Just so you guys know, I've seen this misinformation spouted a lot with the new processors- just because your CPU doesn't support Vt-d DOES NOT mean it cannot do Virtualization.
For a quick overview, Vt-x is the CPU feature that allows virtualization, pretty much all modern CPU's support it now. Vt-d is also known as PCI passthrough. It's a more advanced feature that allows for direct memory mapping, better video acceleration (by exposing the video card to the VM), etc. Essentially, Vt-d allows for better resource management for mulit-vm machines.
You can easily run VM's on say, the 2410 or 2310. Heck, I've seen people run VM's on Intel Atom based netbooks in a pinch (by god it was slow, but it worked)
virtualization - Advantages of TXT/VT-d in new Intel CPUs - Super User
Intel xeon virtualization feature - vt-d /directed io - Chipset feature? - Server Fault
Basically, for home use, Vt-d does almost nothing in performance benefits. You can run VMware or Virtualbox fine without it as long as you've got the resources.
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stackPointer2.0 Notebook Consultant
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So, I think I'm pretty happy with the price and will be pulling the trigger
For the umpteenth time, thank you all for your help. If this thread continues on as it has been with interesting info, I won't complain.
Cheers,
Wayne -
from my experience, the reps have the power to give up to a 15% ish discount, so 17.25 is probably stretching him (he probably used the recent coupon as justification). more than that he has to get approval from his manager, and he'll have to justify it. usually if u order several systems they use this as justification. however, they also can give freebies like a mouse etc usually. you might be able to push for a discounted/free USB dvdrw drive, they're giving that away for free in malaysia with the X220
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* just to simplify things, I know the topic has more depth in it than I provided here
M. -
Wayne -
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I just have to verify that this is the proper memory (from what I understand, 2x4GB is better than 1x8GB):
G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBSQ
Newegg.ca - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBSQ
I might as well get an external dvd drive from them as well. This one looks like it will do the trick for me for quite a reasonable price ($36.99):
SAMSUNG 8X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 16X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM USB 2.0 External CD/DVD Drive Model SE-S084F/RSBS
Newegg.ca - SAMSUNG 8X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 16X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM USB 2.0 External CD/DVD Drive Model SE-S084F/RSBS
Thank you for your suggestions!
Wayne -
stackPointer2.0 Notebook Consultant
I actually ordered that exact same G.skill 8GB kit (and many others on this forum have as well). It should work just fine.
If lenovo is charging you just $57.93 for a 320GB 7200rpm and you don't want to bother with reinstalling the OS, that should be just fine, it's a fairly decent price.
Hope you enjoy your new system -
stackPointer2.0 Notebook Consultant
Yeah, good point. Lets hope virtual box adds vt-d support soon. -
The X220/2GB + 15% discount + 4GB newegg memory is $7 more than the X220/4GB + 17.25% discount. But considering I really want 8GB, the X220/2GB + 15% discount + 8GB newegg memory is $82.73 less than the X220/8GB + 17.25% discount. So I'm happy about that.
Now that the system has been ordered, I am REALLY happy! Icing on the cake is the Dell U2311H IPS display (that I got on sale for $100 off) that's on it's way.
Cheers,
Wayne -
Are you, guys, referring to LENOVOVIP as the 15% discount? I think it's dead. Does anyone have a new comparable promo code?
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Wayne -
Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.5GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 English
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Total memory 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard US English
Fingerprint Reader
720p HD Camera
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Battery ThinkPad Battery 29+ (6 cell)
Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language Pack US English -
hey guys just got a quick question, ive seen a lot of people saying that IPS is the main reason or a very imporant reason to get this machien, or if you are getting this machine that IPS is pretty much a must..
im still new to laptops and was wondering if it really is a necessity?
i mean what if you dont really care about clear view at angles or dont want people beside you seeing what you type.
What are the pros and cons for the IPS? Is 150 worth it?
Is it stupid not to get it? etc.
thx -
Food and water are the only real necessities. I'm sure there's a lot of corporate buyers who won't opt for the IPS display because they prefer a lower price. Here in the US it's only a $50 upgrade. I'm thinking the upgrade rate is pretty high. The biggest benefit of IPS is the wide viewing angles. If you've ever used a notebook and shifted your position a bit, then had the colors invert some, you'd know what I mean. IPS are also much more vivid and color consistent/accurate than TN panels. I guess to some degree it will depend on your needs. If it's just just office and internet, then perhaps it's not worth it if the budget is tight. Anything where color, consistency and angles are important like photo editing or videos, IPS will clearly be superior. Plus it just looks a heck of a lot better. If you plan to keep this for a while, it's a no-brainer if you ask me.
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My X220 was ordered on May 4, shipped on May 10, and is somewhere in transit across Canada right now. Hoping to get it soon!
I will be using my X220 as a desktop replacement (hooked up to a monitor), but I also want to be able to quickly grab it when I want to go mobile (or when I want to do some browsing on my lap while watching the Canucks win the Stanley Cup. So, I realized that I probably should have also gotten an Ultrabase dock (and related discount).
