Should I get a second hand X61s or ...

[ABuNeNe]

or a brand new ASUS Eee PC 1215B?

Any advise?

[mbarker]

Any advise?

Well, since you are asking this in a Thinkpad forum you can probably guess what kind of advice you are going to get.

I was interested in getting some kind of "netbook" computer for travel, and long story short I picked up an X60s instead and am very happy. For me there is really no comparison- the X60 has a 4:3 matte display, outstanding keyboard, Trackpoint and a strong case. It feels like a "real" laptop (because it is) although it is very small and light. I has a battery that lasts 7 hours and it also cost well under $200, which is less than a new netbook. This was really a no-brainer.

BUT, I am pretty old school- I like the traditional Thinkpad design, I don't require the latest and greatest, and I only use it for pretty basic tasks (internet, e-mail, photos, MS Office). I see that the 1215b has an HDMI port, USB 3.0, a large HDD, a webcam and widescreen. Keep in mind that these kind of things will not be found on an X6x.

[ABuNeNe]

I've been using a IBM T43 for years, recently started to carry around thus looking at the lighter and more powerful notebook.

[grunger106]

X60s all the way

[underclocker]

The X60s/X61s models are great portable devices. They also sell at incrediblely low prices in the U.S. and they run applications very well, especially if you upgrade to an SSD.

I used one as my travel machine for years and loved it. I upgraded to an X100e only because I wanted the internal webcam and the ability to select any carrier for wireless broadband on days that I needed access on the road (I can choose day passes from Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, Clear and others).

Not sure about the Asus, but if you don't pick up an X6x series, check out he X100e/X120e models.

[aabram]

I've been using a IBM T43 for years, recently started to carry around thus looking at the lighter and more powerful notebook.

You'd probably miss ThinkPad's rugged feel, sturdy keyboard and nice screen hinges as opposed to plastic body, mushy keyboard without beloved red nipple and flimsy screen which stops around 140 or so degree angle.

On the other hand, you'd gain better resolution and brighter screen, USB 3.0 and n-WiFi (though single band, 2.4 GHz only). Unless you get X60s with L-processor I doub't you'd see much improvement in raw power.

If you need to count millimeters and grams and really need those mentioned advantages, then go with EeePC, otherwise go with X60s/X61s.

[RealBlackStuff]

Another happy X60s user.
Upgraded wifi to Intel Advanced 6200N, which produces less heat than the standard Intel 4965.

[bmwman91]

Question:

To upgrade the wireless card, do you need to hack the BIOS / use specific Lenovo cards, or can you put in anything you want? My T60p required a hacked BIOS to upgrade the WiFi, and I have no idea if the X61 I am about to buy is the same way. Thanks!

[RealBlackStuff]

If it's not an IBM/Lenovo approved card with the proper IBM/Lenovo P/N or FRU you most likely will need to update your BIOS with a hacked version.
These updates have been applied many times and do not pose any danger to your TP.
Lots of info about these updates on the forums.

[John H]

Very happy with my X60s for 2 years, now. Just added a 2gb ram for a kick in the pants.

[lead_org]

i would get the X61s instead and then get a SSD, or just a X120e.