X200 Discussion & Issues/Critique

Bollocks. With CPP, it is essentially the same price as the "deal" those of us got with the "free" SSD.

 

You can get one starting at less than $1000 with CPP code and around $1500 with every specs maxed out except for ultra base and SSD.

 

The deal we got was saving over $900 ($830 plus $70 plus taxes) so it isn't quite the same deal however I can highly recommend the X200 and cpp as a great deal regardless compared to the original starting price from the main website. SSD's are dropping in price and any 64GB/128GB Samsung/OCZ 1.8/2.5 SSD will work later on.

 

Has any one heard of a case where Lenovo declined to sell to someone using CPP?

 

It would seem that the many reviews around the web would prove you wrong regarding Intel's SSD (unless they have all been paid off by Intel). I would recommend that you read Anandtech's review.

 

What is CPP? Did I miss something

 

I got my order cancelled and made a new one I thought I wa super-lucky when ordering over the phone, but turns out I got a good deal (at the time) since they were looking at a heavy price reduction.

Anyway! NOW it's only 3 weeks to wait!

 

I was talking about the review by Tom's Hardware. The author praises Intel SSD on every test Intel excels, even only by a few percentage. For the test Intel lags, author just skips. The author's data show Intel's writing speed is slower than Samsung's and author chose not to address the importance of SSD's writing speed, instead author keeps telling how reading speed is important with all the data for database.....How many normal people run Oracle on their notebook? Another point aonnyed me is that the author made no attempt to address the much shorter life time of MLC SSDs at all.

If you read the Tom's review, you will see the fast reading speed is because of the new controller Intel designed, not because Intel made a breakthrough in the making of MLC. The Intel SSD's reading speed can reach 200MB/sec. Although it is good, it's not the best. See http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/11/indilinx-trumpets-ssd-controller-with-230mb-sec-read-speed/

Sean

 

Regarding CPP: There is no harm in using CPP (google it, as it cannot be explicated on the forums with the code you need) online. Just give it a whirl.

And...Tom's hardware isn't really the best site so make sure you take their reviews with some skepticism (more than the other trusted sites).

 

I also read the review of the Intel SSD on Anandtech's site and it comes to the same conclusion: the Intel SSD is an overwhelming winner. They address some different issues than the Tom's review does and overall I thought that the Anandtech review was much more complete.

In summary, even though the Intel SSD is not the fastest in all respects, the fact that it has a number of other advantages compared to the Samsung SSD make it the best choice on the market by a longshot. Taken together, the Samsung SSD and Intel SSD are miles ahead of the other branded SSDs to the point where the other guys aren't even worth considering.

 

I think the price on the x200 just dropped ~$200. Now i'm really tempted to spring for one. The x300/301 didn't drop though...

 

how about X200 screen, is there any trouble with samsung panel?

 

There is some brief commentary on the screen in the first post and throughout this thread. The screen would be the main weakpoint of the laptop to me.

 

jaredy are you saying that the x200 always uses Samsung panels and won't have LG? Not like the T series where it's random draw... too bad... =(

 

AznRaceNSX I actually made no mention of it being a samsung panel or not. I have not looked into it fully. Doing a product information search, I can't verify it. Maybe someone else can. I have no idea if there are different panels on the x200.

 

ya sorry i didn't mean to say you said it was a saumsung panel.. I meant to ask if you knew if it was a samsung or lg. or something else.

 

No problem. I just don't want to start spreading any false information to other users.

 

with regards to the price drop, i got my price to be lowered.. so it shouldn't be a problem for anyone

 

Good to hear. I am pretty sure all the users who did not get the free SSD are covered with with the price matching. Most users seemed to have gotten their orders just about 2 weeks ago. So everyone call for your price match!

 

so I got a couple of questions.
what brand is the x200 motherboard, or in general thinkpad laptops.

why does the x61 costs more than the x200?

is it worth to wait the x200s?

