Why is the X series so popular in Japan?

[excal32]

I brought my trusty X61 on a trip to japan. Worked wonderfully, especially with all their 802.11a access points!!!

However I'd go into used computer shops, and right along with all the new and far more modern machines..... X60's and X61's were on display for... I kid you not..... the equivalent of $275 for a X60 and up to $400 for a X61.

Not in any discernable better condition than any of mine.

What gives?! Should I be stockpiling X61's and move to Japan and open a store?

[rkawakami]

Space, being somewhat of a premium in Japan, probably explains some of it. The X series is among the smallest / compact / lightest Thinkpad systems.

[jaspen-meyer]

Are you sure they were stock x60's and x61's?

On the chinese thinkpad forums there are lots of those models for sale with exotic cpus (P8800, P9600, etc)

[ajkula66]

Space, being somewhat of a premium in Japan, probably explains some of it. The X series is among the smallest / compact / lightest Thinkpad systems.

^^^^^

This.

Once you get accustomed to Japanese-market-only Panasonic laptops such as R series, X61 looks positively huge...

[shawross]

The specs of these machines would be interesting to know indeed. But we don't know if they are selling for those prices.

In the US these machines were more abundant but that is not the case everywhere and supply and demand has to be factored in here.

The Japanese obviously are conscious and appreciative of quality amongst all the cheap laptops on the market.

Earlier multi-core X series Thinkpads are obviously not cutting edge technology today but will still happily run Windows 10. IMHO

I think for quality X series Thinkpads there will always be a market, now and into the future.

[excal32]

The specs of these machines would be interesting to know indeed. But we don't know if they are selling for those prices.

In the US these machines were more abundant but that is not the case everywhere and supply and demand has to be factored in here.

The Japanese obviously are conscious and appreciative of quality amongst all the cheap laptops on the market.

Earlier multi-core X series Thinkpads are obviously not cutting edge technology today but will still happily run Windows 10. IMHO

I think for quality X series Thinkpads there will always be a market, now and into the future.

I would have to find a picture (I took several), and I assumed they might be highly upgraded with very nice parts, but the ones I saw boasted only stock specs. not even SSD's, maybe an extra GB of RAM.

Interesting to know- maybe next time I go over there i'll stockpile on em. Windows XP is still surprisingly popular out there...

[excal32]

Space, being somewhat of a premium in Japan, probably explains some of it. The X series is among the smallest / compact / lightest Thinkpad systems.

The one thing I just thought, however, is you;d see stuff like the X61 or X200 (not even 201) for $300-500... used.

Yet you could go into a Bic Camera or etc. and find a brand new, more powerful and slimmer laptop for 600-1000?

surely a core 2 duo X series can't hold THAT much value, can it?

[jaspen-meyer]

surely a core 2 duo X series can't hold THAT much value, can it?

For most people, a computer's a computer's a computer's a computer. Take this case as an example, "My computer is broken. I need a computer for school/work/travel/my (someone). I can't afford a new one, they are too expensive. I will go to the store and see if they have any USED computers."

Here's another case.

"My computer is really slow lately. I don't know why. I bought it a few years ago, it was the cheapest model in the store. I guess you get what you pay for and I guess I need a new computer. There's a computer at the shop which is ONLY $300 and the guy says it is faster than my compuer. All of the other models are TWICE as expensive! That's a good deal!"

There are x61s listed on ebay for 500 euro.

My daily driver is an x60s and it's as fast as any windows machine, I've tried.

Admin edit: Corrected quoting attribution.

[tarvoke]

X is X.

[TonyJZX]

The X series is pretty damm popular outside of Japan too.

We obviously do not see the elevated prices (thank god) but the X200/201/220s are a firm favourite. The X61 is a tad too old when I see piles of 200s piled up the wholesalers.

I think that the X makes a lot of compromises people dont like... ie. the lack of touchpad in some models and the lack of CD in all models... (yes I am surprised as you are... some people out there still use opticals).

On the road, the X, sensibly chosen, has all the power of a full sized laptop with more than a 1/3rd less mass and size.

[tarvoke]

The X series is pretty damm popular outside of Japan too.

...

I think that the X makes a lot of compromises people dont like... ie. the lack of touchpad in some models

oh, hell to the no. the lack of trackpad ***IS A FEATURE***

X is X.

I will annoy you all with detail:

- 600X, ?unknown?, ?my wife bought it for me?
- X31, ajkula66
- X61t, again, wife
- X200t, emeraldgirl
- X2001[sic Frankie], emeraldgirl FTW!!!
- X220t, ajkula66, typing on RIGHT NOW! but, touchpad
- X200s, erik? (this is basically the cleanest best thinkpad I have ever owned)
- X60t, NorrisCell (wait no I bought like 17 X61t from you too?)

[TPFanatic]

Sometimes the trackpoint makes my finger hurt and the touchpad is easier... probably I need to turnthe sensitivity over to "light touch" some more. The stock trackpoint settings will kill you.

[shawross]

I believe the Trackpoint is a must have feature especially for something immediately in front of you or on your lap.

If I have a laptop up to a meter in front of me I have to begrudgingly use a mouse.

I am sometimes on my computer for more than 10 hours and I don't get a sore finger.

[jaspen-meyer]

My right arm, from the wrist, across the top side of my forearm, to the elbow is constantly sore since switch to the trackpoint.

edit: changed 'forum' to 'forearm'

[rkawakami]

...the top side of my forum, ...

??? Forearm? Spellcheck gone wild?

[brchan]

My right arm, from the wrist, across the top side of my forum, to the elbow is constantly sore since switch to the trackpoint.

Are you resting your palm on the palmrest or keeping it in the air? For me, the most optimal position for using the trackpoint is:

1. Resting palm on the palmrest
2. Placing index finger on trackpoint
3. Thumb on left or middeclick buttons
4. Middle, ring, and pinky fingers on 'j', 'k', and '>' keys, respectively.

[tarvoke]

...the top side of my forum, ...

??? Forearm? Spellcheck gone wild?

too funny!!!

also? my forum has never once gotten sore from any Trackpoint. but... I have gotten weird dents in my right index finger. a lot.