Where can I find details on all X-series model?

[silo]

I want to buy a new (to me) X-series Thinkpad but I need a list that has all the sizes, weights, details, etc from the X31 forward. I have an X22 coming, but I'm thinking of getting a current model brand new, though I I have noted in the T40 message area that there are lots of small problems with the brand new machines (like not accepting 3rd party drives w/o error msg, etc). Does this same kind of problem afflict the current X-series offerings? I do not think I want a tablet and I want the smallest (weight) and most powerful (under $2K, with dock station or external DVD/CD-RW) laptop I can get.

A lot of info I've read here suggests that although not the most recent vintage, the X31 is really th esweet spot of this series. Am I misreading the info? I'd be perfectly willing to buy an X31, 32 etc if that's the best of breed for the present.

Thanks for your help--

Silo

[JaneL]

Item #1 in the FAQ.

[asiafish]

I want to buy a new (to me) X-series Thinkpad but I need a list that has all the sizes, weights, details, etc from the X31 forward. I have an X22 coming, but I'm thinking of getting a current model brand new, though I I have noted in the T40 message area that there are lots of small problems with the brand new machines (like not accepting 3rd party drives w/o error msg, etc). Does this same kind of problem afflict the current X-series offerings? I do not think I want a tablet and I want the smallest (weight) and most powerful (under $2K, with dock station or external DVD/CD-RW) laptop I can get.

A lot of info I've read here suggests that although not the most recent vintage, the X31 is really th esweet spot of this series. Am I misreading the info? I'd be perfectly willing to buy an X31, 32 etc if that's the best of breed for the present.

Thanks for your help--

Silo

The X32 will be the fastest as it is the newest model with the fastest processors and full-size hard drives. X31 is exactly the same as X32 except for slightly older processors, not a big deal if you ask me.

As far as sweet-spot, that depends. Some think X31/X32 because they have USB2, others think X30 because it is less expensive and has all of the cool battery options of the newer X31/X32. Some think X22~24 because the prices are really dropping and with an ultraportable who really cares about that last bit of speed anyway?

I have an X22 and X32. The X22 is more than good enough to be my primary system, and if I had bought them in reverse order, I wouldn't have spent on the newer one. That said, I do really like the versatility of the X32 with its many battery options, and as such will probably hold on to it, though lately I've thought of putting it up for sale and getting another X22~X24 with built-in wifi and pocketing the change. USB2 is nice, but hardly needed for synching my Blackberry and using an external mouse and keyboard.

[silo]

The X32 will be the fastest as it is the newest model with the fastest processors and full-size hard drives. X31 is exactly the same as X32 except for slightly older processors, not a big deal if you ask me.

As far as sweet-spot, that depends. Some think X31/X32 because they have USB2, others think X30 because it is less expensive and has all of the cool battery options of the newer X31/X32. Some think X22~24 because the prices are really dropping and with an ultraportable who really cares about that last bit of speed anyway?

I have an X22 and X32. The X22 is more than good enough to be my primary system, and if I had bought them in reverse order, I wouldn't have spent on the newer one. That said, I do really like the versatility of the X32 with its many battery options, and as such will probably hold on to it, though lately I've thought of putting it up for sale and getting another X22~X24 with built-in wifi and pocketing the change. USB2 is nice, but hardly needed for synching my Blackberry and using an external mouse and keyboard.

Thanks. I don't really get why IBM/Lenovo would make the X4x series slower than the X31 or X32 -- isn't that just a step backward? Is it that they had to use a smaller drive to reduce the size of the machine somewhat and we're presently limited by the speed of those new drives (which will speed up and provide weight benefits in due course)?

So the X3x series would be the last units that could take a std 9mm drive like the Hitachi 7K60? Is that still the fastest drive avail for an X-series laptop?

[tvi55]

Thanks. I don't really get why IBM/Lenovo would make the X4x series slower than the X31 or X32 -- isn't that just a step backward? Is it that they had to use a smaller drive to reduce the size of the machine somewhat and we're presently limited by the speed of those new drives (which will speed up and provide weight benefits in due course)?

Yes, the drives in the X4x models need to be smaller and are of type 1.8 inch, where only few models exist, all with 4200 rpm. The drives in the X3x models are standard notebook drives (2.5 inch), where a larger variety of drives is available with a speed up to 7200 rpm. And this makes the difference in performance.

[asiafish]

The X4x models also have slightly slower processors and use shared memory for graphics which may be slower, though the X3x uses such an antiquated GPU that it might be a wash.

The slower processors are there because they are lower voltage units, for better battery life. The standard X4x battery is only 4 cells and the high capacity one is 8 cells, so they use lower voltage processors to obtain long battery life. Personally, I'd like to see the lower voltage processors in the X32 as I value battery life more than that last little bit of MHz.

[silo]

got the x22 today. It seems to be in excellent condition--no bad spots on screen, case excellent, X2 Ultrabase fine with a floppy and a CD/DVD. 20G 4200RPM drive that needs replacing and only 128 MB memory which I'll buy a 512MB piece to up to max. So far very pleased.

Probably going to buy an X31 or X32 later and sell my T30.

Paid 299 plus shipping and right this minute feels like a steal.

Thanks to all for your help.

Silo

[asiafish]

Thats the same I paid for mine, only mine had just a CD-ROM, no DVD. Of course, the CDRW/DVD combo drive from my X3 ultrabase went right in, which itself was replaced by an NEC DVDRW dual layer.