Lenovo X1 vs. Samsung Series 9

They are both ultra portable 13.3" laptops. Both have the new Sandy Bridge processors (i5).

How do you think these two laptops compare? I'm interested in buying one of the two possibly.

I actually like the Samsung a lot. I like the SSD (beats Lenovo) but I've heard that it has wifi issues.

 

The SSD is a 128GB mSATA device and it doesn't beat squat. The WIFI issues are a result of the low quality Broadcom device which most savvy owners are replacing with a Intel 6230.

 

Thanks for the post.

RE: SSD
I just meant that I would prefer an SSD drive and that is standard in the Samsung model.

RE: Broadcom
Yes, that's what I initially thought also. However, there is a large thread on this forum devoted to that topic and it's unclear what the final analysis is. Some are saying that the fault lies not with the network adapter but with the back cover of the laptop or something like that. I'm not sure if those who have replaced their network adapters are 100% satisfied.

 

and while the x1 houses a full blown sb processor, the samsung 9 is equipped with a ulv one.

another thing you can equip the x1 with an SSD and it will reach the price point of the samsung

 

The Samsung is more portable friendly. 7hr battery life compared to 5 for the X1. The 9 also weighs less and is smaller (2.8lbs vs 3.7lbs).

The X1 of course has the legendary trackpoint and keyboard. The trackpad is kind of iffy though. Personally, I would choose a trackpoint, but if you are a trackpad kind of person, get the 9.

 

Ok thanks. It seems like X1 is not that great of an option.

I could also get the X220. With 4gb RAM and 128gb SSD, the X220 costs about $1400. That's almost as much as the series 9.

The main reason I'm leaning towards Lenovo is because the X220 is a trusted laptop. As opposed to the series 9 which seems like a highly experimental piece.

 

I don't know why anyone considering an ultraportable would look at anything else. They're well built with good service, are very inexpensive, offer a gorgeous IPS LCD, it gets great battery life, can have two hard drives, etc. What's not to love? Maybe a MBA if you want some more resolution, but nothing else is close right now.

 

What's the meaning of IPS display?

At the Lenovo store, these are the 4 display options listed for X220 (what is 2x2 or 3x3?)

12.5" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna

12.5" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 3x3 Antenna

12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna

12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 3x3 Antenna

 

I do broadly agree with that. However, many members on this forum live outside the US where the cost of the X220 is a lot more. In the UK, the X220 with i7 is currently on special offer at $2085 (reduced by $490), which is about the same as a MBA 13.3". The X220 i3 with no upgrades is $1210, which is not 'very inexpensive' for a notebook with a i3 and integrated graphics, despite the ultra portable design. Our prices do include 3-years depot warranty, though.

 

The mSATA SSD beats pretty much all notebook HDDs out there in terms all performance metrics except capacity and price. And wifi replacement is pretty simple if you know how to use a screw driver.

For display info:

Monitor Specifications

2x2 and 3x3 mean the antenna configuration. If you're on a busy network or need better distance the 3x3 is better, otherwise most users will not notice much difference from the 2x2.

 

IPS, but the gist of it is a much better LCD, offering wider viewing angles and a high contrast ratio. 2x2 or 3x3 refers to the number of antennas in the lid. In theory, the more antennas the better the range and throughput, but I suppose it would depend on your needs. If you get the 3x3 you cannot get the camera.

 

I would get the Samsung. I actually can not stand the x1. its a total waste of resources.
they should have just built a x320 with an IPS option. I would have paid for that.

 

Hard drives? That's comparing apples to oranges.

I was comparing SSD to SSD. It's still plenty fast for most people and you're right, coming from a fat notebook and slow hard drive to this Sammy will be an eye opener for most people.

Packing 128GB in a small mSATA drive is impressive. Gotta give them that.

 

I agree. Lenovo should have just built a X320 with a 1440x900 resolution matte IPS screen, traditional keyboard with trackpoint and trackpad) with 6 and 9 cell options. I don't understand Lenovo's decision to incorporate Ideapad computer components into their business line such as glossy screens and chicklet keyboards. Some have said that the chicklet keyboards are nice and as good as traditional ones but I don't think I could ever use a glossy screen.

 

or the chicklet keyboards errrewww No way. X1 not going to happen none of my techs want it. I don't want it. So its a no go. I can't figure how they thought this was supposed to be a good idea. Here's another thing I'm sure I will get blasted for or at the very least hurt feelings. The "thinkpad enthusiast" here isn't Lenovo's core sales market beyond what most here "wants" to think.

