Lenovo ThinkPad X201 Review Discussion

I'm wondering the exact same things. Is the touchpad standard or optional for each model?

And also, will the wxga+webcam be available for the x201s. I've heard mixed things; the x200s was at one time offered with the wxga+webcam so it's a possibility, but I've heard some people say that there's a difference in the cage/screws/wiring and available space in the x200s lid that just doesn't allow it to use a camera regardless of weather you get the wxga or wxga+ screen.

I'm hoping for optional (removable) touchpad and a webcam.

 

The Hardware Maintenance Manual shows palm rests with and without touch pad for both X201 and X201s.

 

At the Lenovo Australia site (where the x201 is already available to order), the touchpad (called ultranav) is optional.

 

Can I put an X201s's WXGA+ screen in an X201?

 

Can someone give me the actual dimensions for the x201s? According to the review, it's 0.08-1.4 inches thick. That means it's less than one-tenth of an inch thick at its thinnest point and is just as thick as the x201 at its thickest point. Somehow I don't think that's true.

 

I believe it's .8-1.1" with a 4 cell and .8-1.4" with a 9 cell. The .08 is most definitely a typo, should be .8".

 

Yea looks like I typed an extra 0 in the stat. That would be one super thin MacBook Air killer notebook

 

I see more and more conference rooms replacing projectors with big HDTVs. A HDMI connector with audio pass-through would be perfect for multimedia business presentations.

 

LOL, AU 2.2$ for such option
Its even quite cheap if you opt for FP reader too.

edit: Thanks Kevin, i hope someone will check it out for us
Really curious about fitting touchpad as well as 94wh battery onto x200.
Im soo buying it, unless they cut prices for x201 in half this summer

 

+1

10chars

 

Anyone want to ship me their X200

 

Hi all,

first, thank you for the great review.

just one question.

how loud is the fan, is it annoying? you postet dbs but its hard to imagine. is the fan audible in normal use?

i am thinking about putting my old mac book pro away for a new more portable x201, my university offers it cheap but i will not be able to see it myself before the buying window is closing. So, i know, very subjective question, but, is it louder than an mac book pro (which fans i can hear only when i really focus on it).

will i hear the fan in every day use in a silent room or just under stress?


would be great if someone could tell me, thank you!!!

 

Yeah, Kevin, i was curious about loudness as well, how is it compared to X200, the same or louder or will we really have to make donations for some used X200 to compare ?

 

Seriously, shame on the reviewer for promoting those crappy, reflective glossy screens over the only sane choice -- a good matte screen.

I simply cannot work on a glossy screen, and am sorry for friends and acquaintances who have to. Of course, colors on a matte screen will not be as "explosive" but the readability and livability index more than makes up for that shortcoming, if you can call it that.

I decry the use of any glossy screens at all. They are virtually unusable in the presence of strong indoor light, and forget about using it outdoors.

 

I didn't see him promoting glossy screens anywhere... the only reference to a glossy screen was

Which is true... low quality matte surface screens like those used in the X series and a lot of other ThinkPads don't compare to glossy screens in terms of color saturation and contrast. That's not a dig on matte screens, it's the truth. That doesn't mean matte screens are bad. Like you said, readability is better and eye strain and reflectivity is less (for me) on a matte screen and I'm more than happy to sacrifice eye popping color. Just a matter of preferences.

 

My real point was that if the reviewer is going to comment on screens, then he should compare apples to apples. Find a matte screen that sports a superior display and then compare the X201 screen to that. Don't compare it to a complete different genre.

I see the encroachment of glossy screens all over the notebook and netbook landscape. Manufacturers who previously offered matte screens as standard have moved over to the glossy side. I guess its cheaper to install. Slack-jawed consumers who don't know better have allowed this to happen. With a concerted demand for the superior matte screens, manufacturers would take notice. However, with so few oem matte screens, most will never know how much better they are for the health of one's eyesight.

Finally, I would like to know which maker puts out a great matte screen. I don't have that information at hand, and it would be very informative if it had been included in this review.

 

Well, not sure but I want to say the Asia only Sony Vaio G3 is matte screen. And if it counts the Sony Vaio TT is an 8-bit hybrid matte-glossy screen(more matte than a glossy screen, but more gloss than a matte screen).

 

Good news:
March 1, 4.33am, X201/X201s/X201 tablet , officially available on LENOVO US
www.lenovo.com/spp (SPP price is 85% discounted, you just need to register an spp account)

lowest price available:
X201 $934
X201S $1,146
X201T $1,813

you can also apply USGSPPBNSOFR for extra 6% discount

the price of x201/x201s seems pretty good! i just ordered an x201s with top configuration for $1,470.

the bad news is, the delivery time is too long... i have to wait for about 2 weeks

 

OMG, i checked@lenovo and even without coupons decently spec'd x201 costs less than $1300, wow!

 

Yeah, for SPP pricing, the X201 model as reviewed and spec'd by kevin costs $1357.10 including shipping and taxes. Not that bad.

