ThinkPad X220 (i/T) Owners Thread

I presume you have gone to control panel and checked Sound and made certain that the right channel is not transmitting sound?

 

The part# (this is what was offered during my CTO via the website) is 0A33883.

Here's my Picasa Album... I hope this is alright. I haven't really read the rules. It includes some unboxing plus the sleeve pics

Apologies... my White Balance settings were off... and the room isn't well lit and I suck at taking photos
https://picasaweb.google.com/112723...authkey=Gv1sRgCKSWuMee9tPb4AE&feat=directlink

I know they make custom sleeves/cases for tablets, I've seen Fujitsus with cases that allow them to use in both modes. If anyone knows where I can start looking I'd appreciate it.

I'm thinking of just getting a Waterfield sleeve, I liked that with my old Thinkpad. I already have a brain bag/vertical sleeve I use to have for my old Thinkpad that I can use, but that's impractical for just a quick trip.

Man its nice to have a mobile computer again... lol haven't had a laptop for over 3 years.

 

Thanks for the pictures. And for clearing up things.. I was under the impression that you got the X220 'regular' sleeve (the 51J0476) but you got the special tablet edition. And you are right, doesn't seem to be designed with the 9cell in mind.

Did you get the multitouch or outdoor?

 

Multitouch. I'm really disappointed that the gorilla glass version couldn't have Touch + Pen. I'm liking have both inputs options and I frequently mix both (or all three) input options.

Screen seems perfectly fine. I consider myself pretty anal, but I don't mind it. I haven't really tried it outdoors, but I've done it next to windows and brightness cranked up it seems fine

I wonder if there's custom Windows 7 input Keyboards.

 

Here is another tid-bit which might help other people. I noticed that when coming out of hibernate or sleep, sometimes my x220 would not allow me to control the brightness of the display. I called thinkpad priority support, and here is the solution they gave me. So far, the problem seems to have disappeared.

Also, this seems to have helped with the fan noise quite a bit with the "Optimize fan control to: Reduce noise dynamically." Instead of the fan staying on all the time, it now appears to ramp up when needed, and go back down to nothing.

Here is what to do.

1. Go to this page: Lenovo Support - Drivers and software - ThinkPad X220, X220 Tablet, X220i, X220i Tablet
2. Download: "Power Management Driver"
3. Download: "Hotkey utility"
4. Download: "Power Manager"
5. Uninstall, "Lenovo System Interface Driver"
6. Uninstall, "Thinkpad Power Management Driver"
7. Uninstall, "Thinkpad Power Manager"
8. Reboot. (Don't skip this reboot)
9. Install: "Power Management Driver"
10. Reboot (Don't skip this reboot)
11. Install: "Hotkey utility" (When you install this one, make sure you select the check boxes for all the options.)
12. Reboot: (Don't skip this reboot)
13. Install: "Power Manager"
14. Reboot: (Don't skip this reboot)
15. And finally, I rebooted again for good luck.

After I did this, my screen brightness control appears to work properly now, all the time.

 

Yeah I checked that. When it shows the right channel transmitting, no sound is coming out

 

Can't imagine anyone is particularly focused on this, but fyi anyway. My x220 scored 3dmark06 of 4089. This is an i7/6gb/320gb.

Petrov.

 

i saw the add on for another 2gb was like 80 dollars to make it 4 gb total.
Now if i wanted to purchase a 2gb stick myself to have a total of 4gb,
would this work?
Newegg.ca - Team 2GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10660) Laptop Memory Model TSD32048M1333C9-E
and is it worth it? is it right? or should i get another better quality one?

oh and is it also compatible with the existing ram?
what i mean by that is to match it as much as i can

 

My SSD install experience on the X220 - YMMV....

I purchased an X220 with the 250GB 5400 RPM hard drive and received it Friday, May 13th. I had already purchased an Intel 320 80GB SSD drive to replace the factory drive. Here is what I did to install it (I'm sure there are other, different, better ways...but this worked for me):

Ran through the initial setup of the computer after unpacking it. There is very little in the box. The X220, power supply, battery and a very thin "Getting Started" guide.

Created the Recovery discs from the Lenovo Tools menu (1 boot CD and 3 DVDs).

Copied the SWTOOLS directory to a USB drive (just so I would have it in case I wanted/needed anything it contained- however, I haven't found a need for it yet).

Downloaded the following drivers from Lenovo to the same USB drive for use after reinstalling Windows:

Intel Wireless LAN (bg, abg, abgn) for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), XP - ThinkPad (I have the Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250)


Intel HD Graphics Driver (Integrated) for Windows 7 (64-bit), Vista (64-bit) - ThinkPad


ThinkVantage System Update 4.0

​

I then pulled the factory hard drive out, installed the Intel 320 80GB SSD drive. I have a Samsung USB 2.0 8x DVD drive that I connected to the X220 and inserted a Windows 7 Pro install DVD. I chose to do a fresh install rather than use the recovery discs created earlier so that it would be a fresh install. Rebooted the computer and ran through the Windows 7 setup completely. I used the Windows 7 Pro serial number on the X220 (found under the battery) when prompted.

