The prettiest laptops - let's vote!

[Thinkpaddict]

I love IBM Thinkpads t23 and up series.. because I love the color and the feel and look nice when is close. sometime I pass by it I look at it like was woman.. yeah, I'm nuts. hahaha, and this is coming from guy own 3 of them...

top love for the nightlight to be able view the keyboard.

direct quote from my wife
"why don't you just sleep with the [censored] thing"

Yes, I love my thinkpads too.

By the way, I sleep with my T23 all the time. or rather fall asleep in the couch with it sitting on my chest while I'm watching a movie on it.
It is much more polite than my wife too. It never wakes me up. I usually wake up at 4:00 AM to find out that my T23 has silently gone into hibernation.

[hey00]

I love IBM Thinkpads t23 and up series.. because I love the color and the feel and look nice when is close. sometime I pass by it I look at it like was woman.. yeah, I'm nuts. hahaha, and this is coming from guy own 3 of them...

top love for the nightlight to be able view the keyboard.

direct quote from my wife
"why don't you just sleep with the [censored] thing"

Yes, I love my thinkpads too.

By the way, I sleep with my T23 all the time. or rather fall asleep in the couch with it sitting on my chest while I'm watching a movie on it.
It is much more polite than my wife too. It never wakes me up. I usually wake up at 4:00 AM to find out that my T23 has silently gone into hibernation.

haha, I guess I ain't the only one..
wait, until my other thinkpads come.. she going get really mad.

[thePCxp]

By the way, I sleep with my T23 all the time. or rather fall asleep in the couch with it sitting on my chest while I'm watching a movie on it.
It is much more polite than my wife too. It never wakes me up. I usually wake up at 4:00 AM to find out that my T23 has silently gone into hibernation.

And I sleep with my ThinkPad too.

[archer6]

Of my current inventory, my new X60s. Utlra thin, light, goes everywhere with me.....

[pianowizard]

Of my current inventory, my new X60s. Utlra thin, light, goes everywhere with me.....

Everywhere? You don't worry about getting mugged? I always try to leave my nice laptops either at home or at work, and carry only cheap ones in my backpack when the more expensive machines aren't needed.

[GomJabbar]

Since the OP used the word "prettiest" in the thread title, I would have to vote for the Tulip E-Go.
Not that I would be caught dead with one.

For a woman though, it is a notebook to die for.....
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4085/

[archer6]

Of my current inventory, my new X60s. Utlra thin, light, goes everywhere with me.....

Everywhere? You don't worry about getting mugged?

I have a few "stealth bags", I use when I'm in a major metro city where mugging is a frequent reality, I use a North Face, or Crumpler backpack with my X60s nicely protected inside it's WaterField sleeve. Same sleeve when I'm carrying a Timbuk2 messenger bag, etc. Especially in New York, this has paid off...
That said however, I'm with you and must admit that I do worry a bit and so this leads me my question for you below:

I always try to leave my nice laptops either at home or at work, and carry only cheap ones in my backpack when the more expensive machines aren't needed.

I like this idea, very smart. What do you consider your "cheap ones" ? I'm always open for new ideas.... ... Thanks!

[pianowizard]

I like this idea, very smart. What do you consider your "cheap ones" ? I'm always open for new ideas.... ... Thanks!

Thanks for the compliment. I was without relatively cheap laptops for a while because I sold all of them in the past year, but yesterday I got a 6-year-old Fujitsu LifeBook B-2131 that cost me only $116, through eBay. That purchase included a pretty nice USB CD-ROM drive and a wireless card, which may be worth a total of around $20. So, in effect, I only paid $96 for the laptop itself, and that's what I carry in my bag. If I get robbed of that laptop, that would be unfortunate but that's much better than losing my X40 or Dell Inspiron 700m!

[archer6]

I like this idea, very smart. What do you consider your "cheap ones" ? I'm always open for new ideas.... ... Thanks!

Thanks for the compliment. I was without relatively cheap laptops for a while because I sold all of them in the past year, but yesterday I got a 6-year-old Fujitsu LifeBook B-2131 that cost me only $116, through eBay. That purchase included a pretty nice USB CD-ROM drive and a wireless card, which may be worth a total of around $20. So, in effect, I only paid $96 for the laptop itself, and that's what I carry in my bag. If I get robbed of that laptop, that would be unfortunate but that's much better than losing my X40 or Dell Inspiron 700m!

Brilliant!... I must admit that while my "older model Thinkpads" are not worth that much on the market, they are just too special to me... Also, the thought of having a really cheap (junker if you will) is quite appealing. As there are those times when I would like to have a laptop that I would not miss.

