considering an i7 x220 purchase...

[sarbin]

...and would appreciate some real-world feedback from x220 owners on here on tpf. i've been reading some reviews in other forums (nbr, lenovo) that detail some troubling build quality concerns. lcd bezel deformation, lid separating, palm rest cracks, etc...

also, i'd really appreciate some feedback on a few configuration options.
- 6205 or 6250wimax wnic?
- any of the ssds worth it or better to buy post-facto?
- anyone who's gone the mSATA route ever revert and use wwan?
- based on last ?... any value in the ips display that is wwan-ready?
- warranty extension... whole-hog up front or stick with 3-yr depot and renew later?

thanks, much, in advance!

[ThinkRob]

My advice would be:

1) Skip the WiMAX unless you *know* that you have a need for it. WiMAX is a pretty rare thing in most areas, and it's not worth the hardware cost unless you know you're gonna use it.

2) Get the SSD afterwards. You can almost certainly find one cheaper.

3) No comment (no experience.)

4) Get the IPS display. No question.

5) It's generally easier to get the best warranty you can up front (if only because it'll be applied from day 1 as opposed to requiring registration later.)

i've been reading some reviews in other forums (nbr, lenovo) that detail some troubling build quality concerns. lcd bezel deformation, lid separating, palm rest cracks, etc...

Yep. Every ThinkPad in the last ten or so years has had its share of these sorts of posts. I wouldn't read too much into it.

There are ThinkPads which have had real, honest-to-goodness manufacturing or design flaws (the T400s/T410s had a bad palmrest FRU, the T4x tended to die of planar flex, the T3x had failing memory slots, the 600-series had dodgy batteries, etc.), but the X220 really doesn't seem to be one of these. The only real issue of note (IMHO) is the bezel deformation, and that seems to be a cosmetic thing only (and even then, not a guaranteed occurrence.) Personally, I'd get a warranty but I wouldn't be too worried about the X220. If you go by forum posts, every laptop from every brand sucks in every way imaginable.

[sarbin]

Thanks for replying, ThinkRob.

Guess it's a moot point now. The X220 has been removed from the Lenovo store as of my check this morning.

[erik]

call the sales line and see if they can get an order through for you.

[emtee3511]

Hi Nate -- maybe they moved the last in stock to Lenovo Outlet -- there are still new X220's there -- warranty would be an issue though

[sarbin]

call the sales line and see if they can get an order through for you.

Was a good idea, Erik, thanks.
I got nothing from the rep I talked with. They're pushing the heck outta the 230. I don't need a new tp bad enough to be talked into it by a sales person. Was just hoping to get in on the good deals as they transitioned.

[sarbin]

Hi Nate -- maybe they moved the last in stock to Lenovo Outlet -- there are still new X220's there -- warranty would be an issue though

Also a good idea, I did check that.
There are a few available, but none configured as I would have or for the same price point. More may pop up, tho, so I'll keep checking.

[erik]

Was a good idea, Erik, thanks.
I got nothing from the rep I talked with. They're pushing the heck outta the 230. I don't need a new tp bad enough to be talked into it by a sales person. Was just hoping to get in on the good deals as they transitioned.

push back and tell them you want an X220.

[sarbin]

push back and tell them you want an X220.

well... now i'm 0 for 2, Erik.

[91011]

Have you seen this post from earlier tonight?
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=105174