X31 vs X32, general questions

[Utwig]

So, I'd like an on the go laptop to complement my T42p and to use instead of the HP6110 (15" heavy, bulky, integrated 1024x768, no trackpoint, no mute and middle button - all the drawbacks of 12" but in 15" size).

I have a couple of questions:
- What are main differences between X32 and X31, the former go for generally 200€ more than latter?
- What is the rigidity of casing like, any chance of Mobo flex...?
- What is the screen like, wrt to angles, colour, ghosting. How good is it for occasional movie?
- What's the battery life with replaced battery?
- Can you put in a bluetooth module (modem combo card)?
- Where can you get the thinkpad sleeve for one?
- Does it use same charger as the T4x series?

[aaa]

Main difference is the Dothan CPU, which isn't particularly big, unless it has the 2ghz cpu.

Can't tell about rigidity.... it feels firm, but so does my T40. Firmer than the T40 at least. They are known for motherboard failures but I don't think it's the same cause as the T4x series.

Probably 5 hours when undervolted, I'm getting 4 off a slightly worn battery.

And it does use the same charger (different wattage, so the X3 charger won't always work with the T4, but the other way around should be fine).

[WarMachine]

Hello,

I've ordered an X31, and I'll receive it quickly.

I've read quite a lot on this machine, so, here are some answers to your questions. I'm sure you'll have other answers from the posters who already have an X31 and/or an X32.

What are main differences between X32 and X31, the former go for generally 200€ more than latter?

The X32 is an evolution of the X31, so there are not so many differences between these two laptops.

The main difference is the CPU.

- The X31 will come with Intel Mobile Pentium M at M 1.3Ghz, 1.4GHz, 1.5GHz, 1.6GHz or 1.7GHz,
These CPU have 1MB cache.
- The X32 can be found with Intel Mobile Pentium M P M 725(1.6GHz), 735(1.7GHz), 745(1.8GHz), 755(2GHz),
These CPU have 2MB cache.

The WiFi has also changed.

- On the X31, it's available as either Dual-band 802.11a/b, Intel 802.11b, or Cisco 802.11b Mini PCI cards,
- On the X32, it's available as either Intel 802.11bg or Intel 802.11abg Mini PCI cards.

Battery life has evolved too.

- The X31 can be used during 4.5 to 5 hours with its 6-cells Li-Ion battery (10.8V, 4400 mA/h)
- The X32 can be used during 6 hours (same battery).

The supported OSes are different :

- For the X31 :

* Microsoft Windows 98 Gold
* Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
* Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 with Service Pack 6a
* Microsoft Windows 2000
* Microsoft Windows XP Professional
* Microsoft Windows XP Home

- For the X32 :

* Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 with Service Pack 6a
* Microsoft Windows 2000
* Microsoft Windows XP Professional
* Microsoft Windows XP Home

The hard disk drives can be different :

- 4200 or 5400 rpm on the X31,
- 4200, 5400 or 7200 rpm on the X32.

(Note that you can stick a 7200 rpm disk in the X31).

What is the rigidity of casing like, any chance of Mobo flex...?

The X3x Series are not built as well as the X2x Series, so, they can flex a little more, but that's not really noticeable. Note that they are little machines, so, they will not bend as much as T Series, for example.

What is the screen like, wrt to angles, colour, ghosting. How good is it for occasional movie?

I don't know. Anyone can give his opinion on this point ?

What's the battery life with replaced battery?

I would say that it depends on the type of battery you'll put in your machine. Do you have an idea of what type of battery you'll purchase ?

Can you put in a bluetooth module (modem combo card)?

Yep, the X31 and X32 can accept Bluetooth modules. The modem is available as either a single CDC card or in combination with the Bluetooth CDC card.

Where can you get the thinkpad sleeve for one?

I'm not english, so, I'm not sure to understand what you mean by "sleeve". Using the Google Language Tools, I get the word "manchon", in french, which can be assimilated with a slim bag.

If that's what you want to know, I know that you can find slim bags from Dicota, for example, these ones :

PerfectSkin 13" :
http://www.dicota.com/start.php?page=pa ... =62&ds=403

SoftSkin 13.3" :
http://www.dicota.com/start.php?page=pa ... 62&ds=1282

(I hope I haven't said a stupidity ! )

Does it use same charger as the T4x series?

I don't know. But my advice would be : Use the T4x adapter for you T4x, and the X3x adapter for the X3x.

I hope all that will help you.



W.

