good x series

[hansolo669]

ok i light of my frankenpad attempts on my t41 i want to know whats the best x series(non tablet)
i.e: no gpu problems, basically no hardware problems, ect ect
also i dont care about battry life(i can make it work i know i can )

btw i dont plan on getting one soon, but good to know for the futer

[sjthinkpader]

I have almost every X series on this forum. Your question is too generalized as each has their own merits and demerits.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... g&start=30

[rbtying]

My personal opinion is that an X41 is best if you plan on leaving it alone, since they're more portable and very fun to use. If you want speed, though, try an X31.

Or if you feel like splurging, get a more recent x-series, they're all good.

[hansolo669]

I have almost every X series on this forum. Your question is too generalized as each has their own merits and demerits.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... g&start=30

well really i want something that is never going to have a gpu problem. i.e. the t4x series loose gpu. should also be able to take low to moderate rough handling

[sjthinkpader]

I also agree that X41 may be best; modern, speedy. But the drawback to some, not to me, is the somewhat limited HDD choices. The Lenovo style IDE-ZIF adapters had fixed this shortcoming to a large extend.

Both the X40 and X30 are low power champions. The X30 is limited by the SDR RAM and weak KB bezel. X40 is limited by DDR RAM and the 1.8 storage devices mentioned above.

None of the X2x series is really worth purchasing today. My X20 and X24 came almost free. I used a X20 daily for work from 2000 until 2003.

Also bear in mind that old new stock batteries for older X series are very hard to come by. I was fortunately enough to get a few decent X3x batteries.

...well really i want something that is never going to have a gpu problem. i.e. the t4x series loose gpu. should also be able to take low to moderate rough handling

Only X2x, X31 and X32 used discrete GPU. I am not sure there were any significant BGA detachment issues with these.

The X3x series seemed very sturdy but the KB bezel is a real weak point. The X4x series seems to be pretty sturdy. My motorcycle riding daughter takes a X40 when she needs a computer on the road.

[Tasurinchi]

If not in a hurry, wait patiently in Ebay or similar sites and buy the two ones on top of my signature

I was in Canada early this year and found this shop in Montreal with good used Thinkpad offers: http://www.portafixe.com/ (hopefully I'm not breaking any forum's rule)

My X31 is fairly new. I'm planning to use it and tweak it a bit more until I can make a fair and unbiased comparison between both the X31 and X41. Which one is better is always dependent on lots of personal preferences, but from my experience whatever you buy, you will be happy.

Cheers

Tasu

[dr_st]

I have to admit that I don't have first hand experience with X4x series, but my wife has an X61 now, and had an X32 before.

I made a showcase of these laptops (along with X61 tablet) in the following thread:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=71155

In which I also share my opinions.

Bottom line - I like the X32 most of all.

Good combination of mobility and battery life (at least assuming you can still get a new battery for it).
Runs pretty cool.
With 1.8/2.0GHz Dothan CPU, 2GB RAM and a 7200RPM drive, this machine will be leaps and bounds beyond any X4x.

[hansolo669]

thanks guys big help.
dr_st: i like the x32 so i think (eventually) i'l get that or the x40/41
btw off topic a bit but wold paper in a thinkpad be a problem?(i.e. paper in say... a t41)

[sjthinkpader]

...
With 1.8/2.0GHz Dothan CPU, 2GB RAM and a 7200RPM drive, this machine will be leaps and bounds beyond any X4x.

Although I do have a X32, I beg to differ. A X41 equipped with a HS122JC HDD and 2GB of DDR2 is just as fast if not faster.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 1&start=30

[sjthinkpader]

...
btw off topic a bit but wold paper in a thinkpad be a problem?(i.e. paper in say... a t41)

I don't think I understand the question.

[hansolo669]

I don't think I understand the question.

i was going off topic a bit. the question was if i put paper in a t41...on the gpu(to pressure it), wold that have, negative consequences.

