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    X220 + Dell U2311h?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by mysteryflavored, Jul 9, 2011.

  1. mysteryflavored

    mysteryflavored Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi all --

    I'm looking to purchase an i5-2520M X220 for medical school. Battery life, portability, and durability are super important for me, but using the computer as a desktop replacement as well means I need a bigger monitor to do basically everything that isn't note-taking. The Dell U2311h looks like my best option, considering size, quality, and price. I'm wondering, though, if the X220's graphics can support this monitor, and if not, could anyone summarize the requirements for an eGPU on the X220?

    Thanks much!
     
    mysteryflavored, Jul 9, 2011
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  2. mrpeaches

    mrpeaches Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, the x220 will have no problem driving that panel.
     
    mrpeaches, Jul 9, 2011
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  3. somebodyelse

    somebodyelse Notebook Guru

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    Tested: Intel HD 3000 GPU can drive 2560x1600 external monitor (Dell 3008WFP) via DisplayPort and internal 1600x90 at the same time. So external 1920x1080 is definitely ok.
     
    somebodyelse, Jul 9, 2011
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  4. mysteryflavored

    mysteryflavored Notebook Enthusiast

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    Awesome. And will the Intel HD 3000 be able to play HD video/movies on this monitor? (sorry, super uninformed)
     
    mysteryflavored, Jul 9, 2011
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  5. somebodyelse

    somebodyelse Notebook Guru

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    somebodyelse, Jul 9, 2011
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  6. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    does X220 come with 1600 x 900 LCD?

    If you view a lot of X-ray, CT, MRI scan images then yes the 2311h is a worthwhile investment, as it has a higher contrast, better colour reproduction, etc.

    Most radiologists and technicians whom work with these scans use IPS panel LCD from NEC or Eizo (but these tend to cost north of 1500 dollars for 24 inch +)
     
    lead_org, Jul 9, 2011
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  7. mysteryflavored

    mysteryflavored Notebook Enthusiast

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    No, just 1366x768 IPS.

    I imagine I would be viewing a lot of scans and radiographs, which is why I'm really interested in having a mobile IPS screen. I don't know how frequently I'll be viewing them in my room over the next four years (as opposed to the library/hospital), but I figure having a large IPS monitor couldn't hurt.
     
    mysteryflavored, Jul 9, 2011
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  8. gz10

    gz10 Notebook Enthusiast

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    What a coincidence -- I have an X220 and a U2311h... AND, I'm going to medical school next year!

    To answer your question, this combo works great.
     
    gz10, Jul 9, 2011
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  9. mysteryflavored

    mysteryflavored Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just what I wanted to hear. Thanks!

    (also, clearly soulmates. hi.)
     
    mysteryflavored, Jul 9, 2011
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  10. WAYNENUMM

    WAYNENUMM Notebook Guru

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    Yup, me too. Love them both!
     
    WAYNENUMM, Jul 10, 2011
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  11. fraushai

    fraushai Notebook Evangelist

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    !!! :eek: I'm a med student too and I started this thread a while ago looking for a monitor to complement my x220.... I ended up getting a U2410 though, but both are awesome!

    I would also recommend the ultrabase so that you can connect to your monitor and other peripherals more conveniently.
     
    fraushai, Jul 10, 2011
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  12. mysteryflavored

    mysteryflavored Notebook Enthusiast

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    Awesome. Looks like a winner.

    Which Ultrabase are you talking about? The Series 3?
     
    mysteryflavored, Jul 10, 2011
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  13. fraushai

    fraushai Notebook Evangelist

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    I bought the mini dock series 3 since I also have the T410i. But ultrabase series 3 would be a better choice if you only have the x220 because of the added benefits of an ultrabay.
     
    fraushai, Jul 10, 2011
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  14. mysteryflavored

    mysteryflavored Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for all the help!
     
    mysteryflavored, Jul 10, 2011
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  15. gz10

    gz10 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Haha, yes, clearly. By the way, I went with the U2311h over the U2410 because (1) it's much cheaper and (2) it has standard sRGB color gamut rather than extended gamut (which can cause some confusion/issues with colors when it comes to color management between software and different computers).

    It took the 3rd try for me to get a good one though, that's my only complaint. But Dell charged me nothing for shipping and return shipping of them. The first one had some tinting on the right edge of the screen as well as noticeable backlight bleeding, and then the second one was just all around poor (fuzzy/grainy screen, evidently a poor or excessive application of the anti-reflective coating), while this 3rd one is fantastic.
     
    gz10, Jul 13, 2011
    #15