If you get the display with the camera and drop the fp reader (personal preferenes), and drop to 2gb ram and the lowest hard disk (to upgrade both by yourself) it comes out to only 1214.47 taxed and shipped. Throw in 4gb ram and a ssd and you've got a fine machine.

 

Thanks for that coupon code, wallmage. Pulled the trigger on X201s this morning almost fully-loaded minus HDD. I'll add a WD Scorpio Black for now. SSD later. Total was $1233. Good stuff!

Anyone know what wired NIC comes in this? Can't seem to find that info in the service manual.

 

Down here in NZ, I just ordered this:

Intel Core i5-520M Processor (2.40GHz 3MBL3 1066MHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
12.1WXGA LED 2x2 WWAN Camera
IT 5700MHD, i5-520M AMT
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
TrackPoint with TouchPad
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
X200 6 cell High Capacity Battery
Intel WiFi Link 1000

for about US1600. Including 12.5% GST

 

In the US - X201s customized page, 4YR depot is cheaper than 3YR depot. Anybody knows why?

-------------
Warranty services 3 Years Help me decide Help me decide
3YR Depot [add $95.20] [Lenovo recommended]
3Yr Battery Warranty [add $111.20]
3YR Depot + 3YR ADP [add $135.20]
3YR Onsite + 3YR Priority [add $223.20]
3YR Onsite + 3YR ADP [add $279.20]


Warranty services 4 Years Help me decide Help me decide
4YR Depot [add $79.20]

 

Does anyone know how 6 cell battery fits X201? Does it flat on the bottom and the back?

 

Still now news on the loudness of the fan?

cmon!

everybody discussing about displays, i want to know simply if the x201 is audible in normal use or not? could anybody say this please? would be great! thank you

 

How is anyone supposed to tell you that information when nobody has had one delivered yet?? The review mentions:

The cooling fan was audible in a quiet room but only when the system was being stressed. With our sound meter in a room with a tested 31.5dB ambient background, we measured the system fan on low speed at 33dB, mid speed at 38dB, and high speed at 42dB 6 inches from the exhaust vent.

Take note that those measurements are 6 inches from the exhaust vent. Your ears will most likely never be within 6 inches of the exhaust vent. Your fan won't or shouldn't be pegged at high speed during "normal use", so assume 38dB. Considering it's 38dB 6" from the source, it'll be pretty damn quiet while you use it. Is it audible? Yes of course it is. What fan isn't.

 

From the updated tabook:

Dimensions:
4/6 cell: 11.6"x8.3"x.8-1.4"
9 cell: 11.6"x9.2"x.8-1.4"

 

kevin, can you please tell me the part no. of the 9 cell 94wh battery?
43R9255 is the original x200 9cell battery, and it's only 84wh

i'd like to order a new 9cell battery, but i can only find the old one from lenovo site.

 

I'm not 100% positive about this, but check 44C7628. It's not on the website. Call them and confirm it if you like. I believe that is the 94wh 9 cell that ships with the 201/201s.

 

Missed this earlier... I will grab the part number tomorrow for you.

 

Kevin, what make/model wired gigabit ethernet controller is included on the X201s you reviewed?

 

I want to say I haven't seen anything but Intel's but I will confirm tomorrow when I grab the battery part number.

 

I will build new x201 motherboard into x200

 

still waiting for my x201s to be shipped...
i'm wondering, does the new thinkpad come with a windows 7 system installation dvd? because i'm planning to upgrade the x201s with my intel x25 ssd (which i'm using on my old x200), if windows 7 system is pre-built on the hdd image, how can i clean-install a new system on the ssd?

 

wallmage, I doubt it will come with at Windows 7 disc. Maybe a system recovery disc at best. It is extremely easy to find ISO images for the Win7 Home Premium. I don't know if you are a MSDN or TechNet subscriber? You could even borrow one from a friend as long as you use your unique product key, the installation media does not matter. Either way, I highly recommend a clean install. Write zeros to the disk prior to install with the manufacturer's (Hitachi by default in X201) disk utility.

Ubuntu 10.4 Lucid Lynx for my X201s. Windows will never see the light of boot on my Thinkpad. Swapping hard drive, WD Scorpio Black, the minute it arrives. Oh and my order status at Lenovo states shipping March 15th. Is that the same for you wallmage?

 

From tabook:

Intel 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection (Hanksville), PHY, PCIe x1

 

Still CAN'T choose different warranty for Thinkpad X201 on the customize page.... anyone knows when it will be up???

 

I just saw the ad in my inbox and came straight here. SO glad to see a review posted already. Good work GreenTea

 

9-cell 94Wh X201 battery part number: FRU 42T4695 ASM 42T4695

 

Thanks for the part number Kevin!
tekstr1der, i do have a retail version of windows 7 professional, and my configured system will also come with windows 7 pro, but since lenovo's system is OEM version, if i clean install the system and use lenovo's cdkey, will the oem cdkey match the retail version of windows 7 pro?

the webpage says my estimated ship date is mar 17.... why it takes more than 2 weeks to make a computer! bad supply chain management!

