Thinkpad x20x (s/t/i) Owners Thread

Did not see an owners thread yet for the new X201 series so I figured I would start one. I received my x201s on 3/4 with the following specs:

Lenovo x201s 5143-28U (Topseller Pre-Built) ~ $1500 shipped

• Intel Core i7-640LM Processor (2.13GHz, 4MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
• 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
• 12.1 WXGA+ LED backlight
• 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
• TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader and Touchpad
• ThinkPad X200 Series 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
• Bluetooth w/ antenna
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 (2X2 AGN)
• Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32
• 3 Year Depot Warranty

Did a clean Windows 7 64-bit reinstall using ABR (same method as for Vista) and replaced the HDD with an Intel 80GB G2 SSD. So far I am quite pleased with the system. It is a direct upgrade from my x200s (which I am passing on to family), which I'd been using since it became available in 2009. This x201s has an NMB keyboard, where my x200s had a Chicony ( keyboard thread).

A few people have requested that I test to see whether the palm rests from the x201s will fit on the x200s, which I have not been able to do yet since the older machine is at the depot right now. For what it's worth, I'd be surprised if it didn't fit, as the sizing looks identical. I'll confirm fitting once I have a chance to do so, assuming no one else gets to it before I do.

If you're waiting for your x201(s/t/i) or have received it, post here with your thoughts or questions!

 

I'm almost positive it will fit. However, I doubt it would be of much use as the x200(s/T) lacks the plug for the Touchpad connector.

 

Can anyone with X200 Ultrabase try audio over DisplayPort?

 

Not sure whether this is just the X201 model with the touchpad or whether all X201 models are of the same dimensions, but they seem to be about an inch deeper than the X200 models.

X200 Dimensions:
Width: 11.6 inches
Depth: 8.3 inches
Thickness: 0.8 - 1.4 inches
X201 Dimensions:
Width: 11.6 inches
Depth: 9.2 inches
Thickness: 0.8 - 1.4 inches

So I'm not positive that the palmrests would fit.

 

That seems wrong to me. Are you sure you aren't comparing a 6 cell x200 with a 9 cell x201? I believe the dimensions are identical between the x200(s/T) and x201(s/T).

 

both systems are 9.2" deep with a 9-cell battery.   nothing to worry about.

 

Order the x201 with Core I 720m, 4GB ram, Touchpad, 6cell, etc..
Order Date 3/8, initial shipping date 3/23, today got the shipping notice 3/11. Hopefully I'll have it in hand next week.

 

Ah, yes, silly me, I didn't catch the different numbers in Andrew's X200 review.

It's a marvel that they managed to fit in a touchpad in such little available space.

 

I ordered x201 waiting for it to be shipped (3/23)
I am also trying to do the same thing with Intel 160GB ssd.
Could you tell me where I can find a step-by-step process of clean install Window 7?

 

The steps are essentially identical to those covered in the Vista clean install guide.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

The ABR utility for backing up your activation works for Win7, using the new beta version on the same site.

 

x201 series take the 2.5" standard ssd drives, right? how much battery life were you able to squeeze out of the lappy?

 

Yes, standard 2.5" drives, same as the x200 series.

I've been getting about 4.5 to 5 hours with light use and the screen on a fairly bright with my 6 cell battery. I'm sure I could optimize to squeeze more out of it.

Just a quick test at screen brightness 2 (out of 15) shows ~7.5 mW of discharge, out of ~58 mWh available from the battery. I tend to use the laptop at 8+ brightness, which impacts battery life substantially. So, the 7 hour claim is realistic if you're running with the most battery conscious power settings.

 

Comments about the screen?
This is the primary concern I have that keeps me from buying. I'm assuming it's exactly as good/bad as the x200s of old. But I can dream.

 

There's no difference from the x200s. So if you liked that screen, you'll like this one. If not, well, you know.

 

ddensity: i see you have the x201s... I believe the core i7s are LMs in the "s" while the core i5s/i7s in the x201 are fully-fledged M CPUs. what made you choose the "s" of over the standard x201?

 

The biggest factor by far was the screen, 1440x900 versus 1280x800. Second was improved battery life, which also translates to a cooler running machine, and weight was tertiary (.5lb is not that big a deal). It's rare I push the machine hard and I don't do any gaming, so the LM CPUs are plenty of horsepower for me.

 

the x201 only has 1280 x 800?

 

Yep, unfortunately.

 

What comes in the box?
Can't wait till my computer comes

 

... a laptop?

But seriously, I think the laptop, power cord + adapter, and some user manuals/warranty info.

Lenovo is pretty... no frills about accessories or nice packaging - especially when compared to other companies.

Even my EEE came with a cheap-o sleeve.

 

Keep in mind, Lenovo is selling you a solid laptop and not accessories that make it pretty.

 

Speaking of accessories.....what accessories should I get for the x201T? Is the ultrabase worth it (and does Lenovo even offer the right one for x201T yet? How about the other stuff they offer - pen tether, custom sized bag, etc?

