Ordered ThinkPad X200s

Just placed an order for a ThinkPad X200s, configured like so:
1
7465CTO ThinkPad X200s - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
12/10/2008**
$2,363.00
$1,796.05

Intel Core2 Duo processor SL9400 (1.86GHz, 6MB L2, 1066MHz FSB)1
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
12.1 WXGA+ (1440x900) LED backlight with the Next Generation ThinkPad Roll Cage, 2x3 UltraConnect ll antenna, UWB
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
1 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)8
TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
64GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)
ThinkPad X200 Series 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
7465: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller
Processor1 Intel Core2 Duo processor SL9400 (1.86GHz, 6MB L2, 1066MHz FSB)
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Operating system language Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic US English
Display type 12.1 WXGA+ (1440x900) LED backlight with the Next Generation ThinkPad Roll Cage, 2x3 UltraConnect ll antenna, UWB
System graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Total memory8 1 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Keyboard US English
Pointing Device TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
Hard Drive 64GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA
System expansion slots 5-1 Media Card Reader and Modem
Bluetooth Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)
Battery ThinkPad X200 Series 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Language Pack Language Pack US English

41C9334 3 Year Depot Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection
$159.03

Tossed an extra 65W power adapter in there and got the 2-day shipping. Total damage (with tax) comes to $1984.94. Hurray for CPP and USEBLACKFRIDAY.

The Lenovo forums claim, and the rep on the chat claims, that the SSD drive are SLC. Here's hoping it's true. If not, I suppose I'll sell the drive and buy a hard disk, pocketing the extra.

Definitely upgrading the RAM when it arrives. 4GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 is only $120 these days. Much cheaper to upgrade it myself than to pay Lenovo to do it.

The system will be running Debian, with Windows XP available in a VM or maybe dual-boot, depending on whether I need to dual-boot to run Civ4 decently.

 

Congrats. Heck of a nice machine. I'm kind of jealous.

 

What is "CPP"?

 

CPP is Contractor Purchase Plan. Google for it - Lenovo CPP. Discussing it too extensively (I'm not sure quite how extensively) is forbidden on this forum.

 

No. CPP is a program for a small subset of consumers and should not be absued.

(ahem) A cursory Google search should turn it up. (ahem)

 

Estimated ship date is up now. December 12. A Friday. Means it'll hopefully arrive the next Monday, the 16th.

 

WOW nice configuration! Be sure to let us know your initial impressions... and you know us NBR users need pics.

 

Yeah, when I get it I'll probably create a pic request thread. There aren't enough good ones out there. It's also hard to find proper tech specs - e.g., what's in the PCI Express Mini card slots? I assume only one of the three is populated, and with a WLAN card, but who knows. And is that 64GB SSD actually SLC, or are they lying to me like that fellow with the T400? I'll find out.

 

There's 3 PCI Express Mini card slots? I think there's 2... On mine it's Turbo Memory and Wifi Card. But then again mines x200.. not s..

 

I thought you hate the new Thinkpad.

 

Regarding your SSD - I recently ordered an X200, so I may be in the same boat as you. What is the part number listed on your invoice? Mine is 44C5212.

 

Hm, different: 43Y5884. Googling a bit, looks like the 44C5212 was used for SLC drives in the past. I didn't get any hits for 43Y5884, so it must be a new part number. When did you order? Also, X200 or X200s? Maybe 44C5212 was used only for X200, not X200s - could still be the same drive.

 

Ah, you're right - I mis-remembered. There are two PCI Express Mini card slots, plus a slot for the Intel Turbo Memory card or wireless USB adapter. So you should have one free slot intended for a WWAN card, and with the X200 you actually have the antennas for it. You'd have to take off most of the bezel to confirm, removing the keyboard and palm rest. Looks pretty easy, only 9 screws.

 

I ordered an X200 on November 29.

Yeah, there's a possibility it's the same drive. Let's hope we get SLC's...

 

*sigh* if i could only order one myself... in "lenovo's third world" (aka europe) they hardly sell it right now, i think there's one model on few eshops but it has the regular screen and i think it defeats the purpose of buying x200s in the first place

i thought about buying it in US, with a little luck i'd save about 30% but last time i checked it was not covered by international warranty so if something goes wrong i'd be stucked with it

so like i said - *sigh*

 

Where did you get that idea?

