General questions about X models, plz help.

[dimaash]

Hi everyone. I've been a T42p user for about 2 years now. And now i've decided to upgrade to an X model. However, i don't know absolutely anything about X models. (Trying to decide between X60s, X61s, X60 Tablet or X61 Tablet) I've been looking at different configuration models and got totally confused. Please help me figure this out.

So, if i understand correctly, X60 Tablet and X61 Tablet both can be used for taking notes with the digital pen (stylus, or whatever it is called, i am not quite sure) ?
If so, what is the difference between the following display configurations offered:
12.1" XGA MV-MultiTouch TFT LCD (1024x768 resolution),
12.1" XGA TFT LCD( 1024x768 resolution) and
12.1" WVA SXGA+ TFT LCD (1400 x 1050 resolution) ?
Does that mean that the MV-MultiTouch is the one where you can write on the screen with the digital pen and the other with the higher resolution just looks better? ( Or can i write on the higher resolution display as well ?)
That is the part that i am mostly confused about and it is most important to me.

Also, what is the difference between windows XP Tablet edition and Windows Vista Business in terms of using the tablet and taking notes and all. My questions may seem ridiculous to some, but like i said, i never owned a tablet before, nor had any experience with Vista.


Other thing that i am confused about is the 2x3 UltraConnect II Antenna. What exactly does it do ? I was under the impression that it had something to do with the wireless n-draft. But then i saw X models which had 3945 a/b/g (And NO "N") adapters in them along with that antenna. So, was i wrong to assume that antenna is going to be used for MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology of the N-standard, for which a higher bandwith (and therefore an additional antenna) is needed ?

Last thing (for now) that i want to know is this: Is it possible to replace an HDD that current X models have in them with an SSD (once they get a little less expensive that is)? From my understanding SSDs will have the same interfaces as present HDDs. The reason why i am asking, is because i saw all those Sony Vaios some of which already have an SSD instead of an HDD. So, i was hoping that X tablets had a potential for an upgraded in a near future.

Appriciate all the feedback i can get. Thanks.

[ryengineer]

1. For tablets only:

-MultiTouch XGA = (touchscreen via finger and pen)
-XGA = Digitizer pen ability (meaning you can write on screen with the pen only)
-SXGA+ only comes with digitizer pen ability.

2. Choice of Operating System is a matter of personal preference in my viewpoint, both mentioned OSes do the job of taking notes but I prefer Windows XP 2005 tablet PC edition which you may or may not like.

3. ThinkPad 11a/b/g/n (802.11n) is MIMO ready card, I'm not sure about Intel 4965AGN.

Some info. from lenovo:

X61 series feature:

-UltraConnect II antenna to help optimize frequency coverage and performance for improved wireless LAN (WLAN) connectivity around the world when used with compatible options.

-802.11n with 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO), Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 ABG Wireless Network Connection, ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wireless2, Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN, or 4965AGN (11n disabled).

UltraConnect antenna's (wires when configured with compatible cards including WWAN also) are built into the display cover:

Overview - ThinkPad X61, X61s.

4. 2.5'' SATA SSD's are available, you can install one in your future thinkpad.

[dimaash]

Thanks for your answer ryengineer. So, if i understand correctly the choice of the screen is purely a personal preference ?
To summarize:
All 3 can do the thing that the tablet is meant for: That is writing directly on the screen and interacting with the Operating System via the digitizer pen ?
(Although 1 model allows to use some other medium such as a finger and other model provides finer resolution)

Thanks.

[gerdh]

If I may add a general question to the X61s family:

I have a machine without Bluetooth but would like to add this feature. The display is brighter compared to other X61s machines; has 3 WLAN antenna cables connected to the Mini-PCI Intel WLAN card (connectors 1,2,3 connected); but no iluminated BT- icon next to the WLAN icon on hte bottom of the display lid.

What would be the necessary steps to modify this machine?

thanks
Gerd

[ryengineer]

snip....So, if i understand correctly the choice of the screen is purely a personal preference ?....snip

Operating System = i.e. Windows, Windows Vs. Windows, linux, MAC, Sun OS etc.

Choice of screen depends on your demand and usage.

snip....To summarize:
All 3 can do the thing that the tablet is meant for: That is writing directly on the screen and interacting with the Operating System via the digitizer pen ? (Although 1 model allows to use some other medium such as a finger and other model provides finer resolution)...snip

Correct, you can write on the screen with a pen on all screens but only MultiTouch allows you to use your fingers as an input device.

Only SXGA+ has higher resolution and rest of all; XGA including MultiTouch screen.

[EOMtp]

...X61s...without Bluetooth but would like to add this feature. ... What would be the necessary steps to modify this machine?

You need a Phillips screwdriver, the Bluetooth module, and a new decal (called "clear plate") which has has the Bluetooth indicator icon.

You may also need a new LCD cable, since the connector for the Bluetooth module is on that cable, and not all cables have the connector.

(The LED for Bluetooth activity is already on the inverter card, but the Clear Plate that you have now has it blacked/blocked out if there is no BT icon on it.)

FRU #39T0497 = BDC (Bluetooth Daughter Card)
FRU #42X3822 = Clear Plate
FRU #93P4536 = LCD cable with Bluetooth connector for your screen, which you say is "bright", i.e., the Ultralight (UL) screen.

Good luck!