Best X-series to buy used?

[silo]

I used to own an X20 and now am thinking about getting a more recent X series, but I have not followed the development of this machine in the last couple of years.

Could you guys wise me up about the changes from the X20 onward, particularly as to size, processor, screen, etc? I'll want to spend $850 or less, probably. I'd like to know which models are considered the jewels of the series, and which the (in the holiday way) turkeys. I will want to get the flat media slice or whatever it's called for installing software and possibly writing CDs or DVDs. I have the 60G 7200RPM 9mm Hitachi hard drive in my T30 and I was thinking about moving that to the X when I get it. Also will want to run up to 1 G mem.

Many thanks for any input or guidance.

Silo

[silo]

One other question--are the CPUs in any of these models readily upgradable (like, without soldering--take it apart, plug in new chip, put it back together upgradable)?

Thanks.

[RS_003]

cpu is solderd

Ram is upgradeable.
wifi via mini-pci to.
hdd to.
bt is optional installable.

850 in the eu not posible..
In the us you might pick-up a cheap one with 256mb in it or something like that.

[silo]

cpu is solderd

Ram is upgradeable.
wifi via mini-pci to.
hdd to.
bt is optional installable.

850 in the eu not posible..
In the us you might pick-up a cheap one with 256mb in it or something like that.

Hmm. Thanks. There are several on eBay, X30 and X31 in the price range. Some even cheaper.

But should I reach down to the X24 or similar?

Are there big differences between the 24 and the 30?

[silo]

cpu is solderd

Ram is upgradeable.
wifi via mini-pci to.
hdd to.
bt is optional installable.

850 in the eu not posible..
In the us you might pick-up a cheap one with 256mb in it or something like that.

Hmm. Thanks. There are several on eBay, X30 and X31 in the price range. Some even cheaper.

But should I reach down to the X24 or similar?

Are there big differences between the 24 and the 30?

Think I'll make this a Notes To Myself thread.

After an hour and a half going though the X msgs, seems that there's a strong suggestion that the X31 and X32 are the cream of crop right now, especially in the price/performance ratio game.

Not much about the X20 - X24. Let's here from youse guys!

Talk to you later--

Me

[otprof]

The most important difference to me between the x30 and x31 was the USB2.0 on the x31. Even if you can get by with the older processor, etc., in the x30, using an external HD or CDRW is much nicer with 2.0 rather than 1.1 USB.

Good luck with your decision.

[RS_003]

cpu is solderd

Ram is upgradeable.
wifi via mini-pci to.
hdd to.
bt is optional installable.

850 in the eu not posible..
In the us you might pick-up a cheap one with 256mb in it or something like that.

Hmm. Thanks. There are several on eBay, X30 and X31 in the price range. Some even cheaper.

But should I reach down to the X24 or similar?

Are there big differences between the 24 and the 30?

24 to 30 not .. both P3-M cpu's
But from the X31 series and up (X32) they use intel pentium-m cpu's (you know.. the cpu's that come with the centrino package) and they are really the extra in price worth. Plus most X31's seccondhand are still in warranty

[dorronto]

OK, enough of the no x20-series talk!!! I have had a x20, and now have a x21 that runs GREAT................Maybe, you can get more bang for the buck with a x30 series laptop, but I usually don't spend that much and I usually, not always, but usually receive a great laptop. x20-series laptops are an excellent buy. Period. You might need the Ultrabase, but for portabilty, the best. I also have a T23 that is also excellent, but a little heavier. Both are fine. There....I said it....
Thanks,
Ron

[asiafish]

I have both an X32 and an X22, and like them both for different reasons.

The X32 is simply amazing, extremely fast and powerful in everything except graphics processing (why do they use such a wimpy GPU?). It is smaller (just a tad) and lighter (.25lbs) than the X22, has far more battery options and built-in b/g wifi (some X22s had wifi, mine doesn't).

The X22 has advantages too, though. It feels a bit sturdier in its build. This could just be the rubber-coated palmrest making it feel better, but I think that the extra weight and slightly bulkier case are also part of it. My X22 was made in Korea while my X32 was made in China, perhaps that is also a factor.

