x120e Owner's Thread

Wow, just to give a different perspective, I have had no problems whatsoever with mine. Keyboard is perfect, screen is too. NO crashes, not a single one.

 

hmm just tried a test call on skype and all i hear is a loud buzz over my own voice. tried fooling around with the settings and still get a loud buzz over own voice. argh. could this be the only problem i have with this machine?!?!? (bought the ram though, should be coming soon)

 

Apart from wanting a better color profile than the ones that have been posted previously, I haven't seen any problems with the x120e I bought my wife (upgraded from 2GB to 6GB of RAM). She tends to have IE, Word, and various PDF files open at once. She hasn't mentioned sluggishness.

In my own testing of the system, I threw some Youtube and a couple large Excel files into the mix, and noticed it had to "think" about opening something once more than 4 or 5 programs were going... a delay of 2 or 3 seconds maybe... but toggling between was smooth.

No issues with the build quality -- no dead pixels, firm keyboard, fan hardly runs.

If I didn't adore the gaming ability of my own M11X, I'd have an x120e for myself.

 

Ok, I have a better assessment of what is going on. It's probably hard drive noise. I thought it was the decibel level trying to help it out, because it was set at 36.0+ which i thought was high, turned it down - which turned everything down.

As I screamed and tried different recordings, it seems to be that the thing could just be shot. When I do test calls on skype and actively click on items to make sure the microphone is even registering, the noise that plays back are my actual clicks and nothing more. I know the mic is to the left of the pad, but, what the hell?

Anyone else run into this problem? If not, you should try it out to see if it works. I installed the skype that was loaded on. Still haven't tried a reboot, but I will soon. I do have a bluetooth headset that did work through bluetooth, but the principle of the thing is - the built in mic should work....right?!?!

edit: with an update to the most recent skype offering, and a reboot. my voice was a litter louder the first try, but still had an over-powering buzz. i'll call lenovo in a few days since i have the bluetooth headset. still kinda annoyed by it. Y'all should try.

 

this laptop, see my previous post...just noticed another dead pixel...build quality my ...now i'm just pissed off

 

Even the best laptop out there has dead pixel, that is just the reality of the current state of the computer industry.

 

Loose trackpad key, 2 dead pixels, shoddy driver support...that is not a coincidence

 

I have zero dead pixels on my x120e.

I know of no manufacturer that certifies there to be zero. Can you correct me on that?

My past two laptops and two of my stand alone LCD screens have each had at least 2 dead pixels.

You may have bad luck, but your singular anecdote apparently cannot be passed along to all others.

 

I have the same exact problem, someone else reported it two a page or two back.

It doesn't happen every time for me though, only when I let the system idle or I'm watching a video. As long as I'm actively doing something (e.g. browsing) it'll go fine from 100% to 20% and lower. Quite strange if you ask me.


1 month update:
Still liking the x120e a lot. No issues for me (I had a DOS computer). 4GB w/SSD and it's plenty fast for my needs.
I really miss press to select though.

 

What do you mean by "I really miss press to select though"

 

The Track/Point nub no longers has a press for a click function.

 

Sure it could be a coincidece.

 

For future buyers to take into consideration:

For reference, I calmed down and am not raging- in fact I may purchase an x120e again when I get my refund:

Issue Master List, CHECK YOUR NEW x120e FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Unsolved:
1. 3 dead pixels, 1 appearing overnight ironically during an overnight undead pixel session.

2. Wonky driver interaction with windows 7 clean install: Launching taskbar apps would cause windows explorer to crash. Opening word docs or the thinkvantage update would do the same or simply not load the app. I built a desktop with similar software and have not had this problem.

Solved:
1. Loose trackpad button: Ended up ordering a new KB to replace it for fear of damaging the buttons. After receiving the part I manhandled the old KB opened up the trackpad buttons which was easier than expected and fiddled with the membrane contact and managed to restore some of the function.

2. While removing the backplate and going in to replace the keyboard, I found a stripped screw holding the KB in place keeping me from going into the internals. I literally had to wrench it out with needle nose pliers to replace the KB. Needless to say, very frustrating.

3. Multitouch issues: Solved by turning off smartsense in the touchpad driver settings.

4. Poor color: In Catalyst Control Center turn down brightness and up the contrast to improve the muted/cool stock color scheme.




This laptop was a major pain in the , but I still like the design. Lenovo customer service is awesome which is 1 reason they still might have me as a customer. Hardware and ergonomics is great, but the most frustrating problems I had were the buggy drivers and dead pixels.

Anyways, not to rain on the fanboys' parade- I still like the overall package this laptop has to offer so much I think I will take another chance.

 

Just for future reference, according to Lenovo's published pixel defect policy, at 3 defective pixels, they consider the LCD defective and will replace it if you ask ( http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-69856), though I do agree it sucks to have to go through the replacement. It's really luck of the draw though -- two LCD monitors I bought have stuck subpixels .

