Questions about X201 Screens

The context:

I'm fairly close to purchasing an X201 right now but...I have some concerns regarding the screens on these laptops. The general impression I get is one of negativity (reviews and user opinions)

However, I've also noticed that there are multiple parts screen parts listed for the X201 both on the Thinkwiki and on Lenovo's site

* TFT display - ThinkWiki

...some of the screens have higher brightness ratings, contrast ratios, etc.

The questions

What parts are being used right now in the X201 and/or does it even make a difference? (For instance, difference between the 42T0478 Samsung (200, 250:1 Contrast Ratio) and the 42T0711 LG-Phillips (200, 500:1 Contrast Ratio))

Will calibration make a big difference? (From some of the searches around here, it seems to make a difference...but more thoughts the better)

For those with an X201, how would you compare the screen against say...other laptops (Dell Inspiron, HP Envy, or heck the Macbook Air)? (Subjective opinion)

Whatever questions you can answer would be really helpful!
Thanks in advance!

 

While these forums for the most part do a ton of good, but this is one of the problems with them. People who would otherwise be happy with their notebook comes here and sees someone with a complaint, then think that's a trend. The reality is most notebooks screens are crappy TN panels, some better than others, but none's going to stand up to a really good panel like a X201t. Lenovo does use multiple screen supplier. Some of the screens are better than others. Even if you work for NBR it's really difficult to see a broad cross sections of screens to give an informed opinion. I saw the MB Air last week. I thought they were above average screens, but I didn't think the Samsung in my X200 was all that bad at least compared to else is available. It's sort of a lottery as to which you'll get. If you really want a good screen, I'd suggest one of the tablets or do the AFFS mod. Heck, I'll sell you mine. Good luck and welcome to NBR.

 

@ZaZ...I could buy your AFFS modded X200. The only question is how do I get the machine in my hands?

On the question of screens, you are absolutely right. It's like the luck of the draw. This is so in so far as screens are concerned and build quality too.

 

What do you plan to use the X201 for? My concern is that, even before you purchase the machine, you already plan to modify/improve it.

If the X201 is going to be your only machine, chances are you want to make it the very best in very aspect. I'd rather spend the time to find and the money to acquire the machine, regardless of brand, that best matches my absolute requirements.

The X201 is a work machine. It is small, sturdy, lightweight, capable, and offers very good battery performance. Its screen, at 1280x768 resolution and 200 nit, may not be suitable for graphics/photo/video editing/viewing applications that demands wide viewing angles, clear brightness, distinct contrast, 100% color gamut coverage, color reproduction fidelity, etc... After all, a 12" display is too small for serious creative tasks! On top of that, as ZaZ has pointed out, for the same specs, you never know what manufacturer supplies the panel in your laptop. (I find LG Philips panels tend to be brighter and more vivid than, say, Samsung panels, which tend to show washed out colors and poor contrast.)

I own an X201. My main machines include a T510 (that has its own minor annoyances), and I still baby my T43p 15" 1600x1200 IPS Flexview. I use the X201 primarily for field trips: taking notes, doing email, showing presentation, visiting web sites... Its screen is okay for what I use it for.

 

First, thanks for the replies everyone!

@ZaZ Mmm, I'll take a look...link in your signature right? Also, the mod would void your warranty I take it?

@lof Lottery screens! xD

@Kaso - It won't be my only machine (I have a desktop @ home), but I was looking for something good all around - since I use my existing laptop for a wide range of tasks (programming, website development, video editing/filter work & encoding (or tried to), browsing, games, notes, emails, document/power point...).

The factors I considered when looking for a laptop was long battery life (>= 6 hours), lightweight (<5 lbs), screen quality/resolution (better than existing laptop/ > 1280x800) and build quality that can take the abuse of school usage and commuting with the odd accident. In terms of power, so long as it's better than my existing.

...and thus I'm contemplating a x201 which meets most except in the screen. The other laptop in consideration is the Late 2010 Air which meets most except in the build quality since, unless I'm mistaken, aluminum just feels solid but is easy to deform/dent. Maybe I'm being overly picky/finding differences.

 

If these are/wore your requirements, surely you could have got a T410. Or maybe not - at least in the mobility area though I do find the 14" form factor not bad in mobility terms.

 

^^^ A T410 must be equipped with a 9-cell battery to give more than 6 hours of unplugged use. However, a 9-cell battery both increases the weight and enlarges the form factor!

The T410 may be configured with WXGA+, but this addresses only resolution amongst the screen factors that the OP may care about.

The Samsung panel on my T410s (the "s" model) is only acceptable.

 

Due to opening the LCD, the terms of the warranty would be void. They may not ever notice, but it's a more risky proposition. Given your desire for a smaller machine with a decent screen above WXGA, I think the 13" MB Air seem like a good choice if you can do OS X.

 

While not wanting to rake up a much-discussed topic, I think this is precisely where ThinkPad needs the X30x machine. But alas!

 

@ZaZ: Regarding OSX, I don't really mind. Or rather, if it gets dicey I can just put Windows or Linux (or both) on there so it's not really an issue.

@los Ah yeah...they no longer sell the X301 series :/

Anyhow, thanks for the replies guys. I appreciate it. I went and took a look at the x201t and then I decided to wait till post-SB launch before making a purchase decision to see what happens (refreshes or fire sales) since I think I can live with my laptop just a bit longer.

As a side note, I got a bit :/ when I read that someone was able to dent their MBP by dropping a (wacom) pen on it. Given that the Air is made out of the same materials (maybe thinner)...