[sjthinkpader]

The ignition temperature of wood, in the paper, is higher than temperature in the computer. Unless something catches on fire inside, then paper become fuel.

[hansolo669]

thanks thats good to know

[Tasurinchi]

Just out of curiosity... What are you planning to use the X3x/X4x for?

If you plan to use Linux, my experience with both is that the Linux graphic drivers for the X41 (Intel) work better than the X31 (ATI). I can use modderate screen effects with the X41, the X31 gets too sluggish with them. Surfing internet sites with lot's of flash animations is faster in the X41 too.

I don't use windows with my TPs, my guess is that the difference in term of performance won't be that big with XP/Seven for normal tasks like browsing/emailing.

Are you planning to carry them around a lot? X41s are thinner and lighter.
Are you planning to store big amounts of data and have them allways with you? You can put a 320GB Pata disk in the X31, the X4x will be more limited in terms of disk space (and eventually more pricey). sjthinkpader already explained above that performance wise there will be no big differences

I manage to break the keyboard bezel of my X31 less than one hour after I got it. The bezel of my X41 is still in one piece after 10 months.

There are many topics in this forum discussing differences between the X series. Some question from my side:
1- What are your requirements for a TP?
2- What's your budget?

Hope my comments will help you...

Cheers

Tasu

[ZaZ]

If you don't mind ripping your machine apart, I'd vote for the X200 with the AFFS screen swap.

[sjthinkpader]

We got a few X200s in the office recently with 1440x900 LED backlight. Are these AFFS?

[Harryc]

No, it's a swap in LCD - http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-12-1-HV121WX4-A ... 0426485871
While I am in this thread, my favorite X series (and I've owned them all except for X300's) is my current X60s. Light-weight, battery life is superb, LCD is A-OK. NMB keyboard too ...

[ZaZ]

No they are not. Basically you can buy a a X200 and swap its LCD for a 12" BOE-Hydis AFFS LCD if you're OK with the warranty voiding part. The model number is HV121WX4-100. It's probably like the AFFS UXGA on the T60, though I have not seen one myself. It's a tablet screen, but you can get them without the digitizer on eBay. It's a straight swap on the X200 provided it's digitizerless or you can remove it. LED screens use a different inverter and cable. You'd have to swap those too to get it to work. I think the X200 and X200s use the same parts for the WXGA LCD according to the service parts. I would think you could do it on the X200s as well provided you've got the correct cable and inverter, though I have no first hand knowledge. This seems a much better swap than the X61t IPS screen swap into a X6x as you don't have to buy/make a harness or cable. Only if you're dying to have the SXGA+ and can afford it does that seem a better option. Plus the X200 is a SATA II machine, which has benefits.

I thought of getting one myself. They had some X200 ThinkPads in the outlet a couple weeks ago for less than $600. I think you can still get the $664 X200s with the AE card according to SlickDeals. It was tempting. I had one in my cart, but decided against it. My current R60 more than meets my needs. I don't like the to spend extra for something I don't really need. I knows it's heresy around here, but I'm not a huge fan of the pointstick.

I shouldn't look like I'm taking credit for this one. Zephir from NBR came up with it. You can read up on it and see pics over there.

[ajkula66]

At today's prices, X60/s is a clear winner in my book...and I've owned just about every X series model apart from X32 and X200/s/T...

[sjthinkpader]

We opt for X200s instead of X61s mainly due to poor finish durability. We chose WXGA+ version with LED backlight because they will be more durable than CCF. One came with 64GB SSD. They ranged from $650-$1100 in the Outlet store.

Quite a few X60s/X61s are still in service.

[hansolo669]

Tasurinchi
1- What are your requirements for a TP?: light wight easy to carry, i have a data server at home so i dont need to carry o much stuff with me, needs to be able to get chucked around in a backpack all day

2- What's your budget?: depends might be a lot might be a little, i dont know(yet)... but i suppose just the average 400 and lower to 500-800 range(can).

and thanks tasu very good food for thaught

[dr_st]

Although I do have a X32, I beg to differ. A X41 equipped with a HS122JC HDD and 2GB of DDR2 is just as fast if not faster.

