X200/X200s questions as a student.

I own a T400 and I love it, but I plan on selling it because quite frankly its more computer than I need. I don't need an optical drive, discrete graphics, and the T9600 is probably overkill for my needs. What I am looking for is

Extreme durability - My laptop gets tossed around in my car's backseat and trunk, stuffed in my backpack, left on the floor, I roll over it in bed, etc etc.

Portability - I carry my laptop everywhere, I'm a part time student and work full time so I take it with me everywhere in a bag (booq mamba saddle, 13-15") along with work files, a couple big textbooks, a huge 5 subject notebook, and a bunch of other junk, and although the T400 is manageable, something smaller and lighter would be nice.

Long battery life - I'm out of the house from 7AM to 10PM and while plugs are available to me, I would rather not have to watch the battery meter and scope out plugs at work or at school, plus I wouldn't have to carry around the power brick.

I use my laptop as my secondary computer, so I don't need much storage space as everything usually stays on my desktop, and if I need to take movies or part of my music library or pictures with me I throw it on a SD card. What I do use this for is taking notes, browsing, watching streaming HD video, working on excel sheets (acct. major), and I need something that won't bog down when multitasking. I usually have 2 or 3 firefox/chrome windows open with 20 tabs each, a couple word documents, a couple excel sheets, vlc, spiderplayer, and some form of messaging client.

Based on my needs and usage I think the X200/X200s would fit the bill and their dirt cheap right now I assume because they're trying to get rid of them before the next Xwhatever (210?) comes out. It's small, durable with or with out the roll cage, would probably flex less (relatively) compared to a T400, dumps the optical drive and discrete graphics, looks great. What I can't find is

1) Difference in thickness between the X200 and X200s. I plan to use a 9 cell battery either way.

2) I'm fine with the WXGA res and wouldn't pay extra for the WXGA+. I'm a big confused here though, the X200 uses the same WXGA screen as in the X200s (when you don't choose the WXGA+) and they fit a webcam in. I know no webcam option is available with the WXGA+ screen on the 200s, but if you choose the WXGA option with the 200s do you get a webcam? Or does it have more to do with the space due to the lid and 3x3 than the screen? I ask because a webcam is of great use to me, I skype at least 3-4 times a week if not daily to talk to relatives, friends and the sort, and having a built in one would be beneficial to me.

3) Is there a noticeable difference in image quality between the CCFL back lit WXGA and the LED backlit WXGA+? I don't care if it makes the lid thicker, I'm more concerned with if it actually affects image quality. I'm not concerned with having the "next gen rollcage" because if I've read correctly the X200 also has the magnesium alloy lid cover, just no roll cage.

4)I have used netbooks before and I'm not sure if the su9400 would be up to my desired usage. I'm sure the SL9400 would and will probably choose that if I get the x200s and gladly take the clock bump and extra cache. I think the trade off in price and battery life for performance is worth it. Is the P8600 overkill for my use?

5) Lastly, how difficult is the learning curve for the trackpoint? I have a logitech VX nano but would prefer not to have to use it (less stuff to carry). I've used similar nubs on my old toshiba satellites and I found them to be very stiff and couldn't get the pressure just right to get the acceleration of the cursor I wanted. Then again that was a very old laptop so hopefully technology has improved and the lenovo one is more comfortable to use? I have one on my T400 obviously, but I rarely use it so I'm not really sure how hard it would be to use ONLY the trackpoint. And since there's ONLY a trackpoint on the X200/200s I was wondering if it was of better quality since its the only input device (ie no drifting).

6) Is there anyway to hook this thing up to HDMI inputs?

I'm kind of between a rock and a hard place here, because if the X200s had a webcam I would be all over it, but it doesn't so I would have to get the X200, but the lack of a low voltage processor/less battery life with a 9 cell really puts me off, especially when I think the P8600 is more power than I need. Thats why I was wondering if the WXGA screen with the X200s came with a webcam. I know the P8600 with a 9 cell gets around 9 hours of batt life, but with a SU or even SL and a 9 cell I would get more and would be more comfortable with that. Plus the X200s is slightly slimmer. I just dont want to have to carry around the lenovo clip-on USB webcam and stick it on there everytime I skype. But then again, just having a webcam isn't worth the extra thickness and less battery life to me... I think...

