How do you use your X20x?

Hi...

I was curious about how you use your X200/201. Do you use it as your only machine? Or, do you use it in conjunction with a laptop with a larger screen-estate? Or, do you use it in conjunction with an external monitor?

Thanks

 

My X200's essentially a more mobile companion to my T500, which is rapidly becoming my main machine. However, the X200's size is awesome if I'm traveling out and about, and would make a fine primary system if I didn't need more GPU power for gaming and etc.

 

Does how other people use their X20x affects your usage pattern?

Given that the X200 have the same CPU class as the R400, and having the X200 ultrabase gives you two monitors output. It would be ideal as a portable and as a desktop replacement machines.

 

I'm trying to sell it. It's basically like my X200t, but you can't touch the screen. Once that sells I'll be down to one laptop, which is all I really need. Mainly I used my X200 as my portable machine for internet, office, media, etc. It's mostly around the house, and occasionally out and about. The X200t serves the same purpose, only I can do a bit of drawing when the mood strikes. I have three desktop as well, my main desktop and two Linux Media servers.

 

No, it does not. However, it does give me an insight into how folks use an ultra portable.

 

Well, I voted for "my only machine" because you didn't include my option: the other PCs I have here are smaller!

 

I have an X201i, and it's my everything. I take it with me everyday to school and use it at home, and since I don't game on PC I don't need to worry about GPU performance (though I hear the DiY viddock is a great solution if I wanted to).

I'd have kept my 1830T if I needed only a lightweight accessory, but my 14.1" 3000 N100 is getting on in years; the full replacement was necessary.

 

Yeah...! Very true!

 

Right! Thanks for sharing how you use your X-machine. In this context, I have a question: How often do you go back to your 1830T and the 14.1" machine that you have?

 

I should clarify the reason as to why I posed the question:

You see, I have read on these forums that many of you have two or more machines (including netbooks but excluding the iPad or similar devices). And, I have always wondered (1) how do these folks use their multiple laptops? In other words, how do they justify using two or more machines (with the exception of those who are given laptops by their employers and who have to use it during the course of their jobs). (2) And, specifically in the context of the X200/201, how do folks move from the 12" screen to larger screens on a frequent basis?

I am also intrigued by how folks move from laptop keyboards to desktop keyboards. Personally, I can't use a desktop any more - particularly the keyboard. I know it is silly but that's how it is. So, people with a laptop-desktop combo fascinate me. I marvel at how they move from one form of computers to another.

 

I connect my laptop to a dock when I am using it at home, i need to have at least 2 monitors. I use my x61s and x60 as a netbook. When I had the ultrabase x200 I used my x200 as both the portable laptop and as a desktop alternative.

One thing i like about the x200 is the small footprint it has, which makes it a great machine for desktop alternative. After using laptops for so long u can mo longer go back to a desktop, unless I need to do some gaming or cad.

 

Ditto!

The X200t is a mobile companion to my other notebooks, and it is perfect for that use. However, I can't imagine it being my only computer.

 

I use my X200s when my M15x and XPS M1730 are unnecessary. There have been points in time where I've only had a single larger laptop, and while I like not having to manage data between a multitude of systems, it just becomes too much of a hassle to set up (or pick up) for something simple like internet browsing (it's nice to be back on the couch now that the X200s is here).

I can't comfortably use the M15x or XPS M1730 on my lap due to weight alone, but whenever I have multiple machines I get annoyed with data management, so I never win. While there's huge overlap with the usage of the M15x and XPS M1730, the X200s serves an entirely different purpose (M15x is a gaming machine/workstation, the XPS M1730 is a gaming machine/loaner, and the X200s is for all things simple, or when I need upwards of thirty seconds of battery life).

There are only two things that truly stand out about the X200s as compared to the M11x. The first being the keyboard. It may not be backlit, but this is the most comfortable keyboard I've ever used. The second is the weight. Both have rigid chassis, but the X200s remains light even with that. I do also realize that a larger heavier heatsink is needed to cool the GT335M as opposed to the Intel graphics seen in the X200s.