 

And do you X-series veterans miss having an optical drive? I'm feeling torn between SL300 and X200, primarily becuase of optical drive. SL300 is cheap, until I upgrade it to the config I want, then it's almost as much as an x200, which I love the size of. X300 is simply too pricey for my budget, before you ask.

 

It really depends on how you use your computer. I do not find the lack of optical drive restrictive at all. I actually have a t43, but use an empty bezel instead of my dvd drive to save weight. You can get pretty much every installer online now, so you don't need it to install most programs. The couple times I have needed to use the disc, I just used my girlfriends computer to drag the files onto a USB drive and installed it onto my computer from there. Most everything else I can do from my harddrive or a USB drive.

I might get an external dvd burner just to have the option, but I think as flash drives get cheaper and larger, the need for cds will continue to dwindle. Some people probably use cds and dvds a lot, though. You just have to think about what you use and how much it will affect you.

 

Is anyone's x200 hd fairly loud? or fan making a whizzing sound? I hear a faint winding sound in mine. Is that normal?

 

The x61 cost isn't really "more" expensive, it's just the x200 has dropped to it's average price now because (from the lenovo rep) they don't really have an option on their systems to configure the X61 anymore. Aka. they're done with assembling X61's. I personally prefer the X200 over the X200S. Besides the LED backlight in the X200S everything else to me is worst than the X200. With the battery life already so amazing on the x200 i don't think i want a low voltage dumb down cpu.


With regards to the optical drive, my asus right now 99% of the time houses either an empty bezel or a second hard drive and i would rather get the Ultrabase for those rare moments i need a dvd drive (or external optical drive). And the biggest reason: X200 size, battery, weight, material and "worth" is far superior compare to the SL300, in my opinion.

 

The same thing happened with the X60 when the X61 was released: the X61, although newer and better in every way, cost less than the outgoing X60. Doesn't make sense to me, but it seems to be the way that Lenovo does it.

Keep in mind that the X200s also has a lower weight, thinner profile (I think), and less heat output than the X200. But I do agree with you - with battery life already so amazing on the X200 the decision to go for an X200s for better battery efficiency is less compelling than on previous models (i.e., X61 vs X61s). In addition, the reported heat output of the X200 is very low compared to the X61 - especially palmrest heat - so again, the decision to go for an X200s to have less heat output is again less compelling. Finally, the PRICE! An X200 can be had for a real steal at the moment. I wonder what the price of the X200s will be upon release, and furthermore, how long one will have to wait for the X200s to be delivered!

I have been waiting for the release of the X200s and right now it is all I can do to stop myself from buying a $1k X200 with delivery almost immediately. Having sold my X61s already and being without a notebook at all (and a student) I am going nuts.

 

I posted this elsewhere in the forums, didn't get much in the way of response, and was advised to bring my questions here:


Hi, all, this is my first post, though I've been an avid reader here for a couple of months. This seems to be the very best forum online for researching notebooks, and it has just about answered all of my questions.

However, I do have a few more.

I'm seeking an ultraportable with long battery life and a superb keyboard, and trackpoint, so this is how I've landed on the x200 as my machine of choice. I'm hoping this machine will last me a long time, though it doesn't have to be as long as my current 600x has lasted (still going strong, it just needs a faster processor, more RAM, and a bigger HDD is all! )

So, without further preamble, here goes:

1. I've noticed superb deals if I'm willing to get a preconfigured x200 from a reseller instead of ordering custom configured direct from Lenovo. Even cheaper than EPP!

a) Which reseller currently has the best value/best prices you've found on this model? I'd like to spend no more than $1,400, including a DVDRW and some kind of docking capacity (does that have to be the ultrabase? see below.)

b) Do any resellers have more flexible return policies than Lenovo does itself? Lenovo seems incredibly hard-a$$ed about returns and has poor customer service these days, from what I have read. It's the one thing that has me thinking about going with Dell's business division instead.

c) Which resellers are preferred for their customer service and business practices? (Price isn't the only consideration.)