As for the driver issues, I haven't had any issues with explorer crashing, and I did a clean install of Win 7 x64 Pro. I am experiencing some other issues, but those are relatively minor and (I hope) Lenovo is working on fixing them (brightness controls not working on resume, LAN driver gives a BSOD during install, random flickering lines (rare thankfully, and shared with the HP dm1z so it's likely a platform issue)).

 

I really want to purchase the x120e, but after taxes it comes out to be almost $500. Are there any deals at the moment that'll bring the price down a bit?

EDIT: signed up for a student account and got a 5% off coupon + student discount ordered one for $440. That seems to be a pretty decent deal. Now I have to wait for it How long does it normally take to get shipped out?

 

You can blame Lenovo for being slow with their driver updates .

The drivers from Broadcom directly identify the card as a Bluetooth 3.0 card: Broadcom.com - Bluetooth Software Download

This was verified by wyld over at the Lenovo forums: X120e Bluetooth 3.0 ? - Lenovo Community

 

I just ordered mine on the 4th. It was shipped on the 11th and will be here (Illinois) tomorrow

 

hello, there

the fan noise of my X120e is very loud (even louder than my W510).
i'm in China and i can't get my fan replaced due to lenovo's special warranty policy here.
i use tpfancontrol to shut down the fan when the temperature is not that high.
i find that the fan speed is kinda weired: about 500 rpm when set to level 1, and around 400 rpm when level 2, and 300 rpm when level 3.
the truth is level 3 does spin faster than level 1, for the noise is louder.
and i don't believe the fan is spinning @ only 500 rpm with such a loud noise.

so anybody has any ideas? tpfanctrl is little buggy or something is wrong with my fan?

 

There is something RPM reading on tpfancontrol for the X120e.

 

How do you people deal with the wait? I'm going crazy already and I ordered it yesterday. I'm spoiled by Amazon Prime and their 2 day shipping

 

Is the 10% googleshop or other 10% coupon still alive?

 

Mine arrives in two week from the time I place my order online and when they shipped it to me.

 

Has anyone had issues with USB charging while the computer is off? Mine doesn't charge from any of the ports. I have USB power and charging both on in the BIOS.

 

Is the laptop plugged in? The always-on USB port is off when the laptop is not plugged into the wall.

 

You can only charge from the yellow usb port when the machine is off and you have to make sure that ac adapter is plugged in.

 

I believe there is a setting to keep the USB port powered even when the computer is off and unplugged.

 

Hey guys,

Just recieved my x120e. I ordered the bluetooth. The unit received has no bluetooth in device manager or in network adapter in control panel.

I went to Lenovo and checked my order again. I did order it.

So where is it? On my HP BT shows up as an icon at the bottom right of the screen.

Can Lenovo just make a mistake. How can I prove to them that it was a mistake?

 

Have you enabled it with [Fn]+[F5]?

It can be easy to overlook that if you're not familiar with the set-up.

 

I know this happened to a couple of other people that ordered bluetooth and no module was installed. I cannot remember if it was in the slickdeals thread or this one that it was mentioned. http://forum.notebookreview.com/len...x120e-review-via-engadget-39.html#post7306283

 

Mine did not come with BT installed, even though I paid for the add-on.

What I did was, call lenovo, told them that my device did not come with BT. They did not believe me and said it was and that I only had to "activate" the service, so basically they transferred me to lenovo tech support(USA). The tech support guy was pretty cool about everything, he basically set up a remote access to my laptop and checked around a few settings/ the device manager. After no success, he had me reboot to bios and "guide" me over the phone on how to check. I continued on and after about 15mins total, tech support examined that I did NOT have a BT device installed. The tech support connect us to lenovo, through 3-way call and explained to lenovo the situation. I asked for a refund and the lenovo CSR said he would have to get it "approved" and would call me back later. I received a call the following day saying that I would be getting a refund in about 8+ business days. This was 3/30 and I'm still waiting to see a credit back on my credit card.

Long story short,
-Called lenovo, told them I dont have BT
-Proved I dont have BT by going through the motions
-Was told on 3/30 I would be getting a refund
- .....still waiting


Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

Just got my x120e today Like it so far and seems like I got a perfect unit, and I'm REALLY OCD with perfection when it comes to tech! Right trackpad button is slightly off-center but clicks just like the left one. Not one dead pixel (but haven't looked too hard). Fan works constantly but not loud enough to bother.

My only disappointed with Netflix HD - Silverlight 5 beta came out this week and supports hardware acceleration, and I've installed SL5, but Netflix HD is sadly unplayable. SD works just great. YouTube HD works great as well. So iunno. I really hope it's a bug in beta and that by the final release this thing will actually be able to play Netflix HD.

