X32 or X41 - Moving down from T42p

[asiafish]

Well, I've decided to trade my T42p for an X. Now the hard part is which one. I just keep going over the pluses and minuses of both and am having a very hard time, so some words from current owners would go a long way in helping me decide.

Pluses of the X41:
Smaller
Lighter
DirectX 9 compatible video
Better battery life (8 cell)

Plusses of X32
2.5" hard drive (will install 80GB 7K100)
Discrete video ram
Compact flash slot (my digicam uses CF)
Firewire port

Minuses of X41
Shared video (though more modern)
1.8" hard drive (expensive and uncommon)
4200RPM drive only
Complaints of clicking (X40 only, or still on X41?)
Expensive

Minuses of X32
Larger and heavier than X41
Not as sexy as X41
Ancient video not DirectX 9 compatible
Shorter battery life (compared to X41 8 cell)

Anything I'm missing? I would run the X32 with the extended battery for my long trips, but would just use the main cell in my day-to-day, so I'm concerned about battery life as I need a real-world 4 hours.

The X41 hard drive scares me. While 40GB would be enough (I could use the 80GB in the ultrabase), the clicking problems and low speed (do they even have a cache buffer?) seem like serious performance hits.

How bad is the shared video on the X41? I know I won't be playing Doom3 on either of these, but how do DVD movies look, and can I play slightly less than bleeding-edge games like Knights of the Old Republic or Rome: Total War? This isn't a big deal as this is not a gaming machine.

At this point, I'm leaning toward the X32, and hope to either be reassured or swayed by the experiences of owners on this forum. The use will be a lot of note-taking, web searching (Westlaw) and occasional heavy-duty typing of legal briefs. I run all over Los Angeles every day and want a notebook that is almost as handy as a PDA, but that can use the archaic calendar and billing software my law firm uses.

The software rules out my 12" PowerBook, which is the right size, but is too heavy (don't need an optical drive for what I do).

Thanks in advance,

Andrew

[stgreek]

Well, I've decided to trade my T42p for an X. Now the hard part is which one. I just keep going over the pluses and minuses of both and am having a very hard time, so some words from current owners would go a long way in helping me decide.

Pluses of the X41:
Smaller
Lighter

True, but not by a lot.

DirectX 9 compatible video

Absolutely useless. Are you planning to use Windows Vista on it? Because even an 9600 is struggling with it, let alone a shared video card.

Better battery life (8 cell)

I cannot comment on that, but you can put a second battery on the X3x, adding to weight but doubling the battery life.

Plusses of X32
2.5" hard drive (will install 80GB 7K100)

The best reason you should go for the X3x, the difference between this and the drive on the X41 is day and night.

Discrete video ram

Not important for your uses, but nice that it doesnt use up system memory

Compact flash slot (my digicam uses CF)
Firewire port

Important for some (like me and you), useless for others. Personal preference.

Minuses of X41
Shared video (though more modern)
1.8" hard drive (expensive and uncommon)
4200RPM drive only
Complaints of clicking (X40 only, or still on X41?)
Expensive

All true, except the clicking, which I believe is only on a number of machines

Minuses of X32
Larger and heavier than X41
Not as sexy as X41
Ancient video not DirectX 9 compatible
Shorter battery life (compared to X41 8 cell)

Except the battery, the others are not serious reasons IMO. Large and heavier it may be (by a little), but it is also much sturdier. "Not as sexy" is not important in a court room, and the graphics card is the last thing one looks to in an ultraportable.

Anything I'm missing? I would run the X32 with the extended battery for my long trips, but would just use the main cell in my day-to-day, so I'm concerned about battery life as I need a real-world 4 hours.

You will get 4 hours, but not more than that. Wireless plays a large part here.

The X41 hard drive scares me. While 40GB would be enough (I could use the 80GB in the ultrabase), the clicking problems and low speed (do they even have a cache buffer?) seem like serious performance hits.

Clicking I dont know of (never had any) but performance, to put it mildly, sucks.

How bad is the shared video on the X41? I know I won't be playing Doom3 on either of these, but how do DVD movies look, and can I play slightly less than bleeding-edge games like Knights of the Old Republic or Rome: Total War? This isn't a big deal as this is not a gaming machine.

