X300 vs. X61s Can't decide

A tough question for me: choosing between X300 vs. X61s. This laptop will be primarily used by a lady who usually work with MS word and just browsing. No compiler, no mathematics, and no games. But, playback HD video files (from HD cam).


X61s: $1,327 (Before tax)
L7500 LV (1.6GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
12.1" UltraLight XGA TFT, 2x3 UltraConnect II antenna
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
ThinkPad X60s Series 4 cell Slim Line Battery
3 year depot 9x5 Next Business Day

X300: $2,260 (Before tax)
SL7100 (1.2GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Business
13.3 WXGA+ TFT (LED backlight) 3x3 UltraConnect II
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
ThinkPad X300 Series 3 Cell LiPolymer Bay Battery
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG (supporting Centrino Pro)
ThinkPad X300 Series 3 Cell LiPolymer Battery
3 year depot 9x5 Next Business Day


1. Do you think X300 has the worth for around $1,000 difference?
2. What do you think about the portability of X300 comparing to X61s? Virtually same weight, though a little big footprint.
3. Are there anyone who actually ordered X300? What makes you this decision?


I saw X61s many times, and know that pretty much. At a glance, 1024x768 resolution seems like a ridiculous one because I have not used this resolution from 10 years ago. But, many folks said that it's enough once you get used to it. But, X200 will supersede X61 series, so it looks like buying X61s is a bad timing.

For X300, the worst thing is that no one ever used this notebook before. I can only get information from the benchmarks and reviews. It definitely has the similar weight with X62s, but gives *much* better resolution (especially for Windows Vista). However, doesn't have a SD memory card slot, and small capacity (64MB only).

It's really tough for me to decide on this. The due is actually today (the end of the sale). A thousand bucks could be affordable for me, but still confused about X300's value. Ridiculously, if X300 has built-in SD card slot, I would buy it without much trouble. If X300 would have SD card reader, then I could buy it with less troubles. It's quite disappointing.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

I think X300 will be better value once it can be configured with a normal HD. The $1000 difference comes mostly from the SSD and I don't think its worth that price at this point in time. I agree with your feeling about it not having a card reader. I would rather lose 1 usb and have a card reader instead. You could use usb card readers but that becomes an added accessory to bring along.

Its a tough call and I think it depends on the individual but I know for myself I'd take the X61s despite how much tempting a 13.3 LED screen at that res is. Use that for about a year time then by then hopefully either ssd prices would have come down and/or the X300 will come with a hd.

 

If it is me, I would take the X300 and get a HDD to plug in. Take out the SDD and resell at Ebay. Basically the X300 battery life is around 3 hours (for the 3 cells) which translate to 1.5 hours.

Config it to be without the DVD write and you can place in another 3 cell for additional 1 hour usuage.

As for the SDD, I for one would be waiting for that Samsung SDD to show up in ebay. Currently someone is selling a few of them for $950 but I think the price would go down once more X300 owners do the reselling.

 

None of the above

1024x768? Nah.

$2260 + tax for fast 64GB? Nah.

What else ya got?

PS: Lenovo's sales seem to never end. They just change names.

 

I'm with dlhuss ... neither. Both have drawbacks (cost v res). Although if you put a gun to my head, I'd pick the x61 (not the "s") as a MUCH better configurable little beast than the current X300 (even with all its bells and whistles)... The cost just doesn't justify having the latest toy from Lenovo. Wait for the Penryn-equipped x61 (not the "s"!!) and then deck it out with everything it's got to offer - you'll be good.

 

I would go with the x61

 

Ok, gonna throw this out there, only because of the stated requirements:

How about a Dell XPS M1330? It's an extra pound and the resolution isn't significantly better but it's the right screen ratio, and for watching video the TrueLife is nice.

(Sorry I don't know the Sony line - but something there might be good too)

 

I agree on the 1330 for what you want, although any crappy lappy with a decent screen will work for what you specified for less money.

 

Thanks for your opinions.

By the way, so am I the only one who is consdering X300?!!

 

x61s no questions...that $1k difference will not hold value in resale after a couple years.

 

Lenovo is offering the option to replace the SSD with a regular 1.8" miniSATA 120GB (or is it 80GB) running at 4200RPM in Japan and some parts in Asia. I don't know what about the USA. If you also have this option in the USA you can go for it, and also upgrade from 3-cell to 6-cell, otherwise you'll have to carry the power cord with you always.

P.S.
You guys in the USA can also go for additions of Verizon WWAN+GPS and WUSB. We don't have it here.

 

I looked on lenovo.com.jp and didn't see the HDD listed. Are you sure they've already released the HDD versions in Asia? If so, is there a chance it will be in the US before April? Also, if there are HDD models, how do they compare in price with the SSD ones?