X200: 3-in-1 Mediacard reader + Modem vs SD Card reader

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anybody here could explain the difference between the 2 choices at lenovo.com for the X200:

1. 3-1 MediaCard Reader w/ Modem
2. SD Card Reader w/o Modem

Isn't the 3-in-1 mediacard reader better than the SD card reader? Correct me if I am misunderstanding, but it seems to me that the SD Card reader will only read SD cards, whereas the other one will be able to read 3 types of cards?

If this is the case, why would anybody give up the modem and go for a lower-end card reader?

Any clarification would be appreciated!

Faruk

 

I'm pretty sure it's either:

3 in 1 Media Card Reader w/o Modem
5 in 1 Media Card Reader w Modem

I don't understand why they would offer such options but I did go with 5 in 1 because I need a modem port at my dormitory. I think for most people, 3 in 1 or 5 in 1 does not matter much. I think it's just a difference between two more minor digital card type vs two less. I only use SD and MicroSD (with SD card adapter).

 

I don't think it's wise to give up the modem *regardless* of one's needs, especially if it's free. Suppose you're travelling and your hotel has no broadband: it's still going to have a telephone jack.

 

What can the 3 in one read?

 

Probably minority card types, but it's definitely not CF card because it's too big.

 

Agreed. No integrated card reader can do CF. Those (like me) who have a dSLR camera with CF cards can get a CF reader for the X200's ExpressCard slot.

 

I don't understand why either but perhaps it shaves off a little weight?

 

Maybe a third of an ounce, if that...

 

I was trying to find out the same thing. I think the lenovo website is really a mess and not very informative. It's impossible to know the weight of the laptop when you customize it. I'd like to know what can the 5-1 and 3-1 read and how much the modem weighs. do I have to call lenovo for that?

 

I think the weight is negligible. But I didn't bother getting the modem anyways because I have not used a modem in too many years to count. Just figure the card reader does SD and SD related media types.

 

Is 56k modem adapter supposed to be smaller than the plug on a router? My internet cable doesn't fit on x200.

 

Yes. RJ11 and RJ45 are totally different.

 

Can someone list what card slots are in the 3 in 1 and which are in the 5 in 1?

 

5-1 is not offered in Canada. 3-1 with modem is only offered in Canada. I personally have a funny feeling the 3-1 is basically the SD? (SD, MiniSD and MicroSD). BUT I hope I'm completely wrong and it'll support some sort of Sony MemoryStick.

 

Is there like an adapter or card that makes it possible to use? Because my wireless connection at dorm is not so great compared to wired, which is blazing fast.

 

strange...you are aware there is Gigabit ethernet on the laptop right?

 

if your dorm supports Gigabit you'll own... hope you heard of DC++. Also get a CAT 6 cable to reduce packet lost, they're the only cables design for Gigabit.

 

I highly doubt his dorm room has gigabit. I was just pointing out that it had ethernet mainly. Any cat5(e) cable would do fine. It would be nice if you have 100mbit lan though!

 

not really... i won't be surprise dorms having Gigabit. There's a lot of new residence going up. A couple years back in Ontario they had to for the double coheart. And yes cat5(e) works but it's not design for Gigabit. That was the cheap man's way of having a "better" cable but it still has dependency issues and have packet lost. Try running a couple VPN connections and you'll see the issues. Cat 6 is the way to go =) and for sure they should have 100mbit. The residence at my university that were really old (before computers) and they have 100mbits.

 

AznRacerNSX...gigabit is not prevalent in universities for dorm residence. From an administration standpoint there is no real need for Gigabit for students. I work for my university's ResNet services for the dorms and we have our users on 10mbit lines. Now 100mbit is pretty common but you are not likely to see gigabit ports because the cost of such switches it exorbitant and frankly is not worth it at all for dorms.

 

man that sucks 10mbits? what university is this? true upgrading everything to gigabit would be a costly matter but if you're building a residence at the moment i don't seeing it being ruled out.

By the way i did a search awhile back and i did find at least a couple university that has gigabit (think it was called Case University), so don't rule that out and some use VOIP for their phone systems. Just because one university does not head in the same direction doesn't mean others won't. Some universities just get ridiculous fundings from different companies to allow such things. For example, University of Toronto is getting a Super computer in partnership with IBM, this supercomputer will be the most powerful one in Canada.

 

I did not say anything exclusive. I said my University (UCSB) used 10mbits for dorm students (though they are 100mbit ports on the switches). I also said it is common to have 100mbit. I did not rule it out I was merely generalizing how it would be unlikely to have Gigabit and that there was no reason to merit it aside from just wasting cash. I am aware that Universities have partnerships...most tend to get a lot of funding for research etc, but that doesn't necessarily apply or trickle down to dorm internet/lans. Though again, I don't think that application merits Gige.