Don't know, but the X40 (with a truly awful shared Intel card) doesnt play either.

At this point, I'm leaning toward the X32, and hope to either be reassured or swayed by the experiences of owners on this forum. The use will be a lot of note-taking, web searching (Westlaw) and occasional heavy-duty typing of legal briefs. I run all over Los Angeles every day and want a notebook that is almost as handy as a PDA, but that can use the archaic calendar and billing software my law firm uses. The software rules out my 12" PowerBook, which is the right size, but is too heavy (don't need an optical drive for what I do).

Thanks in advance,

Andrew

I have another suggestion for you: X31. You will lose absolutely nothing compared to the X32 and save a LOT of money compared to the X32. Their only difference, CPU speed, is useless as you will be running on low speed for battery life, and X31 has slightly better battery life from what I've seen. In any case, X3x series is far superior to the X4x series atm, and the size/weight difference simply does not make up for it. Blame the HD.

Disclaimer: I own, amongst others, an X31 and X40 and have tried both X32 and X41. My comparison above is more based on the two machines I own, but I can assure you the differences are not noteworthy (especially X31 vs X32, they are the same machine).

[bhtooefr]

Also, the X32 has 1.6-2.0GHz processors, whereas the X41 has 1.1-1.5GHz processors. (Granted, I've heard that the 2GHz has heat problems, but that still leaves 1.6-1.8GHz...)

Another advantage of the X32: An X41 with 512MB base has one SODIMM slot, and a maximum of 1.5GB RAM. 256MB base means 1.25GB RAM.

An X32, OTOH, has two slots, and the base RAM is a removable SODIMM, not part of the mobo. This means that it has a max of 2GB RAM.

[brainpicker]

I have another suggestion for you: X31.

I agree and have mentioned this to asiafish. They are very inexpensive in that I've seen as much as a 1.6GHz with a 7K60 and 2GB of RAM go for as little as $1K and the seller included a small USB cdrw/dvd too!

However, I still feel an X40 is the better of the choices but they are far more in demand and are costly for one of a speed he would look to (1.5 to 1.6GHz). The X40 uses the same RAM as his T42p, the same hard drive image is possible, the DVD-burner he has could be used in the X4 Ultrabase as could his 7K60 with an adapter. That solution provides the use of all his costly parts with no selling, extra purchases, or overlap. It also allows the most portable solution, one of sufficient power for the work described, plus expansion and more power at home (or with the Ultrabase). The resale value also looks to hold up well if we can go by how well even 1GHz X40's have been in demand. The only problem will be finding the owner of a newer 1.5-1.6GHz X40 with an Ultrabase who will do a trade that both parties will like!

So for that reason alone I agree with stgrek and recommend looking to an X31, selling your T42p outright and pocketing the couple/several hundred dollar difference.

Yak

[stgreek]

However, I still feel an X40 is the better of the choices but they are far more in demand and are costly for one of a speed he would look to (1.5 to 1.6GHz). The X40 uses the same RAM as his T42p.

So does the X31, it automatically scales to 2100/2700.

the same hard drive image is possible

so it is with the X31

, the DVD-burner he has could be used in the X4 Ultrabase as could his 7K60 with an adapter.

Same with an X3 ultrabase, which you can find MUCH cheaper than the X4 one.

So for that reason alone I agree with stgrek and recommend looking to an X31, selling your T42p outright and pocketing the couple/several hundred dollar difference.

Yup, X31 is the best bang for his buck atm.

[brainpicker]

stgreek,

The RAM (PC2700) can be "used" in an X31, though an X31 cannot utilize the speed of PC2700 333MHz RAM and reverts it back to slower PC2100 (266MHz) speeds. An X31 cannot scale to the speed of either as you claim, though either will fit and work at the slower 266MHz speed. Some X31's come with PC2700 RAM installed for COST reasons as it is cheaper to buy than PC2100 RAM, but the extra speed cannot be utilized.