2. I want some kind of a docking station so I can unplug and go (I plan to carry it with me to the library or on trips every day, and also use it as a desktop with external keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc. at home).

a) Do you recommend another, less expensive option for docking than the ultrabase?

b) Can I use a port replicator instead? Is there one you recommend?

c) Do any port replicators that fit this unit also have parallel/serial ports?

3. I'm hoping to save money by getting an external DVDRW from some other company. Any recommendations as to one that is compatible with the x200 and reliable as well? I don't have to carry it with me, so it could be a desktop model, if that saves money.

4. If I do get the ultrabase, I'm concerned about how it works--do you have to reboot when you want to remove the notebook? Or does it have a hot connection/hotswap? (right term?)

Any known problems with the ultrabase?

Opinions on advantages of the ultrabase v. another docking method (port replicator of some kind--if anyone knows a model they recommend, please advise). ?

Can I be working on my laptop out in the yard, then come inside and drop the machine into the ultrabase and have all the peripherals working immediately? Or do I need to reboot in some way?
I don't want to have to reboot to use the ultrabase or disconnect from it.

5. I've also just become aware of the upcoming new Dells, the E4300 and E4200, and see they will be out soon.

a) Has anyone else here made a decision to wait for these? Rationale?

b) Why would you choose the Dell over the x200, or vice versa?

I'd just as soon have a built in DVDRW, provided the machine doesn't become too heavy. I definitely don't want to carry more than 4 lbs.

c) anyone know what the weight and battery life of the E4300 is supposed to be?

6. If I buy from a reseller, can I specify I want the 9-cell battery?

7. Has anyone here bought this from a reseller, and if you got the 6-cell battery, how long does it last?

I've been avidly reading all posts related to the x200, but if anyone has anything to add here about their experience or a link they'd like to provide to their post, please do!

Also, I do like to work outside, and am concerned that the x200 screen will make this difficult. Would the Dell 4300 be a better option for me as far as an outdoor screen? If not, is there another laptop/screen you would recommend for someone who likes to work outside?

Finally, I'm getting the XP downgrade--will it come with xp or vista installed?

Thank you!

A Lenovice

 

how much did you sell it for?

I want to sell my Asus but I think I am hardly gonna get $400 out of it. I paid $800 almost 2 years ago ($900-$100 mail-in rebate)

I am also wondering how is it outside. it has a matte screen, right?

 

Jackboot like i said to many users, come join the darkside... get the x200 =) you know you wannnnnnnnnnt it lol

ya on a serious note it's thinner cause of the LED screen and it'll most likely look better but honestly.... when i'm at school... i could care less and when i'm at home... it's going on my ultrabase which will be connected to my 24 inch mon. so it's all good.

Honestly, save money and get the x200.. I'm sure the money you save can grab you a descent monitor that's not 12.1 inches = =. Plus.. i can't get past the dumb down low voltage cpu. You can rub your faces into all those netbook and ultramobile notebooks that people are carrying around... we have the powerrrrrr!

 

1. Lenovo dropped the price recently so it seems worth it to configure to order if you are interested in the 9cell or 6cell battery as the price difference will be cheaper than buying a battery separately.

2. The ultrabase should not be your main option if you only need an external drive. But if you need the DVI out and parallel functions then it is the option obviously. The USB port replicator is well...USB so you can only get so many ports and they are all connected via usb rather than a more direct hardware link like the ultrabase.

3. I have not bought any external as of yet (I might just use flash drives and transfers over the network). I am sure some other user can help you.

4. Ultrabases are general hotswap (else that would be very annoying...). Ultrabases are basically a direct extension of your laptop rather than connected via a usb port for transferring information.

