Getting X200; what do I need?

Alright... while I decided to keep my T400 that I was having some minor issues with in my other thread, I was still really itching for an X200. I managed to score an extremely good deal for one locally, and will be picking it up tomorrow. Looks like it's a P8600 with 2GB of RAM, 160GB HDD, and a WXGA LCD. The owner should be getting me the type number later on tonight, but for the price I'll take it regardless.

I do want to run it through the upgrade gamut, but I'm assuming other than HDD and RAM, there's really not much that can be done with it, right? I'll be using it for schoolwork, Net surfing, Office, light gaming and some video encoding... it's got a faster processor than my T400 so I'm sure it'll handle the load.

I don't have the means for one immediately, but I do want to get an Ultrabase for it a little bit down the road. Does anyone know where I can get one without paying an exorbitant $200+ like I have been seeing online?

And, finally, I do have some programs on optical media I'll have to install right off. Does anyone have some recommendations about some good, free programs out there that I can rip to an ISO so I can install them on the X200 through an external HDD?

 

outlet.lenovo.com or ebay for ultrabase

Lenovo should include a cd burning program like Roxio in your T400. or something like LC ISO Creator.

 

I've bought a few TP parts from Brad at bboraxjr at aol dot com. His prices tend to be a fair bit better than direct from lenovo (unless you count the outlet, but either I'm missing it or there are no x20x ultrabases on the outlet right now.

 

there were few weeks back when i browsed it, must have sold out.... i wish Lenovo offers outlet in Australia too.

 

Yeah, they've got a crazy deal on the x301 right now. One configuration is $1164.84.

Though I guess I shouldn't have any regrets about my X201 because the SU9400 I'm guessing is slower than my i5-520M? And the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD is not as good as the Intel HD graphics? Please say yes.

Speaking of which, KA8, you can get an X200 tablet on the outlet for $965.94 right now.

 

TPF forum might be an option too. There was someone selling one for $100 a while back. I don't think it sold, but it was a while ago. It might be an option when you're ready to buy.

ImgBurn does an excellent job of ripping to iso and it's much less farty/bloated than Roxio. Just uncheck the google installer and you're in like flynn.

Congrats on the X200. Yours and mine look pretty similar. I flipping love mine, despite giving up 400 lines of vertical resolution compared to my R60 and I think I'm finally getting the hang of this pointstick thing.

 

In a word, yes. The new generation Intel HD Graphics are about twice as powerful as the previous generation X4500, and the i5-520M will handily outperform the SU9400. Plus if you're comparing the X301, my personal preference is for a smaller machine. I don't need an optical drive very often and carting one around with a notebook just doesn't appeal to me that much.

Good looking out on the X200 tablet... that's a pretty good price. As far as it goes, I'm reluctant to say how much I'll be paying for the X200 until after the sale... it's just that good of a deal.

Hm... not sure why it didn't occur for me to check the TPF marketplace... I have done business there in the past. Silly me.

I'm pretty hyped about getting the X200, as well... I have a feeling it'll quickly become my primary machine. While I do like the power and the extra res of the T400, I actually use the X4500 about 95% of the time. When I had my X61s a little while ago, I loved the form factor but needed a bit more power, higher resolution, and I really didn't like the heat. Looks like the X200 cured those issues so I should be quite happy with it. How much of a pain was your AFFS display to install, may I ask? I may consider that route in a little while.

 

The attractive thing about that x301 is it doesn't really weigh any more, has a dvd burner, higher resolution, and is thinner. If they had these outlet ones at the time, I'd have given them a very serious look, though I probably still would have gone for the faster cpu and better, albeit still integrated, graphics.

They've got X200 configs in the $640 area.

 

I don't think it's rocket science, but not tinker toys either. If you just take your time I think you'll be fine. The training videos linked in the sticky can be help too just cause it shows how it's done, at least for removing the panel.

Unlike the T60/R60, you have to take the LCD off, which lengthens the process. It's also more tightly packed so you have to be more precise. I did my R60 in about 20 minutes, but there's no way I could get my hand behind the LCD on the X200 to undo the cable, so the LCD has to come off.

Probably the hardest part for me was the screen. If you can get one without the digitizer and touch surface for not much of premium, I'd recommend it. There's two touch surface - one with glass, the other without. In either case you have to cut it off with a razor blade. The glass one is particularly tough because the glue is really good. I actually cut a few of my fingers just pushing the blade through. I'd recommend some gloves or something. Plus you got to be careful with the glass to make sure it doesn't break and damage the screen or something else. But like I said I think if you take your time you'll be fine.

 

Just picked up the X200 tonight. I would be kinda disappointed, but I traded a desktop I wasn't using and $100 for it. There is a bit of cosmetic damage that I need to correct and overall the machine has been heavily used... but functional. I'm typing on it right now. So, I need to get a list together and find the FRUs I need... I'm going to have to get the LCD latch, top cover, and keyboard replaced at the very least.

