ThinkPad X220 Info/Ordering/Shipping Thread

The 10% Fatwallet coupon no longer works?

 

So many people are going for just the 1 year warranty? Can the warranty be purchased at a later date? Or are you guys so confident in lenovo products?

 

Need some suggestion here on configuring a tablet (I know the i5-2520M is not out yet, which is my target CPU), here are my dilemma on cost/benefit:

Ram: I want 6 gig (especially with 7 64bit), but it is +$80

Camera: I don't think I will have much use, but seems like $30 is pretty cheap not to add it

HDD: Would like to upgrade to 320gig, the 5400 rpm is only +$30, but the 7200 rpm is +$70, which doesn't seem like good value. I will probably get a SSD on my own in a year or two when the price is less insane

Wireless LAN adaptor: Any need for the Advanced-N 6205 for +$20?

Power Accessory: AC w/USB + $44, I like the extra USB hub for charging other gadgets, but seems like a waste of $44

Your opinions would be highly valued!

 

Lenovo products are built really solidly, so yes, quite a few people are opting not to get the warranty.

If you want to get an extended warranty later on, you still can provided that you're still in your 1 year original warranty period.

If you want to purchase Thinkpad Protection (their accidental damage plan) then you must purchase that plan within 90 days of your initial order.

 

RAM: no point in doing so. Stick with the base 4gb and upgrade on your own (they provide the 4gb 1 stick option, so go with that and buy another 4gb stick for some $40 off of newegg or something)

Camera: I'm personally going to get the camera. Its $30, no real reason not to get it unless you don't even plan on having skype or anything of that nature installed.

HDD: Be warned here, these drives are the 6.5mm drives, so you can't simply go and buy any 2.5" drive to stick in, it has to be 6.5mm in height or it WONT FIT. If you plan on upgrading later with the mSATA drive, I see no real reason to spend the extra money on the 7200rpm version of the 320gb drive.

Wireless LAN: There has been some debate about this. The 6205 is a 2x2 adapter, whereas the Wireless-N 1000 is a 1x2 adapter. What that means is the 6205 allows for 2 transmit and 2 receive streams, whereas the 1000 only allows for 1 transmit and 2 receive streams. In terms of bandwidth, each stream provides 150mbps, so a 2x2 stream provides 300mbps both ways, whereas a 1x2 stream provides 150/300 up/down. Chances are you won't be hitting either of those caps, so then it comes down to reception. With dual streams, your wireless coverage is better. It doesn't necessarily extend the total range of your wireless router, but it dampens the fluctuations in wireless signal (moving 5 feet wont drop you from 5 bars to 2).
Also, another major difference is the 1000 card only works on 2.4GHz band, whereas the 6205 works on both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz, which is something to think about if you're already having issues with 2.4GHz reception in your area (due to microwave, cordless phones, etc various RF interference), granted you will need a compatible 5GHz wireless router to be able to take advantage of that.

Power: No reason to spend that $44. Plug your phone/ipod/mp3player/whatever into your laptop while your laptop is plugged into charge. For when your laptop isn't plugged in, I bought myself a $5 usb wall adapter from walmart that I've been using for travel. It seems more like a luxury/convenience item and definitely not worth the $44.

 

What programs are you using that would use 6 GB of RAM?

Wireless, get the 6205. It supports 300 Mbps, but this will only help if you have the 300 Mbps compatible router to connect to, AND you share large files or stream data in your home network.

Just my $0.02

 

chaosphoenix, I thought the HDD are 7mm drives?? From Lenovo's tabook PDF files, that's what it says: 2.5" wide, 7mm high.

 

Thanks for the heads up. Hmm how does purchasing warranty during the 1 year period work? Would it involve shipping some stuff? Or can it be done over the internet? I am considering this as I am not in the USA, and would be using a forwarding service to get it to Singapore

 

Great advice, thank you.

I don't have any program that use 6 gig, but more can't be bad right? I think I will go with 1 stick of 4gb. Thank you too!

 

2gb stock ram came with the laptop and another 4gb bought separately from outside. That will add up to 6gb

 

I have 8GB in my T400 (and I will have 8GB in my X220) and I have 16GB on my desktop. RAM is really, really cheap right now and you can never have too much.

Some of the natural language processing systems I work on can easily suck up 8GB or more. Our data processing server has 48GB for that very reason.

 

To my understanding, you wouldn't have to ship it in at all if its in the first year of warranty. However, BE WARNED, I've read in places that Lenovo is EXTREMELY picky about locale and warranties. You might want to check that the warranty will cover you in Singapore, especially if your laptop is being shipped to the USA. (Just earlier today I saw somebody complain on the Lenovo facebook fan page about how Lenovo was giving him a hard time about warranty since he travels alot and his laptop broke while he wasn't in the states). I don't know any of the details regarding that, so please check with a Lenovo rep about it.

 

So the 10% fatwallet coupon deal is dead? Any new 10% coupon besides the new 5% one from the site?

 

Hi, I am new to Notebookreview. Here is my configuration. Is this a decent price with the ECOUPONS10?