5. Most of us who were interested in the x200 wanted to see the dells as well. I could not wait because I am heading back to school at the end of this month. I think the thinkpad keyboard is likely superior as well. The dells are a bit nicer looking to some and have some better features. The screen might be better too...(which is the main critique of the x200). But it really depends how long you can wait and what do you want the laptop to feel like in terms of typing and build quality. The dell series are probably good laptops, nonetheless.

I'd imagine the 4300 would be around 4lb with an extended battery (or maybe a bit over). The x200 is 3.6lbs with the 9cell.

6. You cannot specify from a reseller as they are prepackaged. This is why I recommend configuring from lenovo now that the price dropped.

 

Well I'm in Canada so the local sale that I did would not be of much help to you since you are probably in the USA.

Regarding your ASUS: $800 - $400 = $400 / 24 months = $17 per month of ownership. Looking at it this way, you probably pay much more money for your Internet connection than you have for your notebook. I'd say you got your money's worth out of it - consider how many hours a day you use your notebook. If you want to buy an X200 - I say "splurge" since the $/hour value you get out of a notebook is extremely high.

The X61s has a matte "ultralight" screen that I believe is 180 nits. It is useless outside. The X200 has a matte screen that is 200 nits. The X200s will have an LED backlight of unknown nits, but if it is anything like the other LED offerings from Lenovo, it could be 300 nits which could possibly be used outside. For true, unobstructed direct daylight readability though, you need on the order of 500 nits. There are screens made especially for sunlight readability which are around 1000 nits.

 

Yes, the LED backlight should offer some more thinness compared to the CCFL X200, but I think most of the thickness improvement comes from the less robust cooling solution that can be used since it has a LV processor.

Your point of the cost savings being enough to fund a 24" monitor purchase is a good one. The ultrabase has been a compelling option for me since it would easily allow the addition of a second hard drive (not to mention the other benefits).

As for the CPU - I don't run any games and very little in the way of high-demand applications (some photoshop and statistical software) so the LV processor will meet my needs dandily. My former X61s had just a 1.4GHz C2D and my previous notebook (Averatec 1020) had an even more measly 1.0GHz Celeron M. I don't even know what I'd do with 2.4GHz of C2D power

On another note: has anyone else noticed that it is cheaper to upgrade the DDR3 memory with Lenovo compared to buying from a reseller like Newegg?! How can this be? It is unfortunate that DDR3 SODIMM prices are so high compared to DDR2 SODIMM prices. One can get 2x2GB of DDR2 memory for around $50. The same memory in DDR3 costs nearly 4x that

 

If the X200 had an LED screen I think I would actually go for that instead of waiting for the X200s. That's the main thing that I care about.. 12.1" is a small screen, so I would at least like it to be nice, bright and readable.

With the 4-cell battery, the battery life boost is pretty significant too - I think we can expect a bit over 1 hour extra. (3hrs vs 4hrs)

Honestly, I think the only reason Lenovo did not offer LED on the X200 is because then it would be difficult to justify the purchase of the X200s. The LED screen would provide a bit more battery life and less weight, so then most people would probably choose to get the X200 since it has a faster processor. I know I would have!

 

Ya that is interesting. Though for those who want the ABSOLUTE lightest thinkpad...x200s would be it. If you use the x200 for office type of productivity on the go then I would not hold out for the x200s simply for the screen. The cost doesn't really warrant it in my opinion...at least for the application. I am just nitpicking when I critique the screen. For being able to read my text indoors it is fine . Though I guess having even MORE battery life wouldn't hurt.

 

Well after lugging around my 14" t61 the last couple of months of school last year, I was pretty well set that I was going to sell it and buy something else. Today, I chose the x200 and placed an order. I was hoping to see the prices on the Dell E4300 or E4200, but they took too much time. Plus I really like the t61 other than the weight of it. And the x200 with the same keyboard (pretty much) won me over

Anyone want to buy a 14" t61 with 4gigs of ram?

 

Can I replace my hard drive with a SSD drive on the x200?

