X41 vs. X32?

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@RT · #31 Post by **@RT** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:41 am

but

x41 has active harddrive protection system while x32 does not, doesn't it

and i wonder why x32 use 333 MHz DDR RAM instead of 400 MHz, because it's system bus is at 400 MHz

bhtooefr · #32 Post by **bhtooefr** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:31 am

Because it uses an Intel 855GME chipset, and the 855GME runs RAM at 333.

beq · #33 Post by **beq** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:44 pm

For me, it's just that with today's competition, using an X32 would make me sad that it doesn't have a built-in optical drive for its size and weight (compared to other-brand ultraportables with built-in optical)...

gst · #34 Post by **gst** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:20 pm

since i started this thread and because i received my x41 this tuesday, a small report about it:

it's much lighter than i imagined - when i put it in my backpack i hardly notice it. the harddisk clicking is there, but it doesn't really disturb. while i read some posts claiming that the x41 isn't as rugged as the x32 i think that it is more than stable enough.

the only drawback is that the cpu fan is running most of the time - even when using a lower cpu speed. is this the case with other models too (e.g. x32)?

recapitulating i can say that i'm perfectly happy with the x41 (except the fan-problem) and that i won't return it for any other model.

/gst

Yotam · #35 Post by **Yotam** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 1:38 pm

I'm glad you're happy with the X41. I really like the X41 (regular and tablet) form factor.

In my tablet the fan is always running but on very low speed and I don't hear it at all.

What I can recommend is that you lower the voltage of your CPU (see billyb thread about that), it droped my CPU temp from 59C on full CPU performance to 49C. On lowest performance (while on battery) the CPU temp is about 44C and lower. Maybe when your CPU less hot the fan runs on lower speed.

Enjoy your new thinkpad.

gst · #36 Post by **gst** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 4:07 pm

Yotam wrote:I'm glad you're happy with the X41. I really like the X41 (regular and tablet) form factor.

In my tablet the fan is always running but on very low speed and I don't hear it at all.

What I can recommend is that you lower the voltage of your CPU (see billyb thread about that), it droped my CPU temp from 59C on full CPU performance to 49C. On lowest performance (while on battery) the CPU temp is about 44C and lower. Maybe when your CPU less hot the fan runs on lower speed.

Enjoy your new thinkpad.

thanks for the hint. the fan is still running most of the time, but it seems to be a little bit slower. the strange thing is that i can't really find a connection between the cpu temperature and the fact that the fan is running (or not running). it might be related to the harddisk temperature (which is about 34°C - to 38°C) or some other value too.

/gst

Yotam · #37 Post by **Yotam** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 4:37 pm

I think it being set to always run, just change speed according to the system temp. I have to say that in any speed it runs, I can't hear it.
Also, there is a connection between CPU temp and fan speed. The fan handles all the system, not only the HDD which is the closer to it.

gst · #38 Post by **gst** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 4:52 pm

Yotam wrote:I think it being set to always run, just change speed according to the system temp. I have to say that in any speed it runs, I can't hear it.
Also, there is a connection between CPU temp and fan speed. The fan handles all the system, not only the HDD which is the closer to it.

on my system the fan doesn't always run. when i power it on the fan runs at full speed for some time and then stops when windows boots. after several minutes it starts with full speed (for some seconds) and then runs at a rather low speed. sometimes it goes back again to full speed (only for some seconds again) and then stops again.

/gst

#39 Post by **aamsel** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 11:59 pm

What "other-brand ultraportable" 12" model with built-in optical drive is built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad??

Please let me know, because I want one if it exists.

Andrew
Austin, TX

beq wrote:For me, it's just that with today's competition, using an X32 would make me sad that it doesn't have a built-in optical drive for its size and weight (compared to other-brand ultraportables with built-in optical)...

pphilipko · #40 Post by **pphilipko** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 12:08 am

aamsel wrote:What "other-brand ultraportable" 12" model with built-in optical drive is built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad??

Please let me know, because I want one if it exists.

Andrew
Austin, TX

beq wrote:For me, it's just that with today's competition, using an X32 would make me sad that it doesn't have a built-in optical drive for its size and weight (compared to other-brand ultraportables with built-in optical)...

The panasonic one is very well-built...however, it has no trackpoint.

