Do i want a X40? Instead of a 12' dell ...

[j-dawg]

I use an X61t, which is the same as an X60s/X61s with regards to performance, as my main computer. No complaints - it is more than enough power for me. If you do pick up an X60 or X61(s), you will be quite set - the non-s models are more powerful, like a baby T.

[madkat]

@Underclocker - as usual, no-nonsense, rational posting
except for the stupid little slow hdd, i have nothing against the X40. Infortunately i didn't find a cheap enough solution for this. SSD is out of the question, it costs way too much - for this amount, adding the amount i'd get by selling this unit i can easily get a good x60s. Tried to find a CF-ATA interface, and a quick CF - but sill it comes to the same prices, or more

the D410's ddr2, centrino processor, and normal hdd makes it considerably quicker, despite its plastic feeling, awful trackpoint, and wobbly screen.

@j-dawg - no way i'll settle for a non-s model - i'd like the most portable of the series - from the specs, a X60s would suit me perfectly

[Tasurinchi]

except for the stupid little slow hdd, i have nothing against the X40. Infortunately i didn't find a cheap enough solution for this. SSD is out of the question

SSDs are still too expensive, but a new ZIF drive can make a lot of difference for a smaller amount. My experience with the MK8025GAL is very positive, and I've read other users experience were positive with this change as well.

no way i'll settle for a non-s model

Ok c'mon! The difference is a couple of grams only. An X60 is still very portable...

With prices of X60 models coming down and down keeping an X4x makes less sense this days if you consider performance only. Still I would never give up any of my X41's or the X40

[topmahof]

neither would i.

[madkat]

Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice machine indeed, in many ways is far better than the D410, only performance-wise there are some annoying things...

The MK8025GAL seems equally slow - still 4200rpm - why it's different from the original Hitachi drive?

[Tasurinchi]

- still 4200rpm -

RPMs alone are not an assurance for performance. Remember these are physically smaller drives. I only know two Samsung models with 5400RPM, though these are very pricey and according to some tests I read they are also loud. Samsung's HS122JC is still the top performer in this class.

The MK8025GAL is a high area density single platter model. It's faster and very silent (you'll never hear any *clicks* anymore) than the standard Hitachi drives. You can find some benchmarks in this thread, some Samsungs are there too as well as SSDs.

[underclocker]

The X40 was an evolutionary design step up from the X3x series. It was beautiful, sleek, well constructed and had a very high level finish. It also weighed only 2.7 lbs. with he 4 cell battery or could last 10+ hours with the 8 cell plus clip on extended battery.

I still feel the 14" T4x and X4x were two of the best TP designs to date.

Design-wise, the Dells do not compare. However, as I said, performance-wise, even the Dell D400 blew it away. Furthermore, the Dell D410 was ergonomically inferior to the D400. The D410 had recessed mouse buttons that would put you on the fast-track to carpal tunnel syndrome!

[madkat]

The T4x is a great design, better than what came after. In many respects, the X40 reminds me of the T4x's...
Ergonomicaly, is far better than the d410, the screen is better, it is way more elegant, and feels a lot sturdier, and even with the 8cell it is lighter. Like i said, the only drawback is that at some tasks, is considerably slower, as expected, for an older generation (PM vs centrino, ddr1 vs ddr2) - but the worst is the HDD. From what i have seen, there is not much i can do, without considerable expenses.

Like i said above, despite the wobbly lcd, s**tty trackpoint, weirdish case material, weight, huge ac adpter, the d410 is faster and much easier (and cheaper) upgradeable - ddr2, normal 2.5' HDD (both of which i have upgraded).

It is really a dilema

[pianowizard]

The X40 was an evolutionary design step up from the X3x series. It was beautiful, sleek, well constructed and had a very high level finish. It also weighed only 2.7 lbs.

In terms of looks, the X40 remains one of the best Thinkpads ever, definitely better than all Lenovo-era Thinkpads. But as far as performance, the original 4200rpm HDDs were a major bottleneck, and like I said I hated their constant clicking noise. So, while the X40 is great for collectors, I wouldn't want to use it as my main laptop.

It is really a dilema

Sell both the D410 and the X40, and the money you get should be just enough for an X60s. But like I warned you earlier, the palmrest of the X60s is notoriously hot.

[dorronto]

ditto....

I agree. I've had both. Both are good laptops in their own right but...

since you're in a dilemma

go for the x60 or x60s...right on pianowizard !!!

Ron

[Tasurinchi]

It is really a dilema

Well, as said before THERE ARE options regarding hard disks. It won't be as cheap as a 2.5" models, but the options are there. If I remember correctly I've seen Ebay prices around 70 USD for 60GB models and around 90 USD for 80GB models.

