Two Questions (Camera Removal & Buying Advice Reg. Fujitsu)

[Old Abe]

I'd first like to say that I have been reading this forum for years. I've just now created an account. I'm a long-time X series user.

A little over a month ago I received my core i7 X220 which replaced my X200. I'm really glad I maxed out the system as I've just read that they are abandoning the classic keyboard and moving to the chiclet keys. In my mind this is unacceptable.

I don't have a problem with the chiclet keyboard. In fact, on any other line of notebooks I would be very glad to have it. I own an x100e (that was the worst "ThinkPad" I have ever encountered. It literally overheats regularly to the point of emergency shutdown. I almost never use it.) that uses the keyboard and it is a dream to type on. In fact, I believe that the way the curved keys force your fingertips to the center actually enhance accuracy. That said, it isn't the ThinkPad keyboard. The legacy keyboard, at least for me, feels faster; less encumbering somehow. Then there is the issue with the position of keys being moved as well as removing an entire row but I digress.

I'm really writing to inquire if it is possible to do some kind of modification where I remove webcam. I'm an information security consultant and I sometimes have to go secure environments where notebooks with cameras are strictly forbidden. When I configured my X220 I struggled with this component for a couple of days actually as I have far more use for a superior antenna array than I do for a camera. The only reason I settled on the camera option is because I find myself less in those secure offices than I used to and also because I thought I would be upgrading to the next X series refresh before long and not having a camera lowers the resale value for when I desired to trade in. Naturally, I've discovered that I will be in very frequently in the coming months.

What are the minimal components that I can exchange/remove to get rid of the camera. Ideally I would be purchasing a new front bezel (that horribly cheap plastic bit that Lenovo should be ashamed of) and no trace of a camera would visible. Additionally, I would very much prefer (for security reasons) to remove the internal camera and cables (I assume I must for the aforementioned operation anyway). Ideally, I would hope to do this in a non-damaging, replaceable fashion. I'm afraid that in the end I will have to replace the whole lid assembly and regretfully snip away the camera cables.

My second query:

To be perfectly honest, I am altogether disappointed with the build quality of my X220. The plastic bezel is awful. My IPS screen looks horribly yellow (Yes, I am aware that IPS is generally on the warm side. Yes, I have tampered with the settings). The palm rest on the left side essentially relocates into the ExpressCard slot with rest my wrists on it. I don't remotely have heavy arms. The power port wobbles beyond my comfort zone. The trackpad should have never made it past the early stages of development and testing - it screams Chinese toy (I would have greatly preferred their leaving one out altogether). The underside of the front edge has very unfinished plastic manufacturing "seams" (the proper term escapes me) that seem like they should have been sanded off. The little plastic bit below the screen that bares the model logo is off-centre. Though it may seem as though I am incredibly particular, I am not. The general design is fantastic. The keyboard still rings true as does the fine metal body. I'm just tired of seeing the once noble ThinkPad line deteriorating. Now with China moving to the inferior keyboard because it is cheaper and can be fit into slimmer, pseudo-ThinkPads I find myself looking at replacements. My question: does anyone have any real, personal experience with Fujitsu sytems? More particularly, their professional line. I'm looking specifically at the P771 and I like what I see.

Pros:

- Size. 12.1" (I no longer purchase notebooks larger than 13". In fact, 13" is a bit on the large side for me.
- Power. Not exactly a work horse but it packs the low voltage core i7 that, if memory serves, are about %75 percent of the speed of the i7 X220. Enough to meet my mobile needs. The i7 also provides vPro
- Exchangeable bay. Change between empty for lightweight portability, DVD drive, spare HDD/SSD drive, extended battery, and (this one is really different) a pico projector.
- All the ports of the X220 including my absolute must have, ExpressCard 54. USB 3.0. Optional Port replicator/expansion unit.
- Includes fingerprint reader, TPM 1.2, security features on the mainboard (boot etc.)
- Supposedly the interior is a nice, fortified, magnesium body.

Cons:

- NO TRACKPOINT (I'm not sure I can do without this one but I'm willing to try)
- Inferior keyboard. At least, I assume so.
- Plastic outside that I quite dislike. A piano finish on the lid that looks like it was made to show fingerprints and grime.
- Starts at around $1700

I'm really pining to give Fujitsu a try. If I end up ordering a notebook I also intend to purchase a lower end server model to also asses. Some colleagues I've run into in my industry have had really great things to say about the quality of manufacture with Fujitsu servers. Another option I am considering is the quirky Panasonic "Let's Note J10". It is supposedly in the class of the ToughBook line in design. I suggest looking at pictures without the sleeve: http://ec-club.panasonic.jp/mall/mylets ... _spec.html (Scroll down page to view image of system.)

I really, truly thank anyone that has taken the time to read through this novel and especially to those that might share any suggestions or thoughts.

Sincerely,

Abe

[ZaZ]

My experience with my X220i is the exact opposite. It's as good as any ThinkPad I've used. Fit and finish are great on mine. Sure, the IPS could be better, but at $50 it's an absolute no-brainer. I mean in the ultraportable segment, what's out there that's better? I'd agree the touchpad is lame and aesthetically it looks better off without it, but at least you can disable it.

I'm sure you take the camera out of the X220, but keep in mind once you open the LCD housing your warranty will be suspect. You might be better off selling it and getting the X220 you want without the camera.

I don't know much about Fujitsus except they didn't get the memo that notebook prices in the last five years have dropped like a rock.