Also the reason I ruled out the T400s is the 1.8" drives. Deal breaker for me.

And if it helps to answer any questions, I have an Intel SSD and 8gb or ram waiting to be installed on whatever computer I do end up buying. That will meet my storage needs and hopefully the 8gb ram will help with those 50 tabs I keep open all the time... I apologize for the lengthy post.

 

1.- Detailed dimension measurements can be found in the Tabook, linked to in the Thinkpad Sticky.

2.- I believe the X200s with the WXGA panel can have a webcam, although I'm not positive.

3.- The X200s' WXGA+ LED-backlit panel is brighter, although neither screen is fantastic.

4.- Honestly, I think any of these processors will be sufficient for your uses, even the SU9400. I would, however, probably recommend the SL9400 as it comes at little extra cost and will still allow you to get 10+ hours of battery time out of your X200s' 9-cell.

5.- Well, seeing as you do have a T400, you should probably just work with it more and see how you like it. If you just can't get used to it, the X200s may not be the best option. It took me probably a few days to get used to the TrackPoint, but after a few weeks, I started using it more than the touchpad, and now I use it almost exclusively when I do not have an external mouse. Personally, I use it at 1 notch below maximum sensitivity, so it's very responsive and quick.

6.- Sort of: if you use a dock, I believe the dock has DVI-out. But the X200s itself only has VGA-out.

 

I can't answer your model-specific questions as I am not familiar with the X200, but I'll answer what I can.

Have you checked Lenovo's support site? They offer physical, technical, and power specs for every model they release.

There is no difference in image quality in the sense that backlights provide light for the LCD panel, which in turn determines image quality. However, LED backlighting does deliver several practical benefits:
- lower power consumption
- more even lighting
- brighter display lighting
- no mercury present in the product, as is the case with CCFL backlights
- LEDs allow for thinner laptop lids

There isn't much of a learning curve to the nippl-er, trackpoint mouse, but in case of problems there are utilities that allow you to tweak every possible setting for it. You can even use primary click functionality with it. I regularly use this feature on my trusty T42.

Depending on the video port on the X200, you could get an HDMI adapter so long as it isn't VGA.

 

1) The x200s is a few mm thinner on the bottom. However, the 9 cell battery will stick out the underside and offset this advantage. Additionally, the x200s with WXGA+ LED display is slightly thinner and has the next gen rollcage.

2) I think the WXGA CCFL x200s has the same lid as the x200 (however, someone with one should try and verify this). As a result it should have the option for a webcam, but I don't think it's standard.

3) Neither the WXGA CCFL or WXGA+ LED have great image quality. Officially the WXGA+ LED is listed with a higher contrast ratio, but I'm not sure if that's accurate. The bigger question is resolution/pixel density. Considering how much you multi-task the extra resolution (1440x900 vs. 1280x800) could be quite useful.

4) The SU9400 is vastly better than an Atom CPU. However, I'd still recommend going with the SL9400 if funds allow. Both it and the P8600 should be more than enough for your needs.

5) I think the TrackPoint is quite intuitive to learn. Lenovo/IBM's implementation is far better than Fujitsu/Dell/HP. Additionally, you can increase the sensitivity and the firmness independently. If you touch type well I think you will actually prefer the TrackPoint (I have one for my desktop as well [IBM Space Saver II]).

6) Not easily. You could use a DIY viDOCK, DisplayLink (uses USB→HDMI so it has limitations), or buy the UltraBase and get a DisplayPort→HDMI adapter. None of these are really ideal though.

I'd probably recommend an x200s with LED display (WXGA or WXGA+ at your preference), 9 cell battery, and SL9400. It's a bit lighter and should get 15-25% better battery life than the x200. However, the regular x200 is a fine choice as well.

Fair enough with the T400s. I would suggest it with an SSD, but if you already have an Intel SSD lying around (I assume x-25M rather than x-18M), than that isn't really an option.

