x220(i)

Hello!

It has been a long time I have posted

My macbook (late 2006, 13") is kinda useless as a mobile device since its battery doesn't work anymore and I don't want to buy a new one because of some points:
- I want to use Windows 7 (and bootcamp is no option)
- It has the cpu whine (driving me crazy)
- Its display glimmers from time to time
- Its to weighty

Now I was REALLY interested in the x200(i) model and ofcourse surfed the web for information.

Not only the service seems to be bad now, also the products lenovo is manufacturing.

x220 has:
- a lighter case (acceptable because of the size and weight advantage?)
--> hand resting on the case above the express card slot will bend the case?
- heat problems, case design or fan can't get heat out of the small case
--> watching youtube will get the x220 hot and fans will start to rotate significantly
- fan is louder compared to t42
- fan problem, makes disturbing (high-pitch) noise
--> I think every single x220 has this problem

Last point is something that would absolutely drive me crazy (again).

ThinkPads are known to their quality and if I pay the 1133 € I want to get extraordinary quality, because I can get about the same cpu, ram, ssd specs in a non-thinkpad notebook for quite less of the price.

I don't want to talk the x220 down, but I wonder why these things doesn't get find out in the reviews?

And also I would like to hear positive feedback from x220 owners regarding all those issues.

 

Mine certainly does not. My X220i is as good as any ThinkPad I've used. The fan on my X220i was overactive when I got it, but the BIOS update has fixed that issue. One problem with using internet for research is only the people with a problem post. The vast majority of X220 buyers are probably happy campers, but don't post on the internet saying so. That's not to say everything is perfect, but it in effect makes these issues seem larger than they are in reality.

 

At that price I don't know if it's worth it, you guys in Europe sound like you get completely shafted on notebook prices

For the palmrest area, I can say that my hands tend to rest near the edge, so it doesn't bend. But the Expresscard slot is a weak spot on the laptop. The fan is loud, but when you watch youtube videos it doesn't really turn on, unless you're in VERY hot weather. It will go crazy if you try to play games, as expected from a tiny fan like that. If you use TPFanControl to keep the fan down it's very quiet. TBH the fan is very quiet for how fast it spins, at 3000rpm it's just a slight whine.

 

And many are probably so old they don't realize the high-pitch tone, just today I was in a situation of explaining that in a certain area in the office there is a very loud high-pitch tone hearable, nobody from the older guys (> 40 years old) heard it.

 

What are you going to get for less that's better or close. The people in Europe can return their notebooks with no restocking fee, which here in the US, is not an option unless it's a problem(s).

 

The X220 seems to be one of the most popular thinkpads, since they are quite a lot of people whom has it.

With the 9 cells battery, you can easily get over 10 hrs battery life with it.

I have just ordered my X220 from Lenovo with the 9 cells, to replace my X200 work machine. Also, make sure you get the new IPS LCD.

 

What happened to your work machine?

 

sorry a typo, it was suppose to be X200.

 

So you don't seem to care about the issues I have posted, how come? Do you think the IPS LCD is worth the extra cash?

 

I haven't got the X220 yet in my hand yet, so i can't really confirm or deny any of the problems you posted until i specifically tested for these problems.

But i have used my friend's new X220 for a day, and it was running NO much hotter than my trusty X200 machine. I played some StarCraft 2 on low setting and the fan noise is audible, but nothing too bad.

The case is tough as my X200, since they are all made of magnesium alloy. While, the palmrest seemed solid when i was typing on it, i didn't put all my body weight on it (but you bend the palmrest on the X200 if you put a lot of force on it). But if i get the X220 before you, i would specifically test this and report back.
Regarding, the IPS LCD investment (which when i ordered cost 70 odd dollars extra) worthwhile or not. The answer would be a resounding yes, since i want to use this doing some photoshop stuffs, which put the TN LCD out of contention.

 

Alright, for me I have to order a much more pricey version of the x220 to get SSD _and_ IPS which also includes the i5. So it is much more $ for me to spend.

Also, I plan to use it at home with the docking station -> DisplayPort -> HDMI -> LCD-TV and also docking station -> wireless Keyboard/Mouse

For me, it is critical that the notebook will stay quiet! I am very sensitive regarding the noise issue and I doubt that it will stay cool ad quiet when surfing the web/youtube or even doing office.

 

Have you read the threads relating to installing a mSATA SSD in in the X220? that would give you the best of both worlds; SSD speed and much more storage space.

Even if the mSATA SSD is not an option for you, you could save a lot of money just ordering the X220 with as cheap a conventional hard drive as you can get in the configuration and then putting in your own SSD afterwards; the SSD's from Lenovo will cost you far more than if you bought one from a aftermarket source like Newegg.

Have a Magical Day!

 

I am probably the only person around here who has a TN screen, and I'd say go for the IPS if you like a pretty screen. The TN screen has horrendous viewing angle among other things, but to me I felt like I wouldn't appreciate it that much. When my face is close to the screen there are no issues whatsoever, the IPS probably looks a bit prettier. I have a better quality external monitor for stuff anyways. Oh and the IPS screen uses more power. The matte finish is really a treat no matter which one you get, if you're coming from using silly glossy screens.

 

The IPS screen is 100nit brighter. You'd have to put a sensor on the screen and check power consumption at the same brightness level to make an accurate call on that.