 

I am ordering this configuration soon... I'm just waiting for my purchasing dept to get it going... any last thoughts?

ThinkPad X200s - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
Processor: Intel Core2 Duo processor SL9400 (1.86GHz, 6MB L2, 1066MHz FSB)
Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Display type: 12.1 WXGA+ (1440x900) LED backlight with the Next Generation ThinkPad Roll Cage, 2x3 UltraConnect ll antenna, UWB
System graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Pointing Device: TrackPoint
Hard drive: 128GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA
Mobile media base: ThinkPad X200 UltraBase
System expansion slots: 3-1 Media Card Reader without Modem
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)
Battery: ThinkPad X200 Series 4 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Language Pack: Language Pack US English
Accessories and options:
3 Year On Site Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection 41C9338
ThinkPad X200 UltraBase 43R8781


(Yes, I am ordering two ultrabases. One for work, one for home....)

 

My main thought is that Vista Home Basic is a limited OS. It lacks Aero, Remote desktop, and several other features. You would probably be best served by Vista Business 64 (you can actually use the 4GB of RAM in your system). If you have a license for Vista (or an alternative OS) already and were planning on upgrading yourself, then Vista basic is fine and just a way of paying the "Microsoft Tax".

I would also recommend the 5-1 reader and modem. The cost difference is negligible and it is always better to be over prepared than missing a useful feature. Other than cost and a few grams of weight there is no downside of having the modem built in.

You may also want to consider a 6 or 9 cell battery. The 4 cell prismatic is pretty weak (only half the capacity of the 6 cell). However, if you don't need more than a few hours unplugged, the 4 cell is probably best as it is lightest and doesn't protrude (the 6 cell lifts up, and the 9 cell lifts up AND sticks out the back).

 

Cool. Yes, I have access to university licenses for Vista Ultimate and Ultimate x64, so I can change later. I'll probably go Windows XP anyway.

I was thinking I really don't need the modem. What is the difference between the 5-1 reader and the 3-1 reader? They both are just an SDHC slot, right?

I did want the 6-cell, but it isn't available in the regular configuration X200s for some reason. You can only get the 4-cell or the 9-cell, and I really dislike the bulge out the back of the 9-cell. If you want the 6-cell you have to step up to the "elite" configuration. That adds over $100 to the price, so I figured it is better to buy the base X200s with the 4-cell and then buy the 6-cell as an accessory. Then I get both batteries for nearly the same price.

Oh, as for the RAM. With a 32-bit OS, what amount of RAM are you guys seeing? 3.5GB? That would be fine for me. I was thinking that even if I can't use all 4 GB, it would still make more sense than ordering 3 GB because 4GB would enable dual channel operation, which is probably worth a 5-10% gain in performance. I think a 64-bit OS is probably out of the question since still so many applications don't run on it...

 

The 3-1 reader can read SD, SDHC, and MMC. I believe the 5-1 reader also adds support for Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro (mainly Sony cameras). Plus it adds a modem for when you are in the middle of nowhere and need to get online.

You should also check to see if you can get a deal on the x200s through your University. Many get a price break (usually on par w/ CPP) for Thinkpads. You may even be able to order one w/ PC-DOS this way (you are going to put your own OS on it anyway). This is how I got my x200. You may need to call and configure to get this to work though (some universities are slow in updating their sites).

The Elite may actually be a better deal. You should run the configs to be sure. I believe the difference is a switch to 6 cell batteries, 2GB memory minimum, and Vista Business as the base OS. The one thing that may skew cost away from the elite is that you don't need a Vista license and anything above the base is a waste of money.

If you buy the batteries separately I would probably get the 4 and 9 cell. The 4 cell gives you the lightest package and should provide enough battery life for most situations. You can then use the 9 cell for insane battery life (3x more than the 4 cell) on occasions when you need extra life (planes, trains, and automobiles usually). The rest of the time you can leave the 9 cell (ideally at about 40% charge) in your desk.

 

I am working with our university Lenovo rep and the pricing has been very good, once I complain a lot. I get widely varying quotes from them that I don't understand.

It looks like there is good news! It looks like the Intel 5350 WiMax / WiFi card is now available on the X200 and X200s! I was hoping they would do that soon. Now I will at least get one kind of WWAN on the X200S. I was lamenting the lack of WWAN on the X200s. I will still have to tether to my phone for UMTS / EvDO WWAN, but when WiMax rolls out I will be able to use that without an external card... Sweet!

