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Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

X200/X201/X220 (including equivalent tablet models) and X300/X301 Series
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TonyJZX
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Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#1 Post by TonyJZX » Tue May 29, 2018 7:52 am

The reason I ask is that these are real real cheap... like not much more than a nice dinner out... the exlease places have 4gb std i5 units sans hdd.

I have avoided these due to the 768p screen which I find quite limiting but it feels like maybe this is the end of the line and if you dont buy now then good luck in the future.

I have no intention of doing an fhd mod as i'm not going to invest hundreds into a sub $100 unit.

They do make neat portable dtr machines i guess... 12.5" of i5 power.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#2 Post by dr_st » Tue May 29, 2018 9:21 am

If you find the 768p limiting now, won't you still find it limiting in the future? If so, why do you care what happens to these machines in the future?

The question is then, what do you find appealing in these particular machines. Surely there are other portable machines with i5. Some of them have stock FHD screens. Of course, they will be more expensive.

The X220 with 8GB or more, an SSD, Core i7 with USB 3.0, and an IPS screen is still very nice to use and powerful. But such a configuration will probably be more than twice the price of the cheap ex-lease configs.

I agree with you that the screen resolution is the worst aspect of these machines.

In the end, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to "is it worth getting". All depends on needs.
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#3 Post by sebileis » Sat Jul 14, 2018 4:07 pm

dr_st wrote:
Tue May 29, 2018 9:21 am
If you find the 768p limiting now, won't you still find it limiting in the future? If so, why do you care what happens to these machines in the future?

The question is then, what do you find appealing in these particular machines. Surely there are other portable machines with i5. Some of them have stock FHD screens. Of course, they will be more expensive.

The X220 with 8GB or more, an SSD, Core i7 with USB 3.0, and an IPS screen is still very nice to use and powerful. But such a configuration will probably be more than twice the price of the cheap ex-lease configs.

I agree with you that the screen resolution is the worst aspect of these machines.

In the end, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to "is it worth getting". All depends on needs.
It's also possible to modify the X220 or X230 to have a 1080p IPS display, although you will have to spend more money for this. Speaking of the X230, you can get them for around the same price as an X220, and they all have USB 3.0 ports, plus the other benefits of Ivy Bridge machines. It's super easy to install the X220 keyboard and palmrest into an X230, and with that it is virtually identical to the X220.
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#4 Post by shawross » Sat Jul 14, 2018 6:59 pm

I find a 12.5 inch screen at 16 x 9 a bit narrow but I use my X220 mainly docked at home with an external monitor.

I picked up a dock and charger for $10 and I would recommend a similar setup if you are looking at any of the 12.5 inch ultraportables.

And yes a X220 is definitely worth it. Docked I don't use an external keyboard or mouse because the X220 has the perfect keyboard.
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#5 Post by dr_st » Sun Jul 15, 2018 1:28 am

sebileis wrote:
Sat Jul 14, 2018 4:07 pm
It's also possible to modify the X220 or X230 to have a 1080p IPS display, although you will have to spend more money for this.
Yes, but in addition to spending money, that mod requires non-trivial tinkering (soldering/taping pins), and imposes certain restrictions which cannot be lifted due to the architecture limitations of the machines (basically you lose one of the external DisplayPorts). Some things (brightness control, specific display configurations) also may not work out of the box and require tinkering on the software level. Check that thread, there is a reason it has almost 1,000 posts.

That mod is appealing to someone who really really wants FullHD on the internal LCD, and either already owns an X220/230 and loves it, or finds some specific appeal in them (for example the classic keyboard). If none of these apply to you, then there are better ways to go about getting a FullHD screen in a 12.5" Thinkpad. Besides, the OP clearly stated that he has no intention of doing the mod.
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#6 Post by axur-delmeria » Sun Jul 15, 2018 7:43 am

Depends on what you expect to do. For a secondary/travel machine, they're quite nice. A 2nd-gen Core i5 is no slouch.

Need it for serious work? Connect a high-res monitor.

