Thinking of switching from TX850 to Lenovo X300

I have a TX850 and I really like its size, weight and the fact that it comes with a internal DVD. I don't use the DVD that much but when I need it, is great not to have to use an external one.

However, I have had a lot of problems with it and with Sony's customer support. They charged me $699 to fix a problem that happened a few months after I bought it and that I believe was a manufacturing issue. I am now having issues with overheating and the place where the AC adapter connects to the laptop has some issues, I have to hold it in special way to wiggle it so it actually connects. I am also not impressed with the performance but I guess it is to be expected for a computer of this size.

Another thing that has never worked in my TX850 is the microphone. I am actually still not sure if it has a builtin mic but even when I connect one to the audio in port still doesn't work. I've found this very annoying and I am not willing to deal with Sony about this. Also is my fault for not testing it right away.


I am thinking about getting a new laptop and I'm considering is the Lenovo x300 because looks a lot more robust. However I am not too happy about the external DVD. The other laptpop I'm considering is the Vaio TZ 398U/XC, the toshiba rx1.

I guess I mostly care about weight, battery life, performance and bluetooth. Say that budget wasn't an issue, what laptop would you recommend?

 

Actually it seems like the lenovo 300 does have a built in drive! Ummm...

 

The X300 is really good. It is a lot more rugged than a TZ.

TZ is a lot more pretty in my opinion.

If you don't mind the looks and the price of Lenovo X300 it may be the way to go. X200 is coming up soon. (12.1")

Sony Z series coming in August might also be interesting.

 

If you're after ruggedness, go for the Lenovo. I'm a big fan of Thinkpads for their build quality and general idiot-proof design. There's a video review somewhere where the guy poors a glass of water into the X300's keyboard and it just runs out a purpose designed channel at the side of the notebook and boots up fine a few seconds later! Thinkpads are designed to take that kind of abuse from clumsy businesspeople.

I'm going through the exact same decision making process and I'm currently erring on the side of the Sony TZ, basically because I want something really small - footprint-wise, not just thin - and the Sony is actually quite a bit smaller footprint:

TZ = 277 x 198 x 24-31 mm, 1.24kg

X300 = 317 x 236 x 22 mm, 1.45kg

Of course the smaller size also means a smaller screen... although the resolution on the TZ is OK, the 11.1" screen size means it's got tiny pixels. The X300 has a 13.3" screen and lower pixel density. It's worth mentioning that most reviews say the screen on the X300 is less bright/vivid than the Sony, although it's still acceptable. Sony have more experience with LED backlights I suppose?

And you can get the X300 configured with or without an internal DVD burner. Optionally, you can have an extra battery in the DVD bay and an external DVD drive. Unfortunately though this isn't a straightforward swap - it's not officially user-swappable, you'd need some technical skill to do this and it's not something you would want to do on a whim before a flight or whatever.

If the X300 gets a big price cut before I need to buy (mid August latest really) and the top of the range TZ doesn't... I might change my mind and go for the Lenovo. At the moment, the Sony TZ is winning in my mind purely because of size and weight. It's prettier too, but more fragile.

The upcoming X200 is maybe the perfect size and has the wonderful Thinkpad keyboard, but isn't really an option for me because I need an internal optical drive.

Keep us posted on which way you decide to go!

 

The X300 was and still is my ultimate laptop if price wasnt an issue. But the TZ is slightly better in terms of specs. It has more then double the battery life with standard battery (with ultimate power plan on I get a stable 7 hours of battery life). It has an extra express card slot wich I believe the X300 doesnt have. And it exchanges the extra usb port for an i.link port. It has a few more extra features like some come with a felica port and more. The TZ has also more options for customization. For example you dont have to get one with a dvd drive. You could chose a 250gb HDD instead.

I dont know if the screen is much better but it has a much better pixel count plus its a smaller screen. The screen for me looks really amazing. Its hard for me to believe that the X300 can top this screen. Plus its a 16:9 ratio wich is better then 16:10 for watching movies.

So the TZ is slightly better, lighter and smaller but I like the X300 more because its really robust and rugged. If there was a 11" or 12" version of the X300 I would want that one instead.

 

You've summarised it perfectly with that one sentence.

For the moment, the TZ is looking best for me. But I'll be sure to get an extended warranty and insurance to cover accidental damage etc, if/when I buy one... to hopefully mitigate the fragility issue.

If I needed something rugged for work travel, or it suddenly became much cheaper than it is currently, I'd get the X300.

 

there is. Or better said, there will soon be:
http://www.small-laptops.com/lenovo-thinkpad-x200/

 

But it doesn't have an internal optical drive...

All the other specs are fantastic, though. I might have to look into one of those. I assume it'll have great battery life because of Montevina.

I certainly won't miss the touchpad. I prefer a decent notebook mouse (VX Nano is just perfect IMHO) to either trackpoint or a touchpad, but if I had to use the built in pointing system, given the choice I'd rather have a trackpoint.

Decisions, decisions!

 

Its unfortunately already too late for me. I recently got the TZ so I have to use it for another 2-3 years before i can get a new laptop.

Thats what I hate about technology. Theres always new and better laptops coming out in a real small period.

 

Why does that remind me of Star Wars?

Seriously though, I know how you feel re: buying a new toy and something else coming out straight away. It always happens, though - the price of progress etc. And your TZ is better than anything a couple of years back, of course.

I'm currently sat on the proverbial fence as I need a new laptop soon but I know that Montevina is going to introduce a whole load of new options, like the Dell Latitude E4200/E4300, Lenovo X200 and of course possibly a Montevina ultraportable from Sony, to replace the TZ.

I'm pretty sure that I'm going to feel pain similar to yours whenever I take the plunge... but I'm trying to wait as late as I can after mid-July to try to keep my options open once we get to learn officially what the Centrino 2 offerings are from each of the big manufacturers.

 

But on the goodside: Your TZ looks sexy, the battery life is amazing and the screen is the best I have seen sofar on any laptop.

 

Yeah I'm still really satisfied with my TZ. Its really light. Ever since I got it I'm taking it anywhere. Its so easy to whip it out of my bag or put it right in because its so small and light.

And I can always say that I had a good deal. If the X200 comes out now it will probally cost 2000 or more euros. I can say that I got the TZ for almost half the price. So its not that bad. But it does make me jaelous sometimes.