The best ultraportable on the planet
Written: Jan 09 '04 (Updated Jan 09 '04)
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Pros: Small, fast, incredible battery life, superb build quality
Cons: Expensive
The Bottom Line: Small, light, powerful and exquisitely built, this is simply the finest ultraportable laptop on the planet.
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| lawman67's Full Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X31 (2672JHU) PC Notebook |
***Wow, the first review on the THinkPad X31***
Earlier today I posted a review of the ThinkPad X21, which I recently bought. This review is of the reason why I bought that computer, the X31. No, I don't own both, but I made my own purchase decision based on a few hours using a brand-new X31 purchased by a classmate and setting it up for her to use. The two computers, despite 4-years in design progress, are far more similar than they are different.
First off, I'll come right out and say what did NOT improve or change on the X31 since the original X20 model of late 1999. The screen is exactly the same 12.1" TFT at 1024X768. While many laptop shoppers think a larger screen means a better laptop, the X-series is made for those who know what they want and don't care about marketing. The reason they stayed with a 12 inch panel is because the laptop itself is so small that nothing bigger will fit. ALso unchanged is the mouse, which unlike the larger ThinkPads doesn't get the Ultranav with its small touchpad. The X31, like all X-series has a conventional IBM Trackpoint with three large buttons, the center button for scroll. It uses the same slightly scrunched keyboard that is somehow far more comfortable than the keyboards on competing ultralights, and finally, there is no optical or floppy drive in the case itself, instead you must attach the optional X3 Media slice to get integrated drives. My classmate did not buy the media slice.
Installing software onto the X31 was no trouble thanks to its integrated 802.11 wireless networking. I simply put the CDs or installers on my desktop and installed everything wirelessly, and quite quickly. The X31 uses Intel's new Pentium M processor and Centrino architecture, which means that wireless was there from the beginning and is integrated at the motherboard level. I have a wifi PC card for my X21, but it doesn't compare for ease of use and integration with the OS with this X31.
Ergonomics are a slight compromise compared to a full-sized laptop, but far better than on any other ultralight I've tried. The screen is gorgeous, the keyboard has amazing feel and is large enough for accurate touch-typing, and finally, just like the X21, the new model is nearly silent in operation, with very infrequent and well-insulated fan use.
Performance is what I expected, which is to say blazing fast. Still, compared with the 700MHz PIII X21, the 1.4GHz Pentium M while noticeably faster, does not make the older computer feel slow. In some tasks my X21 is actually faster as the X31 came with a 4200RPM hard drive and my X21 has a faster 5400RPM model. My honest belief is that for regular work, movies, web browsing and the like, anything over 300-400MHz is overkill.
There is another measure of performance where the X31 soundly trounces the older X21, and that is battery life. My classmate didn't order the base station because she rarely needs or uses external drives, but she did order the optional long-life battery which clips under the laptop just like the base station does. IBM claims over 5 hours with just the standard battery, and over 10 with both, and based on the 3.5 hours I used it unplugged with the wireless on and 23% power remaining at the end, I believe it.
Another thing I liked about the X31 was its build-quality, which is every bit the equal of the X21, and simply a delight to behold. HInges are solid, the screen is rigid and flex-free, and the chasis feels as though it was forged from one block of metal. There is no improvement over the X21 because none was needed.
Of course there is one area where the new X31 cannot compete with the older X21, and that is weight. The X31 has gained a bit over half a pound and weighs in a 3.6lbs compared to 3.0 of the older model. The physical size is about the same, its just a bit more densely packed.
Finally, the X31, while VERY expensive, is still a relative bargain for what you get. My classmate paid $2000, which is actually $200 LESS than my X21 sold for in 2001 (I bought mine used for considerably less). You pay a premium price for the X31, but this is in every way a premium piece, backed by the best support in the industry (3 year depot service, upgradeable to on-site for up to 5 years) and build quality that will go the distance.
Is this right for you? As I said in my X21 review, if you are looking for a computer to use as a small desktop in the home or office, stick to a conventional desktop replacement type. If, however, you actually CARRY your laptop with you and appreciate quality products, the IBM X-series is simply the best ultraportable on the planet.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2000
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 12 inches
RAM: More than 256
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
lawman67
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 in Computer Hardware |
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Member: Andrew F
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 210
Trusted by: 63 members
About Me:
Her Majesty's a pretty nice girl but she doesn't have a lot to say.
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