How are you liking your 301 with the 128gb SSD?

X200, X201, X220 (including equivalent tablet models) and X300, X301 series specific matters only.
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Greg Gebhardt
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How are you liking your 301 with the 128gb SSD?

#1 Post by Greg Gebhardt » Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:26 am

Anyone have one long enough to give their opinion? I am thinking of replacing my W500 4058-CTO with this X301 on eBay:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :IT&ih=004

Will I be happy?

Are you happy with the 128gb SSD? Is it really faster? Can you notice. If so the new W500 is history.
Greg Gebhardt
Jacksonville, Florida

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#2 Post by csv96 » Sun Oct 19, 2008 10:19 am

I have the X301 with 128gb SSD. I haven't benchmarked the SSD but it seems just as fast as the old 64gb SSD in my previous X300. I haven't experienced any of the slow downs associated with some of the non-Samsung MLC drives. Vista score for the SSD is 5.9.
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#3 Post by jketzetera » Sun Oct 19, 2008 11:00 pm

csv96 wrote:I have the X301 with 128gb SSD. I haven't benchmarked the SSD but it seems just as fast as the old 64gb SSD in my previous X300. I haven't experienced any of the slow downs associated with some of the non-Samsung MLC drives. Vista score for the SSD is 5.9.

Would you mind running Crystal Diskbench and posting the results?

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#4 Post by csv96 » Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:31 pm

If you could point me to where I can download Crystal Diskbench, I would be happy to run the test.
Thinkpad X200s w/ Ultrabase
C2D SL9600 / 8GB / 160GB X25-M G2 / BD MULTI / 12.1" WXGA / INTEL 4500MHD / INTEL 5150 / BT / AT&T WWAN / W7

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#5 Post by Greg Gebhardt » Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:10 pm

Overall, are you happy with the units peformance? I am concerned about going from a 15" screen to a 13" screen.
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#6 Post by csv96 » Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:24 pm

I traded in my 15.4" WUXGA T61P for the X300 and have no regrets. The X301 is even better.
Thinkpad X200s w/ Ultrabase
C2D SL9600 / 8GB / 160GB X25-M G2 / BD MULTI / 12.1" WXGA / INTEL 4500MHD / INTEL 5150 / BT / AT&T WWAN / W7

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#7 Post by atlacatl » Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:40 pm

csv96 wrote:I traded in my 15.4" WUXGA T61P for the X300 and have no regrets. The X301 is even better.
Do you notice any performance differences? I don't mean I/O, but CPU and overall application performance.
X200: 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 160 GP @ RPM drive, WinVista Business 64-bit

X60s (1704-4DU): 1.66 Core Duo, 1.5 GB RAM, 100 GB @ 7200 RPM drive, WinXP Pro

T40p: 1.6 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, 60 GB @ 7200 rpm drive, 64 MB Video, 802.11 a/b, WinXP Pro

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#8 Post by stylinexpat » Tue Oct 21, 2008 4:16 am

Any updates as far as speed would be nice.

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#9 Post by csv96 » Tue Oct 21, 2008 4:36 pm

Yes, starts up quick, applications launch instantly. Overall, I'd say it's faster than my old T61p. One word of advice, I did a clean install Vista as soon as I got the laptop. I'm sure with all the bloatware, some people might get the idea that the laptop is slow. But comparing a clean installation on my old T61p to a clean installation on my X301, the X301 feels faster.
atlacatl wrote:
csv96 wrote:I traded in my 15.4" WUXGA T61P for the X300 and have no regrets. The X301 is even better.
Do you notice any performance differences? I don't mean I/O, but CPU and overall application performance.
Thinkpad X200s w/ Ultrabase
C2D SL9600 / 8GB / 160GB X25-M G2 / BD MULTI / 12.1" WXGA / INTEL 4500MHD / INTEL 5150 / BT / AT&T WWAN / W7

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#10 Post by jketzetera » Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:08 pm

csv96 wrote:If you could point me to where I can download Crystal Diskbench, I would be happy to run the test.
http://crystalmark.info/software/Crysta ... dex-e.html

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#11 Post by csv96 » Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:25 pm

Hope this helps.

--------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 2.2 (C) 2007-2008 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
--------------------------------------------------

Sequential Read : 102.035 MB/s
Sequential Write : 71.119 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 99.930 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 62.179 MB/s
Random Read 4KB : 11.646 MB/s
Random Write 4KB : 5.596 MB/s

Test Size : 100 MB
Date : 2008/10/22 0:23:54
Thinkpad X200s w/ Ultrabase
C2D SL9600 / 8GB / 160GB X25-M G2 / BD MULTI / 12.1" WXGA / INTEL 4500MHD / INTEL 5150 / BT / AT&T WWAN / W7

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#12 Post by stylinexpat » Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:53 am

csv96 wrote:Hope this helps.

