X301 with regular HDD available!!

Edit:
With thanks to user Dawn here you can find the link to configure the X301 with regular HDD:

http://shoprel.i2.com/SEUILibrary/c...001C0A:&smid=788830855D14465985A023EA1364CB74

Selecting the 120GB HDD saves 250 dollars compared to the 64GB SSD and 650 dollars compared to the 128GB SSD.

Edit 2: However, the models where you can alter the hard disk are more expensive so the advantage is less!!! Comparison: click



Just a few days ago Lenovo announced that the X301 will be available with a regular 1.8 inch hard drive:

http://www-01.ibm.com/common/ssi/cg...897/ENUS108-887&appname=lenovous&language=en#

Some people already experimented with 1.8 inch HDD's in the thinkpad X301. Also the X300 can handle these HDD's. For example one of the benchmarks was done with a Toshiba MK1216GSG 120G HDD and the SSD was by far better. Thosiba however is still developing and just released some new models:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_09/pr2502.htm

I'm curious which hard drive in particular is going to be part of the option list and if it's also going to be a standard available option for the X300.

Furthermore I would like to gather some benchmarks and especially some price comparisons when available!! I think the x30x models can be several hundreds of dollars cheaper and that just could be the final push for me if the system is still responsive enough .

 

Hi Tommy,

Check out this on-going thread regarding an HD-equipped X301 which blownaway will (hopefully) be receiving from IBM:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=327645

Somehow, he was able to place the order off of the U.S. Lenovo site before the option got yanked off...

Interestingly enough, if you go to the Lenovo/Hong Kong Website and configure an X301 for purchase, they give you the 120GB HDD option...Go figger...

Anyway -- I can't wait till that option hits the U.S. market...Well, hits the U.S. market a second time, I guess...

 

On my job's custom Lenovo site, the option is there. Unreal. I've been struggling with the choice between the x200 and the x301... this makes things much more difficult now that the price is less of a factor. What a dilemma!

 

Interestingly enough, this is the response I just got back from Lenovo when I inquired as to the availability of the HDD-configured X301 in the U.S.:

Hopefully, this is just a "canned" response on Lenovo's part for their sales staff, and not an indication of some internal debate they have going on as to whether they'll make the configuration available as a general release...

'

 

X300 is almost good speed with SSD, i cant imagine having HDD with its current processor speed how slow it will be...

 

I understand your point -- but for users who want the legendary ThinkPad keyboard in a very efficient package; with a medium-sized screen (not too big for carry, not too cramped for viewing); a built-in optical drive; who prefer cost effective storage to the $650 price delta for the 128GB SSD; and don't have a real need for screaming speed -- I think an HDD-equipped X301 might hit a unique sweet spot.

 

thats totally true, but why would i pay double the price for HDD machine (i just did quick setup it was $3400+ USD) where u can get X300 with SSD for ~$1500 these days on ebay ?

IMHO, i dont think it worth the DisplayPort and 0.2Ghz more to get X301 compared to X300

 

You might have a point there as well...

Don't SSD's lose their integrity over an extended period of read/writes? (I'm not sure, which is why I'm asking...) If this is the case, it seems like buying a used SSD-equipped machine could be problematic over the remaining life of the drive, depending on how much it's been used...

'

 

For me I justifed the expense or the X301 (w/std 120 HDD) vs X300 SSD for the following reasons, according to users....

X301 has a better display compaired to the X300 (big for me)
X301 has a data port
X301 will replace the X300 shortly
X301 has WiMax option X300 doesn't
X301 has DDR3 Memory and the X300 uses DDR2

I was able to my X301 with 3gb of DDR3, vista business, wireless broadband, wimax, tubo memory, 9 cell & 3 year warrenty for $2,393 shipped.

For me, when the HDD option became avalible, it was easily worth the difference between the two (assuming my X301 performs well).

 

I recived a call from my office this morning. Guess what?

My X301 with 120 HDD has arrived!!!!

I'll pick it up this afternoon. My wife gets honors.

 

Outstanding!!!

You know, of course, that you're duty-bound to post your impressions on this forum!

 

It's here.....

 

Levono can sell so many more X300/X301 laptops if they are compatible with 2.5" drives. I hope they ditch the DVD drive soon. Most people hardly use it on a day to day basis. I have an X61, and I am very happy with my slim USB DVD drive: I can boot from it, carry it if I need it, leave it home when I don't, hot swap-able.

X200 is so close to my liking. Without the DVD drive, it is smaller, lighter, with a faster CPU. But it is not available with a 1440x900 screen. X200s has it, but that is $700 more expensive. Darn.

Lenovo can sell so many more X200 laptops with following two changes:
1) Offer 1440x900 screen, as well as IPS/flexview/S-PVA screens as upgrade options.
2) Replace the old video port with DisplayPort or mini DisplayPort. Both are royalty free.

