X220 vs T420 -- is X220 screen size too small for this?

[bigskydream]

I realize answers to this is subjective, but I would really appreciate any feedback/advice. I'm planning to either get the X220 or T420. I travel a lot, so portability is a key factor. I do a lot of customer presentations, and it is usually with an overhead projector. However, often the customer I'm with does not have a projector, so we end up doing the demo on my notebook screen. Would the X220 be too small for this? I'm wondering if with an IPS screen it might actually be better than the larger T420 screen that has horrible viewing angles. Are the viewing angles of on the X220 premium screen really that much better than the non-IPS on the T420?

Thanks in advance!

[visionviper]

It depends on how everyone is spaced out. Do they huddle around the laptop? Is everyone sitting down at a large table?

Is it possible you can get a projector? Then you would be free to get what you want.

[sanjuro]

Would the X220 be too small for this?
I'm wondering if with an IPS screen it might actually be better than the larger T420 screen that has horrible viewing angles. Are the viewing angles of on the X220 premium screen really that much better than the non-IPS on the T420?

Thanks in advance!

Viewing angle of IPS will be very good but X220 screen is quite small. Powerpoint will use 4:3 format so you are looking at 1024x768 region in the center. So you will only use screen real estate that is small fraction (60% horizontally.) May be viewable at close distance but not across a table or desk.

You are better off getting 15" or 17" notebook with a decent display for this type of purpose.

[ssd_thinkpad]

For presentations I'd look at Macbooks, they have a good display even if it is TN.

[Q-Ball]

If you've got the cash and/or need the portability of the X220, I'd invest in a micro-projector.
They last 10 times longer than a normal projector and fit in the palm of your hand.
Just make sure to get one that has at least a VGA output on it.
They're usually rather inexpensive, and on the other note you've got

And as far as MacBooks go, there are no decently-spec'd (i.e. worth the cash) models comparable to the T and X series. Plus, getting even an X220 and a micro-projector will be less expensive than a MacBook. Also the viewing angle problems remain the same since it is still TN and not IPS.

But if you decide to go the T420 route be aware that the viewing angle problem isn't all that bad- DVD's are still watchable on a similar panel from 45 degrees.

[sanjuro]

For presentations I'd look at Macbooks, they have a good display even if it is TN.

I second getting a macbook pro. If portability is really important, you can get macbook air and run windows on it. If you don't mind the size and weight, 15" or 17" are nice looking machines. More and more business people are using macbook (pros) and running windows on them using bootcamp or VM. It also may depend on what message you want to send by your choice of laptop.

When someone visits with HP or Dell I don't even give a second look. I notice thinkpads and macbooks though and look at their machines more carefully.

[ssd_thinkpad]

Be aware that macbooks tend to loose most of their battery life once you don't run os x on them any more.

The small Air is also a nice machine if you can work with os x.

[Long Face]

I had used a 12"-screen laptop to do meeting room presentations several times, including pictures and videos. Everybody around the large table seemed to see what I was trying to show them.

If you travel a lot, the T420 could be a little too long and bulky to carry.

[rleo25]

Mobility and large screen size is a hard mix, the larger the weighter, for presentations you will need a projector, I would recommend any of the x220 IPS models and sort out the projection problem.

[dr_st]

Powerpoint will use 4:3 format so you are looking at 1024x768 region in the center.

Besides the point of this thread probably, but it may be good to know - with Power Point you are not locked to 4:3 - you can define any ratio from a range of predefined ones (including 16:9), or any custom ratio.

[netcomrade]

most powerpoints should look fine on x220 screen.

[asiafish]

If you've got the cash and/or need the portability of the X220, I'd invest in a micro-projector.
They last 10 times longer than a normal projector and fit in the palm of your hand.
Just make sure to get one that has at least a VGA output on it.
They're usually rather inexpensive, and on the other note you've got

And as far as MacBooks go, there are no decently-spec'd (i.e. worth the cash) models comparable to the T and X series. Plus, getting even an X220 and a micro-projector will be less expensive than a MacBook. Also the viewing angle problems remain the same since it is still TN and not IPS.

