X30 vs. X40

[ErikD]

I have read about how the slower 4200RPM 1.8" drives slow down the X4x series. I am still interested in one though to use for work. I need to carry my laptop everyday as well as other assorted stuff, so every bit helps. I started with a T40, moved to an X30, and now am pondering an X4x with the standard battery.

I am currently using an X30 with 1.2GHz PIIIM Tualatin, with a standard 40GB 42000RPM drive. I don't want to spend much money on another laptop, so am probably looking at a PM 1.2GHz. How would they compare? Mostly I just do document editing (Excel, Word, Visio, Project) and web surfing. Would there be a noticable difference either way, or would it be more or less the same speed?

Thanks

[gator]

If you dont want to spend too much, consider the X31 or the X32 ... they have banias Pentium Ms and are cheaper compared to X4x, and will be great for the things you describe.

[qviri]

I don't really see X40 being substantially slower due to its hard drive in office tasks.

[ErikD]

I have an X31 for my personal use. The speed of my X30 isn't an issue, it works fine for everything I need. My interest is in something a bit smaller and lighter if possible without a loss in performance. I think that the biggest hit when gong to the X4x series will be HD speed. So my big question is how would a PIII Tualatin compare to a PM of the same speed, performance wise? And how does the 1.8" 4200RPM drive compare to a 2.5" 4200RPM drive?

I have seen a few X4x series go for reasonable prices that I would have no problem paying.

[underclocker]

The X40 will be as fast or faster than the X30. I now have a Dothan X40 (1.4GHz), but had the 1.2GHz model before. Both felt/feel just as fast as a 1.5GHz T40 for basic computing, as you mentioned. All Pentium M machines perform reasonably well.

Someone could do a benchmark on 1.8" vs. 2.5" 4200rpm drives since the 1.8's will fit in the 2.5" drive slots/carriers. They should be about the same.

Plus the X40 really does weigh 2.7lbs. with the 4 cell battery. The 4 cell battery probably only gets 2.5 to 3 hours when new.

I've seen the 1.0GHz X40's selling for close to $300 lately, so prices are getting very good for used X40's. Try to snag one with some warranty remaining in the event the keyboard or LCD are not up to par.

All that being said, the X22-X30's are all rather snappy machines and are still great values.

Perhaps there's a forum member nearby with an X40 you can test drive? Good luck.