--------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 2.2 (C) 2007-2008 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
--------------------------------------------------

Sequential Read : 102.035 MB/s
Sequential Write : 71.119 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 99.930 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 62.179 MB/s
Random Read 4KB : 11.646 MB/s
Random Write 4KB : 5.596 MB/s

Test Size : 100 MB
Date : 2008/10/22 0:23:54
Numbers look great :D Those numbers are probably just a little better on the X200 due to the CPU.

How long does your laptop take to start from the time you hit the power button till everything loads up with just the clean Vista install you made? :?:

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#13 Post by Greg Gebhardt » Sat Nov 01, 2008 7:43 am

Well I am not buying. Do not see much excitement about the X301 and I will wait for a W series with 15" screen and 128gb SSD
Greg Gebhardt
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#14 Post by perplex » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:02 pm

csv96 wrote:Yes, starts up quick, applications launch instantly. Overall, I'd say it's faster than my old T61p. One word of advice, I did a clean install Vista as soon as I got the laptop. I'm sure with all the bloatware, some people might get the idea that the laptop is slow. But comparing a clean installation on my old T61p to a clean installation on my X301, the X301 feels faster.
atlacatl wrote: Do you notice any performance differences? I don't mean I/O, but CPU and overall application performance.
I have a X300 and I thought about doing a clean install but held off on the idea because I was worried about maybe losing some preinstalled software by Lenovo that I won't be able to recover perhaps.

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#15 Post by techflavor » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:58 pm

perplex,

If you reinstall, you will be able to get all necessary software and drivers from Lenovo's website.

The easiest way to the Lenovo ThinkVantage software and drivers is to download/install Lenovo System Update--this program will determine which model you have and will download/install all necessary items (critical and recommended updates).

EDIT: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... PDATE.html <-- Link to download Lenovo's ThinkVantage System Update

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#16 Post by perplex » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:12 pm

Thanks techflavour. However, if I do this won't I be back to square one? arn't all the processes due to all the pre-installed Lenovo software?

I currently have around 100 processes :cry: and the system still feels quite fast, due to the SSD I'm assuming.

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#17 Post by Greg Gebhardt » Tue Nov 11, 2008 6:38 am

Well I could not stand it. My X301 2776 P6U arrives today. Am spending more and more time in the field and would like to find something a little lighter.

Will be run under the AT&T WANN
Greg Gebhardt
Jacksonville, Florida

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#18 Post by dr_st » Tue Nov 11, 2008 3:48 pm

Greg Gebhardt wrote:Well I am not buying. Do not see much excitement about the X301 and I will wait for a W series with 15" screen and 128gb SSD
I still don't get all the hoopla around SSD anyways. It's not really faster, it may be a bit quieter, and a lot more expensive for less storage capacity. In a few years the technology will be ripe and mainstream, but what gets people so excited about it now?

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#19 Post by archer6 » Tue Nov 11, 2008 5:22 pm

dr_st wrote:
Greg Gebhardt wrote:Well I am not buying. Do not see much excitement about the X301 and I will wait for a W series with 15" screen and 128gb SSD
I still don't get all the hoopla around SSD anyways. It's not really faster, it may be a bit quieter, and a lot more expensive for less storage capacity. In a few years the technology will be ripe and mainstream, but what gets people so excited about it now?
I concur, while I've tried one, and could get by with the limited capacity, I prefer to have more of my work residing on the hard drive. I just do not see the ROI in the SSD choice at this point.
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection

Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
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#20 Post by Marin85 » Tue Nov 11, 2008 5:31 pm

dr_st wrote:I still don't get all the hoopla around SSD anyways. It's not really faster, it may be a bit quieter, and a lot more expensive for less storage capacity. In a few years the technology will be ripe and mainstream, but what gets people so excited about it now?
I guess it´s all about Windows booting in less than 30 secs with all the stuff loaded and instantly launching applications. These two things are a firm part of the user psychology. It´s just that the user wants to compensate the lack of real software performance. One of the greatest achievements of Windows ever is that it makes users buy faster and faster (and hence, of course, more expensive) hardware...

Just my 2 cents

Marin
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#21 Post by archer6 » Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:02 pm

Marin85 wrote:It´s just that the user wants to compensate the lack of real software performance. One of the greatest achievements of Windows ever is that it makes users buy faster and faster (and hence, of course, more expensive) hardware...

Just my 2 cents

Marin
True, that's why I have my T60p and T60 models each setup with 2 hard drives dual booting XP & Linux. Boots very quickly into Linux, shuts down even faster and will do 80% of my work. For those tasks that must be done with Windows XP, this is a good solution.

Cheers
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection

Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12

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#22 Post by Greg Gebhardt » Wed Nov 12, 2008 5:50 pm

Well I decided to give it a try and but the X301 with the 128 GB SSD. I am not dissapointed as it DOES boot very quickly and I can notice software booting up very quickly.