Copied the wireless network, video and system update files from the USB drive to the SSD drive and installed them.

After rebooting I connected to my wireless network and ran Lenovo System update and updated all the drivers it found that I wanted to install. This took a while as there were several that required rebooting after installing. However, the X220 with an SSD boots so quickly that it really isn't a problem.

After all the installs I went through the Windows 7 validation process and had to call the toll-free number to register this version of Windows. It was painless though and after entering a string of numbers, it was verified and I was finished with a "genuine" copy of Win 7 Pro.

My X220 is running great and I love the fast boot, quick program loads, etc. that I get with the SSD.

 

Does anyone know if that Graphics driver update is the latest one from intel?

 

It isn't. But the April update compared to the March update is relatively insignificant. The latest graphics drivers are 8.15.10.2361, while the ones on Lenovo are 8.15.10.23xx, it's something else I think.

I got the latest just because I'm OCD like that.

 

I just wonder if it is worth trying the INTEL version of the Driver which is many revisions improved.

 

I downloaded it straight from Intel with no problems--you should be fine doing that too if you want! I personally like downloading drivers straight from the source rather than through the manufacturer.

 

just placed an order for one over the weekend. I will be doing a reformat to get rid of bloat, and i also have a spare copy of w7 professional lying around, (ordered it w/ home premium).

Are the drivers pretty straightforward to find on the website? I had a miserable time trying to do a fresh install with my Ideapad Y530.

 

Yes, very easy to find. I did a clean install over the weekend and just installed the wireless adapter driver, video driver and System Update utility. After rebooting and connecting to my wifi, I let System Update find the rest of the drivers to install and picked only the ones I wanted. Very easy, all the drivers are here:


Drivers and software - ThinkPad X220, X220 Tablet, X220i, X220i Tablet

 

For RAM upgrade, what are people putting into the X220? I received 4GBfrom Lenovo, but want 8GB in the end.

Should I go with HyperX in two 4GB sticks or is that overkill?

 

Folks:

Hi! I'm lucky enough to be one of the first ones to receive an X220 tablet. It's got an i7 processor, 5400 rpm drive and 4 gigs of RAM. I just ordered the "compatible" M4 drive from crucial.com. Couple questions:

1. Does anyone know if it's actually compatible?
2. Anyone have any "idiot proof" written instructions or video on how to install the drive and then configure it?

Thank you all very much for your time! P.S. loving this x220 tablet!

 

Do the stickers come off easily? Meaning the three OEM stickers for Windows, Intel, and Lenovo on the left side of the palm rest.

Because I really hate those stickers.

 

Stickers are easy to remove. Start a corner by gently working a sharp knife underneath, then you can grab and pull off. There may be a bit of residue left behind, which can be removed with a product like Goo Gone.

 

I am very close to ordering an X220 with i7 and a 7200rpm 320GB HDD (the doorbuster offer). I am however afraid if it has any heating issues (as it generates more heat that the i5). Can anyone share his/her experience?

 

EPIC.

I had an order for an x220 i5 varient of this out there (hasn't shipped) ... and it's the same price + I get the i7 now....this is a killer deal....and IBM was able to change the order for me, so my old i5 x220 will not ship.

I highlighted my changes..all for a difference of $8!

Intel Core i7-2620M Processor (2.7GHz, 4MB L3, 1333MHz FSB) USB 3.
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready,
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
No Fingerprint Reader
720p HD Camera
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
No Micro Solid State Drive
ThinkPad Battery 29++ (9 cell)
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language Pack US English
51J0476 ThinkPad 12W Case Sleeve

Subtotal: $1,907.99
Sale Price: $1,258.07
[DOORBUSTER0516] -$373.32
Estimated total: $884.75*
Total savings $1,023.24

 

I have the i7. It is amazingly cool! If you have it on battery, its just barely warmer than room temperature.

 

I've been loading software and transferring files all day yesterday and cool on my bare legs.

 

Don't let that hold you back. Both chips are rated at 35w, and you get USB 3 to boot.

 

Thanks everyone! Was this with the 7200rpm hdd?

 

Yea I was wondering the same question pretty much.
i wanted to add another 2gb stick myself to have a total of 4gb,
and was wondering if this would work?
Newegg.ca - Team 2GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10660) Laptop Memory Model TSD32048M1333C9-E

But I'm not sure if its worth it, the quality, and how similar to the existing one. Or does it even matter?

 

No, the 5200 which is getting swapped out for a OCZ SSD Wednesday.

I just ordered this one to augment the 4GB that shipped with the unit after Googling that it really doesn't matter which stick. Just hope I don't run into a snap by having dissimilar sticks. G. Skill

 

yea i saw people getting that for he ram.
the one I listed........is that one alright?