The X22 has a slightly better keyboard. Both are very good, but the keyboard on the X22 feels a lot like the one on my old 600e, meaning the best key-feel ever on a laptop. The keys are smaller than on the 600 or T series, which is the only reason I don't give it the same rating.

While the ultrabases and batteries are not compatible between the X32 and X22, the port replicator and full-sized docking stations are. I have the Port Replicator 2 at my office connected to a 19" Samsung LCD, Yamaha powered speakers, a Korean bilingual keyboard, wheel mouse and my Blackberry cradle. This setup doesn't care at all if I have the X32 or X22 installed. Usually I leave the X22 at work and carry the X32 with me, synchronizing my documents to a folder on the network server.

The biggest advantage of all, however, was that I got my X22 in absolutely mint condition (I think it was never used as the spacebar had no shine and the battery had 0 cycles) on eBay for $300 with the ultrabase and CD (replaced with a combo DVD/CDRW). Compared to the almost $1500 (EPP) for my X32 setup (ultrabase, Combo drive and extended battery), I'm a lot more comfortable taking this places where it might get abused.

For me, the X32 is my main portable, and I wouldn't trade its battery versatility, but if I had to, I could get by entirely with the X22. Actually, this week my X32 is at IBM for a new palmrest (it cracked right above the PC card slot) and I'm relying exclusively on the X22. Even with only 256MB of RAM and Windows 2000, I'm giving up surprisingly little. The biggest inconvenience is using a PC card for wifi.

Andrew

[silo]

The most important difference to me between the x30 and x31 was the USB2.0 on the x31. Even if you can get by with the older processor, etc., in the x30, using an external HD or CDRW is much nicer with 2.0 rather than 1.1 USB.

Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for this tip--did not know that. I do have a PCMCIA USB 2.0 card, however. Still, I would need the built-in WIFI if I had to use the PCMCIA USB card (unless swapped in and out). Agree that USB 2.0 is much improvement over 1.0.

[silo]

I have both an X32 and an X22, and like them both for different reasons.

The X32 is simply amazing, extremely fast and powerful in everything except graphics processing (why do they use such a wimpy GPU?). It is smaller (just a tad) and lighter (.25lbs) than the X22, has far more battery options and built-in b/g wifi (some X22s had wifi, mine doesn't).

The X22 has advantages too, though. It feels a bit sturdier in its build. This could just be the rubber-coated palmrest making it feel better, but I think that the extra weight and slightly bulkier case are also part of it. My X22 was made in Korea while my X32 was made in China, perhaps that is also a factor.

The X22 has a slightly better keyboard. Both are very good, but the keyboard on the X22 feels a lot like the one on my old 600e, meaning the best key-feel ever on a laptop. The keys are smaller than on the 600 or T series, which is the only reason I don't give it the same rating.

While the ultrabases and batteries are not compatible between the X32 and X22, the port replicator and full-sized docking stations are. I have the Port Replicator 2 at my office connected to a 19" Samsung LCD, Yamaha powered speakers, a Korean bilingual keyboard, wheel mouse and my Blackberry cradle. This setup doesn't care at all if I have the X32 or X22 installed. Usually I leave the X22 at work and carry the X32 with me, synchronizing my documents to a folder on the network server.

The biggest advantage of all, however, was that I got my X22 in absolutely mint condition (I think it was never used as the spacebar had no shine and the battery had 0 cycles) on eBay for $300 with the ultrabase and CD (replaced with a combo DVD/CDRW). Compared to the almost $1500 (EPP) for my X32 setup (ultrabase, Combo drive and extended battery), I'm a lot more comfortable taking this places where it might get abused.

For me, the X32 is my main portable, and I wouldn't trade its battery versatility, but if I had to, I could get by entirely with the X22. Actually, this week my X32 is at IBM for a new palmrest (it cracked right above the PC card slot) and I'm relying exclusively on the X22. Even with only 256MB of RAM and Windows 2000, I'm giving up surprisingly little. The biggest inconvenience is using a PC card for wifi.

Andrew

Thanks for all this info. I hadn't realized the X22 might be had at that price point, which makes it very attractive. I expect with a faster HD and 1 G of memory (if that's possible) it might be pretty quick on all the things I might want to do with it.

