Lenovo ThinkPad X120e review (via Engadget)

@ashed: I'm sorry to hear that, but at the same time I think you're lucky that they made this mistake. I called Lenovo today and as ToniCipriani had reported my order was also delayed because I configured mine with Bluetooth. I quickly cancelled my order and placed a new one without the module. If anything I'll use that money I saved and install my own since they make it so convenient to do so with this laptop.

 

I came so close to getting this machine. however I added up all i wanted to do to it like adding a ssd better processor more memory ect. it came out to like 800 bucks. well i can spend 850 and get a used 11 inch mac air with better processor better gpu ssd and less then a half inch thick. runs ice cold and no noise. Im not saying this because im a fanboy. I actually love thinkpads. its just how the numbers worked out once i added everything up. I just wish it came decked out for a lower price.

 

Or a m11xR1 with SU7300 4500MHD+GT335M for $600, Acer 3820TG i3 HD+HD5650for < $800. Either of which is a better gaming option while still delivering long battery life.

 

Yeah, I was and still am considering moving to an R1 M11x.
If I can't get this stuttering stuff worked out.

I love the x120e, and I know it has enough power on paper to run well but sheesh!

 

Only problem being there is a known and yet unresolved issue of all m11x hinges creaking, popping and eventually completely snapping in half and coming loose off the frame. I bought this lenovo with the assurance that no such horrible dell-esque build quality issues will happen to this notebook.

 

Not to mention the mirror-like screen.

 

You forgot to add the vertical line smudges that shows up on the super glossy screen when the screen touches the keyboard when laptop is closed.

 

OT: resolved http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/560021-m11x-r1-r2-new-hinge-design.html#post7224809 . Some are overclocking their m11xR1 to 2.0-2.1Ghz. A higher performance option if gaming-on-the-go is a priority.

 

does everything work after you did a fresh install? does the laptop sleep properly? all devices work? etc. thanks!

 

just bought mine now for $475($520 shipped) with a/g/b/n bluetooth, 6 cell battery. e350 sealed win 7 premium 64bit. is that a good deal? nearly bought the same model with 4gb and wwan and win 7 premium 64bit for $630 shipped(this one was turned on).
which one should i have bought of what i said?

 

You can upgrade you own ram. Just get the 2gb one. If you need WWAN you might consider getting it with the system since normally they sell for around 100 new.

 

i did get the 2gb. i do have an extra 2gb one but i thought if i took the 4gb one i would but the other 2gb in my g73jh to make 8gb.
i will get wwan tho. just off ebay for $50 so i save myself $50 in total - the extra 2gb ram i could of had. i thinking about buyin a uk x100e keyboard tho.

 

Is the $20 upgrade for the wireless worth it? It says B/G/N for stock and A/B/G/N for the upgrade. Will I get better and steady signal with it?

 

The B/G/N card on my X120e works perfectly fine. With the A/B/G/N upgrade, you get:

• Better signal (at least that is what some people say). I already get good signal and stable connections on my B/G/N card.
• 5GHz 802.11n support.
• 300Mbps theoretical bandwidth (as opposed to 150Mbps for the B/G/N card). You will need to make some configuration changes on your wireless router (enable 40MHz channels, which are typically available only on the 5GHz band) to get that benefit.

I would say that the B/G/N card is perfectly adequate.

 

I would personally forgo the $20 extra for the Thinkpad a/b/g/n and just go for a Lenovo branded Intel 5100 off of eBay for the same price, which is bound to be a better performer.

 

Has this been confirmed to work in the X120e?

 

Is the x120e overclockable? I shoved 8 GB on ram in, and it works great ~ I just wish I could push it a little more for some extra performance.

 

If it does work you can get a 5100 or 6200 at Newegg.

Newegg.com - Intel 512AN_MMWW2 IEEE 802.11a/b/g, IEEE802.11n Draft Mini PCI Express 5100 Wi-Fi Link Wireless Adapter Up to 300Mbps Wireless Data Rates

Newegg.com - Intel 622AN.HMWWB Mini PCI Express 6200 Centrino Advanced-N Wireless Adapter Up to 300Mbps Wireless Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, WPA, WPA2

 

is there a software to throttle the fan on this laptop? it runs very cool; i don't need the fan to spin this fast.

 

It's on the X120e's authorized parts list, so it should work. I ordered one but I don't have my X120e yet.

It has to be Lenovo branded for it to work with the whitelist -- more specifically, you need to buy part 43Y6517. If you eBay it, you will find several for $16 + $6 shipping.

Yes. Use tpfancontrol to customize RPMs based on temperature thresholds.

 

You sure you're not looking at the instructions for X100e, which is under the cover?