But if you decide to go the T420 route be aware that the viewing angle problem isn't all that bad- DVD's are still watchable on a similar panel from 45 degrees.

Ummm, MacBook Air starts at $999, can you get an X220 AND a microprojector for $999?

[mpcook]

((Edit--I just realized this is an old thread!)) I do similar work, travel a lot and give presentations with projector and / or meetings where a couple of people sit around the laptop. I have an X201 for home use, I would not recommend it for what you suggest (it is probably not too dissimilar to the X220). My recommendation is the T40Xs series. I travel with my T400s all the time, it is rugged, stands up to the abuse, and will work fine for a PowerPoint sitting around the screen, if the projector is not available or for a couple of people. I use PPTX in 16x10 usually, which works very nicely on the T400s screen, and sometimes back to 4x3 for some that happen to be in that format. The T400s is light, slim, and easy to travel with, a bit better than the non-s version in that respect. Mine has traveled a lot and I have had no problems (except a mainboard replacement do to the early units' shutdown problem) and no cracks, no screen issues, etc. They are both great machines, but for different reasons. My wife's T410s is similar to my T400s, I have not had my hands on a T420s to compare but it should also be similar in terms of travelability, screen size.

[penartur]

Ummm, MacBook Air starts at $999, can you get an X220 AND a microprojector for $999?

You lose the point, for $999 that would be 11" Air for which one will need to purchase microprojector additionally as well as for X220. Even 13.3" is not that different from X220's 12.5".
And the cheapest 15" macbook is $1800. For such a money one could probably purchase a second X220 in addition to one X220 and a microprojector.

[asiafish]

No I didn't lose the point, your math is just wrong. An 11" air is the functional equivalent of the X220, and costs about the same as a similarly equipped X220. You said for the price of an air you could get the X220 AND a projector b you cannot.

The 15" pro is in a whole different class and competes with the W5x0 series, which are bulkier, heavier and can be optioned simarly at about the same price. The 13" air comepetes with the X1 and T420s, and again costs about the same.

[dr_st]

I'm just curious how you define "a functional equivalent". Other than size/weight, that is.

[asiafish]

I'm just curious how you define "a functional equivalent". Other than size/weight, that is.

Many factors, but size/weight and screen resolution are mist important for me. Apple doesn't have a direct equivalent, but the 11" air is their smallest and lightest and thus was what I bought. The X220 is Lenovo's smallest and lightest , with same screen resolution. 13" Air is about same size and weight as X220, but the 1440x900 resolution, in my opinion, puts it in a different class.

Defintrly splitting hairs here, and since all three (two airs and x220 cost within $100 when equipped the same, it is a wash anyway.

[penartur]

No I didn't lose the point, your math is just wrong. An 11" air is the functional equivalent of the X220, and costs about the same as a similarly equipped X220. You said for the price of an air you could get the X220 AND a projector b you cannot.

Nobody said one could get X220 + projector for the price of 11" air.
The claim was that if someone chooses the Mac just because X220 has its screen too small for presentations, they could as well get X220 + projector way below the price of said Mac. Of course, the claim implicitly assumed that the Mac screen should be larger than 12.5"; else there would be no point in choosing the Mac over X220 just because X220 screen is too small.
One has to do a presentation, and 12.5" screen is just too small for that. Some people say to get a mac with a larger screen, and other people argue that it would be cheaper to purchase a microprojector in addition to X220. If the person in question is ruling out X220 just because 12.5" screen is too small, only an apple fanboy will consider an 11" Air as an alternative.

[asiafish]

Nobody said one could get X220 + projector for the price of 11" air.
The claim was that if someone chooses the Mac just because X220 has its screen too small for presentations, they could as well get X220 + projector way below the price of said Mac. Of course, the claim implicitly assumed that the Mac screen should be larger than 12.5"; else there would be no point in choosing the Mac over X220 just because X220 screen is too small.
One has to do a presentation, and 12.5" screen is just too small for that. Some people say to get a mac with a larger screen, and other people argue that it would be cheaper to purchase a microprojector in addition to X220. If the person in question is ruling out X220 just because 12.5" screen is too small, only an apple fanboy will consider an 11" Air as an alternative.

only an Apple hater would perpetuate the old Apple tax myth as to move to a T420s adds just as much to the price as moving to the 13" air.

