Interested in buying a thinkpad

Hey guys!

I'm back and I am looking at replacing my Asus netbook with a thinkpad! I think it will do everything the netbook can do and more =] I am looking at the X series and my budget is $650. I want as much battery power as possible and an anti-glare/matte screen! What do you guys think I should get?

I would also like your opinion on having these for school as that will be my primary use for it. I found the netbook to be cramped all last year and I want a good change.

I looked at the X120e and I configured one of those under $500 with taxes but it only has 5 hours of battery?
I also saw a much higher specced one on kijiji for $500 also, but I don't know if I can trust a local cash deal.

Please tell me what you think=] Sorry for the bad grammar its late

 

Would you consider a used or refurbished ThinkPad? x200/s are pretty cheap these days, 300-400 and some are still in warranty.

 

You can get a X220i with lowest configs at $650 through the Barnes and Noble Link found here

At that price you can also get a T420i but I bet that does not suit your needs. You can also try look at used/ NIB X201/T410s at that price point.

Hope this helps, and welcome to our thinkpad family!

 

I may be interested in getting one as long as it does not look used =]

Where can I buy a refurbished one?

I forgot to mention that I am purchasing it from Toronto, Canada. I currently have a passcode to the EPP webiste and they are offering an additional 15% off. I just cant decide between all the X series.

 

If you end up with the X220, make sure you get the IPS display upgrade (branded 'Premium' on the config page). It might put the laptop $50 over-budget, but the difference in the quality between the IPS display and the default display is significant. The IPS display is one of the best displays available in an ultraportable right now. The default display is... well... not.

 

Thanks for the advice, but I have an alienware to do my nice computing on. The x220 is already coming out over budget >_< I want to get the x120e but it seems like it may not have enough battery power for my two three hour lectures that are back to back.

 

the X120e would last the 3 hr lecture if you are using the largest battery, but i think you should get the X220 instead.

 

If it were me, I would go over budget. Amortizing the cost difference over the machine's useful lifespan (let's say three years) means that it'll probably only cost you a premium of $100/year. When you consider the superiority of the X220 to the X120e in pretty much every way (performance, build quality, screen, and battery life), I think that $100/year is an absolute great deal.

 

You have almost convinced me ThinkRob!

The X220 I have specced looks like this:
Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3M Cache)1
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)12
12.5" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor graphics with dynamic frequency
2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)8
250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm4
6 Cell Battery60
ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n10
Mobile Broadband ready (no mobile broadband module)65
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty7

Total is 635.08 before taxes. (EPP Canada site)

Is there anything I should change in my specs? Like if I do not get the fingerprint reader will there be an empty space in the wrist wrest where it should have been?
I assume the 6cell on the x220 will last longer t hen 6-8hours?
How does the laptop fair with heat and fan noise?
As well how different is a display port then hdmi? My alienware R3 only has hdmi in/out.

The x120e I have specced looks like so:

AMD Fusion Processor E-350 (1.6Ghz, 1MB L2, 1.0GHz FSB) 2.0GT/s1
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)12
11.6" HD AntiGlare - Midnight Black (w/WWAN)
AMD Radeon HD 6310 Graphics, AMD Fusion Processor E-350 (1.6Ghz, 1MB L2, 1.0GHz FSB) 2.0GT/s
2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm4
6 Cell Battery (5.0 hours); weight starting at 1.50kg60
ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n10
Mobile Broadband ready (no mobile broadband module)65
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty7

Total before taxes is $415.65.

Anything on this thing I should change?

 

If you're not, spend the money for the premium IPS LCD on the X220. It's the best $50 you'll spend. That's almost the same X220i I have except the 250GB hard drive.

 

Hmm I guess that could add more value to the laptop when I want to sell it.

 

That and the fact that it's infinitely better than the standard LCD, which means you'll have a much better viewing experience.. Arguably the LCD is the most important part of a notebook.

 

X220 TN (default screen, the "bad" screen) vs IPS (upgraded screen, the "good" screen)
Display: TN vs. IPS at Lenovo Thinkpad X220 - YouTube

 

Actually, if you're only using your X220 for typing notes, the TN screen would suffice if you're really tight on budget.

 

One of your primary stated needs is long battery run times, not screen quality. I would choose a 9-cell battery before I'd choose an IPS panel upgrade (not that both aren't worthwhile). You can work just fine on the regular LCD panel.

 

What are the battery life differences on the 6,9cell and splice? for the x220?

and the differences in battery life on the 3 and 6 cell in the x120e?

