Inspiron 11z vs Thinkpad X120E

This is just a quick comparison I did simply because I was interested in the specs and user comments on the Dell Inspiron 11z/1121/m101z 11.6" ULV notebook. My daily driver is a Thinkpad X120E so the two are similar in "target" imho. I do tech consulting and put the x120e in some unnatural conditions when working on things, so its had an interesting life.

If one were in the market for this form factor, for travel, leisure, or mobility, both of these systems are still viable for most of the reasons that first made them niche-popular [along with the HP DM1's and others]. They are essentially netbook-sized but offer more power and capability than the netbooks, and are reasonably priced. In fact the Inspiron is less than comparable C60-equipped netbooks like the very popular AO722's.

Here's how I net it out:

1121/m101z/11z PROs:
Small, fairly light
MOBILITY. Hands-down win. Wimax 3G/4G, Wifi, Ethernet
Terrific bang/buck
Surprisingly good display [I have no idea what the display panel is] - but glossy
Surprisingly good audio. How many cheap 11" notebooks have great speakers????
8GB RAM capacity, 2 slots. My model came with one empty.

X120E PROs:
+Graphics, especially via HDMI to big screen. Intel's implementation of HDMI is buggy, and that's being kind. ATI's is virtually idiot-proof as implemented on the X120E, and tolerates every monitor/HDTV I can throw at it.
+ Matte display if that is important to you
+ Flexible display will lay nearly flat. Not so with 11z
+ Longevity. Better build quality, non-dangerous upgradability, better hinges, better skin, better cooling even though specwise it runs hotter. The 11z perceptually feels warmer and the venting is subject to obstruction.
11z feels hot toward the front left, X120E feels hot on rear left corner only

BATTERY: From the marketeering and some user comments, I expected the ULV-equipped 11z to easily outlast the X120e but it doesn't appear significant. Since the 11z is new and my X120e battery is at least 2 years old, the diff is small. I can get 6 hours on the 11z with light use. I get about 5 hours, maybe 5.5 on the X120e.

I'll put a picture or two up later.

 

I think you'll find the x120e takes 8gb RAM as well.

 

yeah, mine is thus-equipped, and a SSD.

The little Dell is one of those classic 'sleepers' - off the radar for the most part. an accidental 'win'. many of their notebooks are junk imho, and my opinion is formed in part for having worked on them quite a bit

added images