[Harryc]

Gents, I am keeping en eye on this thread. Lets not go down the hater/fanboy road here or the thread will be locked and ...

[ssd_thinkpad]

For presentation I would use either use the FHD 15.6 or the 12.5 IPS panel. The small panel is really small. The 14 inch lenovo displays are not good. The 15 inch notebooks are heavy. Hard choice.

Think about getting the new us powered 14 inch lenovo notebook display.

[pianowizard]

I travel a lot, so portability is a key factor. I do a lot of customer presentations, and it is usually with an overhead projector. However, often the customer I'm with does not have a projector, so we end up doing the demo on my notebook screen.

You want a laptop with a huge screen but is still reasonably portable. So, the Dell Latitude Z600 would be the best for you: 16.0" 1600x900, 4.5 lb with SSD and 4-cell battery.

[lead_org]

The Macbook Pro is really that good for presentation on the screen if you are not viewing direct on, especially when there is lot of ambient light. If your viewing presentation with other clients, you should consider a LCD that has matte finish. I think the tablet machines like X220 or anything similar are better for that purpose.

[asiafish]

The Macbook Pro is really that good for presentation on the screen if you are not viewing direct on, especially when there is lot of ambient light. If your viewing presentation with other clients, you should consider a LCD that has matte finish. I think the tablet machines like X220 or anything similar are better for that purpose.

15" MacBook Pro anti-glare is a wonderful matte screen, about the best non-IPS you can get on a laptop today.

[lead_org]

Yes the 15.4 inch Macbook Pro matte screens are very good. They need to be ordered as an option on the 15 and 17 inch. Shame that Apple doesn't offer anything like that on the 13 inch version of the MBP with 1440x900 resolution.

[asiafish]

Yes the 15.4 inch Macbook Pro matte screens are very good. They need to be ordered as an option on the 15 and 17 inch. Shame that Apple doesn't offer anything like that on the 13 inch version of the MBP with 1440x900 resolution.

The 13" Air is 1440x900 and while technically glossy, is far less reflective than any glossy I've ever used. My X220 IPS is a bit better than my 11" Air, but not MUCH better. I hate glossy, but the Air screens are VERY good.

[lead_org]

Macbook Air 11 and 13 inch laptops are very good. But these machines are more for personal use and not really suited for presentation to customers. If all else fails, get the new Lenovo USB portable 14 inch monitors, and you can have the best of both world (not sure whether it works in Mac Environment).

[asiafish]

Macbook Air 11 and 13 inch laptops are very good. But these machines are more for personal use and not really suited for presentation to customers. If all else fails, get the new Lenovo USB portable 14 inch monitors, and you can have the best of both world (not sure whether it works in Mac Environment).

Why are they not suited for prOfessional use? I use mine in court everyday, including presentations to opposing counsel and mediators on the 11" screen. Usually it just gets comPliments.

[lead_org]

really? The ones that we have in the office (MBA 11) tend to have colour distortion when viewed from an angle. Maybe it is a personal thing and depends on what sort of stuffs you are viewing on the laptop itself, i.e. documents versus PS photos, etc.

[asiafish]

really? The ones that we have in the office (MBA 11) tend to have colour distortion when viewed from an angle. Maybe it is a personal thing and depends on what sort of stuffs you are viewing on the laptop itself, i.e. documents versus PS photos, etc.

Also depends on how large the viewing angle. Of course, with an 11" laptop, wiggling the machine so everyone can see it is quite easy.

Your wording implied that the Apple machine was somehow a consumer, rather than a professional device, and that is simply not the case. The MacBook Air has, since its launch in 2008 sold mostly to professionals, while the plastic MacBook and the 13" MacBook pro tend to appeal more to consumers. It is only with the plastic model being discontinued and the 11" model now the least expensive model that anyone has ever considered the Air as a consumer machine.

The fact is, the Air has a far better display than any T series and also is better than any X series EXCEPT FOR THE IPS X220. Does that mean that the T420s is a consumer-grade machine? Its display is far less suited to presentations than the MacBook Air's display is.