The X32s on sBay seem a little pricey to me, as I'm looking at my 3rd or 4th machine. Mainly I want it as a writing thing, to run Word and maybe do eMail and surf.

[silo]

OK, enough of the no x20-series talk!!! I have had a x20, and now have a x21 that runs GREAT................Maybe, you can get more bang for the buck with a x30 series laptop, but I usually don't spend that much and I usually, not always, but usually receive a great laptop. x20-series laptops are an excellent buy. Period. You might need the Ultrabase, but for portabilty, the best. I also have a T23 that is also excellent, but a little heavier. Both are fine. There....I said it....
Thanks,
Ron

I have a couple of T23s (wife and step daughter) and always liked them. The T30 I have is VERY fast (2 GHz) but has the 1400 screen (small type) and is heavier than I like to carry around.

[vincentfox]

I also have an X22 I picked up reasonably-priced about $400.

Maxed out RAM to 640 megs, put in a Samsung 40-gig drive (8M cache, silent king!), couldn't be happier with it. You could "trick out" an older unit like the X20-X22 units for well under $850 I believe.

I'm not clear why want 1-gig RAM? This is not possible on the X22 limit is onboard is 128M and you have but a single expansion slots accepts up to 512M. However have not noticed this to be too little. I can have several programs all running, still have plenty RAM free. What programs are you running that need that much memory?

Yes lack of USB 2.0 is a drag, but USB 2.0 PC-cards are cheap enough. Some components like mini-dock seem very cheap, others like finding good new 4+ Ah batteries a bit more of a pain. Would prefer replacing the built-in "combo" 802.11b WiFi with an 802.11g unit, haven't gotten around to that yet.

For almost any task I do, the 800 MHz PIII-M is plenty. I'm not gaming on it just usual office & web.

[asiafish]

Yes, I agree on the speed. Even compared to the X32 (PM 1.8GHz) the 800MHz PIII feels far more than half as fast. I only have 256MB of RAM in mine and run Windows 2000, but it is fast enough.

Just today I replaced the 20GB 4200 RPM drive (2MB Cache) with a new 40GB 5400 RPM TravelStar with 8MB Cache, and the difference is significant. I ordered a 512MB RAM module so will soon max it out at 640MB, which will cure the remaining bottlenecks. Only the lack of integrated wifi takes away anything from using this machine in my daily routine. Had I known a $300 machine could be this good, I would have bought one ages ago.

I don't see much reason to go for a faster X2x series, as an X23 or X24 is significantly more expensive and only really differs in processor speed. The X3x is the only worthwhile step up, especially the USB 2 machines with onboard b/g wifi and their many battery options. nothing beats the X32 with dual batteries for a compact, still lightweight all-day portable.

[silo]

Got it cheap with some kind of dock (pictured here http://www.pbase.com/fbx/image/53840213) and plan to either put in my 5400RPM 40G or 7200 RPM 60G drive and, I presume, an extra 512MB of ram (as I get it max ram for these is the base 128 plus 512?).

I can't figure what kind of dock that is in the picture. I thought it was the media slice, which I've had before and like, but i think the drive is on the side in the media slice. And it's possible, I suppose, that this is not a picture fo the real machine I'm getting. Any info appreciated.

My thought was I'd try it at this low dollar entry point and then sell on eBay and move to an X31 if that seemed necessary.

[asiafish]

Unless you need the battery flexibility of the X3x, the X22 should more than suffice. The link you provided is password protected, so I have no idea what machine is pictured as I cannot view it.

X2 ultrabase has the optical drive in front, X3 has it on the side. They are not compatible with each other.

[silo]

Unless you need the drive flexibility of the X3x, the X22 should more than suffice. The link you provided is password protected, so I have no idea what machine is pictured as I cannot view it.

X2 ultrabase has the optical drive in front, X3 has it on the side. They are not compatible with each other.

oops! sorry about the PW protect. don't really know why that is. but it is a base with the DVD on front left, what looks like a floppy front right.

Keeping my figers crossed that all works out. Thanks for your help.

And PS: Did you get a 512MB stick for your X22 here or on eBay and should I pay as much as $99 (what I can find them for on eBay tonight, save one for $70 from an unreputable-looking lister).

