Just bought a x201!

I know I know, the x220 is coming out soon. The problem is, the laptop is starting around 900 base model. Plus the new features did not really apply to me.

Anyways got this
3249CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM
04/04/11 $849.60 $849.60
60Y7807 SBB INTELCI7-620M(2.66GHZ4MBL3
45M3092 VBB GENWIN7HOMEPREM64
60Y7983 SBB GWIN7HOMEPRE64 US ENGLISH
60Y7816 SBB 12.1WXGALED2X2UCIIAW/C+WBU
43Y4797 VBB 4GBPC3-8500DDR3SDRAM1DIMM
44C5216 SBB KEYBOARD US ENGLISH
60Y7820 SBB TRACKPW/FINGERREAD+TOUCHP
60Y7834 SBB 320GBHDISKDRIVE,7200RPM
60Y7826 SBB 5-1MEDIACARDREADER+MODEM
44C7628 SBB TPD X200 S 9CLL LI-ION BAT
41W1787 SBB CPK NORTH AMERICA
60Y7824 SBB BLUETOOTH W/ANTENNA
45M3439 SBB INTELCENTRINOWIRELESSN1000
44C7950 SBB INT WRLSSWDAREANTWRK UPGR
60Y7853 SBB WIN7LANPACK US ENGLISH

For a loaded machine for 850 wasn't bad. At first I ordered the x120e but after seeing all the issues arising, I didn't want to deal with that. Previously owning a x40, the x201 seemed really nice. I have a gaming desktop already so I won't be gaming on this laptop.

Just one question, is the screen THAT bad? I keep seeing reviews going back and forth on it.
I won't be doing any type of photoshop, mostly web, videos. Bought it for its portability and durability

Actually I had a x20!

Dang that thing was old

 

I think that you got a great laptop, it is really nice, I think you will be happy, price seems great.

 

Congratulations on your new X201. The screen will be good for your intended use. The 9-cell battery will keep you mobile.

 

Thanks!

I've always wanted the luxury of a fingerprint reader. Looks sweet. Any suggestions as to how I should install my ssd in there. Should I create a recovery dvd with the lenovo tools or do a fresh install?

 

Either way. It's a good idea to create your recovery discs first, in any event.

 

Not a bad deal at all - you saved quite a bit compared to my similarly specced X201 purchased in January - I sprung for the 500gb HDD and Win7Pro.

The screen is really not that bad - it's good enough that I've taken to using it to RDP into my work computer, which is hooked up to an eye-strain inducing, ancient CRT. For color reproduction, it won't compete with even a low end quality LCD, but it's not as horrible as folks make it out to be, in my opinion.

Also, don't discount gaming - I'm not saying that this thing is in any way a gaming laptop, but I was at a friend's place when a lanparty broke out (things like that happen when you run with a crew of nerds) and it kept up plenty well in UT3, L4D1/2, and HL2: DM. I've also occupied a 5+ hour trans-continental plane flight with StarCraft II, and still had enough battery to websurf on the train ride home from the airport. Graphics aren't the prettiest, and if I'm at home and the need to slaughter digital zombies happens to arise, I'll certainly be turning to my desktop, but this box can certainly hold its own for a spontaneous FRAG session on the road.

The Lenovo recovery disk tool has an option for making a flashdrive. You'll need at least an 8 gig flash drive to dedicate to the task - I picked up an 8gig Kingston that matches my X201's red and black look and devoted it to the task. The thumbdrive method seems far better than burning DVD's or CD's - I think you'd need two DVD's at least - and then trying to keep track of them for months/years to come.

If your inner child is as active as my own, the fingerprint reader will make you feel like James Bond every time you use your computer. Don't try to register a noseprint* in case you have your hands cut off, though. I already tried it. It doesn't work.

*Edit: If you ignore my advice and try anyway and it works for you, I'll be over here envying you.

 

Also I am kinda weary on the 9 cell? I sticks out the back. Should I downgrade to the 6 cell? Or does the 9 cell not really bother you guys?

