Should I buy the X200 or X201 ???

I am a student who carries around a lot of books and move my laptop in and out many times, so need a durable and portable laptop. X200 and x201 seems to fit my needs. I am wondering if I should get the x200 or the x201.
I will not be doing any gaming or video editing, hulu would be the most taxing program I use. I plan on using this laptop for 4 years.

Also, do the prices look reasonable, or will there be much bigger discounts within the month of August?

The stats are as followed:

X200 - $800
Processor Intel® Core™2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 3MB L2, 1066MHz FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
Total Memory 4GB (2 X 2GB) PC3-8500 DDR3 1067MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
Hard Drive 320GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive
Display 12.1” WXGA (1280 X 800) W/ Camera
Graphics Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Battery 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (Up to 5.5 Hours Run Time)
Ethernet/Wireless Intel® Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100 (1x2 AGN)
1 year warranty

X201 - $1130
Processor: Intel Core i5-520M Processor (2.40-2.93GHz, 3MB L3)
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
Display type: 12.1" WXGA LED Panel, 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna; with Camera and Wireless Broadband Upgradeable
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory
Hard Drive: 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Battery: ThinkPad X200 Series 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 (2x2 AGN)
3 year basic warranty + 3 year thinkpad protection warranty


Your opinion is greatly appreciated!!!

 

I think you'll be fine with the X200 (right, ZaZ?). Save yourself the $330 and maybe use it to buy an SSD later on as an upgrade.

 

Well the X200 does have the better three year warranty and ThinkPad Protection, which would explain a lot of the increased cost. I myself usually don't opt for the better warranties. The X200 does have a better battery. Given the usage, I think either is fine.

 

The X200 is a solid choice but if you plan to use it for at least 4 years then you may want to upgrade to 3 years warranty for peace of mind. I also heard the Core 2 Duo processors are generally cooler than their Core i counterpart, especially the P-series processors so you may appreciate that if you work a lot on the lap. Add the 9 cell battery compared to the 6 cell battery you get on the X201 and overall you have a good mobile workhorse.

But if the cost of adding 3 yrs to the X200 is similar to the X201 then you might as well get the X201 as it is slightly faster than the X200 so you may appreciate the extra horsepower few years down the line on some intensive applications. Either way both are decent machines to have.

 

Get the x201 then since the x200 with the 3-year warranty costs almost as much as the x201.

 

Core i 3/5 include integrated GPU on CPU, so their TDP is 35w, but they are as cool and as power efficient as P series.

I would go for X201 for long-term usage (newer line product, much-better warranty).

 

i would go with the x201 since when you factor in the better warranty plan, the price difference between the x201 and x200 would be less than 200 USD. $200 dollars more for an improved CPU and GPU package is NOT a lot of money.

 

Thanks sir! I've somehow come to recognize the husky puppy as a thinkpad authority lol.

 

Maybe i should sell the Husky puppy avatar to Lenovo.... and make myself a handsome profit

Although, don't forget that you have a better wireless card, better OS, faster HDD etc in your X201, which the price differential between the X200 and X201 even less.

P.S. The Thinkpad Protection is where the warranty covers your laptop even if you spilled liquid on your laptop, dropping it, basically it covers hardware damage caused by unintentional accidents.

http://www.lenovo.com/services_warranty/US/en/thinkpad_protection.html

 

get the x201, I am regretting not getting the 201 coz my gpu is weak.

 

you mean you are regretting you are not getting the X201t? Hum i am regretting that i did not pick up the X200t for 1000 dollars from a sale a while ago.

I got offered a X201t with i7 CPU for 1900 dollars. I think i would probably get it at the end of the month.

 

AUD or USD? And from where?

 

AUD... but you won't be able to get it that cheap though.

 

As a student I would think the 3-year protection might be valuable given the trials and tribulations of abuse on campus and in a backpack, just too bad it doesn't cover being stolen as well which is another great way to lose a laptop while in school.

Anyway, that said price is the biggest factor when buying for most (unless money is no object) and $300 isn't a small difference. I think over 4-years it's worth it though, this will be your "livelihood" for getting things done. On Lenovo.com there's actually a coupon code for 15% off the X201 if you use USPTHINKBTS right now, works through Aug. 4th. Not sure if you factored that into the price already.

 

it should be remembered that X series laptop doesn't use socketed CPU, but rather it is physically soldered to the motherboard. So upgrading CPU is not going to be easy for a X200, if you find the CPU somewhat lacking down the line.

 

My first two years of high school, I carried around a 17 inch notebook. Not only that, but I took it with me everywhere while riding my mountain bike and that notebook right now is still my main computer that never failed me once. The x200/x201 are built to last, at least that is how mine appear to be. I carry it around by holding the extended battery, I have not purchased a case for it yet. Money is an option to me, I guess that is why I don't purchase 3 year warranties. I say find the cheapest priced model and go for it. I doubt much will change in office application, and surfing the internet has not changed in 8 years. If it does change and a P8400 is not enough, then we're all in trouble. If you look hard enough, you will find x200's going for $500, which makes it an excellent buy! If not, then you should just search for x201 at the cheapest price and buy.

 

Since the OP is not going to do any gaming (like Starcraft II), the Intel 4500 GMA of the X200 is going to be plenty sufficient.


OP: Based on the price scenario you put forward, unless you can find a better deal for the X200 and the price difference is negligible, I would go for the X201 as well, as many other have suggested.

While ThinkPads rarely break down, I would definitely get 3 years warranty for peace of mind. My experience with the few ThinkPad warranty claims I've had has been excellent.

If I was to make the choice, I would probably hunt for a better deal on the X200. Even for 4 years of operation I am sure the X200 will be more than sufficient, unless you start wanting to play 3D games.

But if you fail to find a better deal, I'd go for the X201.

 

get a macbook

 

Thanks everyone for the input!! I've definitely settled on the x201, just waiting for a nice lenovo discount at the moment. I really appreciated reading all the thoughtful posts, thanks again.

 

You mean the Macbook Pro? Not the best choice...