Funnily enough I scale my X220's screen to 1536x864 on Linux. As long as the text isn't too small it works well enough--then again I have the IPS screen.
Planned Purchase: T480s i5-8350 FHD Touch
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#7 Post by RealBlackStuff » Sun Jul 15, 2018 11:39 am

If the 7-row KB is not a must, and the machine is mainly intended for traveling, then I would recommend the X240.
It needs the clunkpad replaced with the [Synaptic] touchpad+buttons from the X250, but that is cheap and quite easily done.
Some PROs and CONs:
CON: ONE memory slot for "only" 8GB RAM max.
PRO: TWO batteries (1x internal, 1x external), with quite a long life
PRO: THREE SSD-drives possible (one 2.5", and two M.2)
PRO: lightweight
con : dark grey casing instead of black (small con, as not really mattering much)
CON: available with TN HD
PRO: available with IPS HD, IPS FHD or IPS FHD Touch

I have two of those (1x X240 with i5, 1x X240s with i7), both "up-padded" and in great shape.
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#8 Post by Puppy » Sun Jul 15, 2018 4:12 pm

Yes, if you can live with the 6-row crappy keyboard layout, the better FHD display resolution of X240 is nice to have, same with USB 3.0.
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#9 Post by jaspen-meyer » Sun Jul 15, 2018 7:16 pm

With a decent IPS screen and a small msata disk they are fine machines for day travel. I prefer the i5 models over the i7 as the fan doesn't turn on as often.

If you can get by with 768 vertical pixels...
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#10 Post by ThinkGreen » Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:37 am

I'm an x220 owner since a while... and now I'm wondering to buy a refurbished x220t that I've found just 170 euro (A grade).
Does it worth the money ?

In the tablet version the display quality should be above average.
Be happy if You have some doubts.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#11 Post by axur-delmeria » Wed Jul 18, 2018 9:46 am

ThinkGreen wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:37 am
Does it worth the money ?
Do you actually need another laptop and/or the pen features? The X220T is a bit bigger and heavier than the regular X220.
In the tablet version the display quality should be above average.
The display quality should be the same as an IPS-equipped X220, but with a glossy finish due to the protective glass layer.
Planned Purchase: T480s i5-8350 FHD Touch
Impulse Buy: Thinkpad not named for safety reasons :lol:
RIP: X220 4291-C91 X61 7676-A24 760XD-U9E :cry:

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#12 Post by ThinkGreen » Wed Jul 18, 2018 10:12 am

axur-delmeria wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 9:46 am
ThinkGreen wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:37 am
Does it worth the money ?
Do you actually need another laptop and/or the pen features? The X220T is a bit bigger and heavier than the regular X220.
The tablet functionality for me is not basic but it could be useful, if well implemented.

Consider that for less than 200 euro I'd get the x220t with following features:
-i7 2640M 2.80 Ghz*
-120 GB SSD*
-4GB DDR3
-Intel HD Graphics 3000*
-Windows 7 Pro original

With a "residual" battery life of more than 150 minutes.
axur-delmeria wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 9:46 am
The display quality should be the same as an IPS-equipped X220, but with a glossy finish due to the protective glass layer.
My x220 is the TN version and in such a case I should get a concrete improvement.
Be happy if You have some doubts.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#13 Post by axur-delmeria » Wed Jul 18, 2018 10:32 am

Looks good. The only bummer is the lack of USB 3.0 ports unlike the regular X220 with Core i7.
Planned Purchase: T480s i5-8350 FHD Touch
Impulse Buy: Thinkpad not named for safety reasons :lol:
RIP: X220 4291-C91 X61 7676-A24 760XD-U9E :cry:

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#14 Post by ThinkGreen » Wed Jul 18, 2018 12:12 pm

Are there USB 2.0 ports only ?
Be happy if You have some doubts.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#15 Post by Banu » Wed Jul 18, 2018 1:51 pm

ThinkGreen wrote:Are there USB 2.0 ports only ?

