Switcher wants X200s. Numerous dumb questions for you to laugh at

Okay, to tell you the truth, I have become utterly confused. I have researched myself into an abyss. Or so it seems.
Prologue
I'm a Mac-user. Have been since '88 or '89. But with dwindling quality, more and more incompatibilites and a strenghtening focus on lowest common denominator consumer products and removal (and crippling) of things like firewire and what have you, I decided around two years ago to move on, preferably when this MacBook Pro I'm writing this on died.

Preparation
I needed to migrate my workflows in order to do it. And with "workflows" I mean "check all sorts of audio apps for the PC side of things, and see if I could get my head around them". I so wanted to go Linux, but got tired of waiting for a decent audio app (for my use), and - besides - I realised I would be spending an equallly amount of time working out how to make things work. In other words: Spending time figuring out work-arounds. So, windows it was.

Intermission
My battery died a fortnight ago, and even though I vould go buy another battery, and (perhaps) make it work for a while, I really can't be bothered anymore with Apple. I'm out the door. I just need to find "my" computer ...


Outcasts (or How to dismiss 99 percent of laptops on offer)
I knew all along, that I would be getting a Thinkpad, and when the X300 hit the streets, I wanted it so bad. Alas, not only was it expensive, it didn't have firewire. But more on that omission a little later.
I really, really like the X-series, always have. I don't want a "luggable" computer, I want a small one. A light one. And I need it to fit into what other hardware I use. So I need something I can plug firewire direct into (best option), or a FW-adaptor.

Hellfire
You see, I use firewire to connect my audio recorder (Sound Devices 722), and as such I cannot do without it. Sure, I could buy a Nagra LB instead (which I propably will, if the preamps are almost as good as the ones in the 722), but even if I swap my recorder, I have a hard time fathoming my workflow without (working) firewire connections ( I also use FW for a 96kHz/24bit interface, HDDs and not least, my 96kHz/24bit DAC/headphone amp.

It takes two
So, that brings me to the X200(s) and X61(s):
The X61 has an "old school" slot, and the X200 has an Expresscard54 slot. Both would allow me to plug in an FW-adaptor (At least in theory – FW and adaptors aren't really [pardon me] "the sh...").
The X61 has one big flaw, though, even though I like the screen format better, its resolution is rather poor, imo. And here in Europe (I'm in Denmark), the resolution of the X200s is equally poor, but a 1440X900 is available – sort of - direct from Lenovo.dk. I haven't been able to get a price on one, and they're simply not available anywhere else.

Cut! It's a take
So, to make a long story short (I know: It's too late for such ignorant clichés), but these are my questions. I don't expect that people will know the answers to each and all of my questions, but perhaps I can be kicked in the right direction? (Oh, and my questions aren't sorted in any way, form or fashion).


1) Is it possible to order a danish keyboard "after the fact" for, say, a spanish- or US-bought X200s? Where would I get hold of something like that?

2) I propably want the 1.86gHz version, and it seems like that is the only verison available around here. Is that correct?

3) I also propably want the 1440X900-screen, as that is the same resolution I have on my 15" MBP, although I'm worried that it will be difficult to use (and read). I wish I had tried installing Windows on this screen so I could compare the resolution and then scale it down in my imagination. My question is this: Those of you with that resolution, how's it working out for you?

4) How much RAM is adressable hardware-wise? 3GB? 4GB?

5) I intend to buy Adobe Audition, but is that advisable on a computer like the X200s? Does such an App make use of the graphics card to make things faster, and if so, wouldn't the X200s suck when working with big audio files? I'm sorry, but the innards of the how the computer makes use of different rams and processors aren't really my forté, nor will it ever be.

5a) I will be importing audio files mostly recorded at 48kHz, sometimes greater, always at 24bit. Using mostly between 1-6 tracks of up to 1 hour in length. That's a (normal) project up to 6GB. I don't use plug-ins (well, mostly), as that is frowned upon, but just real, recorded audio.

6) has anyone tried using an expresscard-to-Firewire adaptor with an audio interface (as opposed to merely a HDD)? Artifacts? Shutdowns? Or did it work like it ought to?

7) Does the X200s have a slot (underneath/inside?) where one could put an adaptor and a 3G sim card, or is that only in the X301s?

7a) If so, is the reception good?

8) Any good places (cheap(er)) that will ship internationally (to Denmark, where I live)?

9) I seem to recall reading somewhere that it was most beneficial (weight/hour ratio) to buy the 6-cell battery. Is that right?

10) This post is way too long, isn't it?