I appreciate everyone's help =]

 

You can always go back and buy a 9-Cell later. However, you're stuck with the screen you get. Plus, the 6-Cell can reach 6 hours anyway, and it's lighter and doesn't stick out the back.

EDIT: woah wait, the IPS screen is $150 in Canada. Weird, it's only $50 in the US.

 

The 6 cell lasts 6 hours, 9 cell 9 hours for the x220. The slice adds another 9 hours or so. This is assuming that you're using the laptop for browsing/ word processing. Figures will be much lower if you're playing a video/ gaming.

I second Iucounu that you should get the battery instead. The IPS screen is only a bonus and adds nothing but more vivid colours and larger viewing angles. Given that you'd probably game/ watch videos on your FHD m17x, your money can be better spent on the battery which could give you a longer run time when needed.

 

To upgrade to the Premium display it costs $127.50!! I definitely cannot do that >_<

my most recent quote from a lenovo rep:

4286CTO ThinkPad X220 - 1 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty Ships within 9 bus. days**
$1,589.00
$789.65

$1,589.00
$789.65

Processor Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3M Cache)
Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
Display type 12.5" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
System graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor graphics with dynamic frequency
Total memory 2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Keyboard - US English
Camera 720p HD Camera
Hard drive 250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Battery 9 Cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord 65W AC Adapter - North America, Latin America (2pin)
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n
Integrated mobile broadband Mobile Broadband ready (no mobile broadband module)
Language pack Publication - US English
51J0476 ThinkPad 12W Case Sleeve $19.99 to $15.99

Subtotal:
$1,608.99

Sale Price:
$805.64
[eCoupon]
-$118.45
Estimated total:
$687.19*

Savings
$921.80


I thought the rep was giving me a good deal, but I can configure it for the same price with the sleeve lol -.-

How do people get the screen upgrade for $50? I am only seeing $127.50 for the HD Premium display

 

We get jacked on upgrades in Canada. The commenters above are largely in USA.

 

then you people need to consider those customers that live outside of the North America. Then you would know that even though you are getting a worse deal compared to the American, you are much better off than most of the other customers around the world.

 

Yep over here in Europe prices for ThinkPads are quite costly compared to their American counterparts. Surprisingly even in China where Lenovo is based, the prices are even more expensive for a ThinkPad, almost 3 times as much! Here's an example of the online price from Lenovo for a base X220 model (not including coupon promotions):

USA - $899 USD
Canada - $829 CAD (~$861 USD)
United Kingdom - £772.74 GBP (~$1220 USD)
Germany - €1112.14 EUR (~$1,540.13 USD)
China - ￥14,999 RMB (~$2,346.90 USD)

 

My comment was in relative terms, and specifically responding to the discrepancy that the OP was wondering about. Go cry over your even-more-overpriced spilled milk.

 

Can anyone message me a good Canadian Lenovo rep that could possibly upgrade my build/ship time? Thanks =]

I think I am going to go with my last config. I'm gonna wait for a sweet deal/coupon on intel or samsung ssd and RAM. Anyone know which kinds I should be on the look out for?

I wish I could get the i5 and the Premium display for $25 more =] O_O

edit: I just talked with a buddy of mine and he said check out the T series. Any opinions on the battery of those? Never had a large notebook in school always 13" and under. Not sure how a 14" would be. Prob to big.

 

This difficult decision has me stressing lol -.-

edit: OH SNAP! On the EPP Website the IPS upgrade went down to $ 42.50!! Now it seems like I have to get it

 

My budget has slowly changed from $650 to $800. Decision is killing me, I read stuff about Windows 8 and thinking maybe the x220 tablet will be a better choice if that comes but I know that will break the bank. I gotta eat breakfast b4 I starve

 

Download the Windows 8 developer preview here, test it out on your current machine, and see what you think of it first before you base a decision on it.

 

essentially the x120e will cost me a maximum of $550 with taxes (extra 3cell battery in addition to the 6cell). Or the x220 for almost $800 with the 9cell -.-

Dad returns home from vacation tomorrow, gonna see if I can soak up more money.

 

Woah I just checked the x220 and I can get the upgrade to an Intel 160GB SSD for $85!!
This just made my decision, holy shiznazz.

edit: Damn I think the $85 for the 160gb ssd is only for the T420 ;\

Almost.

 

the 160 gig SSD is a 460 dollars upgrade in Oz.

