A difficult customer seeks help ....

OK this is what I am looking for:

1. 12-14 inch screen
2. NO NOISY FAN !! (as in should be silent just doing mail, browser, Itunes, Skype)
3. NO HEAT
4. Screen quality good enough to watch movies
5. As light as possible

Now after much reading I have decided against the X220 with IPS as a friend of mine had ghosting on his (image retention) and some background bleeding. What is left ? What is better in terms of the above? Is the X220 TN panel much better than the X200 series ? (Bought an X200, X200s sent both back since screen quality was atrocious compared to my Samsung Netbook at 1/6th of the price). Any advice appreciated.

 

Are you open to brands other than Lenovo?

 

Ghosting on the x220 isn't that bad, it's still the best display on the market

 

X220. Or the X230, if you can wait.

 

the new IPS panels largely fixed ghosting and bleed. It's still there somewhat, but it's not an huge issue anymore. And it's still definitely the highest quality screen on an ultraportable this generation.

For other options.
It has a fair bit of fan noise, but the Sony SE is one of the lightest 15 inch laptops around (4.4lbs), and packs an IPS FHD screen of reasonable quality.

The Sony Z2's screen isn't IPS but it's pretty good, but like the SE, fan noise might be an issue.

 

Really? You've compared it side-by-side with the PLS screen on the 2012 Samsung Series 9 13.3" screen?

 

Is that laptop currently on the market? (Or... are you referring to Sandy Bridge version?)

 

Eh... A silent fan may or may not be possible with Skype (as it seems to be Flash-based) and iTunes, and if you're using a browser with no ad/scriptblock.

 

Personally, I didn't notice any ghosting on my friend's pre-screen-refresh X220 IPS. The screen refresh during the summer of last year should've removed any noticeable ghosting, in any case.

Skype is actually pretty intensive, though, so I think you can expect the fan to spool a bit faster (my T500 does, at any rate, but it's still inaudible).

EDIT: Colonel O'Neill beat me to the last point

 

Available here and there.

 

Thanks! The current version has a 400-nit which is TN, but what seems to be a great screen.

 

Yes, the second generation machines are available worldwide. Here's a pic of the 13.3" stacked on top of the 15"

The 15" does not have an IPS or PLS screen which is a disappointment but it's still above average.

The 13.3" PLS screen rocks.

 

Blasphemy.......

 

Quietest ThinkPad I ever owner was the X200t with a SSD. The fan almost never came one and it had a AFFS LCD, which is pretty good, thought the touch surface does add some grain.

 

What is AFFS? Is that the superbrite touch display for outdoor use?

 

It's another screen technology that is for usability purposes very similar to IPS, with wide viewing angles and a better color gamut.

 

I don't see any kind of grain, so it may not be on all displays.

 

Thanks for the info. Well I admit my friend's X220 with the ghosting issue is from mid 2011. So have these IPS problems been rectified or same LG (I think) IPS screens used ? Also in Europe the turn over is nowhere near what it is in the USA, so maybe we are stuck with the older models ? Are there any MT numbers I should look at to get a newer better screen? And how do the X220 TN panels stack up against other brands ? Am nor adverse to other brands but I do have a really good T400 too heavy and screen not good but very silent and reliable. I have no clue what Samsung does with their screens but they are really good, the matte ones. I cannot stand glossy, never will.

 

i would also support those who suggest that you look at the Samsung NP900X3B (or the X3C once it arrives in a month or two). while it is slightly smaller than your target 14" size, it is a very impressive package if you want light weight and a first class display. See my review for some photos alongside my T420s.

John

 

In the conclusion of the review:

My answer: Definitely.

 

Does the Samsung have concave keys? I have used a relatives Samsung on occasion when I did not have my ThinkPad X200 handy. His Samsung has chiclet keys which I found to be quite annoying. I tried giving it a chance but the impression I always got was I couldn't wait to get back to my X200! The thin design of the Samsung looks very nice but keyboard feedback is vital and integral in my day to day experience and usage. I spend many hours on my laptop researching, logging into homework sites (Sapling and Webassign), and as such it is put through the rigors of student usage. One perk I love about the X200 is how I can move the LCD lid 180 degrees flat away from the keyboard. Folding the LCD waaayy back has come in handy numerous times and is quite ingenious. My X200 (non-tablet) was specially modified by a friend and has a PVA screen. The viewing angles are wonderful, the concave keys have superb travel, weight is not an issue, and the ease of buying parts (if needed) does not break the bank for this university student. The X200 does get smashed in between books, I have dropped it accidentally numerous times, and I have found the need to gain access to the innards when I have done my own maintenance. The X200 still runs wonderful and gets me through many situations that are thrown at me. YMMV as we all have different needs and uses for laptops but these are my thoughts on the thin and light category.

Now if someone gave me that Samsung for a gift then I guess I would have no choice but to accept it. Then perhaps I may get to look hip enough to fit in with the crowd at Starbucks

 

Nope. Flat chiclet.