 

How did you get this price

 

Read this link



http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/579037-amazing-x220-deal-until-5-18-a.html

 

I have a question with the "Instant Resume" feature. Is it only available when you have a "lid closed" function?

 

I am not sure what "Instant Resume" feature is, but I've used the Windows "Sleep" and "Hibernate" power feature just fine.

 

I just got my x220T in today.. is it just me or is wifi performance CRAP on this thing..? (I have a 6205 adapter)

At first I thought it was my internet acting up, but when I fire up the SAME download on my main laptop, I'm getting 600KBps. When I try the same on my x220t, I get 30KBps. (And this is while plugged in with the performance slider all the way to the left.) Thoughts?

Edit: Even doing a local LAN copy across wireless I'm only getting 1.8MB/s (when the laptop doing the transfer has achieved 3-4MB/s downloading from the internet). Whats up with this..? Anyone else seeing crazy bad results from their 6205 Wireless-N card? Did I get a faulty card?

 

It's in the lenovo power manager. Basically, the feature keeps your wifi card on, so that you dont loose connection to your wireless AP. So it comes back on, online.

 

just ran 1024 wprime on a i5-2540, and my CPU temp hit 96 degrees C (by Real Temp). should i be worried about this/replace the thermal paste?

 

Call lenovo support and get it replaced. I believe the maximum temp by the intel spec is 100c.

 

I heard the X1 is comig out. I cant seem to get excited about it...I mean it's incredibly thin..but the x220's battery life murders it.

Will people actually carry their chargers everywhere?! And, I am sad I got my laptop before the doorbuster sale. ):

 

Looks like there is a new bluetooth driver upgrade (enhanced data rate) that was introduced 5/16/11 on the Lenovo support site. I downloaded it, but my X220 aborted it during the install process. Chime in if anyone is able to install this.

 

My 6205 Wifi card on the x220 (not tablet) is great, much better than all my other laptops. Consistently get 144Mbps connection at full signal strength even though im a floor above the router with concrete in between. Are you using the latest wifi drivers? Across my LAN I generally get about 7MB/s transfer speeds when copying files.

Petrov.

 

Guys please go here and vote on the poll about IPS backlight bleed:


http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/579154-x220-ips-backlight-bleed.html

 

Might want to update the driver... someone said theirs came with a real outdated one. Check this site for the updated one.

Just as a note, I'm downloading around 1.5 mbps through the 6205 wireless consistently. It peaked around 2.3, I'm probably 60 feet from my router.

I don't have power manager software installed, so I'm just using Windows management. However I think it is a driver issue. I could've sworn someone commented on slow wireless until a driver update. If you update and it doesn't improve, then I'd call. Especially if another card in the house is doing better. Frankly, this is one of the better ones I've tried... in my limited experience.

 

Some X220s have outdated Intel drivers for the 6205. Hook up your ethernet cable and use Lenovo's thinkvantage software to update your computer.

I had the same issue and simply typed in "slow wifi x220" in google and found my solution.

Edit: Do not go to intel's site for updated drivers. Use Lenovo's site or Lenovo's builtin update software.

 

I though it would be worth highlighting Floz23's tip about reinstalling drivers in the correct order. I had done a clean install without paying attention to what order I installed the drivers.

After doing the steps below, subjectively I've been getting slightly more battery life (~1 hr on 9 cell) and the fan runs slightly less often. Objectively, my WEI graphics score jumped by 0.5 points to 5.9.

I'm curious whether others who did a clean install also see some benefit, or whether it's all in my head.

 

You are right, I should have mentioned that I did this after a fresh factory reinstall. After I did the factory reinstall, I did the thinkvantage update, which does not install the drivers in the right order, nor does it reboot after each install.

Second, that 5.9 score, is that the gaming graphics score?

Finally, on the battery life, I found similar results with the 6 cell battery. I'm having a much easier time pulling 7 hours out of it now, with the i7, with light usage.

 

The 5.9 was for general graphics. My "gaming graphics" WEI score was 6.1 before and after reinstalling the drivers. I'd take these WEI scores with a grain of salt, as I've seen them jump +/- 0.2 between runs.

 

OH well, strange. My Aero Graphics score is: 4.6... but I assume it might be that way because i had a second monitor plugged in at the time that I ran the test. My gaming graphics is coming in at 6.2 though.

 

Just to weigh in on this a bit. The Intel ChipSet driver should be one of the first drivers to install, not only on a Lenovo system, but all of them. This is wildy known. Just a heads up.

 

All of your chipset drivers are included in windows7 already. And if not, running windows update will install them.

 

Wouldn't following this guide be the best way to clean install?

Lenovo Support - Windows 7 Clean Installation - ThinkPad T420, T420s, T520, W520, X220 and X220 Tablet

 

Guys, is Simple Tap the Tablet Shortcut Menu?

I thought I could live without it but I'm rethinking it

Is everyone happy with Thinkpad Power Manager, I'm thinking I should install that too

Anyone else notice System Update giving us a newer Hotkey Util then the website? Though the changes in that version only say to support the X1