X120e requires dismantling the machine to reach the top side of the motherboard.

Actually, not sure about that. My X120e is 0596-CTO, of which it doesn't appear in any of the Intel options.

 

Lenovo doesn't seem to list the Intel Wireless compatibility with all the x120e, I wonder if they do that because they do not offer that option, or did Lenovo block the card in the Bios.

Toni are you getting a SSD for your x120e, if you are which one are you getting.

 

I'm just migrating my old X25-V 40GB from my Eee PC to my Thinkpad, if it arrives.

 

does anyone know if i can use the x100e keyboard in the x120e as they are the same netbook.(and to those that are wondering why i would wanna is becuase i would like to use the uk keyboard tho i am ok with the us 1)

 

From the Hardware Maintenance Manual, it looks like the X100e has 2 screws securing the keyboard while the X120e has three screws. The first two screws, however, seem to line up with two of the three screws on the X120e. So, it seems like the keyboards are compatible, which would make sense given the near-identical nature of the two laptops.

Interesting find! I'll test out the WiFi card and if it doesn't work out well, I'll likely replace it with a 5100.

Also, it would seem from the HMM that the X120e uses half-height cards, so some of the cards that were linked above wouldn't work.

 

Lenovo Support - Keyboard service parts - ThinkPad X100e, X120e

Cross listed as same FRUs.

 

yay thanks for the reply guys. i will get that keyboard likel when the netbook is close to arrive.
ill buy wwan next and a bigger hard drive and thats my netbook maxed out.
i just hope i get no problems because i heard all sorts now from burning speaker melting the chassis to the silence sounding like a chopper etc.

 

Oy. You are correct; the Lenovo branded 5100 doesn't seem to work with the X120e as witnessed here:

Installing WiMax in Lenovo x120e - AnandTech Forums

That's frustrating... I guess my only resort is to try to cover up pin 20 and stick it into the WWAN slot. I hope it works!

 

Yup, I took it apart and flipped over the motherboard, the bluetooth connector is behind the SD slot reader - it isn't there. Calling Lenovo Monday to have someone show up and install it, thats why I got the on site service just in case something like this was to happen.

 

Hey guys, long time reader and first time poster, my apologies if this gets a bit long.

So after a week of owning the X120e I have a few thoughts:

- I put 8GB of ram in this thing, mostly because it only cost me 50 bucks. Total Overkill, lol. This thing will operate just fine with only 4.
- As this is my first time ever using an SSD, let me just say: Holy Crap, what a difference, Windows 7 seems infinitely snappier than even on my 15k RPM desktop.

Aside from that, I ended up getting lucky on the No-OS option, so I upgraded the BT, the Wifi, and the battery to come out to around $380.

Back to thoughts:
This thing is a lot heavier than I expected with the 6 cell battery. It's not overwhelming, but it definitely makes my old Samsung netbook feel like a toy. Once you open it up though, having the full trackpoint and pad brings me back to my T60p and the keyboard is hands down the best I've ever used on a laptop, let alone a netbook. It puts the M11/Air/everything to shame. It's incredibly responsive and has a great amount of click. Screen is lacking in horizontal viewing angles, but the review here already pointed that out. The abgn card is definitely worth the price too, I'm getting near full utilization and
getting 300Mbps over the 5GHz spectrum. Not only that, but the realtek is a 1x1 card, while the broadcom is 2x2, and I'm definitely getting better range over a friend with the realtek card.


My one small complaint right now is the performance/battery life ratio. When using the battery optimizing profile, it underclocks the processor to 800Mhz and the video card to a lethargic 248MHz, which makes the computer feel anemic, even with all it's power. I get 6 hours of battery life, but it's not worth the cost. On the other hand, when I change the processor and video card scaling to adaptive, I lose almost a full hour of battery life, but my notbook definitely feels like the mini powerhouse that it is.

Which leads me to my question:
Is there a good way to set CPU scaling in windows 7 without the ugly registry hacks? If I could change the processor scaling thresholds, I could probably regain at least 30 minutes that I've lost. The processor switches to 1600MHz very quickly, at only 50% load, and I'd love to bump that up to say, 80% and make 50-80% run at like 1000-1280MHz. If registry hacks are the only way, does anyone know of a good guide?

Thanks in advance.

 

I found a really cool option in the Catalyst Control Center a few days ago that had a sweet GUI with sliders that let you manually change and create profiles. However, I had driver trouble and after a reinstall, these options disappeared . I'd LOVE to find that screen again. I know it's there...

 

The heat problem and audio stuttering on x120e, all gone now? can anyone comment on these issues please.

 

Is there anyway to swap the battery for an unbulged one?

 

Just get the smaller 3 cell battery which doesnt stick out like the 6 cell one.