Also, asiafish cannot (as you claim) just use his new T4x dvd-burner in an X3 Ultrabse as it's an Ultrabay Slim drive and not an Ultrabay 2000 drive which the X3 Ultrabase uses. Maybe there is an adapter available (at extra cost) that I am not aware of, but if so then the cost of that adapter negates the extra cost of an X4 Ultrabase over the older X3. If not, then an X3 is useless for his $300+ option. Either way, your point against my original statement is flawed.

I agree with you that an X31 is the economical choice (and stated that before), just not the most practical and useful for asiafish. It's just an opinion from one who has owned and used both of them.

Yak

[bhtooefr]

Actually...

The X4 UltraBase is $299 new from IBM, IIRC.

The X3 UltraBase is $199 new from IBM.

Currently, the "ThinkPad Slim Drive Adapter for Ultrabay 2000", which allows an UltraBay Slim device to be used in an UltraBay 2000 bay, costs $40.50 on sale right now.

Also, the UltraBases will be cheaper with the laptop. I don't believe they sell the slim drive adaptor for less with the laptop, though. Still, the prices will be close. The X3 will still be cheaper in that respect.

[dfumento]

Perhaps for your work you might want a tablet (X41T) where you can write notes with a stylus. I just purchased one and I like it.

[mrdeucie]

AFAIK, I believe my X41 HD has the clicking problem that everyone describes.

[asiafish]

Thank you everyone for the input. Here is where I am at so far.

X32 seems the way to go. I can use the 80GB 7K100 drive I bought and not worry about extra drives in an ultrabay adapter. The DVD burner (bought new, but cheaper than IBM) goes with the T42p as I already have an external and my PowerBook has an internal.

Ram will be 1.0GB (module from PowerBook), with the 256MB module going to the Apple (bringing it down to 512MB for now).

Ultrabase X3 and DVD/CDRW drive.

The trade I am doing is for the X32 1.8GHz which includes the ultrabase and combo drive, 256MB ram, a 40GB 5400 RPM drive (to be made external or sold), the high capacity battery, and if it fits the budget, an additional main battery.

As much as I like the lighter weight of the X41, the difference in the configuration I would carry daily (X41 8 cell v. X32 main battery) is only 1/2 pound. Correct me if I am wrong, the X41 with 8 cell is good for about 5 real-world hours compared to 4 real-world hours for the X32 with its 6 cell.

What really pushed it to the X32 were price and hard drive issues. I wonder, can the X32 boot from a compact flash card? A 1GB card with a minimal Windows and word processor might make for some insanely long battery life.

I thought about the tablet, but it is just a little too expensive and at that weight, I'd just stay with the T42p.

Now, has anyone here ever gone from a T to an X? Do you feel it was a good move, or did you come to regret it?

[bhtooefr]

I have not gone from a T to an X.

I HAVE, however, gone from a Dell DTR to an X.

This DTR was an 8lb Dell Inspiron 1100. Pentium 4 2.2GHz, 384MB RAM, 30GB HDD, 14.1" XGA screen, CD-ROM drive.

Anyway, I've got no regrets moving from that to an X series.

I've got many regrets going to a used laptop.

[asiafish]

Not the same comparison. Even the top-of-the-line 14" T-series still are right around 5lbs (6 cell and DVD), going to the X32 shaves about 1.5lbs. The weight makes a difference, though the size is just as important for me. Stuffing the T42p into my briefcase really eats up space (and my shoulder), so I'm hoping the X will make a real difference here.

I had 8lb Micron way back in the Pentium II day and while it was a very pleasant machine to use, it weighed a ton and tended to spend a lot of time at home, depsite MUCH younger and stronger shoulders back then.

The T42p is portable enough most of the time, but just ungainly enough that I prefer the 12" PowerBook for running around (without my schedule and billing).

This is probably the most difficult technology decision I've ever made, as I really do like the power of the T42p and the spacious ergonomics (except when flying coach).

[bhtooefr]

That's the advantage of the X32. It's got the processing power of an equivalent T42. (Granted, it's got no graphics power whatsoever, but then again, the X41 doesn't have much more... )

You COULD wait for an X33. There's rumors flying around every which way saying that the X32 is NOT the end of the X3 line, even though the X41 and T43 are the ends of their respective lines. They'll have to improve the chipset. That means i915GM AT THE WORST, possibly i915PM or ARX200M.