#41 Post by **aamsel** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 12:13 am

Correct me if I am wrong (because I have never seen a Panasonic):
1.) The Panasonic is said in reviews to have a poor, dim screen?
2.) The Panasonic (like the X40/41 has a 1.8" 4200rpm hard drive that can not be upgraded.

Personally, I have no use for a Trackpoint. I realize that puts me in the vast minority around here.

Andrew
Austin, TX

pphilipko wrote:
aamsel wrote:What "other-brand ultraportable" 12" model with built-in optical drive is built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad??

Please let me know, because I want one if it exists.

Andrew
Austin, TX

The panasonic one is very well-built...however, it has no trackpoint.

gst · #42 Post by **gst** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 2:25 am

aamsel wrote:What "other-brand ultraportable" 12" model with built-in optical drive is built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad??

Please let me know, because I want one if it exists.

there's a good review about different kinds of subnotebooks at http://www.heise.de/mobil/artikel/63616/. the article itself is in german but at least the specifications of the different models (about 20) should be usable without speaking german. you can also try to use the google translation service or babelfish.

/gst

#43 Post by **aamsel** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 10:55 am

I would like to read that review, but can't find any easy way. The tools mentioned just do a little at a time, unless I am incorrect???

The problem is...not one subnotebook is "pefect" or anything really close to perfect for me.

Weighing the pros and cons of notebooks usually puts me back with a Thinkpad of one sort or another.

I continue to look for alternatives, however.

Andrew
Austin, TX

gst wrote:
aamsel wrote:What "other-brand ultraportable" 12" model with built-in optical drive is built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad??

Please let me know, because I want one if it exists.
there's a good review about different kinds of subnotebooks at http://www.heise.de/mobil/artikel/63616/. the article itself is in german but at least the specifications of the different models (about 20) should be usable without speaking german. you can also try to use the google translation service or babelfish.

/gst

bigscreen · #44 Post by **bigscreen** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 1:28 pm

Thanks, but I don't really need that kind of information, if I could translate it.

Great. And please don't forget that all posters here are volunteers and offer their advice and answers for free, be it good or bad.

That review, by the way, comes from an appreciated German computer magazine. They not only evaluated plain hardware specifications, but also build quality, specialties and weaknesses of the 20 most recent ultraportables. Exactly what you asked for, simply not in English.

#45 Post by **aamsel** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 2:05 pm

Sorry, didn't mean for my reply to sound as it did...in fact, I reworded it!

Is there any easier way to translate that review?
I have tried both methods mentioned, and they are quite weak in the translated material provided.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Andrew
Austin, TX

gst · #46 Post by **gst** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:43 pm

hello,

aamsel wrote:Sorry, didn't mean for my reply to sound as it did...in fact, I reworded it!

Is there any easier way to translate that review?
I have tried both methods mentioned, and they are quite weak in the translated material provided.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Andrew
Austin, TX

no problem.

because of the translation: i currently don't know any better automated translation service than google. some (very few) of the heise.de articles are also released in english but this one is in german only.

bye,
/gst

#47 Post by **aamsel** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:23 pm

If you have 20-30 minutes on your hands, would you consider translating "page #2 - Displays" for me?
If you could I would greatly appreciate it.
I am most interested in what they are saying on that page, but I have found no good way to translate it.

I have tried every possible method, and don't know anyone that speaks fluent German.

If you decide to, please PM it to me, or PM me and I will send you my email address.

If you don't have the time, I completely understand.

Thanks,
Andrew
Austin, TX

gst wrote:hello,

no problem.

because of the translation: i currently don't know any better automated translation service than google. some (very few) of the heise.de articles are also released in english but this one is in german only.

bye,
/gst

beq · #48 Post by **beq** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:22 pm

aamsel wrote:What "other-brand ultraportable" 12" model with built-in optical drive is built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad??

Please let me know, because I want one if it exists.

beq wrote:For me, it's just that with today's competition, using an X32 would make me sad that it doesn't have a built-in optical drive for its size and weight (compared to other-brand ultraportables with built-in optical)...

In the past I recall having looked at the Fujitsu LifeBook ultraportables (and a few others), but I don't remember if there were any with 12.1" screen. They also have some models with PDA-style touchscreen displays, and also the more traditional Tablet PC models with digitizer screen. I have a bad memory so might have to look up the specs more carefully... But my point was that the X32's 3.6 lbs weight (without any optical drive) almost seems too heavy for its class?