By the way, this is my first Thinkpad - is the trackpoint a little choppy for everyone else. The movement isn't smooth, although perfectly useable

 

You can change the setting to suit your needs, maybe you can change the trackpoint sensitivity.

 

That's what I've come to understand and that's what the BIOS says it can do. If I need the AC adapter I might as well plug my phone charger in too.

 

Thanks. I will check it again. I am not familiar with Lenovo yet.

 

It's not the sensitivity, again, it just doesn't move as smoothly as the trackpad. Like it misses frames

 

LOL!!! I think the BT only costs me about $20 or so, really forgot the exact price.

I am just shocked that BT is missing. but I do have have a BT usb which can plug in and will work great !!! So it's no big deal.

Frankly, I went into the device manager, network and sharing center, bios 1.11 and look for the BD adapter which was not there ( not installed). I am pretty sure that the BT is NOT part of the wifi card 1000 bgn that I got.

Anyway thanks for the tip.

 

I'm curious, what do you guys use your BT for? I've had two computers with it and a while back I bought a BT dongle but I've never actually used it. I understand using it with cordless mice or with perhaps cordless headsets. Anything else? Does it have any great applications?

 

That's not the point, they paid for it and it should be there and it isn't. Another thing is false advertising on the 3 cell battery that it is 40wh then turn out it was 32wh.

 

Bluetooth is just advanced wireless technology. Most wireless input devices these days are Bluetooth. So wireless keyboards, mice, microphones, cellphones can communicate with one another and computers using BT. Can't really think of anything else though

 

i use it all the time to transfer files to my phone, or pictures from my phone to my laptop.

i also use it to tether my phone so i can use the phone's 3G connection to surf the web when im on the road.

 

What's the little hole below the left ctrl key?

 

Whoa there! That was a question I asked, nothing more. I didn't say they should suck it up. I agree they paid for it so it better be in the computer!

Since they paid extra for it I assumed they had a reason for wanting it. I've had two computers with BT though only because it came that way. I've never used it so I didn't order it with my x120e. I'm just asking because I would like to know if there is some cool thing I'm missing out on because I don't know what to do with BT.

 

The microphone's in there

 

I'm familiar with the technology. I have used it for BT cell phone headsets and to cell dock my phone with a land line. I'm also familiar with BT keyboards and mice. I helped setup a Dell which included the BT stuff a few weeks back. I have also seen a few cameras that advertise BT tethering to transfer photos to the computer.

What I'm wondering is if there is something else I'm missing. I mean I have a good wireless mouse with a micro receiver. Sure I would prefer to not need the dongle but it seems like the selection of BT mice is limited and I don't find the current setup that bad. I would like to synch my camera via BT but since the camera doesn't have it... no go. I'm not sure how much I can do with my HTC Hero via BT and my computer. My tether app requires USB... which is fine since my phone can charge when I tether it. I'm not sure how much my phone will do via BT though I could see wanting to transfer files and pictures. Certainly tethering via BT would be great but I don't think my phone will do that.

It sounds like I really have accounted for most of what BT can do. If I missed something let me know but for the moment it looks like BT isn't something I will miss. I guess it's a bit like the webcam my M4400 doesn't have. I might have used it a few times if I had it but not enough to pass on an other wise good deal. I have a USB webcam that has been used never I think.

Thanks for the info BTW.

 

Help me here. I am new to this UltraNav TrackingPoint. To select or enter, how do I do it? I pressed on the trackpoint and nothing it jumps anywhere.

I went into Control Panel, Mouse and got a popup saying cannot connect to the Synaptics device (?), have to remove the Synaptics software (?).

I can select or enter by tapping on the synaptics touchpad. I really cannot configure either the UltraNav or the Synaptics to the fullest with the default factory setup.

I did use the Fn + F8 to enable both the Trackpoint and the touchpad. It's factory default.

 

The top 3 set of button are for the trackpoint. The red circle is use like a trackstick.

 

Thx. I figured out that much. LOL. The red button, trackstick only moves the cursor. I thought that if I press on it, it would "enter" or equivalent to tap on the touchpad. I wonder if my drivers need updating or changed.

 

The x120e trackpoint doesn't have the "press to select" functionality in the hardware, so you're out of luck.

It was mentioned a couple times in this thread, but the search function sucks so I don't blame you for not finding it .

 

Sorry I must have missed the info. Thx for reminding me that there is no press to select. I 've been trying for a couple days to do that.

I have both the UltraNav and the Synaptics enabled. My question is what is the driver installed? Is there a benefit to the Lenovo or the Synaptics driver. I got a popup saying "cannot connect to the device, have to uninstall the Synaptics driver which I did not do. So I would assume that the Lenovo UltraNav driver is the default driver? Or are they both installed?

 

The only time I used bluetooth on a PC was for phone sync, like someone else mentioned. I didn't get it for my X120e because I don't really use it much, like you, but I think phone syncing is a major use.