Discussion thread for X100e

Just thought it may be an idea to have a seperate thread for the X100e. From tomorrow there should be more info on it. Am looking forward to first reviews especially on the screens. Also seems that maybe with an AMD CPU and an HD screen it will outshine the X series and T series in quality of video playback.

 

I have been waiting for x100e since the first leak in November. I saw Lenovo's site but disappointed as they offer only single core MV-40, and Win7 as the OS. I have to wait until they offer dual-core versions (what kind of difference does dual-core Turion and Athlon make?).

I am also hoping that Win XP can be chosen over 7 but most likely that won't happen.

Anyway, apart from CPU, I like it. Waiting for the review!

 

There's already XP drivers for the X100e on Lenovo's site. I too was kind of disappointed there's no dual core Neo. I think with a SSD and a dual core Neo, you have a pretty snappy performing ultraportable at a reasonable price. There's a site here stating they'll have the L335 and L625 as options. Hopefully they'll come with the dual cores soon.

 

I personally think the X100e looks impressive and sleek. It's still in the netbook/ultraportable market so processor does not matter to me. The single core Neo or even an Atom would be able to handle anything I would use a machine like this for. Any dual core variants would just push the battery life further down, which is not something I would want for a unit that already has less than stellar battery life.

I'm very interested to hear about the durability, keyboard (legendary keyboard/thinkpad build?), screen, and any heat issues. To me, those factors are much more important than performance on a machine like this. If Lenovo really did hit the spot with this one (I have my doubts but I hope they prove me wrong), this would be a very tempting purchase.

The Thinkpad Edge did not impress me at all, unfortunately, but the X100e is more up my alley.

 

Thanks for the info!

I also saw that Dual-core options will be available, but all info say that they become available "in 2010Q1". Many manufacturers do that. Why do they hold it back? I think it's better for manufacturers to make all the options available from the beginning so that more people buy immediately, which would create sort of buzz.

Anyway, let's cross fingers.

 

I like the looks of the x100e (love it in red), but I'm waiting to see what comes out at CES. MSI is supposed to be releasing a notebook with the same specs as the x100e, though with a dual core. The x100e should eventually have a dual core. I'm not going to wait, too much longer, though, I too have been eyeing the x100e since I first heard about it. Even with a single core Neo, it's going to be a decent performer, and the single core will likely give better battery life.

It isn't like we have a choice to wait, though, since they aren't shipping for a few days anyway (yes, I already checked lol)

EDIT: Anyone notice that the one for 449 on the Lenovo site comes standard with a WWAN 3-G card? That's a pretty nice addition. It also has the 6-cell battery, thankfully, 3-cell just wouldn't last long enough at all.

 

There are a few more details on the following site:

http://www.thinkpadtoday.com/its-he...l-launch-review-videos-and-specifications.htm

It looks like this baby has even stereo speakers on board ! And skype for business in the software package so I am pretty sure the speakers will be good enough to have conversations. I for one do use Skype for my business daily, and I prefer talking to people without headphones. As for the chip well maybe Duo AMD will cause too much heat ? Am a little disappointed since netbooks like Samsung NC10 can do a 6 cell with tremendous battery life in a netbook that weighs exactly 3 pounds and not 3.3. I like my travel netbooks/notebooks very light. I am waiting for the review on the screen, and the speakers, the rest is pretty much all I need. I am OK with an Intel Atom for travel so this AMD will do fine for my purposes. Also the feel of the keyboard will be important ... hopefully we'll get some good reviews soon. Anyone any idea if Lenovo will sell this through resellers as well ? Apparently resellers offer a better international warranty ...

OK now a bit of a stupid question ... for my eyes. I get eye strain when letters are too small. So my query .. is the 1366 x 768 resolution on 11.6 inches about equal to what ... a 1280 x 800 on a 12 inch screen ? or much smaller ?

 

I used 1440x900 on a 12" X200s and I thought it was manageable, though barely. I later decided that having a lower resolution screen on a smaller display might have been better. 1366x768 on an 11.6" should hit the sweet spot...no concerns here.

 

You can now spec the x100e with SIM cards and GPS on Lenovo US.

 

I think the X100e is kind of interesting. While I wish they had put a real 7-row keyboard in it, it looks pretty good otherwise and is perhaps worthy of being called a ThinkPad.

 

I am really interested in the x100e as a travel 'netbook' that isn't as expensive as my x200 (even though I suppose it isn't worth as much now...).

I will be going to CES this weekend so hopefully I can get some pictures and impressions for you guys.

 

I'm thinking about buying one if the price is right, to use on my travels. Are there any reviews yet?

 

I look forward to seeing them, Jaredy

If you get a chance, I'd love to hear how it compares to any of the other AMD/HD3200 11.6/12.1's that pop up, too - particularly with aesthetics, ergonomics and screen quality, considering that battery and performance will probably be similar across the board.

Won't mind hearing about those things either, however, if you are lucky enough to play with one long enough. Please do keep us informed!

 

Hey Jaredy ... lucky you. The thing I would like to know about is screen quality including video playback and if the speakers are loud enough for Skype conversations, and the feel of the keyboard ! Sorry for the requests ... and yes hopefully you can spend some time on one for a while ... and on the T410 whilst you're at it LOL

 

x100e looks to be a step up from the regular run of the mill netbook on the market, so it will be an interesting buy.