If it's an i915PM, that means PCI-Express graphics. That means an AMRX300 HyperMemory at the worst, and likely an AMRX300 64MB - same as the base T43.

[brainpicker]

Now, has anyone here ever gone from a T to an X? Do you feel it was a good move, or did you come to regret it?

I did and I won't go back. My wife tried it and immediately went back to her T. She can't live without the screen size and the touchpad except for travel. Me, I actually prefer a smaller screen and there is nothing I do with a computer these days that requires graphics power so ANY X-class machine is fine. I first tried the X31 and we bought a few so we had them for travel too. They were fine until I tried an X40. I was hooked. Don't get me wrong as all four of the X31's I owned were fine machines, but the X40 seemed better to me in the fit-'n-finish department. The batteries fit better and I like the T-style metal hinges. The X31's fan was on all the time due to my use of 7K60's and it was easily heard (on all 4 models). I also had a problem with the docking connectors/covers/springs on my X31's and had them replaced under warranty several times. The size difference of an X40 is noticeable too with a less chunky feel. The worst thing I can say about an X40 is the battery in the back design makes the balance very poor on your lap as all the weight is in the back. I sold all our X31's and the one X40 thinking I'd just get a bunch of X41's, but I guess it's a Lenovo thing as every X41 I received including tablets had screen issues, so I bought another X40's and I'm having good luck. I got another for my wife (and a X41 tablet for me) from a friend who bought them in late August and couldn't go from a T to an X. Of course I have no clue how he made the decision without using either one (neither had been used when I bought them from him)! But my wife don't want her X40 now (never used the [censored] thing either) so I'll likely sell it or trade it for a nice T for her as we discussed.

So yeah it's not that hard to switch if your expectations are realistic. If you get the X32 and X3 base and want an internal dvd-burner let me know as I have a brand new NEC one I put some Ulrabay 2000 rails on too but never used it (since I sold the X31's I never had the chance to use the thing and I'll be selling it). Good Luck.

Yak

[aabram]

Now, has anyone here ever gone from a T to an X? Do you feel it was a good move, or did you come to regret it?

I went from T22, T23 to X30. Granted, these are heavier than T4* series but still. With T I always had to think "Do I need a laptop today? No, do I really need it?" but now, with X I'll just go "Maybe I'll need a laptop today so I'll just toss it into bag anyway, just in case". So does my girlfriend, she used to have T22 but I got her an X30 too and no, she's not going back either. Just the fact that we can drop off one of the worries - whether to lug another 3kg around all day long - from the daily worries list is worth it for us. Neither of us use dedicated laptop sleeve or carrying case, we just tuck them inside a bubble wrap (the one that comes with regular ATX motherboard fits surprisingly well) and use regular backpacks or suitcases or whatever heck we want. My lady can now actually use cute semi-small shoulder-bag rather than big and manly one.

I've been away from using T-s daily for quite a long now. At first X seemed too small, too... toyish almost and I used it only out of neccessity. At one point I got used to it and now T-series look overly big, bloated and flimsy and toyish. Yes, to me X being smaller actually feels more rigid, more rugged. I was setting up a T40 for a friend of mine few days back and boy did it feel vulnerable and floppy. I was almost afraid that I might bend and break it when lifting up from one front corner only. I haven't even had that thought with my X30. I've come to appreciate the compactness. I ackowledged it clearly when duoring one car trip we had I packed my laptop into regular sport bag, between the clothes and put the bag back in the trunk. Somehow the bag got thrown, tossed and turned so that everything inside had been subjected to some torsional stress at some point. Things had shifted places and my laptop had been clearly diagonally bent and a memory slot cover underneath was broken open. I secured it properly again and screwed it back to place and that was it. I can only imagine what would've happed to a bigger laptop with more surface to warp. No thanks, no T for the road for me.

So no, I'm not regretting going from T to X as my carry-everywhere laptop. If I'd need it to be both main system on desk AND travel buddy, I'd proabably could justify a light T but at the moment absolutely not.

[asiafish]

Well, I pulled the trigger today and my new X32 is on order. Time will tell if it was the right move.

Andrew