 

MidnightSun's review says it's still there, as of Mar 19.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/565009-lenovo-thinkpad-x120e-user-review.html

 

The audio stuttering is due to the Thinkpad Power Mananger, and is solved if it's uninstalled or disabled from startup, so I wouldn't really call it a problem that's still there...

 

The 3 cell battery is no longer available to get since Lenovo replaced the base model with 6 cell as standard now. Also Broadcom A/B/G/N upgrade is no longer available.

 

I finally received my laptop today when it was ordered on 3/9. After checking my order, I come to find that my laptop is also missing the bluetooth add-on that I had ordered.

At this point, I'm just going to ask for a refund for that, as I DON'T want to have to send my laptop back just to get it put on...
I'm just hoping that they don't hassle me about getting a refund

My first time ordering from lenovo and I honestly think it could be my last. Takes 3weeks to get my order shipped out and when it finally gets here, it's missing parts that I've paid. ?


/rant

 

Hopefully you paid with a credit card. If Lenovo gives you cr@p about returning (not allowing you to do so, wanting to charge a restocking fee, etc), you could threaten them with a chargeback. If they don't work with you, then get your CC company involved. As long as you can provide them an invoice showing that you ordered a BT module and show that the machine you received doesn't have it, your credit card company should have no problem going to bat for you.

Sorry to hear you're having problems. I had absolutely no issues with my order. It was processed and shipped well ahead of schedule and included everything I ordered.

 

I really don't get this decision. I think it's good that Lenovo upped the specs for the base model, and it makes it competitive with HP's offering, but the 3 cell option was what sold me on the Thinkpad over the Acer 522. A 3 cell option at <<$400 would have made the X120e even more attractive, but even without it, at least offer it as an optional accessory.

 

A lot of people find the battery really ugly..

Anyways, how's the speaker? Loud enough to watch movies or youtube?

 

This might have something to do with it:

Slickdeals.net - View Single Post - RETIRED: Thinkpad X120e (new AMD platform) is available on Lenovo Website, $379

 

It's decently loud -- enough that you shouldn't have trouble watching videos in a fairly quiet room. The speakers do point downwards a bit, so if you have it on a soft surface (like a bed or your lap), the volume is diminished.

 

Finally received mine yesterday. Right away out of the box I made the RAM and SSD upgrade and installed a fresh copy of Windows 7 Home Premium 64 from a USB stick. I'm actually quite impressed with the performance. With an SSD this little thing is fast!

My Windows Index score is as follows:
Processor: 3.8
Memory: 5.7
Graphics: 4.1
Gaming graphics: 5.7
Primary hard disk: 7.4

Still have tons of programs to install, but I'll report back for those out there who are interested to know how this thing handles AutoDesk programs (AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, etc).

 

Did everyone get a bluetooth with their configuration because i see 2 people complaining not getting it eventhough they ordered it.

Another thing, bluetooth upgrade in lenovo site says "Bluetooth 3.0" but some people here are saying they are getting 2.1 version only.

Is this another false advertising by Lenovo like they did with 3 cell battery 40wh but instead it was a 32wh?

 

As per the installed drivers by Lenovo mine most certainly is 2.1 rather than 3.0. Possibly with a future software update it will become a 3.0 card -- but not upon receipt of my laptop. Mine was ordered on March 3.

I haven't yet called about it.

 

I'm probably one of the two you were referring to as those who didn't get their BT. I called this morning regarding that issue asking for a refund but they said they would have to get it "approved" and that takes "2 days".

Hopefully the other guy, ashed, had better luck

 

Does anyone know if the X100E 3-cell battery work with the X120E?

I'm thinking I don't need the 6-cell battery because this thing will probably be plugged into the wall 24/7. It will probably fry the battery up really quick.

Hence, I was thinking about getting a used X100e battery off ebay to leave it in while it is plugged in and put away the 6-cell when I actually go out and use it.

 

The X100e and X120e batteries are identical. My X120e's 6-cell battery was actually made before the X120e was announced, I believe.

You could just remove the battery entirely when the laptop is plugged in, if you choose to do so (that's what I do on my T500). Do note, however, that the X120e's battery has the rear "legs" on them--the laptop will slide around without the battery in.

 

Does this computer have the extended battery life thing that some other TPs have? I'm thinking of the feature where the computer only charges the battery to say 80% to improve cycle life. The Panasonic W8 I owned briefly had said feature (called Eco mode). I think it's great for those who will normally leave the computer plugged in and only use a fraction of the battery's capacity most of the time. It's a shame to have a large battery that only gets used a few times a week and most of the time only for an hour or so then two years later the battery has died an early death because it was left fully charged all the time.