Other than the damage this is a pretty good notebook, and once I beef it up it will very likely become my primary system. I love the size and weight, and overall it's a great notebook. I just need to build it up from the state that it's in. I even have a year and a half of warranty remaining, although I'm sure most of this stuff can be considered accidental damage, so it won't really help under these circumstances.

 

@LegendaryKA8, i wonder whether you can take a picture of the laptop condition, i am interested in finding what sort of condition the seller sold the laptop to you in.

Also, how much did you get the laptop for?

 

Ever since I got an Acer 1410T and found out how great it was to have a field notebook, I have been thinking about an upgrade to a tablet and retiring my 1410T.

I was looking at the HP TM2T but it has too many limitations for my use. I started looking at the X200/201 series and was impressed by everything but the price. I want a multitouch unit with the best display I can get for the money.

Yesterday, I saw an X200, Model 744943u for sale on the Lenov outlet and had some questions about it.

It comes with XP Pro downgraded from Win 7? Why would Lenovo not use Win 7 on the tablet and go instead with XP? Can the license still be used on a clean install of Win7 (a reverse of the downgrade?). Will Win 7 even work on this unit? If you can't clean install, can you pay to upgrade to Win7 again? What is the difference between XP and Win 7 in this situation? Which OS would you run?

It describes its display as "superbright, LED backlit for improved outdoor viewing ability."? Any guess as to the display? Does Lenovo say that about all of their displays? Anybody know what display is installed on this unit? Was the 400nit outdoor display every put on the X200?

It has 2GB of Ram. Any issues upgrading?

It comes with the SP9600 CPU. It would be a serious improvement over my current field notebook (Acer 1410T) with its SU2300. Any heat issues with the 9600?

The unit was reduced to $862 USD. I guess it was a good price. The Lenovo outlet had 7 of these models just before noon and sold them within 2 hours. In case one comes up again, could you still address my questions? I am really interested in one of these ATM.

Bronsky

 

Most of the depot units, are overstock or returned units, there maybe particular corporate or business customers whom absolutely require the XP pro OS on their machines.

The Win 7 OS sticker serial can be used on either OEM install (Lenovo OEM install don't require the serial, as it is activated by VLK), or aftermarket. You can download the OS provided on this forum, and use the serial number you got to activate it. The serial number is valid for both 32 bit or 64 bit OS

yes the Win 7 can be used on the X200. X200t had the AFFS LCD, so the outdoor one is the 400 nit from memory.

It can be upgraded to 8 gigs DDR3 ram.

No heat issue as far i can tell. I got a loaner X200t from my friend whom bought it recently for $1000 AUD. I am contemplating whether to get the X201t from US at the end of the year, or wait for a sale event.

 

744943u is the machine type for the X200t. Either it's a tablet or there's some typos, which is not unusual for the outlet.

Customers still request XP, which is why it's still probably on there. Technically, you're buying Win 7 and Lenovo is downgrading it to XP as Win 7 Pro and Ultimate come with downgrade rights. It used to be when you bought a downgraded machine you got the recovery discs for the original OS, either Vista or Win 7, but who knows what's going with the outlet. When I got my X200 I kinda got the impression that things were a little scatterbrained over there. The machine should have a Win 7 COA. If you can find a Win 7 disc you key should work. Worst case is you'll have to call Microsoft to activate. You might be able to get a set of recovery discs from Lenovo.

My guess would be it's the 400 nit S-PVA display, which is supposed to be very good. It is never put in the X200, which is why I think it's a tablet or a typo.

RAM is easy to upgrade on the X200/X200t. There's a panel to pop of on the bottom.

I doubt it's a huge upgrade, though the SP9600 fully supports speedstep, which the SU2300 does not.

$869 is a great deal for a tablet, which is what it probably was. That's the thing about the outlet, when you see a good deal, you got to be ready to jump. I don't know if you'll see it again.

 

Yes, it was a tablet. I guess I forgot to say that. It is a shame that I had not focused on this Lenovo earlier as I would have ordered one of these, had I known the information you two provided. I would love to have a 12" tablet with the 400nit display. I've been watching the Outlet and that was the first x200 tablet I have see so far.

I'm in no hurry. I have my 1410T as a travel unit for now, but I have discovered its limitations as a field notebook. The X200t or X201t can double as a travel notebook, a field notebook and a decent document reader. Add 3G capability and there will be no need to ever pack up my 3820TG or disconnect it from the desktop monotor. As much as I liked the Core2 Duo models, I think I would prefer a new one with the I7-640LM. I am also extremely interested in the hybrid android tablet that Lenovo may be releasing by the end of the year. I doubt that it will be bright enough for use as a field notebook but if I'm waiting anyway.

