X32 v. T42

[asiafish]

Okay, I have a T42p (2373GVU) and am currently mulling over trading it for an X32 with ultrabase. Both are 1.8GHz Pentium M, so processing power stays about the same, and I understand VERY well the drastic reduction in video ability (no more gaming).

What I want to know is about reliability of the X32 and real-world battery life. Also, while I don't expect to play Doom III on it, are the graphics up for high-quality DVD movie playback, which I do care about?

I would be getting it with the standard 6 cell battery (only choice for maincell on X32) and the extended battery. Does anyone have this combination, and if so, with screen halfway and wireless off, what is the average runtime (as opposed to marketing claims).

Currently I am working as a lawyer in Los Angeles and am constantly running all over the city, making small size and light weight more important than the ability to play high-end games and enjoy a large screen, which was my priority when purchasing the T42p. Is the X32 the best option here, or is performance on the X41 good enough to be a primary comptuer (I don't use a desktop at all).

Finally, not sure if it will be possible to image the X32's hard drive with my T42p image (and install changed device drivers) to preserve my network and other settings. If that is not possible, is there some tool to migrate to the new laptop easily while preserving my settings? My office had to bring in a computer consultant to get my T42p communicating properly with our ancient NT4 domain server, and they wouldn't like to pay him again.

Thank you all in advance.

Andrew

[bhtooefr]

Image compatibility for easier rollouts... The ThinkPad T42 and T41 preloaded software is image-compatible with ThinkPad X40, X31, T40, R51, R50, and R40 models. This makes for easier rollouts and helps save time and reduce costs by simplifying deployment and image management — great for enterprises rolling out a combination of models.

The difference between the T41 and T42 is the processor.

The difference between the X31 and X32 is the processor.

If it's image-compatible with the X31, it's image-compatible with the X32.

[asiafish]

So if they are image compatible, I can just move the hard drive from a T4x to an X3x and it will just work?

[bhtooefr]

Yep. Go for it

[joprodse]

4-4,5 hours of basic "officework" with screen dimmed to 3 and W-LAN and bluetooth swithed on. Centrino Hardwarecontroll set to "Max Battery" (2,0Ghz processor runs at 600mhz) I'm quite happy with the batterylife of my new X32, my X30 was about 2,5-3 hours with the PIII 1,2Ghz processor.
DVD-Playback works just fine

[asiafish]

Is that with just the main cell, or the main PLUS the extended?

[brainpicker]

So if they are image compatible, I can just move the hard drive from a T4x to an X3x and it will just work?

asiafish...

I had an T42. Did a fresh install on its 7K60 and used it for a while. Took it out and used it in an X31 I owned. Worked fine. Took it out again and used it in a T40. Still works fine. If I get another T42 I'll stick it in that and I expect it to work fine again. From what I hear from my IT friend the T40 and X31 used practically the same MB and important parts and likewise with the X32 and T42. In fact their images are designed to work between those models for businesses that need such a convenience.

Yak

[asiafish]

Thank you, that makes moving to an X MUCH EASIER. Now the hard part, X32 or X41.

[joprodse]

Is that with just the main cell, or the main PLUS the extended?

Thats with the main cell ONLY

[bhtooefr]

The X41 doesn't give you anywhere near that flexibility. It uses a different chipset, which means that (IIRC) it's image-compatible with the T43, but not the T42.

Also, the hard drives aren't compatible.

If you want an X4x, look at the X40. It's image-compatible with the T42.

[MobileGuru]

Thank you, that makes moving to an X MUCH EASIER. Now the hard part, X32 or X41.

All depends on what you are going to be doing with it. I use my X41 as a main workstation these days, doing emails and mostly work related stuff, but the 1.8" drive is much slower than the drive I have installed in my X32, and the performance suffers as a result. The X4 is a great machine, don't get me wrong, but the X32 is a much more performing model for daily usage.

N.

[asiafish]

Well, I went for the X32, should have it in a few weeks.

The X40 is image compatible with the T42, but only models with shared video, which mine is not.

The biggest reason though for not getting the X4 was the hard drive.

Thanks to all for the great advice and your input.

Andrew

[MobileGuru]

Enjoy your soson to arrive X and let us all know how you like it!

MG.

[asiafish]

We'll see if its soon, I seem to be in customs limbo.