LifeBook S7000: 14.1" screen, 4.3 lbs with optical drive
LifeBook S6000/S2000: 13.3" screen, 4 lbs with optical drive
LifeBook P7000: 10.6" widescreen, 3.3 lbs with optical drive

I'd also looked at ultracheap ultraportables recently, and reviews say the Averatec models have great specs for the price. Plus they look like Apple PowerBooks

Anyone ever used one?

4100 series: 13.3" widescreen, 4.2 lbs with optical drive
3700 series: 12.1" screen, 4.2 lbs with optical drive
1000 series: 10.6" widescreen, 3.6 lbs with optical drive

A glance at Dynamism also showed Panasonic and Sony Japanese models with with built-in optical, but I'm not familiar with them...

Panasonic Y4: 14.1" screen, 3.37 lbs with optical drive
Panasonic W4: 12.1" screen, 2.64 lbs with optical drive
Sony Vaio TX90: 11.1" widescreen, 2.75 lbs with optical drive

(They also list other superlight ultraportables without optical drive such as the Panasonic R4 and T4, and the Samsung Q30 which IIRC is the original of the Dell X200?)

Edit: Actually now that I looked it up, the Panasonic sounds interesting for the specs/weight, and Dynamism said these models are built to withstand especially rough shocks and treatments. Anyone familiar with them?

#49 Post by **aamsel** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:31 pm

My question was "What "other-brand ultraportable" 12" model with built-in optical drive is built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad??".

Having looked at many, many, many notebooks and having read countless reviews and opinions on them, I think that the answer may be "NONE".

I have seen many Fujitsu's and they are NOT Thinkpad quality. They are much more flimsy. So are the Averatecs. Of course, to get optical in a notebook that light, flimsiness may be a given.

There may be no ultraportable (other than Apple) built to the same level of quality as an X series Thinkpad. I have no desire to own Apple, but I didn't particularly like the screen on the 12" Powerbook. Also, the text didn't look very good on it, which is, somewhat an "Apple thing" since they don't have TrueType. Don't know.

As for the Panasonics, the "knock" on them has been that the displays are quite dim. If you do consider one, try laptopsinc.com. dynamism.com sells US and the non-US models (Japanese) for higher prices. Dynamism gets great reviews from publications (they are advertisers after all), but there prices are very high.

Has anyone heard anything about the Sharp M4000 Widenote? It is supposed to have a 300 cd/m2 brightness screen! (although I am quite sure it is a glossy display, which would kill it for me. CAN'T TAKE THE GLARE!!)

Andrew
Austin, TX

LumberJack · #50 Post by **LumberJack** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:39 pm

Agreed. Simply put the X31 / X32 is the most superior ultraportable I have used and love it. I can smoke a powerbook. Any other taiwanese plastic junk doesn't come close to build quality and keyboard and stuff. They may have a higher resolution, and or optical drive but not enough flash to take me away from my TP.

Plus an ultraportable should stay true. Small light and durable to be moved around lots. There are so many ways to connect to stuff why do you need an optical drive? and if by chance you do... then connect to any of the other tons of computers with one in the area...

2c...

LJ

#51 Post by **aamsel** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:47 pm

And the X40/41 would be superior in almost every regard to the X31/32, with the exception of hard drive speed. Thinner, lighter, newer video card in the X41 (although integrated, much more up to date than the 16MB Mobility Radeon). Some say the keyboard is better on the X31/32. Also, there is the argument that once you put a "useable" battery (8 cell) on the X40/41, you are at almost the X31/32 weight.

But the X40/41 is smaller and thinner, period.

Darn it! So many notebooks, so little time!! (I think that was supposed to be "women"!!)

Andrew
Austin, TX

LumberJack wrote:Agreed. Simply put the X31 / X32 is the most superior ultraportable I have used and love it. I can smoke a powerbook. Any other taiwanese plastic junk doesn't come close to build quality and keyboard and stuff. They may have a higher resolution, and or optical drive but not enough flash to take me away from my TP.

Plus an ultraportable should stay true. Small light and durable to be moved around lots. There are so many ways to connect to stuff why do you need an optical drive? and if by chance you do... then connect to any of the other tons of computers with one in the area...

2c...

LJ

LumberJack · #52 Post by **LumberJack** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:59 pm

AND...