Along with times where I've only had a large machine, there have also been times where I've only had a smaller one, and I've effectively concluded that there is no perfect middle ground, so I try to have one ultraportable and one desktop replacement at any given time.

 

I sold my 1830T haha. And my 14.1" is just an old, reliable back up machine. I really can't justify having more than one laptop to use at a time because, aside from browsing on internet forums, all I ever do is mess with PSP/Wii/DS firmware, typeset with LaTeX, and enter grades on excel.

As for your other questions: I am of the same mind when it comes to laptops as you, but that is only based on my needs. Others may have different needs that require more systems.

 

There was a time when I had the following at home:

1) A HP desktop
2) an assembled gaming desktop with a 19' LCD
3) my office laptop - a dell latitude D630
4) my home laptop - a HP DV 9570tx
5) a 10' eeePC 1000H
6) A compaq CQ61
7) My wife's office laptop - a HP 6910p

...and then I started eyeing the x201...

I was using the eee pc for general portability and the 9507 tx for more performance oriented stuff. Over the last year, I found lesser and lesser time for gaming and hence I sold off the desktops and the HP laptop. Gave the Compaq to my dad and the eee pc to my sister - and basically ended up in a situation where I did not have a laptop. I was looking at something that was as compact and portable as the eee pc, but would not compromise on processing power - hence settled on the x201.

It's my only laptop now - when I'm going to find time for gaming, I'll get a vidock and hook it up to the LCD TV .

I guess I've found the perfect balance - when I'm going to upgrade 5-6 years down the line, I'll just pick up the top of the line x series in 2016.

 

@v 310...

So you are saying that from now onwards you will be content with only the X series machine that you currently have. Will you be hooking up external monitors? Or, are you comfortable with the 12" screen?

 

Exactly. I guess I can sum up my usage profiles like this:

X200: Going places where I need to travel light, such as work, friend's house, out and about, etc. I write quite a bit so having a notebook with me I can comfortably carry around all day is a major plus.

T400: The T400's probably my least-used machine as of now, but I'm holding onto it for a backup system. I find that I'm using it for light Net use around the house, writing, and etc.

T500: the T500's quickly becoming my primary computer, and I've moved all the major goodies(bigger hard drive, T400's brand new, warranty-replaced keyboard, etc) to it. Love the resolution and the HD3650. While it's not an enthusiast gaming system, it plays the slightly older titles I like to play(Bioshock, Fallout 3, NWN2, etc) very well.

I also have an older desktop which is circa 2004. Any of my notebooks save the 380ED and T21 are more powerful than it. It pretty much serves as a file repository and a place to hook a printer up to.

 

This.

I usually end up using mine like a netbook - remote desktop works really well on a college campus. Nonetheless, I also use it for SolidWorks, PhotoShop, and the like, since it does have a performance advantage over my Dell (and these things don't work too well over RDC).

1280 x 800 on twelve inches is pretty cramped for a primary machine, though. I've taken my previous 1024 x 768 tablet on vacation before and it's not that pleasant. Maybe with a dock and a nice external display, but even then I don't think it'd be as convenient as a two-machine setup.

 

@lines of flight - yeah... I've made it my primary (and only ) machine. I am pretty comfortable with the 12' screen at 1280x800 (coming from the 17' 1440x900 display of the HP). For me, it gives me the best combo of portability and comfort of use. with a 14' plus, I tend to get tied down to a desk. The same goes with monitors as well.

I don't forsee it - but if I get into a situation that demands constant use of external displays, I might invest in a 19-24' widescreen. If it's a one off case, I'll just use my TV - it has a VGA display port too .