Considering the $2,300 price tag of a new X201T, 400 nit, 4gb, I7-640LM, the $862 looked attractive. What is the lowest price I can expect to pay for the X201T? Are there ever any 40% Lenovo coupons on the X201T? From what I read, there are no sales on this model becuase of the demand. That so?

Thanks again for your help. You both are very knowledgable.

Bronksy

 

I'm on my mobile right now so pics will have to wait until tonight. The most pressing issue is with the LCD latch; it sticks very badly so I need to open it up and see what is going on. If I'm lucky it's just some gunk, if not the latch itself is physically damaged and I have to find a replacement.

I traded a desktop I wasn't using plus $100USD for it. Considering it's an X200 with plenty of warranty remaining I think I got a good deal regardless of cosmetic issues. It's a good platform for an AFFS upgrade as well as adding on other goodies. Once it's done it will end up being my primary computer.

 

Okay... been playing with the X200 for a bit. My first impressions are that I really like it. I think I got a killer deal for it, and as far as size goes it's perfect. Better resolution than the X61s I had and the full-size keyboard just plain rocks. The Thinklight and the display quality are far better than the T400's, as well. The cosmetic damage is noticeable but I can live with it for a while... what I thought was a damaged latch was in fact gummed up by a previous spill... cleaning it up made it work perfectly.

Here's what I need answered. Firstly, I'm sometimes getting a harsh buzz from the LCD area... loud enough that people I Skype with have complained about it. I think it's the inverter going south, but I want to confirm that. Seems to change and sometimes disappear by fiddling with the screen brightness. If so, I'm debating on getting it fixed with warranty... I'm still considering the AFFS LCD upgrade, and will be adding BT as well as the webcam later on, too. I could easily just replace the inverter as I do all that. Any opinions on that?

 

did you say spill?

 

Spills are nothing to Thinkpads. My T60 has been through a milkshake, a lemonade, and a glass of water.

 

That really depends on where you spilled the liquid, if it gets on the motherboard or other critical electronics, then you are in trouble. Thinkpads are totally sealed against liquid ingression.

 

I guess I don't imagine a world where people open up their thinkpads to spill stuff onto the motherboard, or pour things in through the fan.

 

But there are many entry points from the external chassis into the motherboard, the hole into which the screen latch goes into, is a common point of entry. Also the many vent holes under the laptop, provides another common mode of entry.

This is why all the liquid spill test that Lenovo shows for the Thinkpad are where liquids are carefully poured on the keyboard, and the laptop elevated to allow effective drainage of liquid away from the base of the laptop.

Thinkpad is tough, but it is not that tough against liquid damage, which is why laptop like Fully Rugged Toughbook has a large market.

 

Eh, my personal experience has been that Thinkpad-tough is tough enough for real life spills. My spills weren't a half empty class or something with a small neck spilling onto the computer, but wide open lids spilling at late 8oz on the keyboard all at an instant. In fact, come to think of it the lemonade spilled on the palmrest area too.

 

Sometimes this sort of thing is down to luck, and where the liquid ends up. You just have to scout the Lenovo official forum to see people killing their laptop with only a little bit of water.

YouTube - IBM t61 Water Keyboard Test part 1

this is what happens when the water can't effectively drain away from the base of the laptop if you had a spill.

 

Well sure, if you're dumb enough to move it from being flat before it has dried. I guess what I should have said is "spills are nothing to Thinkpads if you follow basic precautions"

 

Maybe the precaution is just not to have the spill in the first place, by not placing any liquids near the laptop.

 

Bah! Liquids? Try entire meals. Also spends time in the garage, even under the car or in the engine bay.

 

Yes. I thoroughly inspected the notebook after seeing that sticky mess, but it was confined to the area where the latch holes go into the palmrest. I saw nothing on the motherboard, at the very least.

I'm not sure what the previous owner did with the machine(I got the impression that the guy I bought it from acquired it from a family member), but it has been heavily used. The keyboard has an unbelievable amount of shine on it and the "N" key is starting to wear off... on a machine that was made a year and a half ago. The T400 I have has very little to no visible wear on it, for comparison. So, I'm going to be in the market for a new keyboard at least.

My issue with the warranty is that I don't particularly want to be without this system for a while, and I have to weigh the cost of the parts with the time I'll save by doing the work myself. Plus, I do have plans to modify this system extensively so I have to factor that into the total equation.

 

Can you still upgrade to the on-site warranty? I don't think it costs too much more.

 

It could be possible, yes, but considering the inverter is the only warranty-fixable problem on the machine I'm not sure it'll be worth it. I'll be voiding the warranty anyway with the AFFS upgrade as well as adding the BT and webcam, and a quick Feebay check shows the inverter as only being $20.