When I need to I can run Solidworks, Matlab, Maya... take your pic on this little baby and it takes it!! Works great with non memory intense stuff.

LJ

gst · #53 Post by **gst** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 3:01 pm

just fyi, i've written a small article which covers a summary of the reasons why i decided for the X41 (if someone else reading this thread at a later date does have the same problem deciding between the two).

the url is: https://web.sysfrog.org/plone/div/x41

/gst

pphilipko · #54 Post by **pphilipko** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:46 pm

LumberJack wrote:Agreed. Simply put the X31 / X32 is the most superior ultraportable I have used and love it. I can smoke a powerbook. Any other taiwanese plastic junk doesn't come close to build quality and keyboard and stuff. They may have a higher resolution, and or optical drive but not enough flash to take me away from my TP.

Plus an ultraportable should stay true. Small light and durable to be moved around lots. There are so many ways to connect to stuff why do you need an optical drive? and if by chance you do... then connect to any of the other tons of computers with one in the area...

2c...

LJ

Careful of what you spew out. Taiwan does NOT make junk, unless you call the motherboards in our thinkpads junk. Many of our computer parts originate from Taiwan, so you are sadly misinformed.

In fact, Taiwan is becoming more of a "threat" to Japan every year, with electronics sales increasing every year. Analysts predict that by 2008, Taiwan will supersede Japan in terms of electronics sales.

No, they are not selling junk.

#55 Post by **aamsel** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:40 pm

That is an indesputable fact.

Andrew
Austin, TX

pphilipko wrote:...No, they (Taiwan) are not selling junk.

Erez · #56 Post by **Erez** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 6:00 pm

I am also checking these 2 alternatives (X32 & X41). Having read all the comments here and elsewhere, I realize that from a cost/performance point of view X32 is a better choice. The only issue that bothers me is when IBM is going to discontinue the X3 line (i.e. the X32 model). I heard rumors that it is very soon. On the other hand, does it really matter? If I take the 3-year warranty than why should I care?

Other issue that bothers me a little with the X32 is the ability to run Windows Vista with all its new AERO UI.

Any insights?

#57 Post by **aamsel** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 6:30 pm

If you want to run Vista with Aero enabled, forget both X32 and X41. Neither are going to run it. The T42 with 9600 won't run it, because 128MB video RAM and AGP 8X are needed, which the T series doesn't have.

Andrew
Austin, TX

Erez wrote:...Other issue that bothers me a little with the X32 is the ability to run Windows Vista with all its new AERO UI.

Any insights?

LumberJack · #58 Post by **LumberJack** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:23 pm

pphilipko wrote:
LumberJack wrote:Agreed. Simply put the X31 / X32 is the most superior ultraportable I have used and love it. I can smoke a powerbook. Any other taiwanese plastic junk doesn't come close to build quality and keyboard and stuff. They may have a higher resolution, and or optical drive but not enough flash to take me away from my TP.

Plus an ultraportable should stay true. Small light and durable to be moved around lots. There are so many ways to connect to stuff why do you need an optical drive? and if by chance you do... then connect to any of the other tons of computers with one in the area...

2c...

LJ
Careful of what you spew out. Taiwan does NOT make junk, unless you call the motherboards in our thinkpads junk. Many of our computer parts originate from Taiwan, so you are sadly misinformed.

In fact, Taiwan is becoming more of a "threat" to Japan every year, with electronics sales increasing every year. Analysts predict that by 2008, Taiwan will supersede Japan in terms of electronics sales.

No, they are not selling junk.

Yes yes.. you are correct of course. I was thinking in terms of consumer products and not raw components... yes Asus makes amazing mobo's and the like, but i'm not too impressed with their laptops although they are better than Dell. Same goes for Gigabyte, Acer and anyone else you care to name.

LJ

beaker · #59 Post by **beaker** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 7:41 am

X32 all the way on the basis of price for performance. Not only is it cheaper than X41 and has better performance, but also you can buy a 2631 docking station for $10 - 15.

Erez · #60 Post by **Erez** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 2:37 pm

beaker wrote:X32 all the way on the basis of price for performance. Not only is it cheaper than X41 and has better performance, but also you can buy a 2631 docking station for $10 - 15.

Now I'm confused. What's the difference between this 2631 docking station and the X3 Ultrabase?

The X3 Ultrabase is priced here in Israel at around $150.

X41 vs. X32?

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