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.5GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 English
Microsoft Windows 7 XP Mode - English
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
Keyboard US English
Fingerprint Reader
720p HD Camera
250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
No Micro Solid State Drive
ThinkPad Battery 29+ (6 cell)
ThinkPad Battery 19+ (Slim External Battery)
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language Pack US English

Total $1236.60 Pre Tax.

I don't know whether some of these features are over-killed. But I am planning to use for business, programming, web design, and a bit of graphics manipulation.

I used the fingerprint reader to log onto a laptop I am currently using and I find it's a neat feature. I hate typing password every time. Is the additional Slim External Battery the same as the additional battery slice? Do you think the battery slice over-killed? I just love the idea of using my laptop for 24 hours without plugging in. Is it unnecessary addition?

Any advices would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!

 

24h = 9 cell + slice battery, here you have the 6 cell + slice, would last ~15h max I think. As for getting the battery slice or not, you just need to look at the weight too and decide what would be best for your usage.

 

@ Jack

Remove the 2gb ram upgrade because that is $80 bucks and buy the ram and upgrade it yourself for less than $25.

 

@gtl:

You can extend depot warrant within 1 year of purchase, and extend ThinkPad Protection within 90 days of purchase.

You can buy the warranty form the US or from Singapore if you want. The following link provides you with Lenovo's toll-free in different countries.
Lenovo Support - Warranty upgrades and maintenance service


According to Lenovo.com, all Thinkpads are covered by international warranty. If your X220 is CTO (Type# 4286), you will find international service centers at the link below:
Lenovo Support - International warranty results

If you are buying pre-configured X220, check the following website using the Type# to get more information.
Lenovo Support - International warranty service (IWS)

For additional information:
Lenovo Support - International Warranty Service Terms And Conditions (English)

I hope this helps.

 

Definitely, or just spend the same $80 and buy a 8gb kit (2x4GB).

 

Got my order in, says 05/15/11 ship date but hopefully I get it sooner!

 

anyone able to get a cheaper option with a rep for no OS or does lenovo not do that?

 

I'd be all for a no-OS version as well. The first thing ill be doing is installing linux on mine.

 

I just cancelled my order for my T420s and ordered a X220. Has anyone had experience cancelling orders with Lenovo? I spoke with a guy and he cancelled it over the phone with no troubles, but I have't gotten any confirmation. I don't want to have two showing up.

Below is my config. This was thru work discount site as well as a coupon that Lenovo had on the right nav during checkout.

I did note that adding the bluetooth option changed my initial shipping time from 8 business days to 12 for what it's worth. In any case it says it's not shipping until the 16th which is 22 business days.

One guy asked about why not get the webcam for the cheap upgrade. If you wanted to get the Intel Ultimate wireless instead of the advanced (3x3 instead of 2x2), you can't get the cam. I'll probably rarely use the camera, but figured I'd get it anyways to be safe. At the end of the day, if I'm doing any heavy transfers I'm going to plug it in via ethernet.

Some questions I had:

You guys waiting to upgrade to an SSD - what are you looking at? I can't decide whether to go with something now or wait for more 7mm options. Any experiences with the msata out there?

For docking, any opinions on the Ultrabase series 3 vs the minidock plus seriese 3? I've gone back to using only one monitor, so I though the ultrabase with the optical might be nice. I doub't I'll tote around the base.

Opinions cases or sleeves?

4286CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM
05/16/11 $1,183.32 $1,183.32
0A69630 SBB INTCR I7-2620M PROC USB3.0
45M3090 VBB GENUWIN7PROFES.64
0A59804 SBB GEN WIN7 PRF64 ENGLISH
0A69642 SBB 12.5PRMHDLDBCLTDPYMBBBRDAN
45M4569 VBB 2GBPC3-10600DDR3 1333SODMM
45M4839 SBB KEYBOARDUS ENGLISH
0A69643 SBB FINGERPRINT READER
0A69657 SBB CAMERA, HD 720P
0A69650 SBB 250GB HRDDSK DRV,5400RPM
0A68287 SBB NO MSSDRIVE
0A71385 SBB GMPLS 54MMEXPCRDSMRCDRDLEN
0A69646 SBB TP BATTERY 29+(6CELL)
41W1787 SBB CPK NORTH AMERICA
0A68261 SBB BLUETOOTH 3.0
0A68255 SBB IC ADVN 6205 2X2AGN
44C7950 SBB INT WRLSSWDAREANTWRK UPGR
0A69659 SBB LANGUAGE PACK US ENGLISH

 

I asked my rep for no OS and no hard drive but it didn't happen.

 

I just cancelled my order for X120 to get the X220.
I had to call back several times to check, each time they told me it was cancelled, but no confirmation. It takes about 3days but definitely call back in a few days to check and make sure they did. The 3rd time I called he was able to do it instantly and I could check the order and it was cancelled.

 

Do you know if the smart card reader is removable without taking the system apart? If i choose to have it in my system, would I still be able to use my expresscard WWAN adapter or add expresscard usb3.0 adapter?

 

Thanks, Duck. I just called back and they told me it had indeed cancelled yesterday even though my order status wasn't updated, but it wasn't completely cancelled (lol don't know what that means), but she did that, and I should receive an e-mail in a couple of days. She couldn't provide any reference or cancellation number, which to me is a little disconcerting, but it sounds like I can give it a couple days and check back.