Lenovo is pushing hard with new very lucrative contracts the IT mobile division for fortune 1000 to 500 companies and Gov. The more they can penetrate those markets the better. Then they have the their secondary markets like Collage foot print. Race teams, list goes on. Then finally down to the public and finally thinkpad enthusiast which at times can really be a pain for them cause they "nick pick" about every little thing like IPS light bleed that "you have to sit in a Dark room with the light setting on the highest, and look at a blank screen to see it". The throttling issue, the fan noise issue on the x220. Most of this wouldn't be noticed by the avg biz user but will be by thinkpad enthusiast.

Anyway kinda got off track a bit on my rant but lenovo built a cult following with the x300/301 line and although they weren't a huge seller for them manly due to the massive price tag they put on them they did sell. People still use them. I still see them in my travels and every-time i talk to someone that has one its the same thing, "I would like to get a new laptop but Lenovo isn't building one to replace this one so I my end up looking elsewhere". I have shown a few of them my x220 and its always nope don't like the screen 16:9. " I can't do my docs on that, there's just no way, Don't like the feel of the plastic vs the x301 I have". I have brought up the x1 and surprisingly they do know about it but out of the 11 guys I asked they said basically "if I wanted a idea-pad I would have bought one, how this is marketed as a X series laptop is beyond me". Pretty much word for word from each one. All of the Asset guys I know, know their people are hard on mobile assets be it mobile phones,laptops and 3g/4g mifi routers. Lenovo's laptop's stand up to the abuse for the most part but there's a total unknown with the x1 and there no one thats willing to take the chance plus when you have a cult following with the x300/301 and you just drop them off at the park and drive away they tend to get a ride with some one else as one guy said it so bluntly. Their words not mine. Ok so flame on.

smile,

 

why lenovo thinkpads must be made for business?

We are only taking into consideration large companies, what about the small ones? And the one man company professionals?

What about the plans of penetration into the college life?

Take those in mind and you will see that the x1 might be a successful launch, and that the design might carry a meaning

 

I did say Fortune 1000 to 500, 1000 is small biz if they choose to go public. If so its usually pink sheets. hell even Lenovo has pink sheets entry at around 56 cents. I said collage as well. I think the best way one of my clients explained the X1 was as a hybrid. It has alittle of both, and thats problem. no one really is interested for all that I have talked to. Now if your one man biz or your girl friend likes it and goes out and buys it thats great but that won't pay research bill it took to bring this laptop to market. Plus in that price range there are other choices that have WAY better bang for the buck.

 

I think this PCWorld review sums it up pretty well:

" The technology press has lumped Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 into a growing category of Macbook Air competitors, but now that I've used one for awhile, I can tell you it doesn't really belong there. Though the X1 is the thinnest ThinkPad ever, it is still considerably thicker and heavier than Apple's razor-thin laptop. This isn't to say that it's thick or heavy (it isn't) or that it is inferior to the Air or other superslim laptops like the Samsung Series 9. It's just a different product for a different market: business travelers who like to travel light."

.

 

I figure the Edge e220s is the competitor to the Series 9. Slim, lightweight, uses the same processor, same resolution, and able to be equipped with an SSD... And then the e220s blows it away on price, useful ports, and storage capacity.

 

I'm liking the X1 for the hybrid attribute. I get to chose my own laptop for work purposes (hardware support must be provided by manufacturer). The X1 will do all I require from a business perspective (rugged, build quality, lightweight) and also tick the boxes that a personal machine will.

I'm frankly fed up of opening up my dusty thinkpad t60 in embarrassment. Why can't a business machine also do personal well?

Also, please could you list some of the other choices that are way better bang for buck so I can research these?

 

What are the boxes to tick for your personal machine?

 

- HDMI
- Quality Sound
- Backlight Keyboard
- Quality Display (No preference as to Matte vs Glossy)

 

As a business machine the Samsung has a long list of negatives

• Only Windows 64 Home at the price they ask.
• Lots of Dongles needed -- for Ethernet and for video
• Doors on the side for everything
• A very poor performing WiFI -- no choices
• Warranty support -- hmm Samsung. If it's like their TV's forget about it.
• One choice HDD 128GB or nothing
• Bloatware at No Charge and takes 60GB of the 128GB