Having trouble deciding between X220 and ultrabook like Asus UX31

I'm having a hard time understanding how a machine like the X220 compares to an ultrabook like the ASUS UX31. Both seem to have the same graphics ability, nearly the same processor and harddrives, etc.

Why should I pick one vs the other?

In addition, is it worth it to wait for the new processors that come out this spring? I am on a T61p right now and I don't know how much longer I can deal with this brick.

 

x220 has:
1- a 7.5mm hard drive bay that can accommodate a larger hdd ( small effort to use 9mm drives too )
2- mSATA/PCIE slot you can install wwan OR an SSD in conjunction with the drive bay ( I use SSD boot + large data drive )
3: true docking port abilities
4: can have an optimus external GPU attached by expresscard
5: twice the bat life on a 9 cell, 4 times with the slice
6: better keyboard and warranty options
7: IPS options with great viewing angles and acceptable color ( reds are a bit off )
8: up to 16gb of RAM
9: very durable

UX31:

1: thinner and lighter
2: more stylish
3: higher res screen

 

When you drop one of them it will still work flawless vs if you look at it the wrong way it will break.

I admit, I exaggerated on the above statement. Even so, I feel that the Thinkpad could take more abuse than any ultrabook. Not to say that the NX31 is a bad notebook, it is perfectly good one. It just not for those that constantly abuse their laptop while on the go.

 

The fact it is a ThinkPad vs a consumer laptop should already do it? We've also had quite a few ASUS Ultrabooks returned in the past few weeks, something about constant BSOD...lol

 

The only thing I hate the X220 is that there is no usable Touchpad and every fan of ThinkPad just tell me use the Trackpoint. Otherwise can't complain about the X220 much.

 

have u tried the 4. (gpu)? works ok with the x220? which card? thnx

 

there is a performance list in this post and some of the top10 3dmark06 are x220 mit eGPU'S


http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...8851-diy-egpu-experiences.html#prepurchasefaq

 

We've had some defectors away from the X220 in favor of the thinner 12.5' Dell E6220 with proper touchpad, more generous palmrest and arguably more contemporary styling.

Recently Dell Outlet had i5-2520M versions for < $500 making them a super deal. Well worth adding to the shortlist. You lose the IPS LCD (though someone has modded one in) and mSATA capability. The E6220 has just had a confirmed successful DIY eGPU implementation as well.

 

hello? dell vs. ibm? are u serious? no system update tool = failure

 

Sure.. but some ppl can't get past how a X220 looks like something from the 90s. A form over function thing. Those users may find a E6220 to be more visually appealing.

 

yes, on the road i put in an expresscard wwan, at my desk I hook up a 560 desktop card in egpu config.

 

IBM has nothing to do with it.

Eh. I don't see it.

Compare this to this. They look pretty different to me!

 

Thanks for the good input. The x220 looks good but it has been out for awhile. Will there be something better from Lenovo in the next 2-3 months?

 

with ivy bridge due out in a couple months ... prob in 4-6 mos is my guess

 

Probably too long for me to wait. I thought ivy was due in 2 months. Is there a good time to buy in a month or two when a coupon will be out such as a quarter end close?

 

April of this year seem pretty good, let's hope that it doesn't refresh at the same time as Window 8 is due out.

 

k2001, are you hoping it's april like me or have you seen rumors of it being april?

 

Your guess is as good as mine. They keep the coupons random as people would wait for them otherwise. Best you can do is watch for a while so you'll know when it low and be prepared to act when it is.

 

I think you kinda got a point. I tried to convince my friend to get a x120e for an ultraportable, he said he absolutely hated ThinkPad look, even though he knew about ThinkPad reliability. I hated, still hate, and always will hate IBM ThinkPads.

 

Ivy bridge are schedule to be release in April/ early May if the slide on VR-Zone are legit.


Intel's mobile Ivy Bridge CPU line-up revealed by VR-Zone.com

I guess that when the the Thinkpad starts it's refresh.