 

the smart card reader option for the X220 is expresscard/54 and can easily be removed and swapped with other expresscards.

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/....workflow:item.detail?GroupID=38&Code=41N3043

 

Thanks Erik. I was afraid that it's wired and I have to open the system to take it out. I really wanna use my WWAN expresscard.

 

To be honest, I wasn't completely sure which is why I ordered it at config time, but from all appearances this just plugs into the express card slot. I would love to have cofirmation on this.

Lenovo Support - Gemplus 54mm ExpressCard Smart Card Reader from Lenovo - Overview

EDIT: I was too slow Erik just confirmed it does in fact plug in and out.

 

Hi guys,

I have to leave the state on 14-15 May and i'm about to order the X220.
For those of you who had ordered the X220, I need to know the date given by the system at the time you checkout. Please specify whether you go for free shipping or paid for faster shipping and what time you had ordered.


Thx a lot,

 

I don't think you'd make it. I did the fasting shipping I could and it's telling me esp ship date 5/16. It would still take 2-3 days to ship. When I checked out (yesterday) it told me only 12 business days, so those numbers aren't accurate. The only thing I can think is that the bluetooth option caused me to jump four days. Maybe there's a hold up with that component, if you didn't need it.

 

Newbie questions here, I bought the X220 yesterday with the 4GB memory option, and I want to add another 4. I've never manually replaced memory on a laptop before, would I buy the 204 pin or 240 pin and does it matter which brand I use?

EDIT: nm, found out it is 204 pin for SODIMM.

 

just got an email with a new 10% discount for 48 hours only! USPTHINK48HR

this + student discount. doesn't look like it'll get any better right? I'm praying that tomorrow brings the i5 series for the X220 tablet, so I can place an order before the 48 hours ends.

 

Doesn't actually seem to do 10%. It has the exact same discount as USXAPRILSAVINGS2011 (which lasts all throughout April I believe) which was a 5% discount. (At least on the x220 tablets...)

 

hmm you're right! it only took off 5% in the shopping cart. maybe it's just an error? seems weird to be advertising the 10%....

EDIT: noticed that the coupon says "up to 10%". those tricky s.....

 

maybe with 8 business days i got might give me some hope..

anyone?

 

USPTHINK48HR / USXAPRILSAVINGS2011
yep same 5% for X220 also

 

you can try this coupon:
Lenovo: 10% off all ThinkPad Laptops $899+ coupon - FATWALLET10

10% + 3% cash back until 6/30 on all laptops $899+

 

If any random joe uses the coupon for fatwallet, it works, but for the 3% cash back, do you need to be a member for fatwallet?

 

Hi guys, this may seem like a stupid question, but does Lenovo ship their laptops in a big bulky box(on top of the standard laptop box)? I am using a forwarding service to Singapore and they charge by volumetric weight, and I have heard horror stories when the merchant shipped out a small item in a large box. Thanks!!!

 

lenovo.com/spp with 5% off is better for x220.
I got same price from lenovo.com with that 10% off and from lenovo.com/spp before 5% off. (not considering the 3% cash back)


I want to buy one for my wife, since I ordered a x220t (pre-configured). She loves her x61s, but she hates the design of x201. I didn't like how x201 looks either. x201 looked kind of cheap to me. Are there anyone here that hated x201 design, but likes the design of x220?
Currently seems like a good deal (or does it look like that because the heavily inflated regular prices?), but should I wait for a better deal?

 

Yes,
My last Lenovo came with larger outer with smaller inner.

 

My x120e came in one box (i.e you open the box and the laptop is inside), not a box in a box

 

Pulled the trigger. Got 10% off from Visa, and another 5% with USXAPRIL... code.

For those who wanted 10% off from Visa but do not want to pay with Visa, simply save your quote and have it emailed to you. Once you open that quote from an email, Visa requirement no longer applies.

 

My X200 wasn't shipped in larger box.

 

My last Lenovo was the X100e and it came in a plain box and inside was the Lenovo box.

 

Just to help in comparing prices from various sources, I just purchased this for my brother for 1184.59 after taxes and shipping:

Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.6GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)1
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 6412
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Intel® HD Graphics 3000
2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)8
Fingerprint Reader
250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm4
ThinkPad Battery 29++ (9 cell)60
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)10
Integrated Mobile Broadband (Sierra Wireless MC8355 - Gobi 300065
4286 : 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller7

 

Wattage ratings on SODIMM range from about 0.5w to 1.0w per GB, some at higher. That was a factor for me when I decided to remove RAM from my X61t (from 4GB to 3GB). It just wasn't being used. My battery lasts longer.

 

per GB?

I think per stick.

 

Is it really 0.5-1W? That's a lot. I was planning on getting dual-channel for whatever slight performance benefit there might be, esp since this machine's graphics will use the main memory. But then again, battery life is so good I don't need to be fickle about power consumption gains here and there. Single stick is also about $10 cheaper on $40-45 for dual-channel.

Any idea on how much better dual-channel will be for graphics?