Help deciding between ThinkPad X120e vs ThinkPad Edge E125

[elzafir]

Guys, I'm looking to buy a new "netbook" or ultraportable ThinkPad.
I got my eyes set on these two:

ThinkPad X120e
CPU: AMD E-350
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6310
HDD: 320GB
RAM: 2GB DDR3
Screen-size: 11.6"

or

ThinkPad Edge E125
CPU: AMD E-450
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6320
HDD: 320GB
RAM: 2GB DDR3
Screen-size: 11.6"

I absolutely must have the 11.6" screen, I wouldn't go any bigger. Glossy/matte is not a problem, but matte is of course better. I won't be doing outside work anyways. And for the specs, I don't see it matters too much, AFAIK AMD E-350 vs E-450 only differ in the slightest. I opted not to go for Core i3, because in my opinion, the AMD APU is enough for my mobile work (which involves Excel, browsing, and some very light gaming). Harddisk space is also not a problem, since I would probably replace 'em with SSD. RAM would be upgraded as soon as I got my hands on it. I also doesn't mind the bulging battery on the X120e. And the price difference is negligible (for me at least).

I have had experience with ThinkPad X61 when I worked at IBM and I absolutely love the durability of the little thing. So, I'm mainly going for another ThinkPad for its extra strong hinges, spill-resistant keyboard, and general durability of the ThinkPad line.

Now, the conundrum:
While I absolutely love BOTH of the X120e and Edge E125 form factors, I wonder about the build quality of the machines. Which has the stronger hinges? Which offers better build quality? Which is smaller? Which is generally better? And which offer the best battery life? (although I suspect battery life wouldn't be that different between those two).

So, basically, what I'm asking is: IF both machines offers the EXACT SAME hardware specs and price, which one would you choose, and why?

NB. I'm inclined to go with the X120e, because I heard the Edge series is not as durable as the OG ThinkPads. I wanna know what you guys think.

[RealBlackStuff]

I would buy an X61 or X61s instead.
It's 4:3 screen format offers more vertical space, and can be souped up to 8GB RAM.
With a bit of money and DIY extra, you can even put in SXGA+ (1400x1050).
With the extended battery you can get ca. 8 hours running out of 1 charge.
The Edge is not even considered a real Thinkpad.

[elray]

If you're not going for the i3, I'd stick with the X120e, which has the same exact footprint as an X100, and thus fits on airline serving tray or steering-wheel desk with 2" to spare versus the X121e / Edge E120/E125.

(See the 4th post with side-by-side comparison pictures)
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=99403

While I agree with RBS that an X61 with SXGA+ mod would be a preferable alternative, obtaining such, or worse, trying to do the mod yourself, is far from simple, and in fact, will cost more, than a new X120e or E125, without the benefit of warranty service.

[elzafir]

I would buy an X61 or X61s instead.
It's 4:3 screen format offers more vertical space, and can be souped up to 8GB RAM.
With a bit of money and DIY extra, you can even put in SXGA+ (1400x1050).
With the extended battery you can get ca. 8 hours running out of 1 charge.
The Edge is not even considered a real Thinkpad.

On X60/X61, I agree that the battery is remarkable on that machine. I've used it before, although it was the company's ThinkPad. But, I feel that the size of X60/61 is too big for my taste, being a 12" notebook. I prefer 16:9 form factor, not for the screen, but for the whole notebook itself. I feel a wider but shorter notebook is easier to handle than a 4:3.

What do you think about X120e vs E125?

If you're not going for the i3, I'd stick with the X120e, which has the same exact footprint as an X100, and thus fits on airline serving tray or steering-wheel desk with 2" to spare versus the X121e / Edge E120/E125.

(See the 4th post with side-by-side comparison pictures)
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=99403

While I agree with RBS that an X61 with SXGA+ mod would be a preferable alternative, obtaining such, or worse, trying to do the mod yourself, is far from simple, and in fact, will cost more, than a new X120e or E125, without the benefit of warranty service.

Ah, yes. The X120e does have the smaller footprint. It is also my preference. I like things small.

On the design side? What do you think about E125 build quality vs the X120e?
I need my laptop to last 2-3 years without breaking/cracking because of excessive amount of movement due to travel.

On the hinges:
From your link, I see that the X120e has the more or less same hinges like the other ThinkPads, i.e. attached to the main tray. While the E125's hinges is attached to the screen. I have bad experience with laptop like that, although it was a low-end Clevo laptop.

How does the hinges compared between the two laptop? Does the X120e inherit the durability of the ThinkPad line? Or does Lenovo skimped to save cost?

I do agree with RealBlackStuff that the Edge is not considered a "real" ThinkPad. But as I have no previous experience with the Edge line, I need your opinion. There's a little voice inside of my head that says, "Edge is a 'refined' ThinkPad, so it must be better". Although I like both designs, I do prefer the "all business, no nonsense" approach of the original ThinkPads.

I need more thoughts on the X120e vs E125 guys. Much appreciated.

[elray]

I don't have access to an X121e or an Edge E120/125, thanks to the usual anti-American bias we see from Lenovo; me thinks they're still smarting from Jiang's 767.

While our esteemed colleagues on this forum condemn the Edge series as unworthy of their title, the previously cited review suggests that the X121e and the E120 are in fact, the same hardware.

Don't know if that means the X121e is deficient - I would have considered it for the battery life and i3, but I am instead offered only an even heavier, clunkier, and more expensive Thinkpad-R-US in the X130.

Lenovo moved the hinge point to contain the battery - yet another indicator that engineering is losing out to marketing and "design". (So what else is new?)

If I were you, I'd buy the X120e over the newer model.

[underclocker]

I've owned the X100e, X120e and Edge E120 (which, as noted, is essentially an X121e). All are nice and fast enough with an SSD. The X100e and X120e can be more compact with 3 cell vs. 6 cell batteries. However, since all of these models are nearly the same price, especially used, I'd lean toward an i3 CPU model. The battery life is far superior, about double, and the CPU is noticeably faster.

I think the Intel cpu Edge 11 can also be considered. The Edge 11 offer both AMD and Intel i3 cpus.

All feel fairly durable and all are pretty good choices.

I've settled on an Edge E120 for now. I also owned an X60s, but the performance, battery life and webcam make the E120 preferable, for me.