[asiafish]

Well, I've had my X32 for almost a week now (customs limbo was only a day and a half), and I must say this is one very sweet machine, even with its lame video card.

Build quality is top-notch, and to get such good ergonomics in such a small and light laptop is truly impressive.

I sure hope that the X3x series continues for a good long time.

[gildor]

asiafish, congratulations on your new X32!

I am in the position you were in, trying to choose between X32 and X41 but leaning strongly towards X32 for the same reasons you had (mainly X41's slow hard drive).

I hope you won't mind a few questions:

Any regrets picking the X32 over the slimmer and lighter X41?

Did you have any problems installing the 1GB stick of ram and the new hard drive?

What brands are they and where did you purchase them from?

This would be my first laptop and your feedback would be very helpful in clinching my decision. Thanks.

[asiafish]

Gildor,

No problem whatsoever installing the memory (Kingston) nor the hard drive (Hitachi pull from my Apple PowerBook). I originally bought a 7200RPM drive for to put into my new machine, but had to open the PowerBook ($90 labor each time) anyway to replace a dented case) so put the faster drive in the Apple, knowing I won't be opening it again any time soon. Besides, performance is more important for me in the Apple, whereas battery life is king on my X32.

As for the decision between the X32 and X41, I still don't know that I made the right or wrong choice, which I believe says that both are very appealing options. the X32 is faster, has better video for office-type tasks (discreet video memory=speed) and may be more rugged. The flexibility of hard drive installation is a big plus for me, while the increased RAM flexibility isn't that important as I doubt I'll go past 1.5GB anyway.

For the X41, while the video is slower on simple productivity stuff, it is more advanced. Even though shared, it is a modern DirectX 9 chipset, and as such will allow many games to run that simply will not play without DirectX9. I LOVE the Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic games, and they will not play on the X32, but just might be acceptable on the X41 with all the fancy graphic options turned off. For a work machine, I just couldn't justify basing my decision on game playing.

Other aspects of the X41 seem much better, namely the very thin profile. With the extended 8 cell battery the X41 still doesn't get any thicker, which is nice when makng it dissappear in a briefcase. With my extended battery the X32 gains a bit more than an inch of thickness, though for court I can leave the extended battery at home and get bye just fine wite a dim screen and over 4 hour runtime.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. For me it was the hard drive that made the final decision, though from what I understand the smaller drives aren't that bad once Windows is actually booted. I know that the 4200RPM speed isn't that big of a deal on regular sized drives, as most laptops I've owned over the years had that speed, and while not blazing speed demons, they weren't the lethargic pigs that many people on these boards would make them out to be.

[gildor]

Thank you, asiafish, for taking the time to reply in such detail.
I've been reading your original post about what to buy
(http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=16935) and your analysis of the pros and cons of each model is very instructive.

Did you order a preconfigured model or a CTO one? What is the part number of yours? I'm asking this because I'm close to ordering a X32 but am confused as to the best price/features configuration.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with your new X32, a model about which there is very little information.

[asiafish]

Mine is the express model 2884-M2U

Good luck,

Andrew

[gildor]

Thank you. I'm considering buying the same unit but I'm wondering about the usefulness of the Ultrabase x3. It adds 2.3 lbs to the 3.6 lbs of the X32, quite a chunk when travelling. True, the docking station can be left in the hotel when out and about, but still, you're carrying 6lbs on the road. Wouldn't a slim external burner be sufficient for the occasional burning of photos to CD and DVD playback? What's your take on this?

As always, your feedback is very appreciated.

[asiafish]

I like the dock for long trips (pack it in my suitcase) as I enjoy the two speakers when watching movies in a hotel. The dock is also neat in that you can connect a second system battery to it, so I'll probably use that configuration when I fly to Asia in the summer.

Normally the base stays at home, and I take either just the X32 or, if I expect to be out all day, clip on the extended-life battery, which only adds about one pound and gives me 10+ hours unplugged.

If you want just CD burining and can do wihtout the speakers and second battery bay, I'd pick one without the ultrabase. For me it made sense as this particular model has a large enough discount to almost make the ultrabase free.

[gildor]

Thanks for your lightning reply! I'm convinced -- that's what I'll order.

[bhtooefr]

Yes, I use a ThinkPad X21, which is the same CONCEPT.