So off to ebay I go... Thanks for the idea and the fast response !

[pianowizard]

One more thing. I am not going to store files with sensitive info/data on this cheapo laptop. It will just have MP3 files, unimportant lecture notes, etc.

It's shocking how fast laptops have been depreciating. It's now easy to get very useful machines for $100 or less.

[wantathinkpad]

LG
Check out the: T1 model, sleek, clean, great looking.

Those are nice.

[mfratt]

While I dont think "pretty" is the right word, I would say my X60s is the best looking laptop I've ever laid eyes on. If you want, uh, pretty (?), try the pink voodoo... o_O

[Thinkpaddict]

While I dont think "pretty" is the right word, I would say my X60s is the best looking laptop I've ever laid eyes on. If you want, uh, pretty (?), try the pink voodoo... o_O

Pretty in Pink

Actually, I can think of a [censored] sexy and pretty laptop that is not an IBM (or pink): The Sony X505.

[pianowizard]

Actually, I can think of a [censored] sexy and pretty laptop that is not an IBM (or pink): The Sony X505.

Yeah, that's the lightest laptop ever made (1.8 lbs)! I wouldn't want to own one though, because it has a Japanese keyboard with weird Japanese symbols and many keys are not in their "normal" positions. So, I would rather get the second lightest notebook, the Sharp Actius MM20 (2.0 lbs), which is also much cheaper than the X505.

[Thinkpaddict]

Actually, I can think of a [censored] sexy and pretty laptop that is not an IBM (or pink): The Sony X505.

Yeah, that's the lightest laptop ever made (1.8 lbs)! I wouldn't want to own one though, because it has a Japanese keyboard with weird Japanese symbols and many keys are not in their "normal" positions. So, I would rather get the second lightest notebook, the Sharp Actius MM20 (2.0 lbs), which is also much cheaper than the X505.

I will check the Sharp Actius. I understand what you are saying about the Japanese symbols on the keyboard, but I don't think that would deter me from getting a computer. I am actually thinking of buying a Sharp Zaurus (PDA only sold in Japan) which has the same characteristic.

[archer6]

Yeah, that's the lightest laptop ever made (1.8 lbs)! I wouldn't want to own one though, because it has a Japanese keyboard with weird Japanese symbols and many keys are not in their "normal" positions. So, I would rather get the second lightest notebook, the Sharp Actius MM20 (2.0 lbs), which is also much cheaper than the X505.

I will check the Sharp Actius. I understand what you are saying about the Japanese symbols on the keyboard, but I don't think that would deter me from getting a computer. I am actually thinking of buying a Sharp Zaurus (PDA only sold in Japan) which has the same characteristic.

I agree, the Sony X505 is a really great looking computer. I have a friend who bought one. However, in typical Sony VAIO fashion is was made obsolete within 4 months of release and you cannot get support for it. They also dumped the form factor.

I had a Sharp Actius MM20 and I cannot give it a good rating for a host of reasons. Briefly to summarize, the keyboard is nearly useless compared to any model of X series ThinkPad. Support is marginal at best, the screen is somewhat below average, the battery life is terrible, and the case squeaks. The only reason I bought it is I have a friend at Sharp, so I got a really deep discount and thought I would try it as an limited use laptop mostly for air travel.

I dumped it on ebay, after 3 weeks of use and promptly ordered my X60s and the difference is simply shocking. Not that I'm surprised that the ThinkPad is better, just how much better is the shocking part. Each time I purhase another brand just for the fun of it, I'm reminded how fantastic ThinkPads are.

[pianowizard]

I had a Sharp Actius MM20 and I cannot give it a good rating for a host of reasons. Briefly to summarize, the keyboard is nearly useless compared to any model of X series ThinkPad. Support is marginal at best, the screen is somewhat below average, the battery life is terrible, and the case squeaks. The only reason I bought it is I have a friend at Sharp, so I got a really deep discount and thought I would try it as an limited use laptop mostly for air travel.

I am surprised, because most of the reviews I read earlier were quite positive. Battery life doesn't matter much to me. What's wrong with the keyboard? Keys are too small? And what's "below average" for the screen? Is your friend still selling more of the MM20? Newegg was selling it for $899 shortly before they stopped selling it about half a year ago. If you friend sells it for less than that, I might be interested in buying one from him/her.

[archer6]

I am surprised, because most of the reviews I read earlier were quite positive. Battery life doesn't matter much to me. What's wrong with the keyboard? Keys are too small? And what's "below average" for the screen? Is your friend still selling more of the MM20? Newegg was selling it for $899 shortly before they stopped selling it about half a year ago. If you friend sells it for less than that, I might be interested in buying one from him/her.

