X200 Discussion & Issues/Critique

Placed an order on an X200 today. I've always been a Dell guy...I'm ditching my Latitude D630 because of the weight, size, etc. Didn't want to wait for the E4300 to be released since Lenovo had a deal on the X200 the past 2 days. But worse comes to worse, I guess I can cancel the Lenovo next week (that is allowed is it not? )if I find that the E4300 pricing, etc is better.

On a side note, I have a brand new APC notebook surge protector that I bought shortly after I bought my D630.

http://www.apcc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=PNOTEPROC6

Turns out that the D630 power adapter is 2 pin, not 3 pin.

Anyone know if the 65W power adapter of the X200 is 2 pin and if it's compatible with the APC notebook surge protector?

 

It is a two pin (prong, without the ground) connector. I don't know about compatibility, sorry.

 

I don't supposed the DVDR ultrabay has a USB connection?

If not, I"m gonna call in and eliminate the X200 ultrabase and the DVDR ultrabay from my order...and instead get an ext DVDR (I wouldn't want to drag around an ultrabase in my laptop case just so I have access to the DVDR!)

 

It has USB.

http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Sho...387&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=8894387

 

Actually I'm talking about the ultrabay dvdrw drive itself. Can it be used as an external? (via usb connection to the laptop)?

 

no, it's an internal drive. someone might make cases or adapters to allow it to be used as an external drive, but i am not aware of any.

 

Ohh, ya it would just have a sata plug (or ide i guess).

 

You have detected no battery wiggle? Mine is surely secure enough to use it as a handle, but it just isn't solid and it really bugs me for some reason. It rattles both in and out, and up and down. I don't know why I'm so finicky about this lol.

 

You can always just deal with it; on my previous x-series with loose batteries I just used a business card, cut to size and folded when necessary, to act as a shim. Crude, but it worked well and is simple to do.

If you want to get fancy, use a foam tape cut to size as a shim.

 

Foam tape is a good idea. I tried electrical tape, but the gap is too wide.

 

Took them long enough!!!!!

Order date: 08/05/08

Lenovo X200

1 7454CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM
$1,449.00 $1,449.00
44C5186 SBB INTCORE2DUOPROCT8600(2,4GH
42V8012 VBB MS WIN VISTA HOME BASIC
43Y3317 SBB GWV HOMEBASIC 32 US ENG.
44C5190 SBB 2X2UL.CON.II ANT.,WWAN,CAM
42X6305 SBB 2GBPC3-8500 1067MHZ2DIMM
44C5216 SBB KEYBOARD US ENGLISH
43Y5779 SBB TRACKPOINT
44C5212 SBB 64GB SOL.ST,DRIVE,SER.ATA
44C5183 SBB 5-1MEDIACARDREADER+MODEM
62P6054 VBB INTEGR.BLUETOOTH PAN
42X6325 SBB INT.WIFI LINK5300
44C5194 SBB INTEGRWIRELESSWIDEAREANETW
44C5197 SBB THINKPADX200SER.9CELLENH.
41W1787 SBB CPK NORTH AMERICA
44C5249 SBB LAPACK US ENGL
Status: Shipped on 09/16/2008 More info
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The best things in life are free

Soon coming - Thinkpad X200 with FREE 64GB SSD

 

Battery wiggle is not a good indicator of overall quality. It's what you would expect from VAIOS, and yes, my vaio C series has massive battery wiggle.

On the other hand IBM X41 the battery is extremely tight.

 

Congrats on it finally shipping out. Have fun with the SSD

 

Thanks It would seem these threads get lost in the mix. This forum should seperate the X200/X200s/X200t and X300/301 series line into an area of its own underneath the Lenovo/IBM section along with other models in the same lines. Its getting frustrating going thru a whole bunch of threads just to read one reply. This forum would keep a lot more users if they made this simple change....

As for the X200, I guess I'll have to wait until I can start tracking the thing since it only states "shipped" and nothing else. I'm getting giddy in anticipation as if its a Christmas present under the tree I can't wait to open.

 

Anyone purchased a warranty yet? I'm going to purchase one but I didn't have time to call Lenovo.

 

i bought warranty when i ordered the x200.

 

Oh, I remembered the initial question I was going to ask. If I purchase depot warranty, would I be able to take it to one of the authorized repair center? I searched and there's 3 warranty center (not Lenovo-only, but it seems to me like it's a contracted local computer repair stores) in Hawaii.

So on the other hand, if I purchase onsite, it would be those people coming to my house?

I can get to those places within 30 minutes, so if that's the case, I think I would go with cheaper plan.

 

It is convenient to have them come to you and you don't have to waist your money on gas. Four thirty minute trips for one repair could get pricey. Wear and tear on the car not included and gas prices are mighty high.

 

A little far fetch? lol

I just got depot service and not onsite... because:

1) cheaper
2) don't want random idiots at my house
3) i don't like waiting for people and/or might have to adjust my schedule to the service dude.
4) it's easier to just drop it off at a service center, they can ship it back to you for free) if you really don't want to pick it up. However i would do a pick up
5) it might be quicker... because they're just foreshadowing your problem.. but there is a greater chance of bringing the wrong component.. thus if you go to the service center.. saves a trip back?
6) if the dude is onsite.. he might not know the issue.. if he's at the service center.. he can probably get assistance...