 

did you order this from the US lenovo website? Just called and asked for part number 2776H1U?

DD

 

I ordered this on the US Lenovo site last Wednesday (3rd) night, and it arrived shipped from Hong Kong today (9th) 6 day's later! Amazing.

I don't think the HDD option is avalible yet on the US site. It was listed as an option for a very shot period on the night of the 2nd, then was gone the next day. Odd.

 

Please let us know when you've had a chance to play with it. We all are waiting anxiously.

DD

 

Interesting discussions and developments.

The choice discussion between a X300 with SSD and a X301 without is just. It's price versus speed in the light of the particular needs.

More specific information of the exact HDD's used and benchmarks will light things up.

In my country (the Netherlands in Europe) Lenovo confirmed that the X301 will configure with a regular HDD. I told them that I couldn't buy one anywhere and they said they were still testing. They would call me when they would know more. So, blownaway, your purchase is a scoop for many parts of the world and interesting for many thinkpad and forum maniacs .

The most interesting question for me is if the X300 will come with regular HDD too, because that would make it a very affordable machine although I don't think that will happen since it's successor is already available. But yes indeed the question than remains if it's performance is still acceptable (for business use).

 

Any recommended testing software or Vista things I should try out? Is there a safe, free software I can download to test the performance of this laptop?

 

I don't know that too well either but I do know Vista has system rating (also rates the hard drive). Edit: this is wat it looks like:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/images/performanceratingtool_1sm.jpg

Start > right click Computer > and then something like system/rating/windows experience index.

There is http://www.hdtune.com/ too.

But of course also your personal experience with applications are of help too. Does the system feel responsive, how long to boot things up...

 

mini-review coming stay tuned...

 

Waiting with bated breath...

 

Yes, the new HDD performance....

PS:I have ordered X301 from Lenovo website, it is shipped on 12/10. Really expecting....but I chose SSD because of lacking of confidence about the HDD's performance.

 

A world premier (outside of Hong Kong) X301 with a HDD…why me?

Last night me & my wife decided to open our Christmas present to each other a little early. Much to the chagrin of my son, who also wanted to open his presents early, but I digress…

This is what I ordered…

Genuine Windows Vista Business

13.3 WXGA+ TFT (1440x900 LED backlight) 3x3 UltraConnect

Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader

1.3 Megapixel Integrated Camera

120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm

Intel Turbo Memory 2GB

Ultrathin DVD Burner

Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350

Integrated Bluetooth PAN

Integrated AT&T Mobile Broadband (3G)

ThinkPad X300 Series 6 Cell Li-Ion Battery

3 year depot 9x5 Next Business Day


Fit & finish:
Just as I hoped for, stellar. The X301 is built like a tank but remains just over 3 lbs. The keyboard feels great. Very comfortable and easy to use with hardly any flex. The armrest is rock solid. There were no gapping seams or un-fitted finishes on this laptop. Everything seemed to fit properly.











Screen:
Very bright, crisp & clean. The image is clean with colors vivid. The 1440X900 32 bit resolution is spot on perfect for me. I can read it just fine, yet it’s loaded with detail.



Performance:
My boot time into Vista was swift; much faster then my current desktop. I didn’t experience any lagging issues during my limited experience with Vista. Zippy response with all my software. I connected to my network easily & quickly. All I needed to do is install my network password and off I went. I installed goggle earth and it worked reasonably well considering the integrated graphics card. It wasn’t super smooth but didn’t bog down & zoomed in and out effortlessly. I don’t have office installed yet, so I wasn’t able to test this out. The trial version of word opened quickly.

I slipped in a DVD movie and it played great; no issues, smooth as can be. The brightness level of the screen should be turned down to give a more accurate black levels while watching movies (I don’t know if this is adjustable).

Looks:
Very professional, elegant & clean, just the way I like it. I really like the rubberized exterior. How do they get so much technology is in such a small, lightweight laptop? I can easily put it in my “man bag” in a plane or coffee shop. Even the wall wart was small and well designed.





Extras:
I like the fingerprint reader & ThinkVantage software for easy backups and system management. An AT&T sim card is tucked behind the battery for broadband internet (maybe I’ll want this in the future).







I tried the Vista performance rating & received a 3.5 overall.
Processor 4.6
Memory 4.9
Graphics w/ Areo 3.5
Gaming graphics 3.6
Primary Hard Disk 4.5

If I get multiple requests I can run the HD Tune numbers.

For now, I would say two thumbs up-way up. It’s literally hours old so I’m sure I’ll have issues at some point, but so far so good. This is a present for my wife (and a little for me . She was excited to see how thin & light it is and was impressed the second I pulled it out of the box. That’s all that matters.

 

Blownaway, many thanks for the pics and info! Hope your wife (and you) will enjoy it!

