Should I buy a X31 or X40?

[mojo-chan]

I am looking at getting an ultra-portable and am trying to decide between the X31 and the X40.

The X31 looks like a winner in every respect, except the weight. The lower battery life isn't such an issue for me, but I want the machine to be a light as possible for carrying around.

How much does having a 4300RPM HDD affect the X40? Can anyone make any recommendations?

There seems to be a 250g difference in weight between the two, a fair bit. What is it like carrying the X31 around?

Thanks...

[ryengineer]

snip....How much does having a 4300RPM HDD affect the X40? Can anyone make any recommendations?

4200rpm drives in X4x are slow, not only that but the storage options are also limited and expensive.

There seems to be a 250g difference in weight between the two, a fair bit. What is it like carrying the X31 around...snip

I've owned two X31s in the past, they're light machines, I vote for them over X4x.

[Deckard]

I am a happy owner of a 5 yrs old X31 and I still love it.

After purchasing it, I replaced the HDD with a 7200rpm one and installed 2GB memory. Compared to the 4200rpm HDD that came on the machine, the new HDD made a huge difference.

The only down side is the limited amount of VGA memory (16mb), I wish that it had better graphics. But for office applications and some photo editing, it`s working like a charm.

I am using it on an X3 dock and I couldn`t be happier.

[Saysana13B]

I used this review

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2438

to help me pick. I went with the X31 (even though the review is of an X32, the only difference is the CPU).

My X31 is suppose to come today, I'll reply back if it does.

[mojo-chan]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It looks like the consensus is that the extra 250g are worth carrying for the X31, so I think that's what I'll get.

I am a computer technician so do all my own "support", and having more standard components like a 2.5" HDD is a big bonus. Also, looking around on eBay it seems that X31 parts are easy to get, so even if the worst happens it's not hard to replace the screen.

I only wish they did a 1280x1024 screen. Newer widescreen 12" ultraportables seem to go for 1280x600. For me horizontal resolution is important, especially when browsing the web.

[j-dawg]

When web-browsing, you will probably find, as I did, that 1024 pixels is enough, as long as you keep the window maximized.

[mojo-chan]

I hope so j-dawg. I think I am going to go for either the X31 or maybe the X41. The X41 is more expensive but quite powerful (the one I am looking at is a 1.6GHz Pentium M with 1.5GB RAM). Although the HDD is only a 1.8" the lower weight and equal or better performance is pushing me towards it.

The other machines I have been looking at include a Dell D420. It only has a 1.1GHz Core Solo though, which I think will be too slow.

Thanks for the comments so far everyone!

[ajkula66]

Bear in mind that with X41 you're losing the only major advantage X40 has over X31, and that is battery life.

You're still going to be stuck with 1.8" HDD, and although you'll gain speed and CPU power due to 533Mhz FSB, it will run significantly hotter and have a decreased battery life when compared to X40.

My advice would be to buy a X31/32 and max it out. Or, throw in a few more bucks (quid in your case) and get a X60/s.

[jevons9958]

Just bought a X41 from my friend. And after two weeks' using, i can say that it's really a very nice machine. But the hard drive almost drives me crazy, not only the speed but also the unceasing noises. So personally, I still recommend that you buy X31/X32 for this purpose and also the future upgrade.

250g is not a big deal. My X41 is the one with 8-cell battery, it's not light.

I am looking at getting an ultra-portable and am trying to decide between the X31 and the X40.

The X31 looks like a winner in every respect, except the weight. The lower battery life isn't such an issue for me, but I want the machine to be a light as possible for carrying around.

How much does having a 4300RPM HDD affect the X40? Can anyone make any recommendations?

There seems to be a 250g difference in weight between the two, a fair bit. What is it like carrying the X31 around?

Thanks...

[kunfuchopsticks]

I'm deciding between the 2 also. I'd love not to have to deal with a 4200rpm HDD but the 1.25in thick X31 turns me off a bit. (X41 only 1.06in). The reason I'm getting an used-out-of-production laptop in first place is to temporarily replace my 1.5in Vaio monster. I'm fed up with the 5lb and fat profile.

So is the 4200rpm drive really that bad?

[ajkula66]

kunfuchopsticks wrote:

So is the 4200rpm drive really that bad?

Some people learn to live with it. I never could. And I'm not the only one...

Bear in mind that these drives are no longer in production and that 60Gb units change hands for $150 or more on eBay for sealed ones...

Properly set and upgraded X31 will eat any X40 for breakfast. However, battery life on X40 is tough to beat within that price range.

Numerous pros and cons for either/or.

My opinion, add a few bucks and get a X60.

[mojo-chan]

Thanks for the opinions guys.

Maybe I'll look at an x60 then... Depends on the price.

I would prefer to have the performance of the X41, battery life isn't that important. The HDD is a big issue, but then again so is 250g because I have arthritis. *sigh*

[madcow]

Weird, I don't remembering hearing the hard drive making any sound. I know I used to hear hard drive clicking sound on the X40, but it seems I don't have it on the X41.