[Utwig]

Thank you very much for informative post. That's exactly what I meant by the sleeve. There were pics of IBM branded sleeve from Japanese market floating arround the forum. I found something similar on ebay

What I meant by replaced battery, if I buy used battery will probably be worn, so I'll need to buy new one if I'll want portability.

One more question, can you swap HDD caddies with HDDs between T4x and X3x?

I have 7200 60GB drive in my T42p and 30GB 5400 drive (Linux), I'll put 60GB in the X, and get bigger drive for T42p.

Compatible chargers are great:
I have one IBM charger at work, 2 at home and both T42p and A21p can charge on any of them. I also have 2 small HP chargers at work and at home, so I usually don't pack chargers while arround city. Eliminating HP for X3x would eliminate HP chargers from the picture.

[aaa]

The metal part of the caddy is the same, but the outer plastic part is different. They are very easy to switch out as long as you have both black pieces.

[zone]

From happy X31 owner.

- What are main differences between X32 and X31, the former go for generally 200€ more than latter?

X32 has Dothan CPU (1.6GHz 1.7GHz, 1.8GHz and 2.0GHz), and comes in configurations with different wireless card. I replaced Cisco 11b card in my X31 with IBM Atheros b/g card. It seems that 2.0GHz in X32 runs rather hot so if you looking for cooler performing system look for lower clocked CPU. Mine 1.6GHz X31 and runs pretty cool, also with upgraded 7k100 hard drive and 1.5GB RAM.
X32 is newer so there is chance that you may still fetch one with some remaining warranty. Also X32 is somewhat rare, it was in production for few months only.

- What is the rigidity of casing like, any chance of Mobo flex...?

X3 series are well built, no noticeable flexing there. Still I wouldn't recommend picking any system with one hand while lid is open.

- What is the screen like, wrt to angles, colour, ghosting. How good is it for occasional movie?

As matter of fact I'm using it for movie watching, via vireless streaming from my NAS box. Screen is decent not FlexView as on my A31p but quite good. No ghosting BTW.

- What's the battery life with replaced battery?

Mine has 59 Cycles and holds cca 4.5 hours, less with radios activated.

- Can you put in a bluetooth module (modem combo card)?

I added BMDC200 BT module, antenna and faceplate to my X31.

- Where can you get the thinkpad sleeve for one?

Ebay, check ebay.de, you'll find sleeves with IBM and ThinkPad insignias, material is black neoprene, red inside, original China made. I got 'em for my X31 and A31p and Im very happy with it, may recommend it.

- Does it use same charger as the T4x series?

X3 series may use any of "old school" ThinkPad adapters as long as output power is 16V. Regular ThinkPad adapter has 72W power, small one (10cm long) for X3 series has 56W. Im using my X31 with several 72W adapters (in the home and the studio) and small x3x 56W adapter is mostly stuffed in the laptop bag as "travel" adapter.

One more question, can you swap HDD caddies with HDDs between T4x and X3x?

Yes you can, caddies are the same, but you have to exchange plastic bezels (one screw job).

X31/X32 are wonderful small systems, go for it.

hope it helps

[qviri]

X32 is newer so there is chance that you may still fetch one with some remaining warranty.

They may be few in numbers, but X31s with warranty remaining do exist

[t20user]

One big difference I have seen is price (as you have noted) and availability. It seems there are about 10x the X31s available compared to X32s, which seem somewhat rare.

[discoy2k]

hello, i have several of both X31 and X32, the X32 completely out perform the X31, but like someone already stated the 2.0GHz cpu is very nice, all my X32 are 2.0GHz. main difference is the bus speed (ram) and the cpu speed because of the core. i also have a couple X60's, my personal X32 was 2.0GHz with 2GB ram and i only updated to X60 because i run very resourse intensive programs, like photoshop/dreamweaver/picture and video editing apps all at the same time. to be able to do that in a timely manner i had to get an X60 core DUO with 4GB ram. but for normal use an X32 with the 2GHz cpu is an amazing machine. all of the X series are. thats all I use. for my linux laptops i use X24 and a X30 and they do just fine. as far as durability, all the X3 X6 i ever had have been outstanding, the X60 i am typing on now i dropped off of a roof onto concrete and had absolutely ZERO damage! people often complain about the rather high price of the lenovo X series until they use one for a couple days then they are hooked!

the 1 single draw back to the X32 is parts. when the X32 came out they were about $1000 more than an X31 so very very few people bought them. like i have 1 that needs a new motherboard and i can not find one, even lenovo said they only carry replacement 1.8GHz motherboards.

so if all you need is a business machine, not a machine to compile code or encode or edit video/audio save a few dollars and get an X31, a X31 with 1.6GHz and 1GB ram with 7200rpm hard drive will do you just fine.