 

All very good advice, is there a problem typing because of shorter than normal palm rest or same as a netbook I suppose? Also is there SL9400 (here there is an SL9600 as well floating around) on the X200s much slower than the 8400 on the X200, given the fact that X200 also has 7200 rpm HDD ? Here you can get the X200 with a 1280 x 800 LED display and I am checking whether I can get an X200s with exactly that screen.

 

Typing on the x200 is incredible and in no way comparable to a netbook.

The SL9400/SL9600 is only marginally slower than the P8400/P8600. Most users will never notice any difference. The x200s also has the option for 7200rpm HDDs and SSDs.

 

Configured the way I would want it the X200s will cost me some 1,300 Euros ...ouch ! That would be with the LED 1280 x 800 and webcam, a 250 GB HDD (5400), a 6 cell battery... but since the X100e costs around the 450 Euro mark that is a 3 to 1 price difference ...should I just wait for the dual core to be present in the X100e and get a T400 for at home ? I just bought one for someone at work .. so will play around with the T400 and may have to do that. I would love a full powered X200s but there are limits to the budget. and on far away trips I would rather have an x100e stolen than an X200s ... decisions decisions ... thanks for the info on the SL9400 chip ... I may still be tempted.

 

I have the exact same use case and requirements as you (I'm not a student, but work in excel/firefox/outlook all day).

Your best bet is to go for an X200s:
- WXGA+ LED (More screen real estate = less scrolling = more efficient)
- SL9400 is fine for your needs (especially if you install 4GB+ of RAM, Win 7 64-bit, and an SSD - your X200s will FLY)
- 9-cell battery gives you ~6+ hours of heavy WiFI/Application use
- The webcam wasn't worth it to me because the X200s dominates the X200 in mobility, battery power, thinness, and panel brightness + resolution

 

+1. I"m enjoying a setup like this right now : )

 

The pixel density on a 12" WXGA+ is quite high. Some won't like it.

 

The X200s can be optioned with the 12.1 inch WXGA+

 

Does anyone here have comparison of VID/FID for the P8600 versus SL9400 CPU? THey both run at 1066Mhz FSB. It they are comparable, then could just rmclock to undervolt the P8600 to get SL9400 battery life.

T400s can take a 2.5" HDD via the ultrabay adapter in place of the optical drive. It's 1.8" bay can be empty OR have a 1.8" microsata SSD, eg: Runcore ProIV.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, and I apologize for the late reply. After doing much research I decided to just go ahead and get the X200s. The larger screen real estate and brightness plus the LV processor option sealed the deal and I can bite the bullet and get the lenovo USB web cam. It's nifty, clips on, slides closed and rotates, and it's cheap. I'm not constantly using the webcam so it wont kill me to have to plug one in when I do need it. Also as for the HDMI output, my HDTV has a VGA/PC in so no biggies. And as for my netbook comparison, I mean slim and lights, my wife has a U350p with the su7300, I mean that processor. I'll still be going with the SL9400. The price difference is negligible and the increased cache is appreciated, and I doubt it will hurt battery length significantly. I did find a topseller model that had the SL9600 and the webcam, but it came with a bunch of accessories I didn't need and the wifi card and battery I didn't want and was more expensive, so I think I'll just stick to ordering it direct from lenovo. And yeah the reason I ruled out the T400s because of the 1.8" drive is because I have an X-25M G2 at home waiting to be installed along with 8GB of G.Skill 7-7-7-20 so hopefully those upgrades will really make her fly. My only 2 worries are adjusting to a TrackPoint only and adjusting to 1440 res on a 12.1" screen. On my desktop I'm used to 1280x1024 on a 19" so seeing even MORE horizontal space on a smaller screen will take some adjusting.

I have one last question about warranties. I prefer onsite warranties, I had it with my lattitudes in the past, and I just prefer to see what the guy is doing, his quality of repair, etc. Gives me peace of mind. My question is about the ADP warranty. How generous is this warranty? If I get ADP and I accidentally run over my thinkpad with a car, what will they do? Can I purchase warranty after buying the product provided I haven't made any claims on the warranty? Is it more expensive that way or is it the same price?