11) Am an idjit, aren't I?

 

1.)try ebay but installing would require you to open your laptop (not sure)

3.)1440x900 is so far the best resolution for me. I use to have 1280x800 and found the text was too big. 1440x900 is perfect running games and scaling them down to 1280 x 800 still looks nice.

4.)32 bit vista = 3.5gb ram
64 bit vista = >4gb ram

9.) It really depends if your going to work more away from power outlets or keep it plugged in. If i were you id get the bigger battery since you might want the extra battery life.

10.) yea there was a hefty amount of text xD.

 

as for the other question I cant answer because im not a Xx00 user

 

I know I’m a bit off topic, but it’s nice to hear from a Mac user that isn’t spewing the faith.

No. You actually seem quite on-target and know exactly what you want .

 

1. Switching keyboards is straightforward. You just need to procure the appropriate part, take out a half dozen screws, and swap them. You could either get a keyboard direct from Lenovo, or from a reseller (any x200 keybaord will work).
2. The vast majority of preconfigured models are 1.86GHz. I have this in my tablet, and would recommend it.
3. My tablet only has 1280x800. I think 1440x900 should be doable, but text will be on the small side.
4. The hardware can address 8GB (2 very expensive 4GB DDR3 DIMMs). However, Vista 32-bit tops out around 3.25GB (64-bit is capped at 128 GB).
5. I've never used Adobe audition, so I can't speak to it's exact accelerations. However, a 1.86GHz C2D is quite fast. Additionally, if you are working with lossless files, a 7200RPM drive or SSD may be a good choice (a slow drive can be a bottleneck at high bitrates).
6. I haven't used an ExpressCard FireWire adapter
7. The x200s LED model doesn't support WWAN [lacks the antennas in the screen]. This is offered on the x300/x301, x200(s) CCFL, and x200 Tablet. However, you can use a USB or ExpressCard based modem.
8. Not sure. Try Germany.
9. 6 cell is probably the best bet. It has double the WHr capacity of the very weak 4 cell, is only slightly heavier, and doesn't stick out the back. 9 cell is good if you want maximum battery life (but it will stick out the back).
10. It's a bit long.
11. No, you're just particular. Welcome to the ThinkPad club.

You could also look at the x61 Tablet. If you can find the SXGA+ model, you could get a 12" notebook with Firewire, and a 12.1" 1400x1050 FFS screen (far better quality than is on most notebooks). This model is discontinued in the states, but there are still a few floating around in the channel. The downside here is that the Tablet weights ≈1 pound more than the non-tablet model (worth it in my opinion), it is also moderately slower than the x200 series [should still be plenty fast though]. Or you can get really creative and BUILD THIS (warning this is complicated and WILL void your warranty).

 

You could buy a x200s WXGA+ from campusdiscount.de for €1395 if you're a student. The shipping to Sweden, where I live, is €39.

Yes, Im thinking about buying one for myself...

 

Thanks everyone – both for the factual replies, but certainly also for the vwelcome

There's so much to think about with regards to this switch. I'm more nervous than when I go to job interviews.

Let me begin at the the bottom. Jon, I don't think I'll be going with a tablet. It's a pound more, as you say, and although that is still light for a tablet, we're entering the field of "normal computers" weight-wise. Secodnly, of course, Im a bit worried by swiveling screens, but most importantly, I would never use such a feature, although it does look cool. Hell, I don't even use photoshop, and I prefer writing with my fountain pen (yes, I have a nice one).

So, to recap:
1) I need to find a danish keyboard, as it IS possible to make a switcheroo. I'm not too worried about me swapping the [keyboard] by myself. It can't be as difficult as on this piece of snot MBP. This means I can get a computer from almost anywhere which is just great!

2) I think I will "settle" for 1.86gHz. If for nothing else, then because it's the most widespread, thus uppig my chances of getting a good deal (not to mention using it for longer).

3) I'm still worried about the screen resolution. I mean, the "inbuilt" text on audio apps are usually small as it is. On the other hand, I do need screen real estate for working with said audio.

Fluffboy,
I guess you're talking about the resolution on your 15" computer. My screen (the one I'm writing on now) has the same resolution and the same size as your XPS M1530. However, my trouble is, that if I choose that same resolution on a 12" screen, in reality shrinking the pixels, will they then become too small. The thing is, I can only pretend by moving my computer away from myself, and suddenly that resolution seems mighty for a screen that small (12 inch).

4) Looks like I can get 4GB, and then perhaps get vista or perhaps 64bit XP if Vista fails (with regards to compatibility with my work network and what have you). But it's good to know that the X200s aren't limited to 3GB.

