Which thinkpad should I purchase?

I'm looking for one that is thin and has long battery life.
Similiar to the x1 but with better battery lkfe

 

Thinkpad X220. 20+ hr with slice, 10+ hr with 9c.

Comparison X220 X1
-X220 has Matte screen vs Glossy on X1
-X220 has 7 row traditional keyboard vs 6 row chiclet on X1
-X220 has Thinklight vs backlit keyboard on X1
-Similar performance
-Same screen resolution
-X1 is thinner
-X220 is lighter

 

As stated, x220 w/ 9 cell battery and slice can get 20+ hours battery life. X1 has features I do not like such as a glossy screen, non traditional keyboard (chicklet), and x220 has some of the best IPS screens for the money on the market. x220i with i3 can start as low as 600, IPS screen is +40 in US.

 

If you get the X220, make sure you upgrade to the premium display. It's an IPS display and is noticeably better quality than almost any other similar-sized screen.

 

How about the T420s? If you can afford an X1, then you can easily afford a T420s. It's less than four pounds, though the battery life isn't quite as good as the X220, for example.

Only reason I would avoid the X220 is the short palmrest. Otherwise, it's a good laptop.

 

+1 for the X220 plus slice.

 

We have a X220 ... and for some reason I really did not like the palm rest area makes it very difficult to type on the keyboard, I really do like the T420 layout a lot better.

 

OK, I may get slapped down but you MIGHT consider the x120e as well. The x120e is certainly thin and light. It is definitely down on power compared to the systems you mentioned. I use mine a lot and most of the time I don't notice the lack of CPU power compared to my CAD laptop. Most of what I notice is the much smaller screen (11.6 @ 1366x756 vs 15.4 @ 1920x1200). Still, depending on your needs, it might be a good, low cost alternative. If price were no object (like my company was paying) I would likely get the X220. Rather than the T420 you might consider the T420s.

 

T420s commands a huge premium over a standard T420 and has a weak sauce battery (44 WHr vs 56 WHr I believe). At that price you can get a fully loaded x220...(over a T420s)

 

The T420s is certainly a price comparable alternative to the X1. I like that it has a 1600x900 screen option. I didn't realize the battery life was so limited. Since the comment was made about the X220's keyboard being potentially uncomfortable due to the short wrist rest I figured the T420s is at least one worth considering even if it's quickly shot down. It is also quite possibly larger than the OP would want since it is larger than any of the suggested options save for the T420.

I guess it depends on the reason for wanting an ultra portable. I like the x120e because it's a good machine for the money. I want really small but I don't demand much in the way of performance out of this machine. The T420 is a great all around machine but is no longer what I would consider ultra portable (though it's not that large). The X1 and X220 are both tweeners. I prefer the X220 because I like the idea of the traditional TP look and keyboard layout (save for the FN and CTRL keys being swapped). I'm not in love with the X1. I don't think it looks that cool while dumping much of what I like about Thinkpads (ie the traditional design that dates to the IBM days). Add in the X220's better screen and the choice is clear for me. Of course style wise my x120e is as much X1 and traditional IBM and the screen is pretty weak.

 

I would recommend the T420s/T410s or even the older X301/X61. All of them have a nice big palm rest.