I also notice that my new X301 laptop only get very slightly warm after hours of use while sitting on my lap. I use the ac adapter mostly but am betting that with the LED display and SSD drive and lack of heat the battery will last a long time.

While I agree we will be seeing much cheaper SSD drive soon and in the future, this is what we got now and it works well even if it did cost a little more.
Greg Gebhardt
Jacksonville, Florida

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#23 Post by archer6 » Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:02 pm

My X301 just arrived today. After just a few hours my initial impression is very positive. It's the first one that I've seen in person and I'm very happy with the size, weight and balance. More to follow...


X301 / 2777-CTO / 1.4GHz SU9400 / 3GB / Intel 4500MHD / 128GB SSD / AT&T 3G / 6 cell / 13.3" WXGA+ / XP Pro
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection

Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12

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#24 Post by Greg Gebhardt » Thu Nov 13, 2008 12:41 pm

archer6 wrote:My X301 just arrived today. After just a few hours my initial impression is very positive. It's the first one that I've seen in person and I'm very happy with the size, weight and balance. More to follow...


X301 / 2777-CTO / 1.4GHz SU9400 / 3GB / Intel 4500MHD / 128GB SSD / AT&T 3G / 6 cell / 13.3" WXGA+ / XP Pro
Me too. I am using mine out in the field today and can not believe how easy it is to carry. I am going to get a Waterfield sleeve for it tomorrow.

I thought I would be giving up so much from my T61p or W500 but so far I am only giving up the weight.

GOOD GRIEF! I just realised you are the same Archer6 from PinStack! Am I dumb or not!
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#25 Post by archer6 » Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:37 pm

Greg Gebhardt wrote:
Me too. I am using mine out in the field today and can not believe how easy it is to carry. I am going to get a Waterfield sleeve for it tomorrow.

I thought I would be giving up so much from my T61p or W500 but so far I am only giving up the weight.
I absolutely love Waterfield products. I have all of their sleeves in every orientation for my various ThinkPads. Of particular note is how nice they are when I simply want to carry one of my X series machines in another type of bag, as opposed to one that screams "laptop inside". I use the ones that are open (without flap) placed inside a Timbuk2, Manhattan Portage, or Chrome messenger bag when I'm casual in the city, or I will place my one of my X series in a Waterfield sleeve with the flap closure and drop it into one of my backpacks, such as an Oakley, Crumpler or one of the others (bag addict here). Then when in a suite (too much of the time) I enjoy using a Leather Coach Lawyers Briefcase with a horizontal Waterfield sleeve protecting my ThinkPad T series.

Yes, It was nice to see you appear at PinStack...

Cheers
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection

Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12

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#26 Post by Greg Gebhardt » Thu Nov 13, 2008 6:34 pm

Twice a week I have to meet with the owners of the properties we work with. I alwasy take my laptop with all the images required to show the owners our progress and introduce new areas that will need our attention. I have always lugged the T61p or W500 in a horiz Waterfield Sleeve with flap. I have the strap but seldom use it and carry my latop in the sleeve under my arm.

Looking forward to taking the X301 due to its size. It will do everything the larger laptops would do at half the weight. It was a joy working with my new laptop in the field this week. Being able to pick it up, open, with one hand and not have to worry so much about the spinning hard drive was great peace of mind.

We are going to get along just fine.
Greg Gebhardt
Jacksonville, Florida

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#27 Post by gaia » Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:01 am

I've had an X301 for 5 days now. 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, Vista 64. Only had to upgrade one program (Tclock). Speed about the same as my previous X300, 64GB SSD, 2GB RAM, Vista 32.

Very satisfied.

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#28 Post by archer6 » Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:55 am

gaia wrote:I've had an X301 for 5 days now. 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, Vista 64. Only had to upgrade one program (Tclock). Speed about the same as my previous X300, 64GB SSD, 2GB RAM, Vista 32.

Very satisfied.
What prompted you to migrate from the X300 to the X301?

Thanks
Favorites From My ThinkPad Collection

Workstations... T40p ~ T41p ~ T42p ~ T43p ~ T60p ~ T61p ~ W500 ~ W510
T Series..... T22 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 41 ~ 42 ~ 43 ~ 60 ~ 400 ~ 500 ~ 510
X Series..... X20 ~ 30 ~ 40 ~ 60 ~ 60s ~ 200 ~ 200s ~ 301
Netbooks... S-10 ~ S-12

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#29 Post by gaia » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:26 am

archer6 wrote:
gaia wrote:I've had an X301 for 5 days now. 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, Vista 64. Only had to upgrade one program (Tclock). Speed about the same as my previous X300, 64GB SSD, 2GB RAM, Vista 32.

Very satisfied.
What prompted you to migrate from the X300 to the X301?

Thanks
I needed another computer. I have three X300s for the kids, a desktop for my wife, and I now have an X301.

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