my 2 cents

disco

[discoy2k]

1 more thought, as far as bluetooth, THEY ARE NOT UPGRADABLE UNLESS THE MOTHERBOARD WAS DESIGNED FOR IT AND THE LCD INVERTER BOARD HAS THE SWITCH TO ACTIVATE THE BLUETOOTH CARD!!! you have to study the white papers to find which models are able to do this, trust me i tried, i even got the laptop to install and recognize the bluetooth card, but if it isnt the correct motherboard and inverter it will not work! period!

and as far the X31 owner who poster above, none of my X's ever ran hot at all, i have had every single one since the X20.

as for batter life, with an X31 with all the power settings set to the lowest and the better battery i forget but i think its the 6 cell you can get 4+ hours, i use dual batteries 1 in the laptop and 1 in the X3 ultrabase and with low power settings i have gotten over 8 hours before.

[WarMachine]

Hi !

My X31 arrives tomorrow.

I'll try to rapidly give my toughts about this machine this week-end.

W.

[Paul88]

This might not answer the original post.
I just received X31 yesterday and absolutely love it.
After fresh installed win XP, it run smoothly.
The unit is in very good condition and it feel solid.
It run cooler than I thought from what I heard.
And absolutely, I'm happy with this purchase so far.
Thanks aaa.

[ekincam]

Hi !

My X31 arrives tomorrow.

I'll try to rapidly give my toughts about this machine this week-end.

W.

How did you order a X31? Is it refurbished or used?

[WarMachine]

Hello,

I bought it on the following site :

http://www.ruedelatech.com

It's refurbished.

And it's, indeed, like new. There is just a very little scratch on the screen, but that's all. (I knew it, it was written on the page).

It came with its Ultrabase, a DVD Drive, an FDD, a brand-new IBM bag, and the bill, of course !

I'm absolutely amazed with the quality of this puppy. It's light, solid, rapid, full of options (Wi-Fi, FireWire, BlueTooth, USB 2.0, 10/100 network). It's nice on a so little machine.

I replaced the 4200rpm HDD and put a 5400rpm Samsung one (80 Go), it's rapid, and silent like a grave. I wanted to put an additional 512MB stick, but it wasn't available at the store. So I currently have 512MB, which is correct at this very moment (but I hope to upgrade ASAP).

The battery seems to be very good too (more than 3.5 hours), but I haven't tested it yet.

I have the thinkpad on my knees, currently, and it isn't very hot, just warm (I have used it for 30 minutes surfing and copying files on my USB key).

The keyboard is veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery nice. I can compare with the other machines I own :

- The TP600 : The king of keyboards, firm, silent, reactive,
- The T23 : Very similar to the 600, but not as firm,
- The X20 : Very firm, the keys seem not instantaneouly reactive, they move freely
- The X31 : The closest compared to the 600, a little more noisy, very reactive, absolutely no flex,
- Another ultra I had before the T23, the Dell L400 : Silent, reactive, but very flexible (very strange, because the laptop itself is very solid, perhaps more than the X20 - they're very similar).

I love the 2 grey keys "previous" and "next", very useful.

Everyone knows that the X31 is well assembled. I now can say yes, that's totally true.

An excellent machine. It's a true keeper.

The only nitpick is the sound, not very good (only one speaker).
But hey, it's a ultra, and the ultrabase has 2 stero speakers.



W.

[obpsym]

I have to agree, I prefer the size and find the speed sufficient on my unit.

I've ended up using the X32 much more than my X60, it's just a different animal especially after adding RAM and a new Hard Drive.


I was looking at the X300 but the price in Asia is over US$3K and I just think that it's too much of a compromise.

I wish Lenovo could make a full featured Laptop with discrete graphics in the same form factor as the X32, 4x3 screen, optional high res screen, decent speakers, all the ports.

I don't care about a few extra grams or mm in hight. Just like the X32, a new class in between the ultralight X61 and the T61.

I'm not knocking the X60 it's a great little machine, just hate the protruding battery (the 4 cell only lasts an hour) and Vista is a real dog of an operating system, I can boot up the X32, check my mail, read a few web sites before the X60 is responsive enough to use...

That's progress for you..

[WarMachine]

I had installed quickly an XP on friday, to have an idea of the speed of the machine.

Yesterday, I did a new clean reinstallation, optimized everything, did all the updates. Even with a 5400 rpm HDD and 512 MB, the X31 flies !!!

It boots in 25 seconds maximum, is very responsive. During these 5 hours I took to reinstall everything, I heard the fan only for 5 minutes.



W.