Need input on deciding between Edge 13, x100e or alternative

I'm looking for a second laptop to supplement my official "business" laptop for some contract work I'm doing on the side.

My main work laptop now is a Thinkpad T60p that I've been very happy with except the brightness of the screen. I'm replacing it with a new Sony VAio Z that is coming within a few weeks.

Despite how nice that Sony Z is, I can't afford to duplicate that setup when buying a laptop with my own money I will be carrying both laptops with me at all times, so the weight of the second laptop is important.

I plan on doing primarily work in Word, Excel and the browser (webmail and general browsing/research). Some light coding here and there, but web scripting, not anything involving heavy compiling but could see myself doing some silverlight4 stuff in the near future. There will not be any games played on it.

I want to go as cheap as possibly, but since I'm going to be typing a lot on this the quality of the keyboard is important both in the feel of the keys as well as size.

I'm currently contemplating:

• Thinkpad x100e dual-core
• Thinkpad x100e single core
• Thinkpad Edge 13
• Acer Timeline 1810T
• Refurbished Thinkpad x200/x200s

The refurb x200/x200s can be had from the Lenovo outlet from between $800-$1100 depending on configuration. However, I was trying to spend sub-$800 on it which is why my research landed me on the x100e and Edge 13.

The Anandtech Review of the Edge 13 painted a pretty dismal picture -- nothing remarkable out it, middle of the pack performance and the keyboard wasn't up to the usual Thinkpad legendary quality (which is something I love about my current T60p).

My biggest complaint about the x100e originally was that it was single core and seemed underpowered from most reviews I read. HOwever, with teh introduction of the new dual-core models, it's looking more attractive. With coupons out there for 5% off + their current sale, my config with 3GB of RAM + Bluetooth was about $625.

I've read great things about the x100e keyboard and universally people say it trumps the Edge 13's.

My concerns about the x100e:

• screen size being sub-12" might be too small?
• I've read that the AMD L335 dual core suck a lot of power

Anyone have any input on my options? Nothing specific, just want to get people's thoughts to add to my research.

 

Refurbed X200 would be my pick, especially if you plan to keep it a while. The downside is you can upgrade the warranty on the refurbed machines.. I'd look on eBay too if you're not in a hurry. I've seen a few sealed refurbed X200 go on eBay in the $600-650 range, plus there's bing.

I've not seen any of the other machines on your list. I did have the U150, which I didn't like. One of the keys fell off while I was using it. I would suspect better of the X100e. Performance wise a dual core AMD probably is fine, but AMDs always run hotter. I would think it be twice the fun with a dual core AMD. I wouldn't get a single core CPU in 2010.

The keyboard on my X200 is fantastic, better than my R60. I didn't find the 11.6" to be too small on the u150, plus your giving up some vertical real estate on a 16:9.

 

It's hard to recommend the x100e at that price, it just doesn't represent a lot of value for $600 dollars. Especially when you can get a 1810T with SU7300 for around that price. The ASUS UL30A also gives better value but with dodgy build quality/keyboard.

The Edge 13 seems like the best choice IMO. It has a su7300 so it'll do everything you want but with 6 hours of battery life. I've only heard good things about the new chicklet keyboard from other reviews so wouldn't be too concerned about it. It's not like the x100e's is definitively better, it actually has shorter pitch.

So if you really want a good keyboard, the Edge 13 will give it to you at the trade off of value/battery life. If you want to really get bang for your buck, Acer 1810tz/UL30A are better options.

 

Thanks for the input so far guys, keep it coming.

Based on Zaz's comment, I looked on eBay and found some unit that were a mix of refurb or brand new in box for $700-$800 (with some topping $1k). With Bing Cashback, it's seeming like a pretty good deal.

 

I meant to say you can't upgrade the warranty if it's a refurbed machine. You're stuck with one year, which is enough for most, but if you need it to be bulletproof, you should consider new or used.

 

I would get the edge 13 for the screen real estate and larger trackpad with multitouch, if you are into that kind of thing that is. The street price for the Edge 13 is around $500.

 

Of the units you listed I would get Acer 1810T or 1810TZ. I got one for my wife for about $500 last year and its been incredible value, built well, super light, excellent feeling keyboard, supreme battery life, handles multitasking with aplomb, surprisingly nimble touchpad and most of all quite a decent screen for this class/price (better actually than you find in Thinkpads 2-3 times the price).

Casting brand and marketing aside, IMO Acer has surprisingly achieved the benchmark product in this category.

The last time I experienced this kind of value and satisfaction in an ultraportable was years ago with the Sharp Actius A100, which along with its cousins (A110, A150 etc) came to be seen as mainstream ultraportable classic over time - for product quality/price ratio and long term durability. I think this Acer will too.

 

how about a refurbished or second hand Thinkpad X60 or X60s

 

Is it really neccessary to quote the original post in its entirety to leave a one line reply?

 

No idea what that is to be honest with you. We've had ours since late last year and not a single problem of any kind. As a result, I've nt been frequenting any Acer support website forums to deal with any issues - or even to tweak anything - because the thing works and works well straight out the box.

In a way, that's the highest praise one can give an electronics device - that it works so well it's basically invisible and doesnt suck up your time.