Which model and should I buy now or wait?

Well my laptop is officially dead and I am going to need a new one for school. I am a computer science major but I have a powerful desktop and there are a lot of computers at school I can use if I need the extra power.

I am really liking the look of Lenovo thinkpads. The W510 seems awesome but it looks a little heavy to be carrying around school all day. Some kind of tablet would be a huge bonus because I find myself wishing I had one a lot lately but that seems a little out of my price range.

Id like to keep my budget under $700 (400-600 would be much better).

I really liked the looks of the Lenovo T410, X201 and Edge 14. Anyone have one of these? I read about a screen cracking problem with the T410 so I am a little wary of that model.

 

If you really need a laptop now, out of the three based on your requirements I would go for the X201. This is mainly down to the balance of portability and performance, it's light to carry around for classes and can house a Core i5/i7 which is ideal for number crunching and data compiling for your Computer Science work.

I used the X201T (the tablet version) and it's a solid machine so I would imagine the standard X201 would equally be up to the job.

 

If you want to carry it around all day, I would go with a smaller machine. The tablets or a new X201 are probably a bit above your budget.

 

why not get a second hand X200 that should fit your budget (400 to 600 dollars) quite nicely. It is unlikely you would get a X201 and T410 under 700 dollars, unless you really discard all the options.

I think for you, a X200 should represent a good purchase, it can had for around 400 to 500 dollars for a second hand one, some still have warranty remaining (try ebay).

Otherwise, have a look around outlet.lenovo.com and see what deals you can get for a R400.

 

I would also suggest the X201 if your budget can allow for it. For what uou pay, it has ThinkPad build quality, great battery life (8.5-10 hours from what I've researched myself) and a very light weight (something around 3.3lbs w/ the 9 cell).

Having the i5/i7 as Hearst already mentioned would provide more than enough power for CS related work for what you typically compile and run in school. Even OpenGL work should be fine unless you start implementing some crazy stuff.

With respect to the tablet, it's out of your budget barring any awesome coupon deals. There was a recent 35% discount followed by a 30% discount on X series and tablets (eCoupon). I'm not sure if even that discount would be enough ... but I'd gather it may help you bring the X201 in range if you went that route

 

If you already have a powerful desktop and access to powerful computers on campus, I'd suggest a lighter Thinkpad. The T410i can probably fit in your budget, and it'd be a very balanced choice - I've never heard of a screen cracking problem in any Thinkpad. The X201 is likely out of your budget unless you score a great deal on an X201i with a Core i3 processor. A well-equipped X200, though, should be within your budget, and will likely be unnoticeably slower than the X201i.

 

Well I get a student discount so I get about 100 bucks off. I can get the X201 for just under $700. Is it a big upgrade from the X200 and where would I go about looking for the X200?

Specs for X201 it would cost $690 before tax so total would come to like $720 but I can manage that but if I can get a X200 for a lot less id like to at least look at them.


Intel Core i3-370M Processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 32
12.1" WXGA LED Panel, 3x3 UltraConnect II antenna; Wireless Broadband Upgradeable
Intel HD Graphics
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
TrackPoint
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
ThinkPad X200 Series 4 cell Li-Ion Battery
None
ThinkPad bgn Wireless
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
3249: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

Thanks for the help!

 

If you're pushing the CPU frequently, the X201 will offer a bit better performance, but it's not much of an upgrade in day to day usage. As for the X200 there's the Lenovo Outlet, eBay or we do have a marketplace forum here. Mine's for sale there. You can click the link in my signature if you're interested.

 

On the outlet store the cheapest X200 I found was $719 which will actually end up being more expensive after tax. I am a little wary of buying used because of my bad luck with laptops as of late.

 

As you can see there's no perfect answer.

 

Yeah unfortunately

I had a Dell XPS M1330 and it gave me nothing but trouble for two years until today when it completely died. Of course it was terrible timing and now I need to find a new one before school starts. I just need something reliable that isn't going to give me a lot of headaches.

 

Flyers: did you apply any coupons to your purchase for the student store? I know in the Canadian store they list an eCoupon at landing to the right side if there is one.

Ex. The Canadian student store has CAXNOV1610 which nets 27% off on top of the student discount already applied. There might be one valid for the US student store as well.

 

There is but its only 12% off.

It was actually the X201 i I was looking at. Does the i make a difference?

EDIT: Just read that the screen was a little lacking on the X201 and that is a pretty important feature to me. What do you guys think about the screen?

 

Sorry for the double post but what do you guys think about the U260? Seems pretty portable and has a nicer screen. Would it be worth bumping my budget by about $100 and going with that instead?

