About to pull the trigger--some final questions on the x200

Hi, all, this is my first post, though I've been an avid reader here for a couple of months. This seems to be the very best forum online for researching notebooks, and it has just about answered all of my questions.

However, I do have a few more.

I'm seeking an ultraportable with long battery life and a superb keyboard, and trackpoint, so this is how I've landed on the x200 as my machine of choice. I'm hoping this machine will last me a long time, though it doesn't have to be as long as my current 600x has lasted (still going strong, it just needs a faster processor, more RAM, and a bigger HDD is all! )

So, without further preamble, here goes:

1. I've noticed superb deals if I'm willing to get a preconfigured x200 from a reseller instead of ordering custom configured direct from Lenovo. Even cheaper than EPP!
a) Which reseller currently has the best value/best prices you've found on this model? I'd like to spend no more than $1,400, including a DVDRW and some kind of docking capacity (does that have to be the ultrabase? see below.)
b) Do any resellers have more flexible return policies than Lenovo does itself? Lenovo seems incredibly hard-a$$ed about returns and has poor customer service these days, from what I have read. It's the one thing that has me thinking about going with Dell's business division instead.
c) Which resellers are preferred for their customer service and business practices? (Price isn't the only consideration.)

2. I want some kind of a docking station so I can unplug and go (I plan to carry it with me to the library or on trips every day, and also use it as a desktop with external keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc. at home).
a) Do you recommend another, less expensive option for docking than the ultrabase?
b) Can I use a port replicator instead? Is there one you recommend?
c) Do any port replicators that fit this unit also have parallel/serial ports?

3. I'm hoping to save money by getting an external DVDRW from some other company. Any recommendations as to one that is compatible with the x200 and reliable as well? I don't have to carry it with me, so it could be a desktop model, if that saves money.

4. If I do get the ultrabase, I'm concerned about how it works--do you have to reboot when you want to remove the notebook? Or does it have a hot connection (right term?)
Any known problems with the ultrabase?
Opinions on advantages of the ultrabase v. another docking method (port replicator of some kind--if anyone knows a model they recommend, please advise). ?
Can I be working on my laptop out in the yard, then come inside and drop the machine into the ultrabase and have all the peripherals working immediately? Or do I need to reboot in some way?
I don't want to have to reboot to use the ultrabase or disconnect from it.

5. I've also just become aware of the upcoming new Dells, the E4300 and E4200, and see they will be out soon.
a) Has anyone else here made a decision to wait for these? Rationale?
b) Why would you choose the Dell over the x200, or vice versa?
I'd just as soon have a built in DVDRW, provided the machine doesn't become too heavy. I definitely don't want to carry more than 4 lbs.
c) anyone know what the weight and battery life of the E4300 is supposed to be?

6. If I buy from a reseller, can I specify I want the 9-cell battery?

7. Has anyone here bought this from a reseller, and if you got the 6-cell battery, how long did it last?

I've been avidly reading all posts related to the x200, but if anyone has anything to add here about their experience or a link they'd like to provide to their post, please do!

Thank you!

A Lenovice

 

oh, and p.s. i would like to be able to work outside, and i guess the x200 doesn't have a great screen for that?

anyone have experience using an x200 outdoors?

would the dell be better for outdoor use?

 

I've pretty much had the same decisions as you, except for the ultrabase, which I don't need, but other than that, I chose the x200 with 9-cell battery. I actually bought the Sony SR, but it turned out to be a little too noisy for my liking, and not enough battery life. I really wanted the E4300 or E4200, but I didn't want to wait another month, so I ended up with the x200.

 

so, mysterious, how do you like your new x200 so far?

do you think the extra weight is worth it to have the longer battery life of the 9 cell battery?

 

Hi Lenovice,

There is a thread dedicated to the x200 at http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=296363 . It would be great if you could bring your discussion there as it would help other users in the future. Lenovo actually just dropped the price on the configure options so look into that.