Thinking of this X200

After initially settling on the T400/T500 I decide that it might be too large for a mobile laptop (especially since I have a full sized desktop at home). My eyes caught onto a really expensive but functional X301 but I decided to go with the smaller form factor and less expensive (though thicker) X200. Here's my current configuration:

Intel Core2 Duo processor P8600 (2.40GHz, 3MB L2, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
12.1 WXGA (1280x800), 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna , WWAN, Camera
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
1 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM) (Plan on upgrading myself)
TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
ThinkPad X200 Series 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
7454: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

Price: $1040.06

Any opinions on this configuration?

I have a few questions regarding the X200...

1. I was considering the X200s solely for the brighter and higher res LED screen but I now think it's not worth the extra $500. Can anyone comment on the brightness and color of the screen on the X200? Does anyone have any comparisons to say a Macbook or other laptops in the same league?

2. Is there any difference in construction quality between X200 and X200s?

3. I've been used to touchpads my entire life. Will I have issues adjusting to just a trackpoint?

4. How is noise and heat on the X200?

Thanks!

 

trackpoint is vary good and a bright screen is wonderful

I would say go for it.

The s only means a slower cpu (longer battery life) a little lighter and thinner.

I would go with the normal x200 with the 2.26GHz cpu (better deal)

 

What about starting with the X200 'Elite' and sticking with the standard 2.26GHz P8400. The additional 0.14GHz aren't really worth the extra cost of the P8600.

The 'Elite' will upgrade you form Vista Home Basic to Vista Business. Then you could select Vista Business 64 (no cost option) and then you can upgrade to 4GB of RAM and the 64-bit version of Vista Biz can utilize all of it!

I might be tempted to consider a 7200rpm hard drive also...but it would have a small impact on battery life. It might also run warmer than the 5400rpm drives, which could be annoying and cause more issues down the road.....it wouldn't be that much faster anyway.

 

allfiredup has good advice about the Elite Configuration. Lenovo is inconsistent about price sometimes you can get a better deal by starting with a more high end config. He's also right that the difference between the P8400 and P8600 is quite small (only 6% faster for CPU bound tasks).

Go for the x200s if you place a high premium on 8 ounces of weight, 20% extra battery life, or the high resolution screen. If value and/or raw performance is a top consideration, then the x200 is a better choice.

The x200s uses some lighter weight (more expensive) materials than the x200. However, both of them offer SUPERB build quality.

Once you've used a TrackPoint for a week you'll never want to use a touchpad again. It just takes a bit of practice and it becomes second nature . It's also much faster than a touchpad/mouse if you're a touch typist.

Heat and noise on the x200 are very mild. It stays quite cool and quiet even when under heavy load.

I think you're making a good decision by going with the X series as you already have a desktop at home.

 

Thanks a lot for the suggestions, guys...I'll be sure to play around with the configs some more.