X200/X201/X220 which of the 3 is the best all around?

[Hans Gruber]

Assuming a high clock CPU in the X200 2.4ghz and a 2.4ghz or higher in the X201. I know the Sandy Bridge architecture is far superior to the X200/x201. Are they the same with regard to chasis and features? Assume that each would have an SSD. I know the X220 is SATA III.

There are no discussions if cost is not an object between the x200/x201/x220 with the non chicklet keyboards. With regard to fit, finish and feel of each respective X series thinkpad.

I want to get an X series either a X200/X201/X220.

[axur-delmeria]

Performance-wise, the X220 beats the previous two hands-down.

Storage-wise, the X220 also wins because it has an mSATA slot, which means you can have an SSD and HDD at the same time. However, take note that the X220 only fits HDDs that are 7mm tall, so if you're transferring your old HDD, check its height first.

Display-wise, the X200 and X201 can make use of the X200s' 1440x900 TN screen (needs a complete lid assembly though), while the X220 can be modified to use a Full HD (19020x1080) IPS screen. Which one is better? It depends on whether you want/need the wide viewing angles or not, and whether your eyes can take the high-DPI screen.

X200 and X201 would also be picky with regards to RAM, while the X220 not as much.

[Tasurinchi]

Display-wise, the X200 and X201 can make use of the X200s' 1440x900 TN screen (needs a complete lid assembly though), while the X220 can be modified to use a Full HD (19020x1080) IPS screen

This is true, however, the 1440x900 is a plug&play work if you a get a complete lid, or a little more fiddling required if you need to assemble the different parts together separately.

The FHD mod in the X220 is much difficult IMO. If I remember correctly, it requires soldering in the X220 board and a special adapter, plus some rework in the bezel...

[Hans Gruber]

Thank you for the advice and information. With regard to the "S" versions of the x200/201/220. Do the S series all have lower speed CPU's for power savings? They seem to be in the 1.6ghz-1.8ghz range. What is the fastest processor available in the x200s/x201s/x220s?

[Puppy]

What is the fastest processor available in the x200s/x201s/x220s?

There is no X220s. There was Core i7-2620M configuration. You can also get USB 3.0 port with i7 configurations. I'd go for X220 despite of low display resolution.

Another question, do you need it to create or consume content ? If the latter I'd pick a tablet with external keyboard or 2-in-1 device. X220 is actually bigger than it looks because of 6-cell battery. Another issue is noisy high-pitching fan.

[carshinebob]

if cost is not an object .

With little doubt the X220 with an i7 wins the speed and processing contest. I haven't noticed much difference in build quality on these X machines except that used tablets seem to get beat-up more then laptops. I would add that I run 3 X201's in my household (one each for my wife and two kids) and the only reason that I chose that model is price. So if price is off the table, x220 is an easy winner. ~BOB

[brchan]

To add, the X200/X201 lids are stiffer than the ones on the X220/X230 and don't have the antenna lid separation issue over time. You also get latches on the X200/X201, but the X220/X230 have superior water resistance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6K6Cxi2DVY

[xsixt]

One argument to consider is 16:10 vs 16:9 if that's important to you.

On a 12" screen which is physically short, I would assume that the X201 (16:10) is a bit more usable, especially for web, word, etc.

[ajkula66]

It really depends on what one intends to use the machine for...

If processing power is a requirement, X220 wins hands down and by many margins. IPS screen is a must and i7 is a good idea if you don't mind some extra heat.

If you just need "on the go" system, X200s with 1440x900 LCD would be my pick. Great battery life and respectable performance for light work.

[Hans Gruber]

I think I will get several. Probably an x200s, x200 and x201. Do the X200 models take 1333mhz memory or do they need 1066mhz memory if I want to go the 8GB route? I have read they can handle 8GB of memory but that the X200 models are picky about which ram will work in an 8GB configuration. Also are the keyboards and palm rests the same on the S models and the non S models in the x200 and x201 series.

[jdrou]

What is the fastest processor available in the x200s/x201s/x220s?

There was Core i7-2620M configuration.

Also the refreshed version with i7-2640M (which I have).

Do the X200 models take 1333mhz memory or do they need 1066mhz memory if I want to go the 8GB route? I have read they can handle 8GB of memory but that the X200 models are picky about which ram will work in an 8GB configuration. Also are the keyboards and palm rests the same on the S models and the non S models in the x200 and x201 series.

Major issue I believe is to make sure you use 2Rx8 and not 1Rx8 but there's a whole thread on compatibility: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=118247
X200 might only run at PC3-8500 speed but most faster modules should work.

[Hans Gruber]

What is the fastest processor available in the x200s/x201s/x220s?

There was Core i7-2620M configuration.

Also the refreshed version with i7-2640M (which I have).

Do the X200 models take 1333mhz memory or do they need 1066mhz memory if I want to go the 8GB route? I have read they can handle 8GB of memory but that the X200 models are picky about which ram will work in an 8GB configuration. Also are the keyboards and palm rests the same on the S models and the non S models in the x200 and x201 series.

Major issue I believe is to make sure you use 2Rx8 and not 1Rx8 but there's a whole thread on compatibility: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=118247
X200 might only run at PC3-8500 speed but most faster modules should work.

I ordered a Samsung 8GB kit of the PC3-8500 low density memory with 8 memory modules on each side vs. the high density 4 memory modules on each side of the ram stick. I have G-skill 8GB kits of 1333mhz which is backwards compatible with the PC3-8500 motherboards.

Are the keyboards and palm rests the same on the x200/x200s and the x201/x201s models?

[RealBlackStuff]

Keyboards are the same.
Palmrests are different.
The X201/s palmrest with touchpad and/or FPR will fit, but CANNOT connect to X200/s motherboard.
X200/s palmrest with FPR will fit, but CANNOT connect to X201/s motherboard.

[Hans Gruber]

I just got picked up an X200. Are the keyboards and palm rests interchangeable between the X200 and X200s models? I will be adding an X200s to my collection shortly. These are sturdy little machines.

[RealBlackStuff]

Yup.
Just in case: I have a nice X200s with WXGA+ (LED, 1440x900) for sale.
PM me if interested.