 

Warakawa seems to be really pissed at Lenovo

While I dont own 12" X series, i was eyeing one before getting R400.
The reason for not getting X201 was its price and features - buying one now would have cost me 300$ more+tax and all I would get is first gen Core i3 machine, which while not being weak in performance, within couple of months would loose lots of its attractivity due to IMO probably superior X2xx refresh. Didnt want to pay more for what its worth.
Also, since I planned it to be my primary machine, I would need to buy 23" LCD for it and some kind of docking station too and this would cost alltogether even more.
Sure you dont have to buy them at the same time, but still, Id rather save up for later.

R400 on the other hand was really good deal, I saved hundreds and since I didnt want to wait any longer (waiting for X series refresh would mean no laptop for me till late spring/summer 2011 when prices drop) for price I paid it was good, even excellent choice, because 14" is big enough to be used without external monitor for now and at the same time small enough to be carried around, I dont feel its weight in my backpack.
Oh yeah, ultrabay HDD is also very neat feature that X series lack.
As primary machine, 14" is perfect for me.

However, the day I get 12" laptop I will probably either sell or retire my R400 as media machine. Buy docking station and 1 or 2 big LCD's and use it that way with huge external HDD, unless X series introduce ultrabay in X series.

I also own 7" netbook, the original EEE which I plan to use as small media machine, mainly for browsing internet when I dont want to use R400 and will probably hook it to external HDD to store media on it and keep R400 as clean as possible.

My 2005 desktop goes into retirement as soon as I get my R400 warranty problems solved.
EEE gets new battery so I can take it outside home once in a while.

 

i bought a one of those 701 ASUS netbook when it first came out, but the performance on these baby were too limiting... however, it undoubtedly started whole netbook revolution.

Regarding the Thinkpad chopping board, well Lenovo already thought of it and put that into their commercial.

 

This one seems too far fetched compared to other ThinkPad ads seen before.

My EEE will serve as medium between external HDD and interwebz.

 

Signature says it all. X200 for around the house and taking to school occasionally.

 

@veer...

Thanks for sharing. What you posted is very interesting especially because I am in a similar position as you.

One of my problems is that I tend to use one machine extensively. This is the case with my R400. If I bought a second machine - and I am very seriously thinking about the X series - then I may just end up working on that, which will also mean that I will not be using the R400 much. To add to that - like you - I would also go for at least one external monitor and the dock. I have seen the X20x machine but did not pay too much attention to the screen. I was focusing on the keyboard.

What I need to do is to borrow a X20x machine and use it for a couple of days. Sadly, I don't know anyone who lives around me and who has a X20x. Standing around in a shop and fiddling with the machine is not a very agreeable experience (IMO).

As of now, the poll shows that a greater number of people use their X series machine either in conjunction with a larger screen machine and/ or with an external monitor, which is interesting!

 

Aren’t you supposed to use a netbook/mobile companion in conjunction with another larger notebook/desktop?

 

X2xx isnt much of a netbook in terms of power and usability, so it can be quite good as main computing machine.
Any X201 now can perform as well and even outperform in benchmarks older 14" (and bigger) ThinkPads with integrated graphics.
The only thing that could be not as user friendly is eyeing 12" screen all day long, could put too much of pressure on eyes and back IMO. But if you get decent dock/stand then even 12" isnt much of a problem, unless it has 1440x900 resolution, which IMO while being very usefuly could put too much stress on ones eyes.
So, 12" with external while at home is IMO the way to go.
If youre on a budget, then everything above 12" is good solution in terms of screen size IMO. 13" is pretty small, but with WXGA it shouldnt be such a problem.
IMO

 

I use my X200T in a Tablet Swing-arm connected to my USB docking station running 2 - 23.5" ViewSonic LCDs with an external bluetooth keyboard and mouse at work.

At the home office same setup with the exception that it is 2 - 19" LCDs and a tablet stand.

In both of the above scenarios I'm driving 3 monitors (X200 and 2 - LCDs). The X200T is always in Tablet mode when docked to allow reading of PDFs, Word docks and using OneNote to ink.

