

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(achat_2)


That's exactly why I got a x200s instead of a new x220. And I have to say, I'm glad that I bought one ( probably one of the last few brand new from the outlet ) before they stop making high res 12" screen thinkpads. Be careful though, 1440x900 is not for everyone. Have you seen/used one before?

no, unfortunately the seller is not here in Rome, but near Milano. He sent me two pictures of the screen on, anyway.
Nevertheless I am using a 1400x1050 14.1" T41p since many years as my desktop replacement, and I can't imagine to use a pc with less real space on the screen.

Just two questions:

would the x201s (without a docking station) be able to drive a 1920x1200 monitor like that?
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/prod ... u=320-2676
(just in case, would my current T41p have any problem with it? I also have a docking station of the T41p, which looks to have a DVI port, if I am correct.)

I read of colour problems for VGA connection to IPS/LED, is that true?

what about WWAN capability? I am completely ignorant about this.
the model does not say "WWAN upgradable".

thanks in advance

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