Price went high in the last times, my MK8025GAL + Adapter cost me around 100 in February this year.

[madkat]

I ment there aren't any cost-efficient options. It would mean (provided that i could find it in the same price-range of 100$) that i would have to pay way more than half o what this machine have cost me in the first place.
Adding the 100$ would mean the sum i'd have to pay for a X60s ... I would probably be equally frustrated build-quality-wise, as i am with the R61 vs. my old TR451, but in the R's case, the specs are way above any T4x, and the screen is gorgeous

I didn't especially like the feel of the X60 ...

[pianowizard]

Adding the 100$ would mean the sum i'd have to pay for a X60s ... I would probably be equally frustrated build-quality-wise

The X60s has excellent build quality, comparable to that of the X40 in my opinion. Also, if you can find one with the UltraLight screen, it weighs less than the X40 and has a brighter screen as well. Without the UltraLight screen, the X60s is about 0.13 lb heavier than the X40, 2.89 lb versus 2.76 lb.

[madkat]

That is exactly why i'd prefer a X60S not a X60 - from what i've seen, it seems better built. Not like T-series vs. R-series, but still...

A few pictures of the dell and the x40 side-by-side - comparing sizes and quality of the screen - same images, both set to max brightness.

[j-dawg]

Build quality is really not that different between the X60 and X60s. Regarding comparisons to the T- and R-series, my tablet feels better built than did the (only) T60 I've used.

Unless battery life is your top concern, there's no reason to prefer the s models, barring finding one with an Ultralight screen. The regular models are cheaper and more powerful, and the weight difference is negligible.

[Tasurinchi]

A few pictures of the dell and the x40 side-by-side

Nice pics. I forgot that the screen bezel of the Dell has so much space around the LCD. If I remember correctly the D400 has an even bigger one!

[madkat]

Unfortunately the pics are taken with ISO1600...
but, i've made them to show the differences size-wise and screen quality-wise

[topmahof]

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2828

fairly good comparison between an x41 and an x61s.

[Tasurinchi]

Unfortunately the pics are taken with ISO1600...

They're nice pictures. No need to apologise

[madkat]

The pics are taken with a Nikon D90 with the topmost usable ISO...

ontopic: using for several days (while in vacation) only the R61... such a beautiful machine...
More tempted with selling both of them for a higher-spec X60s / X61...

but for now enjoying the Holidays.
Btw: Merry Chistmas to you all!

[madkat]

Annoying me again
Inserting the hide-away PCMCIA usb 2.0 - with a USB stick works just fine, but when inserting a USB mouse (a4tech b**ls**t), the laptop freezes and restarts... With the asame pcmcia on my r61, d410 and my former tr451 the same mouse works fine...

Is there a limitation on the PCMCIA power supply? On the X40 that is?

[madkat]

Sold the X40 - realizing it's a "phase" in the way to a X60, hopefully a X60s. Just being patient until i'll find one in suct a mint condition as the other laptops i owe and i've owned.

Reason was the hdd - too expensive and way too hard to upgrade to SSD, and original one too slow.

[Tasurinchi]

Sold the X40

That's sad news

I've just picked a HDD-less X40 the other day for around 50 bucks, put a stock Hitachi 60GB drive I had lying around and installed Linux Mint. It worked great for surfing and easy office applications. At the end I borrowed it to a nice of mine, who just loved that machine. I hope one of these days I find another one that I can keep

[madkat]

No reason to be sad. Just working my way up to one of the following: X41T, X60 or X60s

[coleridge]

Has anyone used one of those IBM 60gb SSD for the X40 that you see on ebay??

I just bought a used x40 from the IBM certified store. It is looks brand new and thought that the IBM 60gb SSD might be a good fit for it.

[topmahof]

Yeh, I have one in an x41. It doesn't need a caddy, just the cover. It fits right in. no errors, works good. There's a thread here somewhere that says exactly what SSD is in there, but I can't find it now.

[Tasurinchi]

There's a thread here somewhere that says exactly what SSD is in

If I recall correctly it's a Samsung one. Check the sticky thread here...

[madkat]

And for those who were sad about me parting with the X40 - there is a X60 on the way Not an S... but a X60.

I'll post on the specific section.

[Tasurinchi]

Congratulations on your new acquisition! These are fine little machines!

[madkat]

Thanks - nice machine indeed.
Came with 1x1gb of RAM - even before powering it up for the first time i inserted a second 1gb stick.
X40 felt a little bit more sturdy, but i cannot complain, this x60 is wery well built too. And the SATA and DDR2 offer more upgrade opportunities.