5)Yes, I will be upgrading to either an SSD or a 7200RPM-drive, but not because of my audio work. Whenever I work with big and multiple audio files, I use an external harddrive as scratchdisk. Just for info: All my files are uncompressed PCM, 24bit running at least at 48kHz. I never use compressed (as in "lossy") files, and I only use lossless for archiving. Even though my recorder actually is capable of recording both MP2, MP3, and lossless (FLAC), I always use BWF (essentially an ordinary wav-file with the added possibility of adding metadata).

7) Ah, okay. Didn't know that. It wasn't a dealbreaker or anything. I just thought it could have been "neato". I guess I'll go with the dongle or continue to tether my phone.

9) Great! Two 6-cells it is. Unless they want me to send me to some baren land – then I'll get the 9-cell.

Edit:

Wow, super! That's as cheap as a "normal" X200s goes for at lenovo.dk. In fact, if it hadn't been the first deal I saw, I would propably pull the trigger right now, but I need at least a couple of days to check what else is out there. Thanks again, I just bookmarked that computer/site.

 

I was "configuring" that computer on campusdiscount.de and take a look at this (scroll down to just about the middle):

http://www.campusdiscount.de/product_info.php/info/p1879_.html/config

I can get a danish keyboard from the get-go, and J-Lol can get a swedish one!

Btw, you guys, what's the deal with "Turbo Memory"? Is it any good in real life?

 

Yeah, its kinda nice price I've been waiting for the euro to fall to a more reasonable level for a couple of weeks now. I'm THIS <-> close to pulling the trigger...

Yep, you can configure it by yourself, but I think it would come cheaper if you just call lenovo denmark and tell them which keyboard you want. Maybe you'll need some number or something, but I bet lenovo will help ypu with that. A swedish NMB-keyboard (the best of the three available for x200(s)) costs about 350:- SEK + shipping instead of campusdiscounts €69

 

Most of us don't think too highly of turbo memory and we don't see it as a necessity.

 

Oh, yeah, that's true. Swedish kroner are pretty low in relation to euro (and danish kroner).

LOL, is this for real? There are THREE keyboards for the same computer? So, they basically have to have triple the inventory? What the hell is the deal with that?
Seriously, though, what's "NMB"? The manufacturer of the part, or is it some acronym or something like that?
350 swedish would be around 240 danish – or "as cheap as most cheapo add-on keyboards bought from the supermarket".
Guess I'll be giving them a call to see what they choose to sell it for here (my guess: Around 1000 danish).

I don't know much about turbo memory, I was just guessing (because if it's too good to be true and all that), but what is the problem with that kid of memory?

This is great. I'm beginning to notice where the moss is growing in this jungle

 

They have three suppliers for keyboards, not triple the inventory. Redundant suppliers ensure more consistent availability.

 

I see. I was thinking that if I was able to order a keyboard from a specific maufacturer (parts supplier) they would have to have them in the inventory, but I get what you're saying.

Is the nmb-keyboard the stiffest or are there other differences? I guess that's not for this thread, but still.

 

NMB tends to be the quietest, and most people think it has the best feel. I have a Chicony on mine and it feels great and has superb feedback (it's a little loud though).

I'm not much of a believer in Turbo Memory either. It is basically a permanently mounted SD card inside your notebook. There are some caveats.

• It only works in Vista/7 (not XP or Linux)
• Goal is permanent ready boost to help offset slow hard drives
• It is most effective with minimal amounts of memory (<1GB) and slow hard drives (4200RPM)
• It's counter-productive with an SSD (the SSD is faster than the TurboMemory)
• There have been some serious driver issues in the past (leading people to disable TurboMemory in BIOS). This may have been fixed.
• It is expensive, because you can get much the same effect from a 2GB SD card for $6.

 

I really, really like quiet. To the point that I have disabled any and all system sounds and _never_ browse with my volume up. Other than that, it's always good to have quiet machines when working with audio.
I had utterly missed the "keyboard issue" if you guys hadn't chimed in

• 
  That rules it out. I may have to be getting XP down the road.
  
  
  Hehe, then I'd be buying something that wouldn't actually help one bit
  
  
  I may go SSD down the line, and I really don't like couter-productivity.
  
  
  That was my only "fear" (man, was I underestimating the magnitude of issues...).
  
  

Yeah, looks like I'm buying an Extreme IV SDHC-card

Thanks. That settles it: There is no need to even consider "Turbo Memory" for me. On the contrary, I should avoid it.