x301 6 cell battery life vs. x200 6 cell battery life?

Hi,

What is the actual battery life that I can expect with these two models?
It seems that people say the x200's 6 cell gets better life, but by how much under identical conditions?

The x301 has a 42 wH battery, but has a 10 tdp processor, and the x200 has a 25 tdp processor but 56 wH. Would it not be that the x301 gets better life?

Thanks

 

Yes, the x301 uses up less power and gets better life.... in theory. (we are comparing apples to apples)

However... The X301 is very very bright.

Its brightness is rated at 300nits, 100 nits higher than a t400's. Unless you are getting a Elite X301, an 301 only has a 3 cell battery. That could a definite reason why the x301 has less battery life

I dont have first hand experience with the X series but I remember reading one guy say that with a 9 cell cattery, a x200 can last up to 9 hours! Thats freakin insane!

Ive also remember that if you used a ultrabay for an extra battery, the x301 would last around 7 hours.

Wish I still knew the link. I'm looking into the X series myself... maybe for Xmas

 

The x301 CPU will use less power than the x200 due to the lower voltage. However, the difference under light load is fairly minor as the P8400/P8600 will dynamically undervolt to 800MHz and use very little power. The x301 display should also use slightly less power as it's LED vs. CCFL; however, again this difference is likely less than 1 watt.

In summary, the x301 should use about 1-1.5 watts less than the x200 w/ CCFL display. However, the larger 56WHr battery will make up for this in most circumstances and the x200 will last longer than the x301.

Overall, I think battery life is a poor reason to choose between the x301 and the x200. If you want a 13.3" WXGA+ display, Optical drive, touchpad, and DisplayPort then get the x301. If you want higher CPU performance, a slightly smaller cross section, docking support, 2.5" HDDs, an SDHC and 54mm Expresscard slot, and a wide range of battery options then go for the x200(s).

 

I guess that decision is up to the buyer to decide. I would personally choose the x200 as well

 

Thank you, Jon. While we're at it, would the x301 and t400s six cell get nearly the same battery life? I mean it seems like it should, but is that what people are finding out in real life?

 

why should it? t400s has a more power hungry cpu, and a bigger screen.

from reviews it's got a roughly 30minute shorter battery life

 

Roughly yes. The T400s will consume very slightly more power due to the higher voltage CPU and extra 0.8" on the display. However, the difference is relatively small. If you can handle the extra size of the T400s, want a solid performing CPU, and an optical drive (or a SSD & HDD combo) then the T400s is probably your best bet.

 

why not get a 9 cell batt for the x200? Is that an option for it?

 

Yes you can get a 9-cell battery for the X200, which offers extreme battery life. I've frequently done +7 hours while working with Office apps and surfing the internet via WLAN. Screen at 50% brightness and medium power management levels.