x201 display type help requested

I want a webcam on my x201 I am pricing out, but the more expensive one that starts with an i7 doesn't list it as an option, and the lower one which does give it as an option seems like it is not as good.

What is the difference between a 3x3 and a 2x2?

Display type
12.1" WXGA LED Panel, 3x3 UltraConnect II antenna; Wireless Broadband Upgradeable
12.1" WXGA LED Panel, 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna; with Camera and Wireless Broadband Upgradeable [add $30.00]

 

Nothing unless you get the Intel 6300 wifi, in which case you'll have 3 antennas instead of 2, which gives you a higher bandwidth ceiling (450mbps vs 300mbps), and I'm told a more reliable/stronger connection if you're at a range that is normally at the edge of being able to connect.

 

I priced them out. Looks like the one that comes with an i7 stock that has the 600 off doesn't offer the 2x2 with the camera.

The other one isn't a very good deal at all that I can justify.

Thanks for the info. I have a few days before I have to order. Maybe they will have a better sale. I need it by the 12th.

 

How badly do you need it? If I desperately needed something that has to be shipped through customs from China by the 12th, I think I'd be ordering sooner rather than later.

You can also try calling and placing your order over the phone. They can sometimes (but not always) do things you can't do on the website as far as making changes to a pre-configured model.

 

Lenovo CTO laptops can take a long time to build (9 business days is almost two weeks), and the shipping process can also take a long time (customs, etc.). Even if you order now, you will probably not receive the laptop until late July.

If you need the laptop in your hand by 12th, your only choice is to order a pre-configured model from a retailer who already has the machine sitting in a warehouse somewhere and can ship it the next day.

 

Eh, I ordered mine on 5/20 and got it 6/2 (so a day short of 2 weeks), but yeah I wouldn't bank on that speed, plus mine was based on the less-configureable bundle config. (while still a CTO, I'm guessing the fewer options means they're partially pre-built to a greater extent than the non-bundle).

 

I ordered the one on the right side of the page ("Limited Time Offer" $1249) on June 24th. UPS is telling me I'll have it tomorrow (June 30th). I didn't change any part of the stock configuration, so I'll be getting the 3x3 (apparently, no webcam) and 9-cell battery. At checkout, they offered me express shipping (2 day business) for the same price ($10.00 US) so I went with that.

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=4F2AFFFF52964FE2BCF0CC608A649A77

So, those who are saying that stock configs will ship faster are right. We'll see -- I should have it in my hands tomorrow. I think the pre-configured models are sitting in a warehouse in North Carolina.

EDIT: Now the UPS tracking page says delivery on July 1. They pushed it back a day. Damn!

 

I ordered the i7 model without a webcam. I don't absolutely need it. It will ship on the 8th. cutting it close, but I can get by with my netbook for the first day of class

 

You can always get the funky looking Lenovo webcam from the outlet for fairly cheap - Lenovo Outlet - Lenovo USB 1.3MP Webcam Scratch & Dent

I really do think the X201 is the perfect size for class. You never have a lot of table space in class, and you always need some large book at the same time. You see kids trying to do it with 15" laptops and it just looks like a joke, especially now that everybody is on a widescreen.

 

You're going to be blown away by the performance difference between your netbook and the X201. Those Atom processors are very weak. The i7 will amaze you. I've used a laptop that had an i7 -- it's desktop performance level.