X series and programming

[hnq]

I plan to do some heavy programming on a laptop. I expect to be running VS .net, sql server, IIS, etc. In addition I like the portability as I also plan to use it on frequent business trips. I've read that the X31 is probably the way to go and that most people are happy with the size and feel of the keyboard and with using it for extended periods of time. I would like help on the following questions:

1 - will the X31 have enough power to run all of those programs simultaneously? Or do I need to get a T42?

2 - I definitely want a DVD RW - but I didn't see one listed as an option on the IBM site - can you get a DVD RW with the X31? (I don't want to lug around a DVD burner that's bigger than the computer!)

4 - Since I don't want the lug the DVD burner with me everywhere, I'm figuring on 80 gig of HDD. Though would you suggest the 40 gig drive which has a higher rpm?

3 - I'm thinking that I'll need 1 gig of ram in a 1.8 ghz machine - would I be better off getting the lowest amount of ram from IBM and adding a 1 gig module bought elsewhere (I've read the crucial is a good brand)? Please remember that I've never taken a laptop apart and that the only tools that I have are home building tools (hammer, drill, normal screwdriver, etc).

4 - I much prefer touchpads to the nav stick - what are my options in regards to the X31?

5 - Does anyone know of pics that compare the size of the X31 vs. the T42? I've based much of my decision on the X31 on the posts read in this forum but have never seen either on in person or pics of them side to side. (of course, I've seen the pics on the IBM website).

Thank you for your input.

[Moroner]

a) Your memory usage depends on whether you will want/need to use virtual machines. If not, 512MB should be sufficient, otherwise you need at least a gig. Get your memory from, e.g., Crucial. Adding it yourself is very easy.

b) Programming is so brain limited that any current CPU, even the slowest Pentium M, is sufficient

c) Especially with VS.Net, the one thing you need is screen real estate. Unless you are using an external monitor most of the time, go with a 15" SXGA+ or UXGA T42. Your eyes will thank you for the better monitor, and your wallet for the higher productivity

d) 40 GB is sufficient space to fit in all your programming tools. It might get a bit tight if you want to have a large music library as well (or several versions of MSDN and other reference works)

[hnq]

I haven't yet done any programming and am planning to learn C# - so I'm not really sure of what I need. Thank you for your insights.

[monty cantsin]

I'm figuring on 80 gig of HDD. Though would you suggest the 40 gig drive which has a higher rpm?

Which HDD do you mean? The HitachiGST Travelstar 5k80 with 5400rpm is also available in the size of 80GB. If you're looking for a 7200rpm drive, the 60GB HitachiGST Travelstar 7k60 is the largest you'll currently get.

Please remember that I've never taken a laptop apart and that the only tools that I have are home building tools (hammer, drill, normal screwdriver, etc).

Hammer? Drill? Unless you want to do something really nasty to your notebook, a good screwdriver will suffice.

I much prefer touchpads to the nav stick - what are my options in regards to the X31?

Pretty much nothing (if you don't want to connect any peripherals). I experienced that while quite a lot of people are prejudiced against the TrackPoint, they quickly get used to it and even will appreciate it over time. This doesn't apply to everyone, though, so you might try out the TrackPoint first before buying a notebook that has no alternative.

Does anyone know of pics that compare the size of the X31 vs. the T42?

http://www.iupload.net/042004/IBM-birdeye.JPG
Closed X31 on top of a closed T41p (same size as T42)

http://www.iupload.net/042004/IBMs%20high.JPG
From top to bottom: closed X31, T41p, T42p

http://www.iupload.net/042004/IBMs%20abreast.JPG
From left to right: opened X31, T41p, T42p

http://www.iupload.net/042004/X31-open.JPG
Opened X31 and T41p (cut off)

http://www.redfusionfilms.com/images/x31ocp.jpg
X31 in operation, front view.

http://www.redfusionfilms.com/images/x31ocp2.jpg
X31 in operation, side view from the left.

More pictures:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=762284

More pictures including some glances at the internals:
http://www.aichi.to/~thinkpad/tpx31/
http://www.aichi.to/~thinkpad/tpt41/

[hnq]

thanks for the pics - I found them very useful.

Which HDD do you mean? The HitachiGST Travelstar 5k80 with 5400rpm is also available in the size of 80GB. If you're looking for a 7200rpm drive, the 60GB HitachiGST Travelstar 7k60 is the largest you'll currently get.

On the IBM Site, I didn't see the 7200rpm as an option. Will it void the warranty if I install my own memory or replace the HDD (assuming that the HDD is easily changed)? I plan to get the coverage that includes accidental damage as I am rough with laptops.

I experienced that while quite a lot of people are prejudiced against the TrackPoint, they quickly get used to it and even will appreciate it over time. This doesn't apply to everyone, though, so you might try out the TrackPoint first before buying a notebook that has no alternative.

I've used ibm laptops before and don't mind the trackpoint - I just prefer the touchpads.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[stgreek]

thanks for the pics - I found them very useful.

Which HDD do you mean? The HitachiGST Travelstar 5k80 with 5400rpm is also available in the size of 80GB. If you're looking for a 7200rpm drive, the 60GB HitachiGST Travelstar 7k60 is the largest you'll currently get.

On the IBM Site, I didn't see the 7200rpm as an option. Will it void the warranty if I install my own memory or replace the HDD (assuming that the HDD is easily changed)? I plan to get the coverage that includes accidental damage as I am rough with laptops.

Thanks for your thoughts!

You can upgrade HDD or memory withouth voiding anything.

[hnq]

You can upgrade HDD or memory withouth voiding anything.

Good to know. Thanks for the info! you wouldn't by chance know what would void the warranty would you?

[stgreek]

All FRUs that IBM names "user-replaceable" will NOT void your warranty - for example my Cisco wi-fi card is user-replaceable. However, Some A/B/G cards are NOT user replaceable and will void your warranty unless you make sure you leave no trace of tampering if you need to send the laptop to IBM. So your mileage may vary, check on what is replaceable for your laptop and you'll know what not to mess with

[hnq]

I plan to tamper with it as little as possible - I don't know anything about hardware . I'm just tryiing to figure out where I can save $$ by upgrading with non-IBM labelled parts (memory, HDD, etc). Thanks for the input!

[monty cantsin]

All FRUs that IBM names "user-replaceable" will NOT void your warranty

Further information can be found in the Hardware Maintenance Manual:

http://www-3.ibm.com/pc/support/site.ws ... MIGR-44018