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    Critique my X220 purchase

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by nikkisixx, Jul 18, 2011.

  1. nikkisixx

    nikkisixx Notebook Consultant

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    I can wait until August 20 to make a purchase... any chance of better deals coming out?

    I saw these threads and it seems like they were significantly better prices:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/579037-amazing-x220-deal-until-5-18-a.html
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/582187-good-deal-x220-some-questions.html

    Also, is there a big difference 2x2 and 3x3 wifi? Considering i7 for usb 3.0

    ThinkPad X220 - 1 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty

    $1,115.10


    Intel Core i5-2410M Processor (2.3GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)1
    Genuine Windows 7 Professional 6412
    12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
    Intel® HD Graphics 3000
    4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)8
    Fingerprint Reader
    320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
    ThinkPad Battery 29++ (9 cell)60
    Bluetooth 3.0
    Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)10
    Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable65
    4286 : 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller7
     
    nikkisixx, Jul 18, 2011
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Given that I paid $750 shipped for my X220i, it seems a bit high. I'd say the chances of getting a better price are good, but no one here has a crystal ball.
     
    ZaZ, Jul 18, 2011
    #2
  3. DStaal

    DStaal Notebook Geek

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    On the WiFi: 3x3 is faster, and can handle interference better - assuming you have a wifi router/access point that's also 3x3. (Well, in theory it can handle interference better either way.) It's basically three antennas, that each have a separate connection. It's also more expensive, and takes up the space for the webcam.

    2x2 is more normal, and will support most of the wifi connections you will encounter. And it allows you to have the webcam.
     
    DStaal, Jul 18, 2011
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  4. syoung

    syoung Notebook Enthusiast

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    Agreed, wait on it. There was a configuration pretty similar to yours (except W7 HP, 2GB RAM, 6-cell battery, no fingerprint reader) on sale for $750 last month.
     
    syoung, Jul 18, 2011
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  5. cloud_nine

    cloud_nine Notebook Evangelist

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    You should wait. There are definitely better deals to be had, especially with back to school sales rolling in soon. With your specs, a good deal would be around $700 range. I got my X220 for $730 with tax (i5, 2GB, IPS, 320GB HD, Webcam, and Intel 6205, no OS)

    I would recommend signing up to a deal website like slickdeals and setting up an alert to notify you of a deal. They don't last long so you need to bite the bullet the moment they go live.
     
    cloud_nine, Jul 18, 2011
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  6. edit1754

    edit1754 Notebook Prophet

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    If you're getting the Webcam, you have no choice but to select the 2x2 antenna.

    If you're not getting the Webcam, I don't really see a reason not to select the 3x3 antenna. A 3x3 antenna could either help or do nothing, but it couldn't hurt. And it doesn't cost anything extra. Won't do anything for the 6205 wifi card though.

    And personally I'd rather have a webcam than have negligibly faster WiFi.
     
    edit1754, Jul 18, 2011
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  7. tktk

    tktk Notebook Evangelist

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    Just FYI, I'm sitting on this quote from about a week ago. Almost identical to yours but with a only 2GB and a 6 cell for about $725:


    $724.81
    The above product code consists of the following component(s):
    THINKPAD X220 - 1 YR DEPOT
    INTEL CORE I5-2410M PROC
    WIN7 HOME PRM64 EN
    2GBPC3-10600DDR3 1333SODMM
    NO FINGERPRINT READER
    NO CAMERA
    320GB HRDDSK DRV,7200RPM
    BATTERY 29+(6CELL)
    6205 2X2AGN
    IPS screen
     
    tktk, Jul 18, 2011
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  8. edit1754

    edit1754 Notebook Prophet

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    I don't even see the screen listed anywhere in there. Does your config have the IPS screen?
     
    edit1754, Jul 18, 2011
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  9. tktk

    tktk Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, I must have accidentally cut that out.

    I was using either the Mastercard Marketplace or Barnes&Noble program and a coupon. I also got a quote for DOS for $647, but most of the savings was because I could get the 250GB 5400rpm drive for $70 less. Since I can't find a cheap Windows License (even though my wife is a college professor) I am leaning towards the Win 7 $725 config unless something better pops up.
     
    tktk, Jul 18, 2011
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  10. richan90

    richan90 Notebook Consultant

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    As a rule, if there was a better price before, I would not buy until it reaches that price again (with an allowance of ~$50)
     
    richan90, Jul 18, 2011
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  11. nikkisixx

    nikkisixx Notebook Consultant

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    How do you qualify for/do that?

    Thanks for the help everyone! I'll wait it out...
     
    nikkisixx, Jul 20, 2011
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  12. Widows Son

    Widows Son Notebook Geek

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    Check out this msg from another thread



    Have a Magical Day!
     
    Widows Son, Jul 20, 2011
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  13. tktk

    tktk Notebook Evangelist

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    There are some helpful threads at slickdeals.

    The easiest thing is to to go to mastercard marketplace (search for it on Google.) Sign up for an account and then go from there to the lenovo store. You don't have to use a mastercard to do this (oddly enough.) This often gets you 12% instead of 10% off. So not really a big savings. As I said before, ecoupons or fatwallet may get you more savings.
     
    tktk, Jul 20, 2011
    #13