Anyway, when I'm using the laptop, I take the laptop.

When I need a CD drive, legacy ports, or better sound, I take the UltraBase X2, as well.

Rarely do I need that, though, so I can save weight. But, with it, my laptop is a full-featured laptop, and doesn't weigh that much more than a T series.

[gildor]

bhtooefr, thank you for your comments.

asiafish: may I impose on you once more by asking what are the dimensions or the X32 +ultrabase x3? The reason is I would like to find a protective sleeve for that combination for those times I wouldn't want to carry them separately. TIA.

[gildor]

Never mind, I found the dimensions in the tabook:

with X3 UltraBase and optical: 10.8" x 8.9" x 2.0-2.3"; 273 x 227 x 51-58mm

[asiafish]

I have a Brenthaven case that I bought through the AppleStore online with my 12" Apple PowerBook that actually fits the X32 rather well in a variety of configurations. Slightly loose with just the computer, just right with the extended battery, and rather snug (but very useable) with the X3 Ultrabase.

This is a smallish case that is a little bigger than a sleeve, but offers extremely good protection and some storage, without much weight. About $100.

[phr]

I have an x40 and i like it. I have some minor regrets about not getting an x32 instead but I'm sure I'd have the same regrets about not getting the x40 if I'd gone the other way. I have the impression from posters who have tried both, that the x40 is built a little bit better than the x32. I don't care much about the hard drive speed. I do start to care a bit about drive capacity and ease of upgrades, and the x32 can take up to a 120gb drive these days (though 80gb is more economical per gb). However, it hasn't been that limiting an issue.

I'm not that crazy about the x40's extended pack, which sticks out the back a little bit awkwardly, but making the machine thicker wouldn't be so good either. I bought the x40 with the extended (8 cell) pack and then bought the (smaller) 4 cell pack which I like a lot better except when I need the extra capacity. All these batteries are overpriced but the x40's batteries seem to be even more overpriced than the others.

I bought the x4 ultrabase and haven't used it and consider it useless. I'd planned to use my old ultrabay 2000 cdrw drive in it but oops, it doesn't fit, the x4 needs an "ultrabay slim" drive which is still expensive and hard to find (dvd burner version). There are some very compact usb 2.0 external enclosures for 12.5mm standard laptop cd/dvd drives and that's what I plan to use instead (haven't gotten one yet but will get one soon). External usb2.0 laptop hard drives powered by the usb port have worked fine for me so far. So, I wouldn't bother with the ultrabase.

These days I sort of wish I had an x41 tablet (not that I'd pay the $$$ for one) since I'd like to run gps mapping programs on it in the car.

[gildor]

Thanks to all for feedback. I will continue this ultrabase discussion in the following thread http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=17508 since it overlaps this one.

[GpsPasSion]

Well that thread has an interesting title
I'm weighing either an X32 or an T42P. Actually I currently own an X31 and need a backup for it as I've been delaying sending it in for repair for 3+ months now because I can't do without it !

@asiafish sounds like you miss your T42p ? I must say the large screen and big resting pad is appealing. On the other hand all the accessories being compatible between the X31 and X32 it's hard to pass, besides I don't play games. Will probably go for the X32

[asiafish]

I do miss the T42p, but only when I want to play games. For actual work, there really is very little difference between the T42p and the X32, except that the X32 is a LOT nicer to carry with me.

Given the choice between the two models, I prefer the X32.

The problem for me is that I bought an X22 for only $300, and after some cheap upgrades; 512MB Ram (total 640), 5400 RPM drive and 3Com X-jack wifi card, my X32 is almost equalled for roughly 1/4 the price.

The X32 is slower, but fast enough to do all of my real work at full speed (though TV shows in iTunes are jittery). It only lasts 4 hours on the battery and has no extended battery option, but 4 hours is pretty good and I can always carry a second main cell. Finally, while it is a smidge bulkier and heavier, it has a better keyboard and seems a bit sturdier (made in Korea instead of China might be the reason). If nothing else, the keyboard keys themselves are a much nicer plastic as the X32 (and T42p) keys get slick fairly quickly while the texturing on the X22 keys remains much longer (harder plastic?).

So, while I love my X32, I've found that my X22 makes a decent substitute and if I can get enough in a sale, I'll take it.