When I'm working at the office or at home I'm doing curriculum development or working with large spreadsheets and Pivot Tables.

I use the X200T as a laptop when mobile (client site or traveling) and as a tablet while teaching or in meetings.

So I use it as a desktop replacement, a thin-n-light and a tablet...

 

No 12 inch notebook would give me the graphics power I need! So it doesn't matter if one came equipped with i core 7 or one with Pentium M, the 12 inch series serves me as a mobile companion. If they start to put more in the notebook, I would probably shy away from it, as I need great battery life, silent computer with no heat! If you start to stray away from those things, then it's not a mobile companion anymore in my book!

I wouldn't have just one computer anyway, so I guess it doesn't matter.

 

Note that I am talking about laptops with integrated graphics and not dedicated.
Either way, 12" tablet could be the best-as-in-versatile small form factor laptop investment, unless you want to get the fastest CPU possible into 12" form factor, then low voltage tablet is out of question. Oh and if weight is your concern also since as I understand they tend to weight considerably more than x slim series and bit more than regular x series laptop.
Quite many options to choose from

 

I doubt the X20x series qualifies as a netbook or even as a mobile companion. I think it is a far more capable platform as that.

 

My x200s is pretty much my workhorse. School work doesn't really need big processing power, battery life and portability are much more important. I can have it on me all the time, it's light, I never bring the power adapter with me, and I only end up charging it every 2-3 days.

Which is probably my favorite feature of Thinkpads, because I can use it throughout the day and plug it in and keep using it, but it doesn't charge unless it gets below the threshold, saving lots of cycles.

I do have a desktop for gaming though, can't expect a 12" ultraportable to do everything.

 

That's pretty much what I'm using mine for. Unless I need the GPU power of my larger ThinkPads, the X200's the one I'm using for travel. I'm using it for this post right now, actually.

However,the battery life of my kinda-degraded 6-cell falls behind my T400 as far as staying power goes. I'll likely have to get a new 9-cell for it once I start school back up in January. I opted to take a different route and stuff a large HDD in it rather than a power-sipping, fast SSD. I like a lot of room for music, movies, and light games just in case I'm traveling a fair bit.

I really don't use the desktop I have(and my X200 even outpowers it in the graphics department, actually), and my gaming needs are served by my T500 and my consoles if need be.

 

I use both 2) and 3) so I'm not sure what to choose. When I'm in the office I use it wit 19" screen in the dock. At home I have m17x with a bigger screen. Anywhere else it is its own little screen.

 

I take the X201 on one-day field trips. The 9-cell battery was purchased expressly for this. (I consistently get over 9 hours, working normally and with comfortable brightness, no cheap tricks.) On longer business trips, I also pack it, together with the power adapter.

When "grounded," I use the bigger machines, one being my trusted T43p 15" 1600x1200 IPS Flexview, showing beautifully and running Ubuntu single-boot wonderfully.

I bought the X201 for what it is: a mobile work machine. I don't care about color reproduction fidelity, wide viewing angles, super sharp resolution, touch, switchable graphics, stereo sound, whatever. I have my huge panel and great speakers in the basement for enjoying blu-ray movies, and I don't need to sit miserably in front of this tool to watch movies, let alone having someone watching it together with me!

 

I used an X200 for 2 years, and then when I was upgrading I had a hard time choosing between the T410s and the X201... I ended up going with the X201. And I've always used my X200/X201 as my main machine. I bring it to school almost every day, and at home it's docked on my Ultrabase with my 2 external monitors (see sig).

The only "complaint" I have is graphics performance, but that should soon be solved with a DIY ViDock

 

X200T-> Ultrabase->Displayport to DVI->Samsung 22" 2ms

 

Maybe I should have rephrased the first option to read as follows: Is the X20x your only machine WITHOUT using an external monitor and/ or another screen?

Edit: Quick question: Do all X201 machines come with a WXGA TFT screen? From what I understand the resolution is always 1280x800.