 

Interesting! Are the same antennas used for the WiMax as for the wifi? If WiMax becomes available in my area (unlikely, unless I move, but who knows), it'd be handy to be able to upgrade.

 

Yes, it uses the same 3 antennas. It is interesting... They must be broadly tuned to work at 2.3 Ghz - 2.5 Ghz + 5 GHz. Those bands are all supported with WiMax...

I still wonder about sacrificing one of those antennas and using it for WWAN. oh well.... Maybe someday Lenovo will toss the two extra antennas in there...

 

My X200s arrived. After a short inspection from inside I'm now installing Linux. Review will follow this week.

 

Inspection inside? What did you find? Anything interesting that would indicate we could use WWAN?

 

That was the main point for opening it: Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no WWAN antennas like they are in the X200
Only the 3 WLAN antennas to the Intel5300, and the single UWB/WUSB-Antenna to the 3rd Mini-PCIe-Slot (which is only half-sized and can't take a WWAN card which are only available full-sized).

 

Can you move the WUSB/UWB antenna over to the second miniPCIe card slot? I wonder what kind of antenna it is....

Eh, I'll probably use it for UWB once the cards are available.

I can't figure out why they have 2 full size mini-PCIe slots on the X200s and only 1 set of antennas. What can you do with the second card slot?

 

I can't tell what kind of antenna it is, I can only tell that it's about 8 cm too short to reach the second full (free) mini-PCIe slot. Also, the X200 uses two antennas, one for downlink, one for uplink - but there is only one WUSB antenna in place.

 

The free antenna cable is for wireless USB. There are four antennas in the LED-backlit screen typically used in the X200s (in Europe you can get it with the standard screen): two transmit/receive WLAN antennas; one receive-only WLAN antenna (thus why they advertise as 2x3); and one WUSB UWB antenna. The WUSB antenna cable runs to the half-length slot, which takes either the Intel memory for HDD acceleration *or* a WUSB adapter. The WUSB adapter just isn't configurable yet.

 

Ok, I got a new quote... Here's my new config...

Qty Product Code Description Unit Cost Total
1 SYS.7465CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM $2,214.98 $2,214.98
The above product code consists of the following component(s):
1 7465CTO THINKPAD X200S 1 YR DEPOT WARRANTY $2,103.96
1 41C9338 LENOVO THINKPAD PROTECTION WITH THINKPLUS ONSITE REPAIR - EXTENDED SERVICE AGREEMENT - 3 YEARS - ON-SITE $111.02
1 41W1787 SBB CPK NORTH AMERICA $0.00
1 43Y5886 SBB 128GB SOLID ST.DR,SATA $0.00
1 43Y5887 SBB L.PACK US ENG $0.00
1 43Y5954 SBB MW XP PROF US ENG RDVD $0.00
1 44C5184 VBB SD CARD READER $0.00
1 44C5196 SBB THINKPADX200SER.6CELLENH. $0.00
1 44C5216 SBB KEYBOARD US ENGLISH $0.00
1 62P6054 VBB INTEGR.BLUETOOTH PAN $0.00
1 42V8010 VBB MS WIN VISTA BUSINESS $0.00
1 42X5669 SBB INTEL WIMAX+3X3WIFI $0.00
1 42X6309 VBB 4GBPC3-8500 1067MHZ2DIMM $0.00
1 43Y3262 SBB GWV BUSINESS 32 US ENG. $0.00
1 43Y3894 SBB THINKPAD X200 ULTRABASEVC $0.00
1 43Y5866 SBB INTCORE2DUO PR.SL9400(1.86 $0.00
1 43Y5867 SBB 12.1WXGA+,2X3ULTCON.ANTUWB $0.00
1 43Y5869 SBB TRACKPOINT+FINGERPRINTREAD $0.00

Qty Product Code Description Unit Cost Total
1 43R8781 LENOVO THINKPAD X200 ULTRABASE - DOCKING STATION $175.20 $175.20

Payment Terms: NET-30
Ship Type: UPS Ground
Merchandise Total $2,390.18
Sales Tax $0.00
Shipping / Handling $0.00
Total $2,390.18


Not sure how they did that for that price, but hey, I'll take it. Somehow I also got the 6-cell in there this time... and vista business with an XP recovery CD... sweet.