T400s or X301? Anyone has used/seen both?

[Louis]

Hey guys,
I know it's a bit biased given that Im posting this on the t400 part of the forum but I don't want to create 2 duplicate threads.
I am considering getting a new laptop to add to my Z60t which I love. It has come down to either the t400s or the x301. I know the main differences such as the screen size and the fact the x301 has a low voltage cpu...so I know each one's got pro's and cons.
The way I see it the t400s has the new keyboard, better processor, better screen (according to thinkpads.com).
Battery life seems to be about the same.
X301 is slimmer and smaller but not that much to really make a difference (I am used to the 14 inch widescreen on my z60t so I'm comparing it to that one)
I haven't been able to see many side by side pics of the laptops but im guessing aesthetically they're both similar..(?)
Then there's price, the cheapest I seem to be able to get the t400s is 1,234.00 (base model), however I have seen some x301's in the outlet store for around the same price and tru Amex I may be able to get one at a comparable price to the t400s. Considering they're usually around 3k, thats a pretty good deal.
I guess my question is to those who have or have used both which one do you like best?
In my case I don't do a lot of traveling or hauling it around but when I do I like the fact they're both slim and light, I've never had a laptop with a 'low voltage' cpu so would i be shooting myself in the foot with that? I don't play games or do any process intensive work but still would like a decently strong processor that won't bog down in a years time as new software comes out. Also wasn't too crazy about the display pictures I saw comparing both the t400s and the x301.
On the other hand I've been reading a lot about problems with the t400s (speakers going bad, and unexpected shutdowns) which make my choice even harder...
Of course nothing beats seeing them/using them in person but unfortunately being only sold online I can't really do that....
Thanks for any help!!

[visionviper]

One of my roommates has a T400 and I have a X301 - and which one is better for you just entirely depends on how you use it.

I bought the X301 because I wanted something really light as I would be doing a lot of walking with it, and not always in a backpack. My roommate didn't need that degree of portability so he chose a T400.

Just going by what your looking for I would say the T400s is a better choice for you.

[dr_st]

Well, the T400 is not in the same league at all as the T400s, as far as portability goes. T400s is much closer to X30x by design, concept and characteristics than to the T400. It's a complete misnomer in that aspect.

Given that the prices are roughly the same, I wouldn't say the lower weight of the X301 is enough to offset the faster CPU, bigger screen (same resolution, so bigger and easier text to read), and the better expandability (eSATA, ExpressCard, docking support) of the T400s.

The only other factor I see is the new keyboard layout of the T400s. There no unanimous opinion on it. Some like it, some hate it, some are indifferent.

[visionviper]

Well, the T400 is not in the same league at all as the T400s, as far as portability goes. T400s is much closer to X30x by design, concept and characteristics than to the T400. It's a complete misnomer in that aspect.

Given that the prices are roughly the same, I wouldn't say the lower weight of the X301 is enough to offset the faster CPU, bigger screen (same resolution, so bigger and easier text to read), and the better expandability (eSATA, ExpressCard, docking support) of the T400s.

The only other factor I see is the new keyboard layout of the T400s. There no unanimous opinion on it. Some like it, some hate it, some are indifferent.

Yes, the T400 is not as portable as the T400s (the T400s is after all 1lb lighter) but they are still quite similar and I must disagree with you that the T400s is more closely related to the X301 than the T400.

So even though my roommate has the T400, the fact still stands that the reason to choose the X301 over the T400s or any other Thinkpad model is when your biggest concern is portability and nothing else matters nearly as much (as in my case).

[dr_st]

Yes, the T400 is not as portable as the T400s (the T400s is after all 1lb lighter) but they are still quite similar and I must disagree with you that the T400s is more closely related to the X301 than the T400.

We will have to agree to disagree. Other than the screen size, there is nothing common between the T400 and T400s. The R400 for that matter is far closer to the T400. And the T400s shares many features with the X30x - the slimness, the battery placement, the use of soldered CPUs and integrated GPU only (all for the sake of slimness). Weightwise, the T400s is again closer to the X30x than to the T400.

So even though my roommate has the T400, the fact still stands that the reason to choose the X301 over the T400s or any other Thinkpad model is when your biggest concern is portability and nothing else matters nearly as much (as in my case).