 

I also have not said anything exclusive i was just expressing the idea that gigabit is creeping up on us and should not be undermined. I was just wondering if his university has gigabit which in my mind was a justifiable question.. curiosity thus get the best of us at times. The university i mention has gigabit for dorms, maybe not utilized to the fullest but it does have it.

I don't believe Gigabit's a waste of money (this is coming from a guy who would not benefit from this because I never lived on residence besides a couple sleep overs).

Gigabit becoming the norm in industries, prices for gigabit components are substantially lowered now.

DC++ is really popular at my university (maybe not yours) 100mbits helps a lot; imagine Gigabit.

but ya.. we're way off topic now... and i don't want to overhaul this thread.

 

Ya I guess we aren't talking about the modem part...

 

hehe well you seem like a cool guy to talk about random comp stuff. pm me if you want to talk about random comp stuff. (we do have same taste in laptops)

and staying on topic... Faruk:
If you're from Canada... we have no choice now.. so we're "stuck" with the 3-in-1 + modem and I'm pretty sure no one from Canada has received their x200 (or they're hiding/busy with the laptop) to answer your question. Down South, the US has either 5-in-1 + modem or SD w/o modem so they can't really help. I'll be calling lenovo tomorrow, I'll try to remember to ask them and post back.

 

I don't think we have a gigabit. My current wire is CAT5E.

 

WOW.... i just called Lenovo and they said it's a typo for Canada... and it is indeed 5-in-1 media card reader... I trust this guy more then the previous person i talked to... However, I'm going to call again / try the online chat later today when i get to school.. I'll post an update.

 

ask about the modem weight as well and what kind of cards it reads.

 

My conversation online with Lenovo. The ***** is Lenovo's representative, i didn't feel it was appropriate to have her name posted. Hope this shows everyone how easy the Lenovo chat is and how awesome =).

Customer: hi
Customer: i have a quick question about the x200
*****: sure
Customer: for the 3-in-1 media card reader
Customer: is that a typo?
Customer: i'm referring to the canadian site if that helps
*****: Thanks, let me confirm
Customer: thank you
*****: Thank you for your patience, it looks like it is a typo on the web
*****: the X200 comes with a 5-1 media card reader
Customer: can you please tell me what the 5- media card can read? =)
*****: sure
*****: 5-in-1 reader comes with -MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Mem Stick Pro, Secure Digital, SDHC
Customer: thanks and one last question... do you know the weight difference... picking the option with and without modem?
*****: with modem you should add aprox 0.2 lbs to the weight of the notebook
Customer: thank you for your time and help =)
Customer: good bye

 

thanks NSX. so I guess the 3-1 card reader reads SD,SDHC and MMC.

0.2lbs! I was suriprised by that. How could such a small modem weigh that much?! :S

 

I am glad I didn't get it haha.

 

Thanks NSX. I was wondering what the weight of the modem is! I don't want it since I won't use it and 0.2lb is liable to break my spine

 

you guys are scaring me = = my poor back... will this effect my growth? you know.. as an asian... we're short enough as it is...

well with all seriousness aside.. I'm coming from a 5.6 pound laptop... i think i can take 0.2 more pounds hehe.

 

Someone thought a while back that the 3 in 1 is a SDHC card reader that eats the card completely and has a 'push to eject' system, therefore needing more space inside, not allowing a modemcard to be placed. And the 5 in 1 would let the card stick out.

No idea if it's true, but is't a good explanation imo.

 

Can somebody with an X200 confirm this?

lol and the 0.2lbs thing is pretty funny.. but I haven't used a modem for over 5 years anyway so I would still choose to shed the 0.2lbs instead of having a modem that i'll never use

 

Anyone cared to tell me that there was an ethernet plug on the left side?

Lol, I've been trying to figure out a way to plug an ethernet cable on 56k modem plug..

It read 100 Mbps wired.

 

I thought i did with my #29 post in this thread... unless the lenovo Rep was wrong... I don't think 3-1 even exist.. thus nothing to confirm...

 

why would you be plugging in an ethernet cable into a 56k modem plug............ they're completely different size........ your ethernet port is beside your VGA port.

 

Oh btw, maybe this modem thing finally explains why the Hong Kong Baptist University has the X200 listed as 3.14lbs:
http://www.hknotebook.com/bu2008/notebooks/Slim/ThinkPad_X200.html

2.93 + 0.2 = 3.13lbs.. that's pretty close

 

I was talking about confirming what the poster before me said - whether the SD card can be pushed all the way in on the 5-in-1 reader, or if it sticks out

 

I can push a SD card all the way into the reader slot. To take it out, just push the card one more time. Mine comes with the modem, but I am not sure it's 3 in 1 or 5 in 1. Because my invoice/order confirmation/order status all have different answers.

Sean

 

I was referring to my previous post when I asked if I would be able to plug ethernet cable to 56k modem without knowing that there was an ethernet plug on the left side and some of you were telling me about something else.