Si


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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#16 Post by axur-delmeria » Wed Jul 18, 2018 2:17 pm

ThinkGreen wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 12:12 pm
Are there USB 2.0 ports only ?
Based from https://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Le ... 217.0.html, USB 2.0 only.
Planned Purchase: T480s i5-8350 FHD Touch
Impulse Buy: Thinkpad not named for safety reasons :lol:
RIP: X220 4291-C91 X61 7676-A24 760XD-U9E :cry:

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#17 Post by ThinkGreen » Wed Jul 18, 2018 2:30 pm

Apart this "flaw" does it worth or not, considering the target price ?
Be happy if You have some doubts.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#18 Post by skx » Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:39 pm

ThinkGreen wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 2:30 pm
Apart this "flaw" does it worth or not, considering the target price ?
Yes, why not? just bought one 2 days ago, put debian on it, slammed a 500GB Samsung 860 EVO SSD and the beast is already flying with only stock 4GB ram. I am working long periods overseas in sh1tty remote areas, will be my best friend while on the move. The x220 is super light for a 2012 laptop. keyboard is amazing and darn, who cares about USB3.0 ??

I paid 150 EUR, overhere in Europe, it's more difficult to find Thinkpads at these ridiculous low prices like in the US and Canada. I bought at 150 EUR but the device is looking still good and I cleaned the keyboard (took me 7 hours and lots of cursing to have all keys back in place) and the thing looks beautiful :mrgreen:
ThinkPad X220: i5-2520M CPU 2.5GHz - 8GB RAM 1333 MHz - SSD 860 EVO 250GB - Debian - ME_cleaned
ThinkPad X230: i5-3320M CPU 3.3GHz - 8GB RAM 1600 MHz - SSD 860 EVO 500GB - Debian - ME_cleaned

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#19 Post by ThinkGreen » Wed Jul 18, 2018 5:17 pm

Thanks for Your opinion.
My trouble is if it could be or not the case to looking instead for a little more recent product like x230t or x240t which at roughly the same price have a CPU of third or fourth generation instead of second.
Be happy if You have some doubts.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#20 Post by skx » Wed Jul 18, 2018 5:31 pm

ThinkGreen wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 5:17 pm
Thanks for Your opinion.
My trouble is if it could be or not the case to looking instead for a little more recent product like x230t or x240t which at roughly the same price have a CPU of third or fourth generation instead of second.
Ok, the x230 is as well tempting, but over here difficult to find. When I bought the x220 this week I was offered as well the x240 for sale but I kindly refused. Way less upgrade potential, may seem on paper better than x220 and x230 but is miles behind :D I would say, buy a x220 and x230 and your issue is solved :mrgreen:
ThinkPad X220: i5-2520M CPU 2.5GHz - 8GB RAM 1333 MHz - SSD 860 EVO 250GB - Debian - ME_cleaned
ThinkPad X230: i5-3320M CPU 3.3GHz - 8GB RAM 1600 MHz - SSD 860 EVO 500GB - Debian - ME_cleaned

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#21 Post by ThinkGreen » Wed Jul 18, 2018 6:52 pm

In such a case only with an x250 could be there a concrete upgrade in terms of performance and energy consumption?

In terms of weight x220t and x230t are very similar?
Be happy if You have some doubts.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#22 Post by axur-delmeria » Wed Jul 18, 2018 9:49 pm

ThinkGreen wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 6:52 pm
In terms of weight x220t and x230t are very similar?
Yes. They use the same chassis and similar components after all. :)
Planned Purchase: T480s i5-8350 FHD Touch
Impulse Buy: Thinkpad not named for safety reasons :lol:
RIP: X220 4291-C91 X61 7676-A24 760XD-U9E :cry:

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#23 Post by ThinkGreen » Thu Jul 19, 2018 3:21 am

I'm evaluating just now some x250 models but all of them seem to be a little pricy.