 

I know, I'm jealous

^^ This too please

 

Here's how you can open up x100e and easily access components. From a Japanese website. Of course Japanese love Thinkpad. It was born and still developed there!

http://image.itmedia.co.jp/l/im/pcuser/articles/1001/05/l_kn_x100erv_20.jpg

 

Got a referral/hotlink error on that link.

I don't think I will be able to test the speakers for video chatting use since it is bound to be noisy.

I aim to get a good idea about the overall build, keyboard feel, screen quality, and I suppose some HD flash playback if they have it connected to the internet. There are a couple mini reviews floating around on the web.

http://www.thinkpadtoday.com/world-...aunch-thinkpad-x100e-due-january-5th-2010.htm

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2357584,00.asp

 

Sorry. Looks like the website is jamming direct links to restrict traffic (why?). Looks like you need to keep trying...

 

Jaredy yes I know it would be noisy but as a general rule if you turn up the volume and you can actually hear it in that environment then it will be loud enough for Skype conversations. Also the X100e has stereo speakers that was rather unexpected for me since X200 series only have one speaker. Unfortunately I see on Lenovo UK that the Edge has reached Europe but NO mention of the X100e. I hope it comes soon enough !I need one.

NEW VIDEO (first CES on Youtube):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksLhSsOkHew

The screen looks very nice and from what I can see the resolution and size of the icons seems to be spot on for the size of screen !

Also in some of the reviews it mentions CPU options ... but I only see one AMD chip mentioned on the US Lenovo site ... also do not see SSD but then again that would defeat the purpose of a cheap notebook. Am OK with standard 320 GB. Has anyone found the X100e yet as a TopSeller with a Lenovo Reseller? I hope soon ....

 

GOOD NEWS for those in the UK and Europe. The X100e has arrived in on-line stores in the UK. It retails at about 415 pounds = US 655. Yes that's 200 dollars more than the USA or a 50% price hike but that's always the case. Mostly it's double the price so that's not too bad. I am just waiting to see what colour it is exactly because I want black. Red and white no thank you ... If it is black I should have one by next Wednesday and I will write a complete review on it, screen, heat, noise etc. If I don't like it I have 7 days to cancel my order and return the product ... It is the model with the standard 250GB HDD and the rest all pretty much the same.

Unfortunately it is the version with the slowest chip as far as I can tell:

"From the start, the AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 and AMD M780G with ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics will be available with further AMD Athlon Neo and Turion options available later in Q1. The choice right now has to be the AMD M780G which incorporates the ATI Avivo™HD3 Technology video decoder to seamlessly decode and playback HD-DVD and Blu-ray content."

Anyone who can comment more on the difference? I only need it for office stuff (email, internet,skype) and the occasional movie which does not have to be HD.

 

>perfectionseeker

Lucky you. Look forward to your review! I will wait for the version with a faster processor. I've been waiting for months; I got used to waiting

 

Mamber ... yes I thought of the faster chip as well but then again for what I need it ... I don't think I will need it and a duo core AMD may produce more heat and drain more battery, that seems the logic behind it ... I have recently used a Samsung NC10 (Atom) Netbook and it did everything I needed on the road and fast enough so I am fairly sure this X100e will better it. I wish though that they had kept the weight down. Someone on the other thread commented that an X200s is lighter but then it seems it is plagued by an average quality screen and video playback is so so ... I think with this new HD screen etc this X100e may actually deliver better quality, though shorter battery life ... there is always a trade off. I cannot stand glossy screens so options for me are limited. I tried an HP Mini device and hated it, very plastic and the fan just did not stop ... so much noise. As there are no reviews on the X100e we will wait and see if it is money well spent or a dud LOL

 

Hi, anyone tried cisco vpn version 5.0.06.0160. Installed this client on lenovox100e w7 prof with access center 5.50 at latest drivers downloaded. Use mobile broadband with driver :Qualcomm Gobi 2000 HS-USB Mobile Broadband Device, driver version 3.0.1.6, driver dato:23.11.2009. Internet surfing works fine, but when starting cisco vpn for remote desktop at my work, it just wont work. If I use wireless lan connection at any place , it works fine. Please respond anyone

 

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/10-1-inch-thinkpad-x100e-surfaces-with-atom-n450-processor/

 

I hope Lenovo knows progress is about going forwards no backwards ... why in the hell would they keep the same casing, make the screen smaller and put an Atom in ? It really does not make any sense, especially since right about now they should be anouncing a duo core option for the X100e...

 

Ya, I am pretty indifferent about this "refresh". Dual core and some rubber paint would peak my interest.

 

an Atom offering wouldn't be meant to be better than the AMD MV-40.   something like this would be meant to fill a price gap.

it's not the end of the world, kids.

btw, an X100e found its way onto my desk a couple of weeks ago and it's VERY impressive.   in fact, i like just about everything about it.   even though it types like a ThinkPad, i'm tossed on the look of the island keys.   i'm more of a traditionalist.

 

A commenter on Engadget claims that the Atom model is designed specifically for the Australian government, who will buy a few hundred K units and pass them out to their school kids.

I kind of hope the Atom model will make its way to public retail channels. It could be the answer to my biggest problem with X100e: inadequate battery life.

 

Dang OS is 9 years old, drop the damn thing.

 

yeah~

i sometime just think people stick with xp in the same way linus sticks with his blanket