And lastly here's my quote:
Intel Core2 Duo processor SL9400 (1.86GHz, 6MB L2, 1066MHz FSB)1
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
12.1 WXGA+ (1440x900) LED backlight with the Next Generation ThinkPad Roll Cage, 3x3 UltraConnect ll antenna
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)8
TrackPoint
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
No Bluetooth
Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
ThinkPad X200 Series 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
7465: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

Subtotal: $1,789.00
Sale price: $1,314.00
[USPDISPLAY] -$197.10
Shipping and handling: $0.00
Estimated tax: $92.15
Estimated total: $1,209.05*

Paid 679.98 for the 8GB of ram and SSD shipped, for a grand total of 1889.03 assuming the X200s price doesn't fluctuate and theres still some sort of discount code going on later and I don't get the onsite/adp. How does it look?

And last but not least, how long do you think the X200s will be around? I'm planning on buying sometime in February, but I'm nervous because I know the Lenovo website changes VERY frequently depending on parts availability and stuff. And when is the next X2xxs coming out? Usually there's an overlap period when the new model and older model are both available (like the T400/T410 right now), can I count on that? Or will the X200s disappear all of a sudden and I'll be forced to buy the (most definitely to be more pricier although I'm surprised at the low price of the T410) newer version?

And lastly (for real this time) are the 10 dollar trackpoint caps worth it? I figured since I'll be using trackpoint only maybe I should try out the different shapes/textures to see if there's one that I prefer?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

whoa you took the plunge on the 2 x 4 gig module, kudo for that........ i am still trying to persuade myself of buying the 4 gigs modules..... until Haiti Earthquake happened, and i donated my 4 gig pension fund to these desperate people............. oh well i guess i have go by with less ram modules.....

 

Yeah the ram alone game out to 390 shipped. One of the cheaper dual channel sets I found and pretty well reviewed. Most I found were 450+. My once-cutting-edge desktop has only 1GB of DDR400, my eee 1000HE has 2, the T400 has 4, and I took the plunge this time with the 8. I figured since I'm getting a nice SSD I might as well go all the way and max out the laptop's specs. Aside from storage (which will still be the desktops duty) this will end up being my main computer for the next 4 years. I try to upgrade on a 4 year cycle. 8GB of ram should aid in the long run.

 

the 4 gig modules are probably a safe investment for sometime to come, especially given the fact that the DDR3 module prices have remained steady for a while now, and there is no sign of it coming down at all despite the maturation of technology and fabrication technology.

 

Exactly my thoughts as well, it's pretty ridiculous actually. 4GB kits have dropped below 100 bucks, but 8GB kits have been sitting pretty at 400+ dollars for over a year now. I bought my EEE during March of last year, and I was looking at single 4GB modules back then, most around the 200-250 range. Still the same!

 

MAA83, sounds like we have almost the same machine.

I have a 6-cell, in the market for a 4-cell.
I have 2GB, in the market for another 2GB stick.
I have Intel Wifi 5100, happy with it.
I'm running Windows 7 Enterprise 32bit.

Everything else is identical.

btw, here's my undervolting results if you ever get to that; I'd love to see another SL94000 data point:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=444560

 

There is no demand for 8GB DIMMs, that's probably why. Anyone who needs 8GB of RAM, no matter what application they are running, should probably do it on a desktop at that point simply because anything that requires 8GB of RAM is likely to have proportionally higher demands on the CPU and/or GPU. That's just my speculation on the matter, though.

 

Actually it is due to the manufacturing curbing the production of the high capacity DDR3 ram modules, to keep the price of their product artificially high... this industry have done this many times before, and got huge fine from it for reasons similar to this.

 

I'd second that. There's very little demand. If many notebook manufacturers make it as the default configuration, the price will do down for sure.

 

it is no so much the demand, but rather that the manufacturers are artificially limiting the supply to keep the price high. Supply do create demand by itself. If you look at the supply and demand curve of the DDR2 4 gig ram sticks with their price trend, then you get some good idea as what the manufacturers are doing with the DDR3 ram modules.

The ram module suppliers don't want to flood the market, and compete on a volume basis.