Please don't get me wrong here, I'm not "bashing" the Sharp. I have had a few over the years and I am simply sharing the experience I had with the MM20. Sharp does make some nice laptops, however they are in no way superior to a ThinkPad. The keyboard may not be so much of an issue for someone who does not use it extensively, or for a person that does not use a ThinkPad frequently. The key travel on a ThinkPad keyboard is 2.5mm, this is what I'm used to. The keys are carefully designed to have the proper "concave" shape to provide positive finger placement and feedback for fast typists. The travel or "stroke" on a Sharp is 1.8mm, this shallow travel at least for me is very hard to get used to. In addition the keys are a bit noisey and quite small and flat.
Just not a very good keyboard, unless we take away the ThinkPad as a comparison and then things look better for the Sharp. I was responding to the poster who suggested that the X60 series was sub-par and wanted another superior brand. Therefore I offered my experience with the Sharp model mentioned.

Regarding the display, it's a bit dim and there is light leakage near the bottom and around the sides of the display. If you do not set it near a X model ThinkPad it's ok, however side by side there is a striking difference and the Sharp display suddenly looks dull and washed out.

There was one large order remaining (the last before they were discontinued) that had not gone out due to some confusion on billing. So they were stuck with the computers. They called friends and other customers to unload them and they were all sold within 2 days. That's how I came upon mine for $400. new sealed box.

Overall I must say that I find Sharp latops in general, much better than Dell and some of the others, when one takes ThinkPads out of the models considered.

[pianowizard]

They called friends and other customers to unload them and they were all sold within 2 days. That's how I came upon mine for $400. new sealed box.

Wow, if you come across another one (unlikely, I know), please let me know and I will give you $500 so that you can make $100!

[dsigma6]

top love for the nightlight to be able view the keyboard.

i like the thinklight feature, at least on the r40. the t2x series has the off center light that doesn't seem to do much.

[archer6]

They called friends and other customers to unload them and they were all sold within 2 days. That's how I came upon mine for $400. new sealed box.

Wow, if you come across another one (unlikely, I know), please let me know and I will give you $500 so that you can make $100!

I will make a call. If for some reason there is one left, I will pass it on to you for the same $400, I appreciate your offer, however I have benefitted from the great info on this forum and I'm not here to make money, just give back.

Cheers...

[mfratt]

i like the thinklight feature, at least on the r40. the t2x series has the off center light that doesn't seem to do much.

The X60s is off center, and it works fine. I dont know if its somehow different than the X20, but its just as good as the centered one on my T43.

[pianowizard]

I will make a call. If for some reason there is one left, I will pass it on to you for the same $400, I appreciate your offer, however I have benefitted from the great info on this forum and I'm not here to make money, just give back.

Thanks a thousand, archer6. If one is available, I will be able to send you the money immediately.

[doppelfish]

Can You say, "Piano Finish"? The S30/S31 just has to be the coolest looking Laptop evar. Sure, its keyboard is a little bit crammy, but aren't those 'ears' just cute?

Actually, that's somewhat contradictory to my usual, every-day opinion on Laptop design. I'm fond of ThinkPads exactly because they do not look cool or flashy or anything; they just sit there, right where you need them. I remember a couple of meetings in which I found myself surrounded by Dell advertisements, pink Sony walls and flashing, blinking Apple logos. Was there actually a person sitting behind this multimedia event? Dunno ...

I'll issue an exceptional license to the S30 ... this time! I also require everybody to explain how this thread could span two pages with nobody mentioning the S30 ...

cheers,
-- fish

[asiafish]

I think the best-looking laptop ever is the Toshiba Portege 34x0 series of the late 90s. These things were sleek and sexy, same size as the Sony 505 but with better materials. I still miss my 3490CT, despite it being ergonomically (weird keyboard layout) and functionally (max 256MB RAM) compromised.

Apple's 12" aluminum gets honorable mention as a very classy machine that gave a similar impression to a fine watch or good fountain pen.

As for carrying, I bring my X41 (very high up on the style scale itself) with me almost everywhere, but when worried about losing an expensive laptop I'll bring my Portege 4000 (4.5lbs - 4 hour battery - $250) instead.

Speaking of that Portege 4000, it is also a rather striking machine, with an attractive contrast between the silver outer case and black matt interior. It actually still gets compliments today.

[Thinkpaddict]

I had a Sharp Actius MM20 and I cannot give it a good rating for a host of reasons. Briefly to summarize, the keyboard is nearly useless compared to any model of X series ThinkPad. Support is marginal at best, the screen is somewhat below average, the battery life is terrible, and the case squeaks. The only reason I bought it is I have a friend at Sharp, so I got a really deep discount and thought I would try it as an limited use laptop mostly for air travel.