 

sure why not? I think almost everyone, minus the lucky ones that got the SSD *cough* scam i mean deal =P (ya i 'm abit jealous); are planning to swap the HD with SSD when the price drops and the technology gets better because at the moment write speed is slower than HD.

 

For those who have issues with the FN and Ctrl Keys, we should see if Lenovo can edit their Bios. I know HP's have a function in the bios to Swap FN and Ctrl Keys......

 

When will the X200 Tablet be released?

 

Yeah, it would have to be done in the bios..

 

For those of you lucky people who own a Thinkpad X200, can you please tell me whether or not the palm rest has a rubberized feel to it like the Thinkpad X300?

 

The palm rest is like the plastic finishing of the laptop itself. It is not like the rubber paint coating on the lid.

 

Brief update on the DDR2 vs. DDR3 thing.

As suspected by many here, DDR2 sodimms do not fit DDR3 slots. Tried and it just won't go, and I didn't want to damage the pins. So I purchased 4GB DDR3, which is now priced at a somewhat acceptable $140 at PGN.

Thanks for your help.

 

I got my x200 on Wednesday and am overall quite pleased with it. The one thing that really bugs me about it is the battery wiggle. I got the topseller model with the 4cell battery and I ordered the 9 cell separately and the 9 cell wiggles a considerable amount, more than the 4 cell. If I pick up the laptop with two hands and shake it the battery rattles, totally taking away from the otherwise pretty solid feel of the laptop. To others using the 9 cell exactly how much does yours wiggle? Another annoyance is the keyboard flex around the enter key. It seems to start around the L key and get progressively worse to the right. It isn't bad enough to really inhibit typing, but if you click say the backspace key over and over it actually feels quite mushy.

So all in all I'm quite pleased, but I do not know what Lenovo was thinking to allow these two annoyances, especially the keyboard, to happen on a Thinkpad. They basically took the Thinkpad name that has built so much respect over the years and crapped all over it. Now this is my first Thinkpad, but I'm sure many loyal customers will be very displeased.

 

I've owned an X60s and an X61s. Both notebooks exhibit the exact same battery wiggle with the extended (8-cell in these cases) battery. It is entirely possible, and even likely, that Lenovo engineers have a reason for designing the battery like this. It's not like they aren't aware of an x mm difference between the battery width and the battery cavity.

The keyboard issue, if accurately described, may be attributed to a new weight-saving keyboard design. Apparently, Lenovo engineers have data to show that the weight-saving design is just as strong/inflexible as the outgoing "heavy" keyboards, but user feedback says otherwise. I imagine this is something Lenovo will address in the near future, if not in the form of an updated service part, then as a new part for the future X201/T401/T501 etc.

 

The keyboard is like that because if you look at the pictures where I took off the keyboard, the hard drive bay is under the enter key. There isn't anything to brace it. That is the biggest flex; I do not find it to be that problematic because you just hit the enter key with your pinky (not the strongest finger). The wiggle is not a big deal in my book because it is still stable when attached. I use the 9cell as a handle and have not had any issues.

 

I must agree with jaredy here: I have detected no battery wiggle and I too use it as a handle, sometimes, when pulling the laptop out of its sleeve (Shinza ZeroShock 13").

As for keyboard flex, I wouldn't say there's ANY... but keyboard flex is like ghosting on LCD monitors: different people notice it in different ways.

 

Does the Shinza ZeroShock 13" fit the X200 with 9 cells like a glove or it will leave a couple inches of space at one side?

Thanks,

Sean

 

+1 on the question =)

 

http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sizing/ibm.htm check sizing

http://shinza.com/product_info.php?cPath=5_10_15&products_id=75

 

+1 on jaredy's links.

My personal experience is that it fits snugly regardless of the extra inch. The X200 is not the thinnest notebook ever, after all. And then if you (like me) keep the sleeve in a bag and only unzip one side of the sleeve to get out the notebook, you're going to have to pull firmly to get it out. It's a good buy, trust me.