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    Lenovo X220s?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by BNHabs, Mar 8, 2011.

  1. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    Will there be a X220S?

    What is most likely to be different in the "s" series?

    How long after the normal series will it come out?

    Do I wait?
     
  2. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    You can wait, and in any case, you can't order the X220 yet. So far, there have been no leaks of the X220s, and Lenovo has only officially announced the X220 and the X220t. In the past, I believe the X-series and X-series s-suffix models have been announced together.

    Normally, the distinguishing features between the X-series and X-series s-suffix models are:
    • Use of lower voltage CPUs, providing better battery life
    • Option for a high-resolution screen
    • Lighter weight by cutting down on thickness and using lighter materials
    • Much higher price

    Given these characteristics, I wouldn't be surprised if Lenovo has merged the X220 and "X220s", because:
    • There is no huge benefit of using lower voltage CPUs in a laptop targeting largely the same audience: the standard voltage SB CPUs run cool and aren't powerhogs as it is (evident from the stellar battery life), and besides, that only muddies the line between Lenovo's budget ultraportables and its high-end s-suffix model
    • Lenovo's high-res panels for the s-suffix models have been plagued by supply issues for the last two generations, to the point where the models have been removed from its site
    • Lenovo is already providing a higher-quality (albeit same low-res) IPS screen on the new X220
    • There's not too much more room to cut down weight
    • Nowadays, consumers are increasingly loath to pay a huge amount of money for a computer
    • Lenovo seems to be cleaning up its confusing Thinkpad lineup by cutting some of its less popular variants (ie, W701) and focusing more energy on its core products (T420, X220)

    So, in short, you can wait, but I'd suggest not holding your breath. The s-suffix series you're waiting for probably will never come.
     
  3. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    I agree. I seriously doubt a x220s will emerge.
     
  4. k2001

    k2001 Notebook Deity

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    I agree, the x220 is dead in the water as far as I'm concern.
     
  5. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    That's too bad. I prefer a LV or ULV for less heat and noise.
     
  6. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    The thing is, on the s-suffix models at least, I'm not really sure that's the case. Lenovo uses a different heat vent design on the s-suffix models (ie, aluminum instead of copper vents), so I'm not really sure if it actually does run any cooler.
     
  7. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I can only judge from my experience. My tablet produces less noise than the my X200, which I presume means that the fan doesn't have to work as much to maintain temperature.
     
  8. jaakobi

    jaakobi Notebook Evangelist

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    It's too bad, the screens were good resolution, and I am not liking the X220's resolution.
     
  9. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    What is mSATA SSD? What's the difference between that and a regular SSD?

    I'm not sure if I'm understand this.....
     
  10. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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  11. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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  12. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    I'm looking to spend around $3000.00USD.

    I want something that's portable, between 12 and 14 inches.

    Obviously, I want highest specs possible.

    What looks the most appealing in the upcoming line?

    What should I consider buying in terms of specs in the system?
     
  13. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    x220/x220t (whenever that comes out)
     
  14. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    You should buy a loaded T420s or the X1 when it comes out.
     
  15. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    What'r you going to use the notebook for? What are priority features, screen, graphics, etc?
     
  16. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    Well, I love ThinkPad's.... and I'm loyal, so I will stick with Lenovo.

    What is the X1? Any details/pictures of it?
     
  17. Renee

    Renee Notebook Virtuoso

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    "Obviously, I want highest specs possible."

    Why? What's it to be used for?

    "What looks the most appealing in the upcoming line?"

    To whom? Different people have differing needs.

    "What should I consider buying in terms of specs in the system?"

    You ought to read enough to make up your own mind!

    Renee
     
  18. princealyy

    princealyy Notebook Evangelist

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    You have a very generous budget. But you have to give us some ideas of what you need.
     
  19. Thaenatos

    Thaenatos Zero Cool

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    Look at the x and t series.
     
  20. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    There are no public pictures of the X1 at this time.
     
  21. KnightZero

    KnightZero Notebook Consultant

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    If I were buying right now, especially for a primary machine, I'd be looking at the W520 for heavy duty work, or an X220 for mobility with a good deal of horsepower still on board. I'm a little bit dissapointed that there's not a configurable discreet graphics option for the T420.

    I'll agree with others here - knowing what you intend to use it for will help us help you. I could recommend my preference, the X series, all day long, but if you expect to play Crysis on it, you'll be slightly disappointed. Likewise with a heavy duty T or W series, if you intend to web browse and use it while on flights around the country to keep up with work when away from a desktop, you'll again be disappointed with my recommendation.
     
  22. Kaso

    Kaso Notebook Virtuoso

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    The W520 is out of range.

    If I selected my configuration options wisely (instead of going for "highest specs"), I could use $3000 to purchase both an X220 IPS and a T420 HD+, the former for traveling and the latter for working on desks. Why two? Because...

    If you can work comfortably with a relatively small display, or want a top-of-the-line ultraportable to complement your desktop or workstation, consider a "highest specs" X220 with IPS, i7 CPU, USB 3.0 port and six-cell batter plus battery ṣlice.

    If you prefer a larger display, go all out on a T420s.
     
  23. b4light

    b4light Newbie

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    Leave the RAM and Hard Drive options at minimum. They love it when a rich guy comes in and they want the highest specs, and they order their 8GB Ram option for $240 when they could have bought it on newegg for $110.
     
  24. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    Thanks guys.

    Obviously, I am looking for something light-weight, sleek yet powerful.

    I think the X220 and T420s fit the bill.

    Now to decide, which one?

    The X220 looks sleeker and looks like more of a refresh from the last one.
     