The ultrabase is $219 CN on the lenovo.ca website. Wow. I am not sure what the shipping charges would be (having trouble finding that info). I contacted my Lenovo sales rep to see if he would give me a discount on it, but I was denied.
I did find it though at directdial.com for $177 + $18 shipping = $196:
0A33932 - Canada : Lenovo Thinkpad Ultrabase Series 3 - Product Details
$177
Still pricey, but I couldn't find it for anything less than that anywhere. So even though they are out of stock until the start of June, I ordered one.
If anyone has any thoughts about where to find it for less, or any thoughts about the Ultrabase in general, I'm all ears.
Thanks!
Wayne
I've got to say I am very happy with the X220. Having based my buying decision on what I read on the internet only (I never had seen a Thinkpad in person before), I am happy to report that everything I read was right on, and the X220 is awesome. I am very happy that I ended up getting this (over the MBP 13" or Sony Vaio SB).
These are the things I love about the X220:
- The size is just about perfect. For mobility, it rocks. On my lap, it rocks. The weight is great. The build quality is awesome. Love it.
- Screen. This IPS screen simply rocks. 'nuff said. And the resolution has turned out to be a non-issue for me.
- Keyboard. Really quite awesome. The texture of the keys rocks. The layout of the keys rocks. I am enjoying typing this in as we speak!Although I would probably prefer for the keyboard to be backlit, I don't mind the keyboard light at all. I also found that you can swap the function key with the control key. Perfect.
- Trackpoint. Very cool. I am using it exclusively now. It is incredibly handy to be able to keep the hands on the keyboard and work the mouse. I never really enjoyed using laptops before, but with the X220, I enjoy using it as much (maybe more) in laptop mode as in desktop mode. I found that putting the trackpoint into smooth scrolling mode allowed for the middle button to be used (for opening links, or for pasting), but I can't handle smooth scrolling, so I am still looking for a quick "paste" solution (I am using firefox, so there should be an addon or something out there). Minor niggle!
- Performance. Rocks. Very fast (especially with the 8GB of memory). I was looking forward to an msata SSD drive down the road, but I am not really sure that need it.
- Lack of problems. I don't seem to have the IPS screen bleed syndrome, or the fan loudness syndrome, or overheating syndrome. or any other problems. Yeah.
- Battery life. Awesome (especially when the screen brightness is decreased).
- Utrabase3. I totally love being able to simply unclick the X220 from the ultrabase and take it mobile, then click it back in when I want to use it as my desktop. It is overpriced, but well worth it (for me).
So in summary, I love this X220!There, I got it off of my chest, and I feel better LOL!
Cheers,
Wayne -
I'm also willing to bet that you are unlike most in that you've posted here to point this out. -
Seriously, when I was doing my initial research, the X220 kept popping up. I tried to ignore it (because it was more expensive). But then I read the raving reviews. I already knew that I wanted an excellent screen. And I started to realize that an excellent keyboard, and maybe even that mysterious trackpoint would be something to covet. Hmm, and maybe having a laptop that was very durable might be a bonus too. Then I found this website, and when I started this thread and got such great input from people who seemed to know what they were talking about (and further positive input about the X220), it made it very easy for me to feel confident in the purchase even though I had never seen a Thinkpad before.
And, as it turns out, the X220 is awesomeI'm one happy camper.
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Agree with that about the Lenovo forum here. It's one of the better ones. Probably to do with the fact that members here are a bit more mature (in age and attitude) than some of the other manufacturer specific forums. Or so it seems -
Excellent information in this thread
I read earlier that WAYNENUMM was looking to use his as a desktop replacement, and I guess I'm going to do similar - I would like to do all my development work on it. Of course that means plug into a nice big screen when I have the option to.
To save needing to unplug it and into the laptop, then out and back into the desktop each time I want to use it (meaning I'd only bother a few times), what alternatives are there? I could imagine some kind of switch or something as long as it was fairly painless. It's a Screen with a DVI and Vga input if that helps, at 1680 x 1050. -
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As an additional Christmas present to myself, I got a Dell U2311H 23" IPS display off of the dell.ca site when they had it on sale for $100 off. So I'm feeling quite stoked having the awesome IPS display on the X220, as well as the very nice U2311H IPS display. I quickly came to realize though that I needed the Ultrabase so that I didn't have to plug and unplug cables into the X220. I ended up getting it at directdial.ca for $177 + $18 shipping, which was $24 less than the $219 that lenovo.ca was wanting for it. As I said a few posts above:
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lineS of flight Notebook Virtuoso
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Lenovo - Find accessories for your laptop and desktop - Docks & Port Replicators 0A33932 Canada (CA) -
lineS of flight Notebook Virtuoso
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Thank goodness though that I was in "temporary spending spree mode", because my usual stingy self would have obsessed for a long time about getting the Ultrabase3 (due to the price). -
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lineS of flight Notebook Virtuoso
Edit:
I don't think the X201 is compatible with the Mini Dock Series 3. See here. -
Docking Option for the new X220 - Lenovo Community
D'oh - I didn't even know about the Mini Dock when I got my Ultrabase. Or the ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3.
The ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3 is $159CN versus the $219CN for the Ultrabase3. It is the same thing except (a) way less expensive; (b) a bit bigger; (c) it is compatible with other models and (d) it does not include a slot for the optical drive (which I am not using anyways). D'oh again - I would have gotten the replicator instead had I done my proper homework. Hopefully this will help someone else not make the same mistake!
As far as the Mini Docks are concerned, I am not really sure yet what their purpose is (over the Replicator). I guess they have more usb ports and also include a power adaptor (and probably some other things that I don't need). -
I ended up going with the Mini Dock Plus for the eSata port. -
lineS of flight Notebook Virtuoso
Btw the Port Replicator that we are all referring to is this one correct? -
Could anyone tell me the difference between these options:
1. 12.5" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
[$0.00]
2. 12.5" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 3x3 Antenna
[add $45.00]
3. 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
[add $45.00]
4. 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 3x3 Antenna -
Don't get 1 and 2. They are the standard TN screen.
3 and 4 are the IPS screen. Fantastic screen.
2x2 vs. 3x3 depends on which wifi you get. Intel 6300 is 3x3, but you can't spec it with the camera if you go for this. -
Regarding Express Card usage:
two USB 3.0 port:
Express Card 54 To 2 X USB 3.0 Port Card Reader 5Gbps | eBay
or two eSata port:
54MM Express Card to 2 Ports ESATA SATA Adapter | eBay -
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is bluetooth of any use?
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It makes transferring files from/to your phones much easier, unless you like using USB cable more. Plus there are many apps on iOS/Android that allows you to turn your phone into a remote for you laptop. Most of these apps support both bluetooth and wifi, but wifi would require them to be connected to the same network, which is not always possible if you are not at your home. I find it very useful using my phone to control my presentation slides through bluetooth. -
Apparently, the "premium" screen is the cheapest e-IPS panel that Lenovo could find and exhibits image retention after some 15 minutes. -
Did you expect the best screen ever for $50? The important part is it's big step up from the standard screen and most notebook screens available right now. That's worth $50. Here's Lenovo's official response to the ghosting issue.
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You can decide for yourself who to believe, just keep in mind that I have absolutely no financial interest in the matter, I am just trying to find me an ultraportable wit ha good blend of performance, long battery life and good screen. -
How would you define your screen as unusable? All I can tell is my X220 LCD and the couple others I've seen looked pretty good to me. I have noticed no ghosting/image retention. You may be willing to pay a premium, but where are you going to buy it? I think you're free to go back to the TN screens offered other ultraportables if you're inclined.
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Can you swap the Fn & Ctrl key??? I heard you can do this in the BIOS on newer thinkpads.
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my X220 shows slight image persistence if i truly force the scenario. otherwise i use it without issue for CAD and DCC work while mobile and can't complain about it beyond its known limitations (6-bit color depth, 1366x768 resolution, etc.). the X220 is still by far the best X-series i've owned so far and i've owned literally all of them at one point or another.
that's not to say others don't have the issue or aren't bothered by it. but, i tend to think many of these complaints become unnecessarily exacerbated by the internet "pile-on" effect.
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For those people whom really have a problem with such things, then there is always the 30 days product return windows. But for an extra 50 dollars on top of the TN LCD, i think the IPS is a good buy for what it is. -
I have two Dell Ultrasharps at home, 2005fpw and 2209wa.
No IR whatsoever after hours of continual usage. -
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Also, we were outdoors browsing on the internet with my brother's non-IPS reflective screen laptop and had to give up on it. Not only were the reflections overwhelming, but the angle of viewability meant that really only one person could effectively see the screen. I then brought out my X220 and solved the reflection/viewing angle problem (my brother won't be buying another laptop without a screen as good as the X220's -
Contrary to your opinion, not everything is about you.
But since you asked so nicely, I will address your question:
1) I don't have a 1st-hand experience with the x220. I do have 2nd-hand experience, namely: seeing images of the image retention taken by people whose integrity I trust.
2) What does it matter whether I have 1st hand experience or just serve as a mouthpiece to other people that do?
Do you contest that this phenomenon is real? Are all those people that report it on Lenovo's forum (as well as here) liars?
Do you contest that Lenovo acknowledges the issue and claims that it is normal?
There's a post on the Lenovo forum by the admin "Mark_Lenovo" (a Lenovo employee) that states that some people notice IR after as little as 10 minutes.
But you'd rather attack the messenger, right?
BTW, took me all of 15 seconds to find this. -
re-read my post above. i've already stated that my own X220 will show this phenomenon if forced.
Why should I get this X220? Plus some other questions..
Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by WAYNENUMM, Apr 30, 2011.