I dumped it on ebay, after 3 weeks of use and promptly ordered my X60s and the difference is simply shocking. Not that I'm surprised that the ThinkPad is better, just how much better is the shocking part. Each time I purhase another brand just for the fun of it, I'm reminded how fantastic ThinkPads are.

I only deal with Thinkpad laptops. But thanks for the heads up.
Actually, I am seriously thinking about getting a Sharp Zaurus, but this is a PDA really, so it doesn't count.

[Thinkpaddict]

i like the thinklight feature, at least on the r40. the t2x series has the off center light that doesn't seem to do much.

Yeah, it is off to the left a bit. Perhaps due to the fact that the T2x series has the Ultraport connections at the center. Does the R40 have Ultraport? Sorry, I don't know much about the R-series.

I don't think that having the Thinklight off center actually makes it less effective, but that is just me.

[Thinkpaddict]

Can You say, "Piano Finish"? The S30/S31 just has to be the coolest looking Laptop evar. Sure, its keyboard is a little bit crammy, but aren't those 'ears' just cute?

Actually, that's somewhat contradictory to my usual, every-day opinion on Laptop design. I'm fond of ThinkPads exactly because they do not look cool or flashy or anything; they just sit there, right where you need them. I remember a couple of meetings in which I found myself surrounded by Dell advertisements, pink Sony walls and flashing, blinking Apple logos. Was there actually a person sitting behind this multimedia event? Dunno ...

I'll issue an exceptional license to the S30 ... this time! I also require everybody to explain how this thread could span two pages with nobody mentioning the S30 ...

cheers,
-- fish

Yes, I completely agree with you. I like Thinkpads because of their ultrafunctional, austere, and get-down-to-business appearance. However, I really like the S3x series. They do look cool, but it is a different type of cool compared to what people usually consider cool (lights, stickers, stupid logos, silvery metal surfaces...). I think it is cool because it looks like a futuristic laptop (or a spaceship console) without being tasteless.

It also reminds me slightly of the Atari Portfolio, only better. The Atari Portfolio is a late 80s, early 90s DOS PDA. If you have seen Terminator 2, that's the handheld computer that John Connor (the kid) uses to get money at the ATM, and later to break the combination in order to enter the SkyNet (or whatever the company's name is) facility.

[Thinkpaddict]

Apple's 12" aluminum gets honorable mention as a very classy machine that gave a similar impression to a fine watch or good fountain pen.

I remember seeing the original Powerbook Titanium when it came out back then (what was it, 2000?) at a CompUSA store, and liking it quite a bit. That was before I got into Thinkpads, but I still think that Powerbook Titanium computers are quite neat (but still below the average Thinkpad in my book).

What I can't get over as far as Powerbook Titaniums go is the paint peeling and the high likelihood of getting pressure spots on the LCD. If you have ever searched for Powerbook Titanium on eBay you know what I'm talking about. Once again, Thinkpads are superior in general in this area.

You've picked my curiosity with that Portege. Off to eBay I go...

EDIT: I just took a look at the Toshiba Portege 3490CT. Let's just say that it's not my taste, but I see why some people would like it. The two color scheme displeases me, unfortunately, as do the unnecessary curved shapes. Maybe I've gotten too used to Thinkpad simplicity?

[archer6]

Apple's 12" aluminum gets honorable mention as a very classy machine that gave a similar impression to a fine watch or good fountain pen.

I remember seeing the original Powerbook Titanium when it came out back then (what was it, 2000?) at a CompUSA store, and liking it quite a bit. That was before I got into Thinkpads, but I still think that Powerbook Titanium computers are quite neat (but still below the average Thinkpad in my book).

What I can't get over as far as Powerbook Titaniums go is the paint peeling and the high likelihood of getting pressure spots on the LCD. If you have ever searched for Powerbook Titanium on eBay you know what I'm talking about. Once again, Thinkpads are superior in general in this area.

I have a PowerBook G4 Titanium that I purchased in Nov 2002. I really like this computer. This model was the last revision (prior to the aluminum models introduced in Jan 2003) which offered a 1GHz processor, 1GB ram, and the first SuperDrive. Fortunately I have not experienced any of the problems regarding the paint. Mine looks like new, no scratches or any other cosmetic flaws. I use a screen protector and therefore I have no marks on the display from contact with the keyboard. It's my favorite of all the PowerBooks I have had, and I passed on the Aluminum models because mine was working so well and the initial aluminum models had heat issues (sound familiar?) in the beginning.

Style is terrific and when I'm just doing some regular computing, nothing demanding, this is a very nice machine.