Just ordered the x201T on 3/11 with est ship date 4/2. Truly a splurge...mostly for the SuperBright Outdoor display (I figured I earned it from 3+ years of being underwhelmed by my T60 screen, which broke a couple of weeks ago)

 

Ultrabase depends if you want two monitors (VGA and DP) or if you see the value of docking and undocking repeatedly. I use my laptop as my main machine but rip and dock it everyday repeatedly, so it is worth it to me.

If not just get an external DVD drive. I actually use an external USB dvd drive even though I have an ultrabase. Easier to bring just that if I need it.

 

Well if anyone is considering the ultrabase, they're available on the outlet right now. I bought two of them today for $75 each, which is a great price.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/accessories/ca57y2613.html

Also, 9 cell batteries are there for $45.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/accessories/ca55y9167.html

 

Docking station is amazing. I use it for my T400, I have a mouse, external hdd, printer hooked up with the 90 watt adapter.

i keep the stock adapter in my backpack and just undock the laptop when i go to school. soooo convenient. i got it for $50 shipped in ebay lol.

 

That is highly tempting. I don't have a dock at present, but that price is almost too good to pass up.

Also, the 9 cell for $45 is a great option for anybody with an x200(s). However, it will NOT fit the tablet.

 

Uh....anyone know if the ultrabase for x200 work (100% compatible) with x201 tablet? If so, that is a great price!

 

Yes, the x200(s/T) and x201(s/t) use the same Ultrabase.

 

how is the screen quality compared to ie. Sony Z series?

 

Great on the tablet. Not so good on the others.

 

might just go with the Dell V13 due to the quality of the screen with the x201 series...

 

Apples and oranges to be honest with you. The Dell V13 is a consumer grade laptop, not business. It won't be nearly as durable and sturdy. Further, it's not offered with the new Intel chips.

It's definitely cheaper but the only systems from Dell which could be compared to Lenovo's T or X series is their Latitude line. Again, none of it has been updated to the i5 or i7 chips. And from what I see, the screen on the Dell isn't much to write home about.

 

Can anybody confirm that your x201 speakers have this problem: the sound only comes from the left speaker? It seems the right speaker never works.

Edit: I have the X201

 

That's because you don't have a right speaker...or a left speaker for that matter. You just have a mono speaker (unless you have the x201).

 

x201 shipped!
It was scheduled to be shipped on 3/23, but today, I got an email saying that it was shipped.
So excited.

 

Is the V13 known to have a good screen? I thought that the contrast ratio and black levels were very mediocre.

 

I can confirm that based on my own experience. I had a Latitude D620 and then D830 at my previous workplace. My T500 has a better screen than those two had.

 

Compared to the x201/x201s, the V13 screen looks rather stunning.

 

is there a noticeable difference between the mono speakers on the x201s and the stereo speakers on the x201?

 

I traded a Fujitsu T5010 tablet for an X201. He got the better end of that deal...but I'm the one typing on a Thinkpad...and he's looking at an IPS screen (wait, D'oh!).


Haven't had an X since the X31...it feels good to be home (X30 was the first Thinkpad I bought).

 

ANCHORAGE, AK, US 03/14/2010 8:21 P.M. DEPARTURE SCAN

x201s on the way! how soon can i get it? (i'm in new york)
i paid extra fee for "2-day shipping" but it's been 4 days and my laptop just left ALASKA!

 

Funny, my UPS info looks the same:
Left ANCHORAGE, AK on 3/14/2010 @ 8:21PM
Though I'm in California.

 

I was this close >< to getting a new Sony Z rather than a x201s. I passed on the x201s becasue of the screen. The Sony has a SSD doesn't support TRIM, isn't standard size and doesn't use a standard connector. Generally, the drive is one thing I'll upgrade on a notebook. It doesn't look like five hours of battery life is going to happen with wireless.

For now, I'll just stick with my T61 and netbook when I want to travel light.

 

If you guys want IPS screens, why not buy the tablet? The Sony Z is about the same price as an x201t.

 

I dont know that much about screens, but my x201 screen is very bright and appears very good! Perhapsi got one of the better ones!?

 

My x201s also has the same status:
ANCHORAGE, AK, US 03/14/2010 8:21 P.M. DEPARTURE SCAN

Today is 3/16 but the status hasn't been updated since then.

 

What is the logic of an ultra-portable with long battery life without support for WWAN? I travel a great deal, was just about to buy an X201s for my carry-along, when I discovered it doesn't have built in support for WWAN!! Not sure I understand this. The X100 supports it, hmmm.

 

How about X201? The battery life isn't so bad, is it? It also comes with WWAN. Although I bite the bullet and get X201s instead 'coz I want the light weight best.

 

Possible, but the lower screen resolution makes it far less practical to get real work done.

 

If it's not one laptop (the W510), it's another (the X201).

As of tomorrow morning, I will have 0 Thinkpads in my possession. Both have to be RMA'd. The W510 for the CPU whine (it's been shipped off for just shy of 2 weeks now), and now my X201 has to go back because I just noticed I get no sound out of the right speaker.