X300 vs. X301 with a twist

[kelbelle42]

Hello all -

If any of you ThinkPad experts could help me (computers are not my forte) I would greatly appreciate it. I think I have narrowed down my laptop search to the following two options and was wondering if anyone had opinions regarding which would be best in terms of speed/performance and overall value.

1) X300, new from the lenovo outlet for $1515 with 4GB RAM (2x2), 64GB SSD, 1 yr warranty, vista ultimate

2) X301, from J&R for $1749 with 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, 3 yr warranty, vista business, better return policy than outlet

Aside from the things mentioned the specs are the same (both have DVD burner, etc.) The least expensive X301 with more than 2GB RAM I could find was more than $2000, which is over my budget.

Thanks for your help!
Kelly

[Marin85]

A few points:
1. X301 could be available with mechanical HD somewhere. An after-market SSD would be much cheaper (altogether with the machine) in GB/$ price.
2. You can upgrade RAM after-market without voiding the warranty, it would be cheaper than configured from Lenovo (or some reseller).
3. 1 year warranty for so expensive machines (more or less) is IMO not a good idea, 3 year warranty is definitely better protection of your investment.
4. Unlike X300, X301 has Montevina platform and even with the "same" cpu (I guess you mean here same GHz) the latter would perform better due to slightly faster cpu, noticeably faster memory. It also has improved (Intel integrated) graphics.
5. According to some folks X301 has supposedly slightly better screen than X300, I can´t comment on this though as I don´t have any of these ThinkPads at disposal.

Hope this helps,

Marin

EDIT: btw, welcome to the forum!

[archer6]

<snip>X301, from J&R for $1749 with 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, 3 yr warranty, vista business, better return policy than outlet <snip>

I have owned both, the X300 and now I have the X301. While they are excellent machines there is a distinct improvement in the display of the 301 as well as some other very subtle nuances. I can highly endorse J&R as I have purchased three ThinkPads from them and received excellent communications and customer service. (I do not work for them). In my experience, the return policy of any company you do business with when purchasing a new computer is critical. This is where J&R are exceptional. Even Lenovo hits one with a very steep restocking fee if a computer is returned for any reason. Then of course J&R offers a nice savings with no tax and fee shipping. I would not think twice, just buy from J&R and I'm sure you will be happy. Also if you've found them via Amazon, I would advise against buying from Amazon. Not that I don't like them, I do a lot of book business, etc with them. But when buying a computer you might need to return, any company that sold it direct to you has more incentive to work with you, rather than having to go through Amazon.

Cheers...

[dr_st]

I really fail to see the dilemma. A newer, faster and slightly improved machine, with 2 extra years of warranty, for just $234 more? Is there really anything to think about?