Cheers-

[asiafish]

Unless you need the drive flexibility of the X3x, the X22 should more than suffice. The link you provided is password protected, so I have no idea what machine is pictured as I cannot view it.

X2 ultrabase has the optical drive in front, X3 has it on the side. They are not compatible with each other.

oops! sorry about the PW protect. don't really know why that is. but it is a base with the DVD on front left, what looks like a floppy front right.

Keeping my figers crossed that all works out. Thanks for your help.

And PS: Did you get a 512MB stick for your X22 here or on eBay and should I pay as much as $99 (what I can find them for on eBay tonight, save one for $70 from an unreputable-looking lister).

Cheers-

If the DVD is on the left front and the floppy is on the right front then you have the X2 ultrabase. On the X3 the DVD goes on the right side of the unit, only the speakers are on the front.

[bezomo]

if anyone said x32 for a used laptop.. i totally agree.

[vincentfox]

RAM recommendation, I got mine from http://www.tigerdirect.com/

This is simple 512-Meg PC133 laptop memory, don't see the need for risks and hassles of EBay.

[silo]

RAM recommendation, I got mine from http://www.tigerdirect.com/

This is simple 512-Meg PC133 laptop memory, don't see the need for risks and hassles of EBay.

OK, I'm headed over there to look. Machine won't arrive till next week, but want to move ahead.

Are there particular specs I need to look for when buying ram for the X22?

THis from the IBM site
X22, X23, X24 PC133 SDRAM 144-pin non-parity SoDIMM 133MHz 640MB.

They do not seem to have a 512MB PC133 at tigerdirect. Where else?


Thx.

[silo]

oops! sorry about the PW protect. don't really know why that is. but it is a base with the DVD on front left, what looks like a floppy front right.

Keeping my figers crossed that all works out. Thanks for your help.

And PS: Did you get a 512MB stick for your X22 here or on eBay and should I pay as much as $99 (what I can find them for on eBay tonight, save one for $70 from an unreputable-looking lister).

Cheers-

If the DVD is on the left front and the floppy is on the right front then you have the X2 ultrabase. On the X3 the DVD goes on the right side of the unit, only the speakers are on the front.

I gather from the seller it's the X2 Ultrabase, which is fine with me. Only really need it for the CD/DVD for installs.

Am looking for the best place to buy ram. Where and what specs are best for the X22?

Thx.

[silo]

I have a 7200 RPM hitachi 60G in my T30 and I think i'll leave it there, but I was wondering should I get another one for the X22?

it's a std 9mm (I think that's it) drive,

Is there something FASTER I could get for the X22 & would that be a useful upgrade? I have a 40G 5400RPM tosh drive in my 600X but that's been advertised for sale and can't be undone (unless it doesn't sell, natch).

Looking for some advice here, thanks!

[RS_003]

If you want near normal PC performance, yes...

The ibm X22 can feel faster then an IBM X40 ... just because its has a faster hdd. (And I can know ... because I owned one)

[brainpicker]

Is there something FASTER I could get for the X22 & would that be a useful upgrade?

Well, can the processor of these older X-series be upgraded? I know some X's can't and some X's can, but I've never owned an X22-23-24 so I don't know. Anyone with experience here? If it IS upgradable there are some Pentium M 1.13GHz processors selling new for around $20. That would surely be a helpful cheap place to throw a few bucks if the chip isn't part of the motherboard on these older X's.

Just a thought if it works.

Yak

[scrible88]

As far as my x22 (800mhz) is concerned, the processor is soldered to the motherboard. If I am correct, all of the x2* series are like this.

[epbrown]

As far as my x22 (800mhz) is concerned, the processor is soldered to the motherboard.

Have you opened it up and looked? Is there a reference with pictures of the CPU soldered to the motherboard. I read this a lot about the X series, but it's like trying to track an urban legend - everyone's heard it, no one's opened on up and looked.

[RS_003]

Oke ... only for you guys...

I opend a X20 ... CPU = NON upgradeable.



Thank me later for clearing this

[epbrown]

Thanks - is it still open? Can you take a pic or post the numbers on top? I'm researching an upgrade.

[scrible88]

Mine was opened up a while back. I did see the cpu flush against the motherboard and soldered on. It wasn't in any type of socket, just pretty much integrated into the board itself.