If portability is your ultimate concern, then an X200s might be a better choice. It weighs less with the standard battery, and with the extended battery offers double battery life over the X30x for the same weight. But if you can't deal with the pixel pitch of WXGA+ on a 12" screen (and we all know that it's not for everyone - I personally would not like it probably), or you need a built-in optical drive - then the X30x gets the nod.

I do agree that X30x has something in way of portability over the T400s. My claim is that T400s offers a pretty good combination of portability, performance and features, and so, for most purposes, would be a better buy. Again, the standard T400 is far from both of them in that aspect.

[Louis]

Thanks! I am leaning towards the t400s still, its just that the big discount on the X301 made me reconsider...
I have to agree that as an overall package the t400s seems to have the edge considering I'm not going to be carrying the laptop with me everyday.
Thanks again for the help!

[Leeper]

I have both, perk of the job, and I really like the T400s over the X301. There really isn't much difference in my configs but I like the larger screen and new keyboard on teh 400s.

[Louis]

Thanks! Yeah I kind of like the t400s keyboard (from what I have seen on pics)
I'll be using Linux on it, seems both take Linux quite well so thankfully that is not an issue...

[amardeep]

How do they compare in thickness ? The quoted figures are probably at the slimmest points, but the thickness actually varies appreciably (I think).

[Leeper]

How do they compare in thickness ? The quoted figures are probably at the slimmest points, but the thickness actually varies appreciably (I think).

Thickness is close enough to not worry about it. The 400s is obviously deeper due to screen size.

[fuscob]

I've used both, thanks to my employer. My last machine was an X200 Tablet, and I was considering replacing it with an X301. I almost did until I heard news that the T400s would be announced shortly. I'm glad that I waited and got the T400s. The X301 isn't really that thin or light...the extra 0.55lb of the T400s is definitely worth it to me. Considering how much more powerful the T400s is CPU-wise, the choice was obvious to me.

[Louis]

Guess it's almost unanimous from those who've used both so I guess I'll pull the trigger on the t400s in a couple of weeks. Anyone know how long does it take from the moment you order it to the time you get it? I am planning on taking it on a trip to Europe around the 5th of December and I've read some of these come from China. Just want to make sure i order it in time..
Thanks again for all the input!

[fuscob]

I ordered mine on the 24th of June and it shipped on the 9th of July. It is a CTO (build-to-order) system.

[fanqimeng]

Check the following link:

http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/pcuser/artic ... ws019.html

Scroll down and you will see 3 pictures comparing X301 and T400s side by side.

[fanqimeng]

More pictures at the following link through page 2 - 3 comparing T400s and X300 side by side:

http://journal.mycom.co.jp/articles/200 ... s/001.html

[amardeep]

Also here of course, http://www.thinkpads.com/2009/08/14/thi ... s-vs-x301/

[AIX]

I'm wondering which one is sturdier?

Both are appealing with a plus for X301; I don't play games neither but I do some cpu intensive work (network simulation, router emulation, etc.). The expresscard slot on T400s is a plus, but not a deal breaker. I'm thinking to change my (good old) T41 but I'm very very undecided.

[Louis]

I ended up getting the t400s and i'm very pleased, I never used a x301 but I think the t400s is just the right size for me.

[ptp54487]

I have both a T400s and an X300. Other than the obvious differences (ie, trading off screen size and computational power vs a noticeably smaller and lighter package), the differences are pretty small. They really feel like slight variants of the same family. That said, I like the screen on the T400s much better (although the X301 may be improved, I don't know), and I like the button layout and touchpad better on the T400s as well. However, I love the rubberized feel on the X300 and wish the T400s had it. I really like the feel of both; they're the first Lenovo Thinkpads that 'feel' to me that they belong with my old T42 and 600X.

[Harryc]

I forget which car company used to place a marble on the cars seams and let it roll around to show consistency in manufacturing tolerances(Acura maybe). To me, the X301 is that model in Lenovo's portfolio. Really well built with tight tolerances.

[asiafish]

I forget which car company used to place a marble on the cars seams and let it roll around to show consistency in manufacturing tolerances(Acura maybe). To me, the X301 is that model in Lenovo's portfolio. Really well built with tight tolerances.

Actually I think it was the original Nissan Altima, where they were comparing it to luxury cars.

[ThinkRob]

I forget which car company used to place a marble on the cars seams and let it roll around to show consistency in manufacturing tolerances(Acura maybe). To me, the X301 is that model in Lenovo's portfolio. Really well built with tight tolerances.

What do you think of the T400s then? Does your last sentence apply to it as well?