Will I be disappointed with X201?

So, I sold my Dell SXPS1340. My experience with that laptop was subpar, so this time I've told myself not to go cheap with Dell again and buy a thinkpad.

Here's what I need:
Very light (I carry a good amount of stuff for long periods, so I need lightweight)
Long battery life (I can go extended times without seeing an outlet, so life of 5+ hours IN USE is nice)
Very durable (although I try to keep my stuff in good condition, they don't stay so).

I figure the X201 would be the savior. Under $1500, 12.1" and superlight.

Here's what I didn't like about my old laptop: it was rather heavy, even as a 13". Pieces kept on falling off (rubber stops, the trim). Battery life sucked. Gets insanely hot. Keys started to wear in weeks. Media buttons were finicky.

Here's what I do like: a very strong and smooth touchpad. A relatively bright and colorful screen.

Will I be making the right choice with the (base model) x201? I don't want to spend an insane amount but I will pay for thinkpad quality.

Also, what is the difference between x201 and x201s (I don't even see the s listed on the lenovo site).

And besides the notebookreview thread, are there any other places to look for lenovo coupons (an email list, etc)?

Also, is the keyboard on the x201 in line with the legendary lenovo quality? I demand a lot of my keyboard, and also I wear out keys quickly. Will this happen with the x201?

 

√ Very Light
√ Long Battery Life
√ Durable

Seems like a winner to me. I don't know that there's special about the X201's LCDs, but outside of some tablets, nobody else is really doing anything special either. It's serviceable. You could do the AFFS screen swap, but there goes your warranty. The practical difference between the X201 and the X201s is the X201s is a bit lighter, though harder to find. The deals forum on ThinkPads.com does a pretty good job with ThinkPad coupons. I've not seen the X201, but I believe it uses the same keyboards as the X200. My X200's keyboard is fantastic, better than my R60. Good Luck.

 

xps laptop is a consumer laptop in pretty dress. You would be far better with the business laptops.

X201 uses the standard i5 and i7 cpu (they are other cpu offered too), and the X201s uses low voltage CPU, they use less power and they also weigh slightly less. But the higher cost makes it unattractive.

The keyboard will wear out eventually, but usually after several years of heavy use. If it is defective it will usually come up within one year of use.

But with any good laptop experience, you should consider extending the warranty beyond 1 year standard. 3 years is what one should think about, when you are going to keep using the laptop for a while.

 

Just get it thinkpads are awesome. I spent a long time fretting over my laptop choice but I love my T500 in every way. Though i do wish I'd bought the X200 instead!

 

I typically don't do warranties, because usually any problems that have come up I can fix myself. But I think this thinkpad is the keeper I'm looking for.

I've been looking at thinkpads for years, but the price was keeping me back. After wasting money on two dells, I realize that price is not the issue now.

The only issue is... the FN key is to the left of the CTRL key.

I've used other lenovos and I know I can get used to it with time... it just irks me.

Also... 6 cell or 9 cell battery? I know the 9 cell is heavier and sticks out, but how much more obtrusive is it?

 

the X201 will allow the Fn and Ctrl keys to be swapped in the BIOS.   so, that's really a non-issue.

 

Sweeeet. Now are the keys physically hard to swap? (I absolutely hate working with butterfly keys)

 

they're different sizes and therefore can't be physically swapped.   sorry.

 

Also just because you can service a laptop yourself doesn't mean you shouldn't get a warranty. Spending less than 10% of the laptop cost for another 2 years is worth it if you have complications with the screen or motherboard.

Also utilize credit cards can extend your warranty (Amex and some Visa).

 

If you're doing the AFFS swap, the warranty may mean very little.

 

Right, barring any voids by the user. If you're not doing a swap the warranty also helps resell value if you want to trade up a year in.

I'll probably try a swap after my warranty is up in 1.5 years...