Ready to buy x201, but have a few questions first

[cgmmny]

Hello All

I'm right on the edge of pulling the trigger on the x201 but have a few questions first. Below is my basic config:

Core i7-620M
Windows 7 64 Bit
4GB RAM
500GB 7200RPM HD

First Question:

I currently have an HP 25 inch monitor with HDMI, VGA and a host of other inputs. In most cases, I connect to this monitor via HDMI and extend my desktop between this monitor and my current laptop so that I can multitask. Being that the x201 does not have an HDMI port I will be forced to connect to it via the VGA port. Keeping that in mind, would I see degradation in the image on my 25 inch monitor being that the monitor is full HD capable (my instinct says no but I want to be sure).

Second Question:

Sometimes I work in rooms with low lighting. My current laptop has an LED backlit keyboard and has become a life saver in this scenario. I do recall that many IBM laptops have a keyboard light mounted on the top of the lid of the lcd screen. Is this the case with the x201's?

Any insight that any of you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Christian

[Harryc]

VGA out only on the X201, but displayport is added if you get an X200 Ultrabase. It does have a 'Thinklight'.

[cgmmny]

VGA out only on the X201, but displayport is added if you get an X200 Ultrabase. It does have a 'Thinklight'.

Thanks for the input. Would you happen to know if I would experience any loss of resolution when connected to my monitor via the VGA port.

[Harryc]

Resolution, probably not. Clarity..maybe. It depends on how picky you are. I definitely notice a difference between DVI and VGA with the Thinkpads I use, with DVI providing clearer/sharper text. I don't use HDMI.

[cgmmny]

Resolution, probably not. Clarity..maybe. It depends on how picky you are. I definitely notice a difference between DVI and VGA with the Thinkpads I use, with DVI providing clearer/sharper text. I don't use HDMI.

Thanks for your response. I tested the DVI connection from my current laptop to my monitor and it was just like using my HDMI connection. I'm thinking of getting some type of USB port replicator so I don't have to use the VGA out on the x201. Beside the IBM USB port replicator, is there any other USB port replicators that the forum members recommend?

Thanks

[zverg]

Your LCD is 1920x1080 or somewhere near that, right? I know you can output that via VGA, as I tested it with my macbook pro. I received the monitor I bought for my X201s which has displayport and DVI inputs, but couldn't find a mini-displayport to DVI adapter for the macbook so I just hooked it up to a mini displayport to VGA adapter. It looked fine.

If you're going to use it on your LCD monitor frequently I'd definitely spring for the ultrabase or one of the USB units as you mentioned. You can adapt displayport to HDMI to plug in to your monitor, or a displayport to DVI cable. Either way you can support up to at least 1920x1200 without issue.

What I have no idea about is whether displayport carrying an audio signal becomes hdmi with an audio signal when passed through an adapter.

[espress0]

similar situation here, i just sold my macbook pro, and ordered an x201 on the 1st. I'm planning on buying a 24" monitor.

with the DVI port replicator on the ultrabase and usb, is there a noticeable lag? can it handle movie playback?

[zverg]

similar situation here, i just sold my macbook pro, and ordered an x201 on the 1st. I'm planning on buying a 24" monitor.

If you're going to get the X200 ultrabase buy a monitor with a displayport input

[cgmmny]

All,

Thanks for the valuable insight. So I went ahead and purchased a Toshiba Dynadock V for $109 dollars off Ebay. Per the specs, it should be able to route all video and sound from my X201 via a single USB connection. It also has it's own HD video card to handle HI-Def output to my monitor.

With that being said, I'll be ordering my X201 this weekend (gotta wait for a check that I deposited today to clear) and will keep you all updated. Out of curiosity, the Lenovo site says shipping can take up to 10 business days. Is that usually the case? If so, it's going to be unbearable having to wait that long

Lastly, I'm going to assume that this business machine doesn't come with the bloatware you get when you purchase a sony, dell or toshiba does it? I just want to unpack it, load my VM's and get moving instead of having to install a clean OS and reload drivers!

Thanks again!!!

[jayexel]

I think the Dynadock doesn't really add much to your setup. There are USB video cards that give the user more capabilities than this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B7 ... TJ1ZTTVPX3

Plus it's still on VGA, I thought you wanted to move to DVI or HDMI?

[cgmmny]

I think the Dynadock doesn't really add much to your setup. There are USB video cards that give the user more capabilities than this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B7 ... TJ1ZTTVPX3

Plus it's still on VGA, I thought you wanted to move to DVI or HDMI?

I was referencing the Dynadock V. See Link below:

http://laptops.toshiba.com/dynadock/dynadock-v

It has a DVI output on the back which I will run directly to my monitor. I believe this should fit my needs or am I missing something?

Thanks!

[cgmmny]

All

Many thanks for all of your insight. I just ordered my x201 and the ship date is 3/19!!!!!! I hope Lenovo ships it before the estimate they gave me.......