  25. Thaenatos

    Thaenatos Zero Cool

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    Well which one you choose all depends on what tasks the notebook will be doing. If you need a bit more grunt Id recommend the t420 series. Even with the same hardware the t420 will run a bit cooler under stress. Now if what your doing isnt too stressfull Id say x series due to how much I love mine. Sweet little bugger.
     
  26. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    What type RAM and SSD does the X220 use?

    Obviously, I want top notch speeds.. My budget is high.
     
  27. Kaso

    Kaso Notebook Virtuoso

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    I was using a T410s for a couple of months. I could not stand the weak main 6-cell battery and the short-life ultrabay 3-cell battery "solution." I don't see any real breakthrough in the T420s.

    On the other hand, the X220 industrial design is a significant refresh (similar to evolving from T400 to T410) and the X220 battery slice is a wonderful creation: it integrates gracefully with the notebook body while offering significant battery life augmentation. On top of that, the IPS option is a welcome offering.

    As I don't need i7 and USB 3.0, I would put the extra money on the battery slice. An X220 with IPS panel and "6-cell plus slice" battery combo would be fantastic.
     
  28. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    I think you should just start a single thread, instead of multiple threads with all the different questions.

    X220 uses DDR 3 1333 mhz ram and 7 mm 2.5 inch hdd.

    All is explained by the tabook.

    http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/tabook.pdf
     
  29. Kaso

    Kaso Notebook Virtuoso

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  30. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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  31. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    RAM is RAM is RAM is RAM. There are only a few DRAM manufacturers these days, it's all about the end company with their warranty/RMA service. CAS latency and speed really does not make a real difference. I personally recommend Crucial/Corsair.
     
  32. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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  33. unreal25

    unreal25 Capt. Obvious

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    I believe 0.37 inch > 9.4mm which is thicker than 7mm which is, what I read, the size of the X220 drive bay. It says so in the link that lead_org posted.

    Btw, that drive costs more than I paid for my X200t. :)
     
  34. Marcham93

    Marcham93 Notebook Evangelist

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    I vote T420s for you.
     
  35. ThinkRob

    ThinkRob Notebook Deity

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    There are also no confirmed specifications or details on it, which is why I can't help but chuckle every time I read someone recommending it. :D
     
  36. jran123

    jran123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Isn't the X1 a smartphone? I haven't heard anything about a X1 notebook.
     
  37. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    So it won't fit?

     
  38. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    The optimal solution in the new gen Thinkpads is to use the 40 or 80gb mSATA ssd for the boot drive and use the 7mm 320gb hdd for media storage.
     
  39. vēer

    vēer Notebook Deity

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    Yes, Lenovo has X1 smartphone but there is something else named X1 in the works, have no idea whether its tablet or MBA competitor.
    +1, but still Halobox recommends it every time he can :D
    Talking about suggesting something by judging only spec sheets :p
     
  40. Renee

    Renee Notebook Virtuoso

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    "Talking about suggesting something by judging only spec sheets"

    If the spec sheets are reliable, why not?

    Renee
     
  41. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    :D I wish I could say more. Maybe in another month.
     
  42. kaede

    kaede Notebook Consultant

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    since you're already using t61. maybe its time to try x series.IMO x220 will suit your needs.
     
  43. vēer

    vēer Notebook Deity

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  44. halobox

    halobox Notebook Deity

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    ok, now the thread has taken a turn to the absurd.

    First of all, I find it absurd that anyone would come here and say they have a $3000 budget and ask for recommendations with little else in the way of information.

    So I responded with a couple of machines. The T420s and the X1. The T420s because if money is no object, you might as well get the thinnest ThinkPad on the market. And if you aren't on a tight deadline to spend the money, you might as well wait to see if the X1 materializes in the next 4-6 weeks. Again, if money is no object and the X1 is killer, you'll be glad you waited. I see both recommendations as perfectly valid.

    The challenge you speak of was much more specific. In the thread you cite we're talking about power consumption between two platforms and it's an important area. If someone needs to make a buying decision on that area, it would be prudent to wait for some high quality reviews. I am not convinced Sandy Bridge is any better at power management until I see proof.

    So they are really different perspectives and context at least from where I sit. You aren't going to hear a single thing about the X1 from here on out. Ok? Happy now? Good. Lets move on to stuff that is actually shipping, or getting ready to in the next week or so.
     
  45. vēer

    vēer Notebook Deity

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    Nah, I should have added couple of smileys in my post to indicate that Im joking and not taking this whole things serious.
    To stay on topic I think that 3000$ budget is enourmos and if its meant to be spent on laptop that is not going to be used as heavy duty work station to crunch numbers or make money with it then 3k is way too much IMO for a electronic typewriter/book reader and media player :D
    I say wait for couple of weeks or even months and then make your decision ;)
     
  46. iBimmer

    iBimmer Notebook Enthusiast

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    AFAIK, X1 is a phone. Is it a laptop now?
     
  47. vēer

    vēer Notebook Deity

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    There is something more than a phone rumored with X1 name.
     
  48. BNHabs

    BNHabs Notebook Deity

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    Why can't you configure a T420 with a mSATA SSD plus a regular HDD?

    Should I just buy a mSATA SSD separately?
     
  49. jran123

    jran123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have searched the net but couldn't find anywhere with these rumors. Could you post a link?
     
  50. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Seeing as you already have a thread on mSATA SSDs in the X220, I've merged the two and retitled your OP "mSATA SSDs in New Thinkpads?"--there's no need for so many similar threads.

    Eventually, Lenovo does plan to offer that customization option, but since the T420 is barely released as of now, I'm not surprised it's not available to customize yet.

    Yes, if you want an mSATA SSD, you would probably get a better deal buying it separately. If you buy used, you might garner even more savings.
     
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