 

why is the new 9 cell battery so hard to find?
googled, no luck....no result from amazon or ebay, even lenovo.com!

how can i buy a 94wh 9cell battery?

 

No, unfortunately retail and OEM product keys are not interchangeable. There is no issue, however, with installing your retail copy on the Thinkpad with your retail key though, assuming that is an extra copy just laying around and not installed elsewhere.

Your best bet would be to find a trustworthy source to download a OEM .ISO disc image to burn and make use of the product key you are purchasing with the new laptop.

 

I agree - the review makes it sound like glossy screens are doubtlessly superior. I could hardly disagree more. While they work great for some people, there are certainly those of us who would much rather sacrifice some contrast and saturation for less reflection and eyestrain. Not saying the current ThinkPads have great screens - I was disappointed with the T500/T400 screens I saw in person for a matté screen - but it doesn't make sense to compare them to glossy screens, especially on the basis of contrast/saturation. That's exactly what glossy screens are designed to excel at - of course they'll win. It's about as fair a comparison as comparing how well OSX runs on an Apple machine to a Dell.

As for matté screen makers, the Samsung matté screen in my Dell Inspiron is excellent, much better than the ThinkPad T400/T500 screens. Good horizontal viewing angles, okay vertical ones, a very crisp display (no screen door effect to speak of), plenty bright when you're indoors. Usable outdoors depending on the sunlight - wouldn't really recommend it, though, unless it's night. I've been known to cart my laptop to lab to use instead of the uberglossy machines in one of the labs even though it means being limited to a text-only remote connection instead of full-GUI local Linux usage. In short, the screen rocks my socks and I'm extremely glad I opted for the matté option instead of the many glossy options. I've got a screenshot with the model number on my camera; if you want the model send me a PM. But it is 15.4-inch, 16:10, 1280x800. So it probably won't work on most current machines, what with the 16:9 trend and all.

Sony's DuraView is also an excellent screen; unfortunately it's only on a select few, and very expensive, models. But it's the only laptop screen I'd consider an equal to my Samsung. If my memory serves me correctly, it's the $1900+ VAIO Z-Series that has it. And it was the final Core 2 model that I saw in person, not the i5/i7 one, so I can't guarantee that one has the same screen. But that was an excellent non-glossy screen.

As for VGA; I'd rather have VGA than HDMI at this point. It's just so much more universal that it makes sense if you're only going to have one. And I've been convinced of this as much by my friends with Macs (and thus no VGA) as by having VGA and not HDMI myself.

Too bad the tablet is so expensive, though. I've been using an IBM X41 tablet recently, and while I like it quite a bit (and have caught myself reaching for the touch point on my Dell, as well as trying to use the stylus on my Dell's screen), and trust its build quality as much as that of my Dell, I can't imagine buying a new tablet other than HP's (much cheaper) consumer grade - maybe Fujitsu's midrange ($1200). It'll be interesting to see if the iSlate causes more consumer-affordable tablets to be introduced.

One question about the screen, though - does it support a stylus? I've also been using an iPod Touch this semester, and have come to really appreciate the precision a stylus offers on the X41. I tried using the X41's stylus on the iPod and was a bit surprised that it didn't work. Now seeing that the X201 has a multitouch screen, I'm not so sure it would support a stylus. Which, to me, would be disappointing. Call me crazy, but I'd rather have stylus support than multitouch.

 

It supports either just the stylus in the normal tablet set up, or with the multitouch is supports BOTH the stylus and touch.

 

I contacted Lenovo and they said that they dont have an option to extend the warranty on their website for X201. Here is the email:

"Dear Chuen,

Thank you for contacting Lenovo, the makers of ThinkPad and ThinkCentre products.

As I understand you would like to know when the service and software option is available for Thinkpad X201. We apologize for the inconvenience caused. This is to let you know that we dont have an option to extend the warranty on our website. If the system is in warranty and if you would like to extend it, you would have to contact our Sales Department at the contact number given below option 3 for further assistance.

If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 866-42-THINK (84465) option number 2. We will be happy to assist at that time.

Once again, thank you for contacting Lenovo.

Sincerely,
Liticia"

I guess they are not going to offer that for X201.... this is very weird!!!

 

They will if you call them.

 

You can use the product key on the sticker of your laptop with a retail copy of Windows 7 of the same version. ie. you order a Thinkpad with Win7 Pro, do a clean install with borrowed/downloaded Win7 Pro disc image, enter the key on your sticker.

You will have to call in to do an automated activation, but that only takes 5 minutes. There have at least been multiple reports of this working on Asus laptops.

 

This may very well work. However, it would be in violation of the licensing terms for the OEM Product key. Installing from valid OEM media is the only legitimate method to activate an OEM key. This is why the OEM products are sold separately from retail copies. I was simply trying to keep things on the up and up. Clearly there are many other more nefarious options available should he choose to pursue them

 

How does the i3 compare to those i5 and i7 models?

 

Core i3's do not have Turbo Boost, but do have hyper threading. So with a Core i3 you are stuck with whatever clockspeed it runs at, with no speed gains Turbo Boost may bring.