need a new ultraportable as soon as possible - is this X201 the best choice?

I need to get a new ultraportable with good battery life as soon as possible before I start a commuting-heavy (1.5 hours each way on public transit) job in 2 weeks, and so as much as I'd like to wait for the new lenovo models, I really can't. I really want to get a thinkpad, so even though I'd love to keep the price well under a thousand, I'm tempted by the current X201 on offer by Lenovo.

specs as follows:
Intel Core i7-620M Processor (2.66GHz, 4MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
12.1" WXGA LED Panel, 3x3 UltraConnect II antenna; Wireless Broadband Upgradeable
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
5-1 Media Card Reader and Modem
ThinkPad X200 Series 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000

The best price I've got on the system is $1,061.65 US, although I'd appreciate any suggestions, here or by PM, to get that price down.

I'd much rather wait for the newer models and get the X220 or the Edge E220s, but this might be my best option for now. You all know much more about this than I do, though, and this is a big purchase for me, since I only have one laptop at a time -- is this a decent deal, or should I keep looking?

Thanks

 

I'd look at the X201i unless you've got a specific need to run processor intensive applications.

 

These considerations will bring the total down:
. i5 processor (or i3, as ZaZ suggested)
. 2 x 2GB RAM
. 250GB or 320GB HDD

Because your panel selection allows for 3x3 antenna, get the Intel Centrino 6300.

I love my X201. I bring it on trips and the 9-cell serves me the whole long day. The keyboard feels more "classic" than those on the newer T410 and T510.

 

Actually, under the current sale, going down to the i5, 2x2GB RAM, and a 250GB 5400RPM drive would only save me $76, since it's the specific system I listed that they have priced so low. Although adding the Intel 6300 wireless to either bundle would only be $34, so that's not a big deal.

The option I'd most like to splurge on is an SSD -- I feel like that would add the most stability/durability if I use the system while in transit. Although that upgrade might be cheaper if I do it myself after I buy the system.

 

Do note that Thinkpads have an active protection system for hard disk drives that stop it from being potentially damaged when being moved/drop/shaken/etc.

SSD are nice if you have the money for them.

 

Although the active protection system do protect the hard drive from damage, ssd will guarantees that the hdd will survive and that the system won't lock up.

 

If you got the X201i you'd have the money left over to splurge on a good SSD. The performance difference between the i3 and i5 for every day usage that's really not worth it upgrade to the i5 unless you've got a specific need.

 

I went with the i5 in my X201 just because I couldn't help it I love how much power is in this light laptop. Given the choice between an upgraded processor and an SSD I would go with the SSD (Purchase one separately from the laptop and install it yourself the upgrade price is pretty high)

This is my first lenovo laptop and it is by far the best laptop I have ever owned, so glad I decided to get it.

 

Thanks for all of the advice, I really appreciate it.
So purchasing the SSD separately is the way to go? It will save me over $300 to go with the cheapest hard drive option over a 128GB SSD, and that's a huge price difference. I don't want to mess with the warranty too much, but this seems like an easy call.

 

Replacing the hard drive is easy and does not do anything to your warranty. I got a 120gb intel X25M for $165 on black friday. If you look around enough you should be able to get one for a bit under $200.

 

You got that SSD with that much GB for that price on Black Friday? Where? I didn't find any good deal on SSD during Black Friday.

Wow saving over $300? If you don't need a lot of space, definitely go for SSD!


Word of Advice: Don't order around or during Chinese New Year.

 

If you intend to get yourself X201 just for now and buy X220/E220s as soon as they are available, then Id get X201i from some retailers, its damn cheap, little bit above 700$.
Saves money !

 

Unfortunately, no, this one will have to last 2-3 years at least.

 

Then either wait and see or get yourself maxed out X201.

 

The X series along with the T4XXs series utilize a 1.8 inch HDD or SSD. If you are buying a aftermarket drive make sure you get the correct size. Most laptop drives are 2.5 inch and the smaller physical drive size limits your selection in the aftermarket.

 

X series (except for the x300/x301?) uses standard 2.5"

 

Let the OP buy the X201 already! Job and income and precious time.

 

no x201 uses 2.5 inch drives. i think it's the x301 that uses 1.8 inch but i could be wrong about that

 

that is correct, the T4x0s also uses the 1.8 inch form factor drives.

 

The X201 uses 2.5" drive. The X301, T400 s and T410 s use 1.8" drives. Better pick the 2.5" option for decreasing price and improving performance - and easy to find.

 

Have a link to a review and benchmark of 1.8" devices compared to 2.5" ???

 

No, I don't !!! (It might be under copyright )

 

Seriously though, I would like to know if anyone has seen a solid review of this question. Like comparing the Crucial C300's or the Intel X25m and the x18m.

 

http://www.ssdreview.com/ssd-review/compare/crucial-realssd-c300-256gb-18-inch-0006,crucial-realssd-c300-256gb-0002,kingston-ssdnow-v-plus-180-128gb-cjra0202,6,36/

 

There was a whole thread in the Hardware subsection on 1.8" drives. I can't seem to find it now, but I'm sure it's buried somewhere.

 

Yea, that's what I thought. There isn't a huge difference in the 1.8" and 2.5" Crucial C300 in terms of performance. Certainly not worth worrying about. I think it's the same for the Intel X18 and X25.

I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule.

 

Mod Edit: SPP link info removed per forum rules.

Read: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/499289-thinkpad-sticky-please-read-before-posting.html

 

True, but it's just the fact that 2.5" SSD's are more available on the market or so it seems.