I may have not understood all your numbers correctly, but I got the impressions that the results posted for the HS122JC still were beaten by some standard 5400RPM drives. Since for an X32 you are much less limited in hard drive selection, I think you can find one that will be faster...

As far as CPU-intensive tasks go - the highest available in an X41 is a Pentium M 778 @1.6GHz, and I do feel that the 1.8-2.0GHz conunterparts will beat it, and the 2.0GHz - noticeably so.

Then again, I could be wrong and the difference might be not as big as I imagine. It's hard to find full-fledged comparison benchmarks.

[Tasurinchi]

but i suppose just the average 400 and lower to 500-800 range(can).

Well, if I understand you correctly with the lower range of your mentioned budget (500 CAD), I personally would go for a X6*.

You'll get a bigger offer of SATA drives if you want to upgrade it, (they will be also cheaper than the PATA ones). There are plenty of SATA SSDs as well if you want to spend more money.

If you plan to maximize the RAM, it will be also cheaper.

Regarding your higher budget range (800 CAD), I think if you follow the Lenovo Outlet Store offers you may even be lucky and get a refurbished X200 for that money.

Cheers!

Tasurinchi

[sjthinkpader]

I may have not understood all your numbers correctly, but I got the impressions that the results posted for the HS122JC still were beaten by some standard 5400RPM drives. Since for an X32 you are much less limited in hard drive selection, I think you can find one that will be faster...

As far as CPU-intensive tasks go - the highest available in an X41 is a Pentium M 778 @1.6GHz, and I do feel that the 1.8-2.0GHz conunterparts will beat it, and the 2.0GHz - noticeably so.

Then again, I could be wrong and the difference might be not as big as I imagine. It's hard to find full-fledged comparison benchmarks.

Yes, slower CPU but faster RAM. There are 5400 2.5inch drives that are faster than the HS122JC. But not the older low areal density 2.5inch PATA 7200rpm drives.

If there are performance differences, it will be in-perceptible.

[paul*robertson]

How does the x60 and x61 fit into this discussion. Is it more robust than either the x31 or x41.

[sjthinkpader]

We use X60s/X61s in the office. There were no significant failures but the finish is much less durable that previous generations. Battery seems to need replacement earlier.

[hansolo669]

hmm
x61 is newer so (possible) longer lifespan, but less durable finish [sjthinkpader]
x41 is older but still good
x32 is probly my fave right now(im sorry but i love the case desigen, and how all nonessential ports are at the back.. genius)
because this wold be a purely document/small internet/small other use laptop i think a x32 or x41 is my (personal) best fit.

[dr_st]

What I personally don't like about the X6x is the "thin front, thick back" design. The thinness of the base at the front probably contributes a lot to the overheating of the right palmrest (where the WiFi card is).

[Tasurinchi]

i think a x32 or x41 is my (personal) best fit.

Both are lovely models...

I think another good hint would be to go to a place where they have several thinkpad models and play around with them. Seeing them "live" will give you a good feeling what you will like more.

I can tell you that I never considered X-series some years ago (I was more the T4x series types of guy) until I went to Akihabara in Tokio and saw lots of used/refurbished X40/X41s. That's the beginning of my personal affection to the X series, the rest of the story you can see in my signature

Cheers

Tasurinchi

[sjthinkpader]

Yes, they do a good job cleaning up used machines in Akihabara. On the back streets west of the main thoroughfare are shops that sell parts too.

Thinkpads were dear to the Japanese market place because they started in IBM Yamato. Designs stayed in Yamato while corporate functions eventually moved to RTP. The X series followed the S series and some still carry S-Note designations inside. The X20 was a LG design and early 11xx and R3x came from Taiwanese ODMs.