Need Help...T400s or X301

Looking for some opinions….I’m in the market for a new laptop for business and have narrowed my decision down to the T400s and X301. This laptop will be used to run basic functions and multi-tasking (email, internet, excel, word, powerpoint). A fast processer is also a key consideration (how do the processers in these two laptops compare – is there a significant difference). Since I'm not able to see both laptops side by side, is there a significant difference in size? While I don’t travel on a plane more than twice a year, I am mobile and will be traveling locally with this laptop at least 3 – 4 days a week. The ability to watch a movie here and there is a nice option. Is there a difference in speaker volume between the two laptops?

Any opinions based on my usage listed above?

 

If you need fast processors, then X301 is definitely not for you, since they use low voltage processors, and the T400s have slightly better CPU, but these are basically for portability and not for power. But running your the tasks shouldn't be much of an issue with either of these systems. Since none of your mentioned applications are that cpu intensive.

The T400s speakers are slightly better, but if you want to use it for movie purposes, you should get a headphone. Thinkpads are not renowned for their speaker qualities.

 

Personally, I would go with the T400s, as it is cheaper and has a newer Thinkpad design. If the weight is of big consequence for you, though, the X301 may be a better option.

Also, keep in mind that the X301 has a 13" 1440x900 display, whereas the T400s has a 14" 1440x900 display. Text on the X301 may be too small for some people, as the pixels are quite small. They will be larger on the T400s. Text size is adjustable in the OS's DPI settings though.

 

I was in the EXACT same dilemma for the last 2 solid days. I ended up ordering (yesterday in fact lol) the X301. Why ? It's smaller, thinner (not by very much though), lighter, and slightly more durable. I have a T61 (15.4" version) right now, and I needed a more portable laptop for almost exactly what you need it for (E-mail, web surfing, music, movies, etc.). I always had the X301 in my mind for the last few months, then when the T400s came out, I thought wow, perfect. But the more I looked at it, and compared it to the X301, I realized that while a fantastic machine in itself, it's no X301. (If that even makes sence lol). The T400s was meant to be a mix between the X300 and T400 (thinner then the T400, but not as much performance as a T400, and not as thin as an X301, but with slightly better performance then an X301).
Anyway, like I said, after a LONG debate with myself, I just ended up going "all in" and getting the flagship X301. While VERY expensive, hopefully it will pay me back with many years in service.

 

This is all great feedback, thank. Does anyone have opinions on the portability factor of the T400s?

 

well, first, x301 vs t400s http://www.thinkpads.com/2009/08/14/thinkpad-comparison-t400s-vs-x301/

i faced this dilemma two months ago, and decided i want the t400s. partly because of the performance, and partly because i can use a docking for with the t400s

re: portability factor - the t400s really isn't that much more heavier/larger, so i don't really see much difference in terms of portability (and i have played around with both x301 and t400s before i bought it), but in return you get better performance, better expandability, e.g. express card (assuming you choose that over the card reader), ultrabay slim (you only get to choose between a dvd drive and battery for the one on x301), docking, esata, display port (and vga), new keyboard, multitouch touchpad...etc