 

The 9 cell sticks out the back quite a bit, and some complain that it's a bit loose. I agree that it's loose, but not so much that I think it will come loose from the notebook, and it's not that much worse than my extended life battery on my X41. That one hasn't come out in 5 years of being thrown around, bounced off my bed, and all other kinds of nutty abuse.

The potential to squeeze 10+ hours of work out of it (I've managed to get 13+ out of it, and with normal on and off use and my automated sleep settings I don't recharge on most weekends away from the office) and the guarantee of close to 7 hours if you are really pushing the system makes the 9 cell worth it. I also find that the bit sticking out the back of the notebook makes for a nice handle. I have considered springing for a 4 cell to compliment it, and saving my 9 cell for long trips, but on the other hand, getting another 9 cell to pair with my ultrabase for charging seems a bit more reasonable.

 

what i've gathered is the x220 has over mine:
720p camera
hdmi out
newer intel hd graphics (2x better)
Optional slice battery
and a little more efficient.
ips screen (if willing to pay premium)
I just can't justify the 400+ increase.

I think i did well

 

I don't think IPS is an option, at least that what erik conveyed to me in the x220 thread. And from what I was reading MobileTechReview had theirs configured for 1100, and 1300 with the slice.

 

Congrats on your new machine. Here are the specs of the machine is that on its way to me. I should have it in around 2 weeks. I may have posted this before (if so, my apologies)

Model name 3323AA3

I am getting this for around US$1500 (which will include the OS and a 3-yr IWS onsite).

Main Features
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-560M Processor ( 2.66GHz 1066MHz )
Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32 (I will change this to 64-bit)
Total memory 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz
Display type 12.1 " WXGA TFT 1280x800
Hard drive device 500GB
Network card ThinkPad 11b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless
Bluetooth Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR
Form Factor Notebook
Fingerprint Reader Fingerprint Reader
Warranty Three years parts and labour (system battery: one year)
WWAN Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network upgradable
Pointing device TrackPoint with "Press-to-Select"
Battery 6 Cell Lithium-Ion (I am debating on buying a 9-cell)

No webcam though! I think I will need to buy a lightweight external cam (any suggestions?).

Thanks

 

X201 hell yeah!

 

are you saying the ips screen is standard on all the x220's?

Interesting, haha. Good thing I'm not crazy about colors

 

So could I play l4d2 at reasonable frames? What am I looking at?

 

IPS is the "Premium" option for the X220. IPS is standard on the X220 Tablet.

http://shop.lenovo.com/ISS_Static/ww/wci/us/ww/pdf/X220_datasheet.pdf

 

Congrats on your awesome new ultraportable !

 

You have me curious, and I have a hankering to slaughter some zombies - I've never checked my framerate, but there's no better time than the present.

 

The screen should not be that expensive of an upgrade. The review model is around 1300, that with the $180 battery ultrabay + $20 upgrade to 6 cell(estimate) + $50 processor upgrade(estimate). It should be around $100 or so upgrade.

 

My settings:

From X201 Screencaps

Gameplay:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dKiN_ECuQ0
Linked until too-tired-me learns how to embed again.

I was getting high teens/low 20's with the FRAPS overhead, without the capture running I see dips into high 20's in heavy action, mostly low 30's unless I have a screen full of the undead. Its not the greatest, or the prettiest gaming experience - not to mention, I've been playing all this time without realizing that I was in 4:3 aspect ratio, which I'm gonna play with a bit, but it's more than playable. Spec of the machine playing in that vid is in my sig. I'm quite happy with it when spontaneous lan parties break out.

 

Man I wish I bought X201 or waited for X220 instead of buying the garbage called MBP.

I swear that overhyped thing is getting on my nerves.

 

Just enjoy what you got, MBP aren't that bad. You just have to be more careful with it. I would get Applecare, so when something does break, since it is harder to find spare part for apple computer.

 

Not trying to get offtopic here with MBP, but OS X miss alot and still behind Windows in terms of usability (or it's just me being too used to windows).

Gonna give it another chance, otherwise I am gonna sell it and get one of those cute little X201/X220 (Which I used to loathe, but right now I am fallen in love with them ) and their price is just right.