X41 vs. X32?

[bhtooefr]

The ThinkPad Dock 2631 currently does not support Linux operating system.
The ThinkPad Dock II (2877) does not support Microsoft Windows 95 or Linux operating systems.
The ThinkPad Dock and ThinkPad Dock II are not supported with the following:
ThinkPad A21e (2655) and A22e systems
ThinkPad R30, R31, and R32 systems
ThinkPad R40, R40e systems
ThinkPad R50e systems
ThinkPad X** systems

And it's not supported on any X series.

[beaker]

I am using a 2631 docking station with an X32; I originally used it with with my A22P. The 2631 docking station part is compatible with the X3* series. It is true that you can no longer call IBM tech support and ask for assistance with the part, because it is no longer sold by IBM. However, the station is supported. The driver for it is here on the X32's Software and Device Driver page.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-43800

Just in case you still don't believe me, check the title page for the hardware maintenance manual for the X3* series.

http://www.lenovo.com/think/support/sit ... MIGR-44018

The 2631 part is designated as "ThinkPad Dock (MT 2631)". The X32 is the best ultraportable Thinkpad money can buy

[asiafish]

I would say the main issue (apart from price) would be how much you want very light and thin vs. a faster hard drive and built in CD/DVD drive.

Just as a note, the X32 doesn't have a built in optical drive. It is simply a slightly bigger X40 with support for 2.5 drives, better keyboard and more "robust" construction (in my opinion at least).

Ummmm, the X32 does not have a better keyboard or more robust construction. I had an X32 and then got an X41, planning to keep the better of the two and pass the other one to a relative in need.

Needless to say, I fell in love with the X41 and use it as my primary PC. While there are many differences between the two, the biggest one other than weight for me is the keyboard. X32s all have Chicony keyboards, which aren't bad, but don't compare to the Thai NMB keyboard like the one on my X41. Some X41s have Chicony keyboards though, and I can't say if those are better or worse than the X32 keyboard.

Speed isn't too far off except for booting and launching large applications, and thats compared to a 1.8GHz X32 with a 7200 RPM drive. My 1.6GHz X41 feels very fast, and even does a great job on many games including Rome: Total War and Knight of the old Republic 2 "The Sith Lords", which are both recent and graphically demanding games.

The form factor is also much improved, with a slope to the front of the machine that makes typing more comfortable.

Best part is that Thai NMB keyboard, however, whcih is simply the best KB installed on any laptop anywhere. I've never been happier with a laptop, and this is one thing that keeps me from wanting to move up to an X60s.

[MobileGuru]

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

V100 has tons of good reviews and it's got a built in optical. Since its new I can't talk to reliability at this point in time, but the price point is there and the system flies from my trials.

MG.

[asiafish]

V100 is considerably larger and heavier than an X-series ThinkPad.

[MobileGuru]

Regarding the X32 vs X41 debate, I'd throw my hat into the X32 circle ay day of the week. While it's true that the X4 is sleeker and lighter with a smaller overall footprint, the X32 is robust and performance wise much better in my eyes. The biggest drawback to the X4 is without a doubt the drive speed, while the X32 is limited by video memory. For an ultraportable business machine that I don't plan on playing games with, the X32 is a better hitter with the faster HDD and thicker titanium/magnesium shell.

Of course, I'd give both of them away if this comparison included an X60, where you get the best of both worlds .. finally.

MG.

[asiafish]

I don't quite agree. Drive performance is terrific on the X32, but I think X41 build-quallity is better on the X41 (haven't played with an X60s yet). I've had both and find the X41 far more regidly constructed and better finished than the X32.

Video is also MUCH better on the X41. I use mine as an ultraportable business machine the way it was intended, but sometimes on those long flights or in those lonely hotel rooms I actually do use it to play games, and while it won't run Doom III very well, it will run it. Lesser games play beautifully, including Rome: Total War whcih plays in full cinematic glory.

Finally, while drive performance on the X41 cannot compare, its isn't that bad with a little optimization. Symantec Antivirus was the biggest slowdown on my X41, and once it was removed I get fairly fast boots (1:28 including POST) and very responsive performance.

Add in the much better keyboard (I have the Thai NMB, X32s all have the Chicony) and smaller/lighter form factor and I call the X41 the clear winner, unless you really need a larger than 60GB drive or do a lot of very disk-intensive work.