And is the screen better on the Edge 14 or X201. Sorry for all the questions! I just want to make sure I get the right laptop.

 

I would point at the X201 and click BUY.

The WXGA 1280x800 screen is quite good for your intended use of the X201. (I use one for mobility, and like it. I use "bigger" machines when I am at the desk.)

 

It's going to be tough to find any users or info about the U260 as it's still pretty new. I would expect it to be similar to other Lenovo branded IdeaPads quality wise, which means not as good as a ThinkPad. As for the screen, the IdeaPad is probably glossy while the ThinkPad is matte if that makes any difference. I wouldn't expect either to be great. I don't know about the U260, but Lenovo uses multiple screen suppliers for the X201, some better than others. I didn't think the Samsung screen I got in my X200 was all that bad, but it's a bit of a lottery. The good news if you're inclined is down the road you can do the AFFS mod on the X201 and it'll get you one of the best notebook screens. There's little chance of this happening with the U260.

 

Does 12 inches seem big enough for most use?

I am probably going to go with the X201. Thanks guys you have been a big help!

First upgrade will be an SSD then I will look into that screen later on.

 

I think 12 inches should be good. I've given the Air 13" and the Air 11" a spin in recent weeks and they're both workable for me...and I will be coming off a 15" laptop of the same resolution.

Granted, size preferences might be different from most. If your that concerned though, hop to your local Future Shop, Best Buy, or other retailer that sells laptops and find a 12" (or close to) laptop and see if you can work with it. Or if you know someone who has the X201, ask them if you could give it a spin! I'll be doing that sometime this week to help me decide (but more an evaluation on the screen quality)

As for screen quality, if you want better screens out of the box without replacing parts in your laptop then you would have to opt for the X201T.

 

Yeah I plan on going to bestbuy and looking at some 12 inch screens. How does the build quality on the T410 compare to the X201? The X201 looks like a nicer laptop but I kind of want the 14 inch screen the T410 has to offer.

Ugh so many choices haha.

 

Since you're looking at things like a W510, T410 and an X201, the best way to look at a X201 is to treat it like a mini W510 or T410. That's how I feel when I use my X200 as compared to my W500. I love my X200 and I'm sure the X201 is even that much better with the newer processors. I know you like the Edge because of the screen size but to me, it's not the same at a T410 or X201. I say just pull the trigger, especially at your special price, and ge the X201.

 

Yeah I just watched a video review of the edge and I dont want that. Right now its between the T410 and X201.

I can get both for about the same price so now its just the matter of 14 inch screen and 5lb laptop vs 12 inch screen 2.87lb laptop.

 

Makes sense because the Edge is a consumer oriented laptop, and really not in the same class as the T410 or X201. You really can't go wrong with either.

 

I'd say that the build quality on both ThinkPads are fairly solid. Lenovo does mention that the X series are built to meet some of military spec tests (impacts, humidity, etc). But then I think the T's are in the same boat. That and ThinkPads generally have a good reputation for build quality without exception (not that I've heard/read otherwise to be more precise).

As for screens, I haven't researched the T series screens but on paper the differences are minute (300:1 on the T410 vs 200:1 on the X201). They're both TN panel screens and LED backlit. However, the T410 has an option to get you more screen real estate which might be nice given the work you do.

> 1440x900 vs 1280x800

EDIT: Tradeoffs ahoy. It all boils down on to which you prefer more of. Given what you've said, your choices are between a larger screen or a lighter laptop. Unfortunately you can't have both - at least not in the budget range you have - so you should decide on which factor will be more important to you.

For example: I carry my laptop around a lot on transit and around campus (hours a day). A lighter laptop would take priority over a larger screen for me.

 

Yeah I really love the idea of an ultra portable but I am going to have to do a lot of programming on it and I think it might be tough on a 12 inch screen.

I think I might have to just man up and carry the extra 2 pounds of weight around all day

 

Haha, fair enough. Though if you want to keep your options open, dropping by a local shop and trying out a 12" wouldn't hurt to solidify your decision.

Again, it really boils down to the individual. I had a friend in CS coding with an X61 for the majority of his undergrad...including OpenGL work. I tried punching out a small program on the 11" Air at my local Future Shop even to get a feel for it xD

If I'm making your decision harder to make, I'll stay silent from here on out

 

OK, T410 is the one! Traditional ThinkPad quality (not "Edge"). Go for WXGA+ 1440x900.

Some of my colleagues, women and men, commute with the T410 every day.

 

Do you guys think the x201 tablet would be worth an extra $200? It looks so cool but I feel like I will be getting less power for more money which is basically true right?

