X201s screen -Just how bad is it?

One comment I read over and over again, from some site and user reviews, is that the x201s screen is bad (ranging from awful to not very good). I know a lot of those are subjective comments, and not all that meaningful to how I might categorize it.

What I'd really like to know is, is there anyone who has an X201s that can tell me whether or not it is possible to read the screen outdoors? I don't mean with the sun shining directly on it, but perhaps in the shade, or with the sun behind it? I realize you'd have to crank up the brightness to max, thereby using a lot of power, but is it at all possible?

(And if you'd like, feel free to make comments on the X201 instead. I assume the X201s' screen is slightly better, based on their specs, but I don't know if the difference is actually meaningful or not.)

Thanks!

 

Most screens that are TN are not readable outside in the sun unless they are a lot brighter than what the 200nit screen on the x201s.

That doesn't really have to do with its critiques of it not being a great screen.

 

Actually, the x201s is spec'd at 250 nits, but your point is the same. I was hoping that maybe, just maybe, the extra bit of brightness as well as contrast (300:1 vs 250:1) would make the x201s somewhat usable outdoors. But that's probably just wishful thinking.

Some of the comments are, I think, from people who prefer glossy screens. But most are probably because it's just a cheap TN panel. But I suppose it must still be acceptable at least indoors, for normal, everyday work, otherwise the comments would be even worse than they are.

Edited: I see in your sig that you're using the same monitor as I am, so you definitely appreciate a good display!

 

Oh right 250nit for the x201s. But, ya really just depends on how realistically you need to use the laptop outdoors. Because if you really needed it, I would go with the tablet and with the outdoor screen or if there are still similar options for the T series.

In the shade turned up all the way I suppose you could use it in a pinch.

For indoor office work it should be fine. I am not overly picky about my x200's screen since I just need to be able to read text and understand a chart/graphic. If I want to enjoy media or something color critical I can dock it .

 

The tablet's screen is definitely attractive, but the Outdoor Viewable option is too expensive unless I were lucky enough to find one in the Outlet store (unlikely, I think). Though I have read a few posts by people who say the non-Outdoor Viewable SuperBright screen is readable outdoors. I really wanted to use it outdoors, but I also really wanted something like the x201's size and weight.

I want it all, but can't have it all. (I've even considered the screen mod on the X200, but don't like the idea of immediately voiding my warranty.)

 

If it is as good as the T410 wxga+ screen, then it is comparable to the '09 white macbook. I think people are comparing it to the 09 mbp or dell rbg led screen. When you compare two product then the pro of one product true shine, and the con really get exaggerated.

 

And what do people say about these? (I don't know their reputations.)

The X201s has the same contrast ratio as the T410, but according to the specs, the X201s is actually slightly brighter (250 nits vs 220). How they compare in reality, of course, I have no idea.

 

I have a LED backlit 250nit x200s and I occasionally use it outdoors. Turning brightness to 14/15 or 15/15 will work just fine. Text is readable but of course less contrast when outside. I spend more computer time indoors than outdoors. Hope that helps

 

That helps a LOT! Thank you very, very much.

 

I assume this is in indirect sunlight right?

 

May not be what you want but you might enjoy reading the thread on T400 high nit panel that I posted to again just now. I posted pics showing the screen outdoors and some indoors.

Gary

 

Thanks, Gary. Now that is a high nit screen (680)! Too bad they don't offer such an option on the X201 models (or the 410 ones, either). I guess there wasn't enough demand.

 

This is one of problems these forums. If they didn't exist you'd get your X201s and be happy with it. Now cause people here or elsewhere says your screen is bad, somehow it is, when you were happy with it before.

 

Nah, ZaZ, I'm not that easily influenced. The real problem is that I can't actually see any of these before I buy them. So I have to rely on forums like this for information (as well as on reviews, of course). I don't mind buying things sight unseen, but I prefer to at least have an idea what to expect in advance.

The other real problem, temporary I hope, is that the X201s, the X200t, the X201t are all unavailable on the US Lenovo site (there is a single X200t on the outlet site, but not in a configuration that I'm looking for). So I guess I'll have some time to decide before I can actually buy one of these anyway. I hope this shortage is temporary.

 

it's vomitrocious. no just kidding, haven't seen it in person.

 

I have a x201s and I have tested in direct sunlight full brightness. Thanks to the mat screen it was way more readable than my friends macbook.

I personally had no issues working outdoor with it brightness set 15/15

Bear in mind that I also have no issues with the screen resolution at native font size.

 

Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. I just made a mock-up of the footprints of the X201s and X200t, along with appropriate weights. That convinced me the tablet is just a bit too large and heavy for my needs. Now reading this from you seals my decision: X201s it is! Many thanks. Now I just need to wait until they become available again ....

 

I suppose you could try a top seller model.

 

Yeah, I've been looking at 5143-28u, but it's out of stock or unavailable most everywhere I look. There are a few places that claim it's in stock, but either they are sites I'm not comfortable with, or they are priced too high. It's pretty close to how I'd like to configure it (though CTO is always better ), so hopefully they'll be coming soon (3-4 weeks?). Of course I prefer to order directly from Lenovo (not sure why!).

 

Yes in indirect sunlight. I always try to find some shade. Not for the screen persay, but to protect my skin, hehe