SXGA+ 12.1" ---> X61T only way to go? X62, X62s w/

[unomystEz]

Hi all, this is my first post. A bit of history about me: I started with IBM with the A21m machine (PIII-800MHz) and haven't even touched another laptop since. I currently have a T43p(SXGA+), T42p(UXGA), another T43(SXGA+) spare and a very proud owner of the X41 (I like the form factor). I travel a lot and have since given up on the 14.1" and definitely the 15" form factor, way too big and heavy. The 12.1" form factor is absolutely perfect for when you're on the go. I have since stopped using my T-series in favor of the X-series since it's always around.

The problem I have with the x41 now, is that the 1.8" hdd is slow and the XGA resolution is horribly constrictive. On 3/27 I was in the process of checking out an X61T 1.6Ghz, 160GB 7200RPM, ABGN, 4GB RAM, SXGA+ but couldn't finish because I had to run for an emergency off-site meeting. The deal that could have been had was 25% off + 10% off using the USSPRINGSAVINGS or whatever coupon. Now there is the 25% off only, I hope there is another deal coming up shortly.

I don't really care about the tablet functionality, the only thing I care about is SXGA+ in the 12.1" form factor, in fact I would even go on to say that I prefer not to have the tablet features at all as I think the X61T looks much uglier than the non-tablets.

Anyone think the next-generation X6x series will offer SXGA+? I wouldn't ever consider the X300 as it is far too expensive for what it is - the screen resolution of WXGA+ or whatever it is useless to me, I prefer the 4:3 aspect ratio even, I don't need SSD (yet), I don't need an ultra-slim bay or optical drive, etc... As far as I can see the whole whoo-ha surrounding the stupid x300 is due to it's comparison with the macbook air.

As far as any other SXGA+/12.1" options with other notebooks, I'm not interested. Should I wait until the X70 or X62 specs are released? Or do you all think it will only be offered with the tablets anyway in which case I should just order the X61T? Any idea on when new coupons will be offered on the X-series? My config comes out to be US$ 2,058.00 (inc. the 25% off) which isn't bad, but with another 10% it was down near $1,800 with 20% I would consider switching to the cheapest HDD and then ordering that 32GB SSD.

-Chris

[j-dawg]

The X200 is on the way, probably some time this summer. I believe it's slated to be an 11" laptop with a widescreen display; that means you'll probably get a 1200x800 resolution.

The industry is rapidly abandoning 4:3 and Lenovo seems all too happy to follow. I wouldn't bet on 4:3 screens sticking around much longer.

[unomystEz]

Hi J-dawg, Sure the x200 sounds good, but the I'm sure it will cost a lot due to it probably having a SSD. IMO the perfect laptop is the X61T because of 12.1" @ SXGA+ res. 1280x800 is fine, but 1440x1050 is much better, also considering most 4:3 LCD monitors do that as well, together having dual-head when docked would work out well. I'm using a [censored] made in China Corega LCD that does 1280x800 acting as dual head for my x41 (XGA) so I'm familiar with working at that resolution. I would personally rather pay half price for a X61s if that were the case. I wonder what's in store for the X62 series, I really hope it will be SXGA+ on the regular non-tablet models.

[pianowizard]

the XGA resolution is horribly constrictive.

I totally agree.

I don't really care about the tablet functionality, the only thing I care about is SXGA+ in the 12.1" form factor

I was in a very similar situation. I love ultraportable laptops but I can't stand XGA. So I bought the SXGA+ X61 tablet and the HP nc2400 with 1280x800 and compared them. Even with the small (4-cell) battery, the tablet weighed 3.84 lb and didn't feel like an ultraportable at all. Also, the display looked kind of grainy. With a small (3-cell) battery and the internal optical drive replaced with a travel bezel, the HP weighed only 2.81 lb. Even though the resolution is lower, it's still much more useful than 1024x768. I like to view two windows side by side and 1280x800 gives just enough room for that. So, I kept the HP and sold the tablet.

In my opinion, get the X61 tablet only if you'll benefit from the tablet functionality. But that's just my opinion.

[qviri]

Anyone think the next-generation X6x series will offer SXGA+?

No. It'll stay XGA, go to widescreens, or both.

[milstein]

Will it has a 13.3" WXGA+ (1440x900) or WSXGA+ (1680x1050)?
And capacitive touchscreen?