So at first it seems the system is responsive enough to function as a business notebook despite of the lack of SSD. Tell me, what was the price again? A primary hard disk rating of 4.6 isn't bad at all in my opinion for a 1.8 inch sata!
If it is not too much trouble for you (if you have the time and your wife isn't playing with it all the time) then a quick analyzes from HDTune would be cool. That way we also can see what HDD in particular this model is equipped with

[off topic]
How is the fit of the battery and the lid/screen when you close it? My T400 has terrible margins/space: there is a battery wobble and the lid/screen doesn't fit tightly when I close it. Wonder how the X301 is
[/off topic]
(btw, minor observation: looking at the picture of your power adapter, it seems you have to press/fasten the plug a bit better/tighter).

 

blownaway,

I want to echo Tommy's thanks for your pictures and quick run-down! Very professional photos, by the way -- better than I've seen in some "professional" publications!

It seems you might have a real winner on your hands...Here's hoping that continued experience with it bears that out!

Suffice to say that if/when the HDD-equipped X301 comes into general distribution in the West, it's currently my #1 choice for my next laptop...

'

 

blownaway,

fabulous pics...Thanks. Waiting for running the HD Tune.

 

I've never used this program. Is it easy to use? Doesn't take up a bunch of resources or HD space? Can it be unistalled cleanly? No damage to your system as a result of the stress test, correct?

thanks

 

Tommy the cat

Paid $2,393 shipped (US).

The battery (locks in place) fits great. It's snug as a bug.

The lid fits pretty tight as well, there is a lock on it so it will not open by accident. I don't see any big gaps along the full width of the bezel. I imagine it's easier to get this result since it's a little smaller then the T400. The close up of the latch is representative of the fit.

I think the beefed up plug at the end of the power adapter is so it will hold up to someone yanking it out forcefully or random unpluging,

 

yes, it is very easy to use,just open it and click on 'start'...I have used it many times and did not feel any damage to my system. So I think it should be all right.

 

HDTune is nice but i also recommend using ATTO disk benchmark. it's much more comprehensive as it tests transfer rates over a range of file sizes. this is especially important with an SSD.

http://www.attotech.com/software/files/drivers/win_app_hbautil_360.exe

 

Hello everybody

I would like to buy the X301 in USA with an HDD. Is it possible to replace to HDD by an SDD easily? I think It would be very interesting to benefit from the HDD until the price of the SDD be lower. That is why I would like to know if everything is ready and the procedure is simple.

Thank you in advance.

 

Hello J4yK -- Can't address your question regarding the ease of swapping out the SSD in the X301...But unless you absolutely need such a configuration now, I would wait a little while longer to see if IBM doesn't come out with a general release of the HDD-equipped X301 that blownaway (earlier in the pages of this thread) was able to snag an early release of...

 

Yes you can, it's always a breeze to replace thinkpad harddrive. See the second pictures that blownaway posts? The rectangle shape near the middle of the side is the HDD slot. There's a little screw that you unscrew to take that open and pop your old HDD out, and pop your new HDD in. It's that easy.

 

Mistake... see post below

 

With thanks to user Dawn for correcting my mistake. Thanks to him here you can find the link to configure the X301 with regular HDD:

http://shoprel.i2.com/SEUILibrary/c...001C0A:&smid=788830855D14465985A023EA1364CB74

Selecting the 120GB HDD saves 250 dollars compared to the 64GB SSD and 650 dollars compared to the 128GB SSD.

 

Uhm -- This feels like a live link...Is that configuration actually orderable?

 

What do you mean by a live link? Dawn ordered his T400 laptop there so I think there is no problem..

 

Thanks -- I just wanted to clarify that this is a link that can be ordered from, and not a link to an artifact site that existed at one time.

I'm leaning heavily toward the X200 tablet (pretty much decided, I think), but the HDD-equipped X301 does give me some pause...

 

Ok. Don't forget that this particular model is not standard configured with a DVD burner. If it is of importance for you, it will cost you 225 dollars more. That means the following:

A x301 with vista business, 2GB memory (2 dimm), integrated camera (webcam), dvd burner, 6 cells and a 120 GB normal hard disk will cost 2600 dollars and a x301 with the same configuration but with 64 GB SSD costs 2950. Your savings are 350 dollar and you loose some speed and hard disk capacity.

The x300 with the same config but with 64 SSD is 2000 and with the current coupon code you get 30% off (code: USPX300DEC15). Don't know if this is still available. Edit: so with coupon a fully x300: $1,385 dollars. Great deal I think. You can alter the config off course and make it cheaper or more expensive.

Good luck with your choice.

 

Tommy -- thanks for the additional info. Unfortunately, the X301 2774 configuration doesn't seem to be available in either the standard Lenovo CTO site, or Lenovo's Federal employee CTO site (with the discounts per option that are made available on those sites).

Strange, but it seems like IBM is going out of its way to discourage ordering the 2774 configuration...

'