A valid but but budget alternative I've found would be Asus P301La, that for only 150 euro could offer an overall average upgrade, respect to my x220.
Be happy if You have some doubts.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#24 Post by dingdong » Wed Jul 25, 2018 2:14 pm

skx wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:39 pm
I paid 150 EUR, overhere in Europe, it's more difficult to find Thinkpads at these ridiculous low prices like in the US and Canada.
:Nice: Who did you buy it from?
X220 4291-ZJY

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#25 Post by Lindisfarne » Wed Sep 19, 2018 9:14 am

skx wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:39 pm
ThinkGreen wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 2:30 pm
Apart this "flaw" does it worth or not, considering the target price ?
Yes, why not? just bought one 2 days ago, put debian on it, slammed a 500GB Samsung 860 EVO SSD and the beast is already flying with only stock 4GB ram.
That sounds nice! Did you need to tinker with the BIOS to get the SSD running in that one, like one has to do on the t61 with Middleton's, or did it just work right off the bat?

Seriously considering throwing one in my t61 or just moving on to a x220.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#26 Post by wujstefan » Wed Sep 19, 2018 10:31 am

You don't need to do anything. It works out of the box, and the power difference is huge.
Too many thinkpads not enough time!
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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#27 Post by skx » Sat Sep 22, 2018 9:37 am

Lindisfarne wrote:
Wed Sep 19, 2018 9:14 am
skx wrote:
Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:39 pm


Yes, why not? just bought one 2 days ago, put debian on it, slammed a 500GB Samsung 860 EVO SSD and the beast is already flying with only stock 4GB ram.
That sounds nice! Did you need to tinker with the BIOS to get the SSD running in that one, like one has to do on the t61 with Middleton's, or did it just work right off the bat?

Seriously considering throwing one in my t61 or just moving on to a x220.
Yes, as wujstefan confirmed, Debian recognizes all out of the box, be sure to use the nonfree installer of course. Most important part with SSD is to configure correctly SSD trimming. But else, you should not have any issues.
ThinkPad X220: i5-2520M CPU 2.5GHz - 8GB RAM 1333 MHz - SSD 860 EVO 250GB - Debian - ME_cleaned
ThinkPad X230: i5-3320M CPU 3.3GHz - 8GB RAM 1600 MHz - SSD 860 EVO 500GB - Debian - ME_cleaned

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#28 Post by Billaboard » Sat Sep 22, 2018 6:04 pm

Just thought it worth saying here that I've now had my X220T for just about a month. I posted elsewhere here about the initial problems with ram and screen rotation, but those are cured now, and it is becoming my main general purpose machine.
I have now fitted the 240GB msata boot drive and a 1TB D: drive, and it's as good as I'd hoped. I'm running Windows 7, with XP in a VM to run the elderly email/news program that I love and a couple of other old programs. The VM does seem a bit on the slow side, but otherwise the machine rattles along quite fast enough for me.

I wanted the tablet version, having used an X200T a lot for various things in that mode, including vehicle diagnostics, and I'm looking into it for some specialised audio related work. After the X200T (which was also pen and touch), the touch screen is a revelation, and I find I'm using it a lot, especially for scrolling, while using the machine as a normal laptop.

The only minor problem I've had is with sometimes inadvertently touching the screen accidentally. I really must do some research into how to switch Touch on and off with just one button push or suchlike.

Shame it doesn't have firewire for my audio work, so I'll probably have to keep the T410 that it replaces for that.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#29 Post by TonyJZX » Tue Sep 25, 2018 2:30 am

I flat out didnt need a 12" sub notebook however there are a few x220 230s 240s etc. that came up but in the end, I found a very neat HP Elite 2570p that filled that hole.

Plus side its a generation ahead and it has USB3... they keyboard isnt as nice as an x220 but its better than a x230.

Not sure what Dell has of this generation... the Dell 6330? all 768p unfortunately but thems the breaks 5 yrs ago for 12" units.

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Re: Is the x220 worth getting in 2018?

#30 Post by RealBlackStuff » Tue Sep 25, 2018 6:04 am

Billaboard wrote:
Sat Sep 22, 2018 6:04 pm
Shame X220T doesn't have firewire for my audio work, so I'll probably have to keep the T410 that it replaces for that.
How about this Firewire adapter? https://www.ebay.com/itm/152771685487

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