7) i don't want random idiots at my house
8) i don't like waiting for people and/or might have to adjust my scheduel to the service dude.

ya i repeated that.. it's that important lol

 

Just built my x200 and noticed Lenovo no longer offers Turbo Memory option -- anyone else spot this? I wonder why not?

Never mind: found out what happened -- if I selected the 200G 7200rpm HDD with encryption it precludes the tubo memory feature.

 

FYI: I just spoke to an Lenovo sales rep concerning my order, and he confirmed a shortage on 9-cell batteries. My system isn't being built yet, but I guess there's a fair chance that it will be further delayed because of it.

 

You're in the same boat I was in. Mine has been shipped but a mistake on Lenovo's end with paperwork for customs has delayed it yet another day. However in your case, it will stay in the "in process" mode up until the day after it ships which is very annoying. You in fact will have to call to find out what is going on.

 

Ofcourse, waiting for people to come to the house is a pain.. The person you let into your house could be a thief on the side and be scoping out the place as he picks up your machine. Better idea to keep it in your control and pay the extra for gas and "car breakdown expenses"

 

Crap. I hope they get some in the next week, because it will cause some major issues if I don't get it before I move. I specifically asked if there were any part shortages when I ordered my computer (because i heard there might be a delay on the 9-cells), but the rep said there wasn't, so I got the 9-cells anyway. I hope that wasn't a bad decision.

 

Is Lenovo Light (the bulb light on the top center) any good? It seems good as useless. Is this permanent or do I have to change the bulb once it's done?

 

The thinklight is useful, but only when it's really dark.

 

strangesweet: it is an LED and will probably live longer than you will

I find the thinklight is very useful for bedtime browsing or for use on redeye flights.

 

Still want to get the X200 the next few days. 4 cell vs 9 cell...would you spend another $36 CAD for 9 cell and the additional weight and size?

I want my X200 as light as possible but if the 9 cell doesn't do much, i might as well get that.

Then again, I heard there is a shortage on 9 cell?

 

Yes there is a 9 cell shortage and a waiting list so to speak. I had to wait over a month for mine..

My advice is get the 6 cell.... It doesn't stick out like the 9 cell and gives you almost double the power of the 4 cell if you are worried about the wieght and how long it lasts. Remember that under normal load, you get around 4-5 hours with the 9 cell. The 4 cell will be in the 1.5-2 hour range at normal usage if not less.. The six cell gives you some peace of mind that you are getting a light machine with good amount of power...

 

Try the light in pitch darkness, it will light up the keyboard enough to see the letters on the keys...

 

The 9 cell makes it 3.6lbs. It is worth it if you need/want the battery life. And I think it is still pretty light weight regardless...but if you want it to be flush just get the 6cell (though it lifts it up slightly).

 

Honestly it's not my fault you buy an american car =P and i'm sorry but... i just love driving lol and my cars won't breakdown

also i have like 9 service centers, where one of them is a "premium" location
and luckily that premium location is 5 minutes away =)

gas... please... my time is worth more than gas

 

lol @ NSX. I agree 100% - including the statement about the gas prices

Besides, why buy a car if you're not going to use it?

 

I tried turning off all the lights because I'm living with a roommate, but it was hardly visible with only ThinkLight on.

 

Well which is why it is good to be a touch typists too . Granted it isn't as good as an led light for the keys...but it gets the job done in my opinion.

 

You might want to get one of these then if you're having problems with the thinklight and still not being able to see the keys.

https://www.astroshop.de/en/night-v.../generation-1/digitally-stealth-view-5-x-42mm

 

I was just wondering what others think of ThinkLight. My roommate usually goes to sleep early and I usually sleep late so I only have two lamps on.

I can see all the keys with led on probably because of monitor brightness.

P.S: I just came back from library studying with my two other friends and I'm just surprised that none of my friend knows what Lenovo or even IBM is.

They think that it's simply ugly.

 

if they don't know what ibm or lenovo are.... they have been living in a cave...

and with regards of it being ugly.. that's just personal preference i personally like plane and simple.

 

Question about x200 WIFI vs WWAN radios --

Does the x200 have separate radios for the WIFI and WWAN? In other words is it possible to operate both at once? I'm asking because one of my reasons for replacing my Sony is that it shares a radio between them so I have to keep switching from WIFI to WWAN and back as I am in or away from areas where I have WIFI. If the x200 has this same feature I'll pass it up.

Thanks!

 

How many of you use the Thinkvantage power manager instead of Vista's built in power manager? I've been using the Vista PM, I went through the options and basically set everything to the most battery saving mode possible, but maybe the ThinkVantage PM can access some additional power saving features that Vista can't? I don't want to install it to test, because from what I read it's a major pain to get rid of it.

I have only the 4 cell battery (bought the topseller) and need to find ways to extend my battery life until the 9 cells become more available and cheap.

 

With non-native resolutions, does the x200 display scale with the proper aspect ratio? For example, would an old game with a 640*480 resolution display properly in 4:3 or would it stretch to fit the screen?

