T400 vs X200 your thoughts appreciated...

Hello All

I'm struggling to make up my mind on the T400 vs X200 and I'd appreciated some thoughts.

I had just received a brand new T400 today which I bought off ebay - it was a sealed box - so is absolutely new (I've just opened up the box to check and everything looks perfect).

However - for not a lot more I could also buy an X200 with almost the same spec also off Ebay. P8600, 1280x800 screen, 160gb harddrive.

I don't have the greatest eyesight, so thought the 14inch screen would be better for me but I do hanker after the lighter weight and greater portability (?) of the X200.

I do mainly Microsoft Office apps (particularly Excel) and browsing - Google apps for email - so no desktop client. I don't game on my laptop and have a good desktop that I use most of the time - so the laptop is for being out on business and using when I'm away from home or when I want to surf the net in front of the TV (which is quite often!)

A couple of questions that I'd appreciate some thoughts on:
-Which should have the most dependable build quality? T400 or X200
- Which of the two would you choose?

The key reasons I choose the T400 - were:
- I had thought a 14" screen was a good size compromise between 12" and 15"
- It was a new sealed box auction and a very good price
- I thought the slightly larger form factor would be more durable and take a bit more abuse.
- Hopefully my finances will improve during the course of the year - then I'd buy a fully loaded X201 anyway.

The T400 was a great buy - and it's here now so common sense is saying just keep it, use it and get on with it.... but I do quite fancy the X200 and I'm confident the T400 would sell on ebay (I already bought it).

I'm not usually plagued with indecision like this - but I think the Thinkpad range is very compelling - no wonder lots of you guys end up with more than one (which I can't justify right now).

Any thoughts appreciated....

Thanks indeed.
Scottie P

 

I can justify a lot if I want something.

I guess it would depend on how often you plan to take it with you. If it's every day, then the X200 seems a better fit. If it's a few times a week, then the T400 may work better. Whether it works out probably depends more on dumb luck than anything else. If you need it to work, extend the warranty.

 

The T400 is more robust than the X200.

If you only have one laptop and don't travel all day long, i suggest you stick with the T400 instead of the X200.

X200 is great as a second machine for travel, but larger size of the T400 means it is more comfortable to use. I personally usually use the 15.4 inch R61 and R500, because the larger palmrest has a better ergonomics for typing long reports.

 

@Zaz - thanks for the comments/thoughts.

As for how often I'll be out and about with my laptop - maybe twice a week tops. Mrs Scottie P would not be a happy camper if I bought both (she's very happy with the T400 deal though).

I will extend the warranty to Next business day regardless.

Thanks again.

@lead_org - thanks very much .... this is kind of the logic I used to choose the T400 in the first place - just being "swayed" by the thought of the lighter "sexier" model.

 

I would highly recommend the x200 over the T400 as a mobility machine. It's about 1.5 lbs lighter, has very nearly the same performance, and an identical (exemplary) keyboard.

To me, the reasons to get the T400 are as follows:

• WXGA+ (1440x900) for extra screen real estate
• 2nd Spindle (Optical drive or 2nd HDD)
• Discrete graphics (Radeon 3470)
• Touchpad

If you don't need any of these features I would highly recommend the x200 over the T400. Don't worry about durability as the x200 is fantastic in this regard (it's easier to make a small chasis rigid).

 

Don't you have an Acer 1410? Stick with the t400

 

If you need to squint while looking at your laptop, what's the point? 14 Inch is the perfect combination of performance and portability

 

Nope - had an Asus V1Jp until a BIOS update "bricked it" - which is what got me looking into Thinkpads in the first place. So far the majority are saying keep the T400. Food for thought and thanks to all for your comments so far - they are helping!

 

If you don't travel THAAAT much then I would just use the t400 since you already have it.

That being said the x200 is a nice machine.

 

Yep, that's what common sense (and my wife) is saying!

Nice spec on your X200 Jaredy - an SSD must be very nice on that machine!

 

If you are rich, get both.
If not, stick with your T400 as you already have it. Although you can sell it, you are going to lost at least couple hundred dollars for just opening the seal.

 

The x200 is a very cute and personal laptop. It makes you want to use it all the time and at every location. I am sitting in my recliner right now, comfortably typing this on my x200. I don't see me do that with a 14 incher and then taking it to the bathroom and finally alternate between my recliner and bed. It gives you a very personal experience. It's light, small and easier to use then a t400. I would definitely recommend the x200

But it depends right now how much money you are going to lose if you still want to buy a x200. If its $150 or more then I wouldn't do it.

 

Do a cost and analysis, see whether the benefits of X200 more than outweigh the costs that you would incur through selling the T400 and getting the X200.

 

I jut got my T400 today (ordered 2/3/10!) and I have to say it blows my X61T away. This is a seriously NICE lappy.

The X61T is similar to the X200 and I much prefer this.

My 2 cents.

 

First, I would see if I could find a T400s refub so that you can have the best of both worlds.

 

What does blow your x61t even mean though...

 

Seeing as you already have (and opened) your T400, I would stick with it. But the X200 is a fine machine too, and I wouldn't mind having it as my main computer - I worked for 3 years on a 12.1" laptop with a WXGA screen and was just fine.

 

Much Faster, better screen, more room, more options. Forgot how much of a difference a dedicated graphics card can make.

Strictly MHO of course....

 

I would prefer the T400 (or in my case the R400) simply because of the screen size. Personally, I would find the 12.1" a bit too small. And, it is not like the T400 does not enable one to be mobile. Though I will say this - recently, I was on a 3 hour domestic flight and looked forward to working on the flight. I was unable to use the R400 - it was cramped, unformfortable (especially as the passenger sitting in front of me had reclined his backrest). Under these situations, maybe the 12.1" (X200) may have been useful. In fact, the two reasons I picked the R400 was (1) mobility and (2) the ability to use it on trips etc. While the first reason remains valid, I am not sure about the second reason though (it would definitely be different if I was traeling in Business of First Class, which I rarely, if ever do!)

 

I'd agree with all of that except for the better screen. Tee x61T has an FFS display that is extraordinarily nice (albeit a bit dim in comparison).

 

I don't think it is really fair to compare the x61t to a newer gen 14inch in those terms. But if your needs warrant those then the T400 or similar is a better choice for sure.

 

X200 is my dream , have owned sony SZ230P great laptop but after have X60
love it using more then SZ

best...

 

Spend within your means, don't count on future money.

 

Well after my last post I thought I would put the T400 on ebay for a buy it now auction and if it sold I'd get a X200 instead but if it didn't sell I'd keep it and use it.

My auction just finished without selling - so tomorrow morning I'm firing it up and getting started with the T400 - I'm looking forward to it.

I'll keep watching the X201 for the future - but for now I have a shiny new T400 to get to know.

Thanks to everyone for the posts.

Cheers
ScottieP

 

good choice the X200 screen is horrible !

 

I've been running the T400 for a few days now and have just gone to Windows 7 64 bit (from XP) and I'm really happy with it.

To be honest I would prefer the 1440x900 screen to the standard res that I have but - it's not a major issue.

Compared to my previous Asus - the T400 just feels like a quality, well engineered product. Upgrading to Windows 7 (as a clean install) was the most painless OS change I've ever had.

I have the 6 cell battery and it's giving me about 5 hours battery life quite easily - but I haven't run it right down yet.

I have bought a warranty extension to on site next business day and that seems to be in progress - so that's another key requirement nearly sorted.

I would have loved an i5 machine but I'm pleasantly surprised at how good this machine is anyway.