I have been lugging a 7lb laptop I borrowed from my parents around school all day and it sucks haha, making that x201 seem like a good option.

I am going to go to bestbuy later today and try a 12 inch screen out and compare it to a 14 then I will make my final decision.

 

^^^ Are you going to "write" code with the stylus???

What do you really need this "small, light, powerful, with-great-screen, within-budget" laptop for?

Sigh...

 

I figured it might be nice to take notes on in class but I guess thats kind of stupid.

I'm going to go for the x201 or the T410 (Probably this one with the WXGA+ screen). I am going to create quotes for both and then wait until after black friday to make sure they dont drop anymore. Thanks guys.

 

The tablet will get you a better screen if you care. The better CPU will make little difference unless you're pushing the CPU frequently.

 

Yeah the screen is important to me but its a little out of my price range. If I can find a good deal on it on black friday or cyber monday I might bite but I am not very optimistic about that.

 

"The tablet will get you a better screen if you care. The better CPU will make little difference unless you're pushing the CPU frequently."


Zaz,

One of the things you omit is-what if you want a pushable cpu? Performance is all too frquently overlooked here.

Renee

 

Yeah I kind of do, after carrying around a 6lb laptop around campus all day today I decided to go with the X201 and live with the screen space. I did not think there would be a big difference between carrying around that and my old 4lb laptop but boy was I wrong.

The X201 is the perfect weight and seems like a very powerful machine for the size.

 

Would it be worth going with the i5 instead of the i3 in the X201 for $125. This sales rep I am talking to is really pushing it but I am not sure if its worth $125.

 

For most things, the answer would be no.

 

Is the warranty pretty good from Lenovo? The "4YR Onsite + HDDR" warranty is only $84, seems to good to be true.

 

Yes, it's good but....that price can't be correct.

Renee

 

That's what I figured. In my quote it says:

43R8831 4YR Onsite + HDDR 1 84.15 84.15
for Desktop 3YR Onsite

I wonder if they would still honor it if I just ordered it.

 

They put up their black friday deals, 20% off but no more free 4gb ram upgrade.

I am going to call tomorrow and ask about that warranty deal, the people on their live chat don't really have a clue if thats legit or not.

 

Okay finally got this all figured out haha, I went with the previous deal because it was better with the free ram upgrade.

Getting the X201, i3, 4gbs ram and a 3 year extended warranty for $859. The warranty that was $99 was a desktop warranty that somehow got into my order. The 3 year mobile warranty (You have to ship it in but whatever) was $120 but I feel like thats probably worth it.

Thanks for putting up with me everyone I know I have been a pain. Couldn't make up my mind haha.

 

excellent choice. As a first time x201 owner, I'm sure you will be as thrilled as I am. This is one well built, light, powerful laptop. Enjoy!

 

Awesome choice. You'll love it. Post up when you get it...

 

Good choice! Nice price! (I said "X201" four pages back.)

 

Just when you thought you got rid of me I am back! Lol

Is the warranty pretty important on the X201 or are they pretty reliable? And do you know if i'd be able to extend it if its still under the base warranty later on?

Reason I ask is because I could get the X201 with the i5 processor for $840 shipped with this new black friday deal.

 

With respect to the warranty, you can extend the warranty so long as your still covered on the original warranty.

That is, if you're on the 1 year warranty and are like 6 months in, you can extend. But if the warranty is expired, you cannot (makes sense).

Here's a link that I've found: http://consumersupport.lenovo.com/ot/en/warranty/Warranty_extension_show_1226995853865.html

 

Awesome I guess I will go with the i5 processor then, seems worth it for $100.

 

Believe me when I tell you, I've seen much worse. Congrats on the machine. It's the best ultraportable machine on the market right now. That's my biased opinion anyway.

 

I really hate to do this but I have another question. I am going to be looking for an SSD on black friday and just wanted to make sure id be able to install it pretty easily.

I know the X201 uses a 2.5" drive which is nice but will W7 discs come with the laptop so I can reinstall W7 on the new drive when I get it?

 

It won't come with W7 discs but you can download the ISO's from here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

You can then reuse the COA OEM key that came with your X201 and you'll be fine. I would suggest after reinstalling to use the Windows Update to download and update first and then go to Lenovo.com aind download the system update program to install the Lenovo drivers needed. That's the easiest way. Or, you can download the drivers one by one via the Lenovo site as well. I've done reinstalls this way tons of times at work and at home and it's always worked fine.

 

Awesome, I think I have a w7 disc laying around here somewhere.

I noticed you have an 80GB SSD in your X200, how much space do you have left after your W7 ultimate install?