 

There is no 6-cell listed in the configuration page. I called Lenovo to find out why...agent said that if it's not listed, it means they're out of stock

I just want to confirm again that the 65W power adapter that comes with the laptop is a 2 prong?

 

A lot of people have no idea what a Thinkpad is or what lenovo is. Ask how many people know who Acer is. Brands need to be household names in electronics because regular people (non-techy, industry, business) don't know much aside from brand recognition in companies that make EVERYTHING.

I am not sure but there are two icons physically on the bottom of the screen (next to HD usage, ac power, etc) that show the wifi and WWAN. I know there is a WWAN antenna installed regardless (so you may add the module later on). And I know that the various intel wifi cards have different amounts of antennas. Maybe you can draw a conclusion from that? Try asking lenovo though.

I think the Vista one offers most of the features you'd likely to use. There is a battery stretch option and a battery life extender in the PM though. Stretch basically tweaks everything to give you the best life...but most things are insignificant. The screen is going to be your main factor. The battery life extender thing is about taking proper care of your battery. You can set it to not have it continually top off your battery (at x%). This elongates your battery's useful life (losing charge). I don't have my battery charge unless it is under 70%, personally.

Mine is .

 

I want to clear up a few things as I've had my x200 about 3 weeks and just love it.

Noise - the fan is dead silent when the processor is in the slow mode and fan is adaptive (I am a stickler for noise btw, all computers, game consoles, projectors, etc. bother me). The fan can be heard, but is still very quiet if the processor is at tilt for a long time (e.g. gaming, or media transcoding). The HD does make noise when seeking though (an SSD would probably fix this problem).

Case - I use the Thinkpad Leather Ultra Portable case ( http://computers.pricegrabber.com/laptop-carrying-cases/m/8262203/). It is small (≈12x12x4) reasonably light, well padded, designed perfectly for the x-series, and just big enough to carry what you need (laptop, power adapter, and a thin book/binder internally, w/ 2 small pockets (1 for a newspaper, other for pens and a small notepad) on the sides. It looks good (all leather, w/ subtle accents), has good handles, and great swivels on the strap.

Radio - all 3 radios (Wi-Fi, WWAN, Bluetooth) can be configured independently, and likely used simultaneously with the Access Connection Applet.

Power - I have the 9 cell battery (long life, and serves as a handle), and I use the Thinkvantage power utility. It provides much better flexibility (pick processor speed, close lid actions for different profiles and plugged/unplugged, and much more config options) than the built in method. The 65w adapter's plug is 2 prong, allowing you to use it anywhere (some places don't have modern 3 prong plugs). Also the adapter is silent, many laptop adapters have a very high pitch whine when they are plugged in, the x200 does not.

Thinklight - illuminates the keyboard very well, even in a pitch black room, with minimum screen brightness (I have been without electricity all week so I can verify it works well without any ambient light). I can even use it to read high contrast text on paper in the dark. It is also well shielded (won't hit your eyes).

Resolution scaling - this is configurable with the Intel X4500 tool. I set mine to maintain aspect ratio, this results in pillarboxing for 4x3 resolutions (e.g. 1024x768). You can also set it to stretch, or not scale (image is centered in screen with black all around). You can also do color correction with this utility.

 

How about the end of the power chord that plugs in to the small power box or whatever? is it 2 or 3?

 

I guess they recently took it off because it wasn't selling enough since most people were choosing the 4 and 9 cell options. Apparently lenovo buys in bulk to get discounts so it is easier to remove the 6 cell from inventory and stop ordering new ones rather than pay more for it than they need to. This often happens with new products. The first year of buying a new model car like this new Chevrolet Camaro is going to have tons of options to choose from. Year 2 they will not offer the unpopular choices for the same reason I mention above..

You then have two choices that are equally as bad depending on your situation. The 9 cell is certainly going to delay your order because who knows how many backorders there already are for it. And the 4 cell is not that great but may get you your laptop quicker and you would have to order the 9 cell at a later date at a higher price.. You can also try a third option whch is to order the 9 cell as an additonal battery and tell Lenovo sales reps you want them sent frist come first serve so there is less of a delay in your order..

Keep in mind I am saying all of this as specualtion since I don't work for the company. However based on all the phone calls I've made and actually speaking to a couple supervisors who let slip some information while asking about my package being delayed and also talking to ups and customs themselves saying all this is quite common with Lenovo and choosing express ease which bunches packages together and do not pay extra for weekend delivery.

 

Thanks for the write up. How long did it take you to get the X200?

 

Anyone think that the WXGA+ LED display on the upcoming X200s could possibly be a non-TN panel???

Is there a way to search for who manufactures 12.1" WXGA LED backlit panels and then be able to see if a non-TN panel with those specifications is even in production?

 

Does anyone have comparison pics of the cell options on the x200? Preferably a side shot to show how and how much they stick out the back?

Edit: The review for the x200 shows the 9-cell which is really all I needed to know. Though I am still curious to see what the 6-cell looks like in comparison.

 

The 6cell does not stick out of the back, however, it slightly raises up the laptop (so basically it is thicker).