 

Yea, currently I can get it on the t420 for $85! I think that's a steal. Any opinions on how the t420 will be in school? Does it get hot ? Theres a 6 and 9 cell option on it as well, so I assume it can get from 5-10 hours depending on my choice. Anyone know the weight with the different cell options?

 

This is the T420 I can spec and its price:

Unit Cost - $1,560.00
Sale Price - $806.65

Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3M Cache)1
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)12
14.0" HD LED backlight Anti-Glare (1366 x 768), with Wireless WAN Antenna
Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor graphics with dynamic frequency
2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) without Fingerprint Reader
Intel 160GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA4
DVD Recordable5
9 Cell 2.8Ah Li-Ion Battery60
ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n10
Mobile Broadband ready (no mobile broadband module)65
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty7
Sale Price: $806.65
[eCoupon] -$104.86
Estimated total: $ 701.79*
Savings $858.21

Prices in Canadian dollars. Essentially its the same price as the x220 but I get a 160gb ssd (for half of what I would have paid to upgrade on my own) but at the cost of the portability. Ugh I hate this flip flopping I do all day long!

 

I just bought the T420 for school as well, except I ordered the i5 instead of the i3 you have configured, and I felt fine carrying it in my backpack the whole day (Laptop is on my back for about 1:30-2 hours a day). I'm running the 9 cell battery and I'm getting around 8 hours of battery a day. I left the brightness on 15, Wifi was on during the whole time, and most of what I was doing was just music, web browsing, and taking down notes.

 

Take the 1600x900 display upgrade. Unless you have poorer eyesight and need the low-res screen, don't skip the resolution upgrade. It's $50... (unlike the X220 IPS screen which is $150 in Canada. I thought it was $50 too)

If you're getting 1366x768, might as well go with the X220.

 

your eyes will thank you for the 1600 x 900 LCD, unless you use old programs that need the 1366 x 768 LCD. The fonts in windows are clearer with the 1600x900 LCD then they are on the 1366x768.

 

The T420 currently has an amazing price, I could push the budget to include the 1600x900 screen, solid state and 9cell at about 800$ with just an i3

But I just don't know if it will be the right choice in a school setting. I don't want it to be loud or to big to fit on some of the smaller desks. Maybe I should wait for Monday again and play with them at school again. I was typing on the x220 and enjoyed it. It only had the 6cell I believe (Did not really stick out the back)

 

The T420 is definitely not loud. I have the fan on max when I'm using it at home and I don't even notice it unless I actually stop what I'm doing and listen.

 

Thinkpads have some of the quietest fan in the industry, i have used a T420 recently and they are pretty quite, about as good as mine X200, T400 and T500 with the intel graphics card, which means that you can hardly hear the fan unless you are doing something CPU or GPU intensive work.

 

I would recommend the T420 with that price and those upgrades.

Yeah, the Canadian X220 IPS upgrade had been originally $150 for a few months, then went down to $50 during the summer, and is now $150 again.

 

All Coupons for Lenovo.com - Coupons.RedFlagDeals.com

Might want to watch this.

 

Yup that's what I'm following and smartcanucks. It's how I saw the t420 SSD upgrade is $85.

 

I have to say, I am just blown away by this price! It's hard to imagine how Lenovo makes money like this. Wish I lived in Canda.

BTW, for $50, the 1600 X 900 is a screaming buy - go for it. That said, the color quality on the X220 IPS is far better than anything offered in the T420 series, if that is important to you.

All of these are presently expired. Is a deal like the one above - preferably the same % on a 420s or an X1, but I'll be fine with the T420. Do these get renewed quite regularly? How does one keep track of where the best deals are for these? It's truly bewildering between the Barnes and Noble, MasterCard, LogicBuy and so many other discount programs, some of which can, at the exact same time, differ in discount % by 10-15%, which can be over $200 on a $1,500 list unit. Thanks.

 

Canada is where, if I am not mistaken, the x220 IPS premium panel upgrade costs 130+ where in the US it costs 40.

You will almost NEVER see US prices anywhere else in the world...besides the US. You go to any European country and their laptops prices are ridiculously jacked up due to VAT and other fees.

 

Currently its listed as $42.50 for the screen upgrade in Canada and only on the EPP webiste (not everyone has access to it).

Seems like different deals are always going on, gotta get lucky and be shopping when those 30% ones come around -.-

My current x220 setup that I am thinking of buying looks like this (dad is helping me with some cash since I moved out from the house ):
Intel Core i5-2410M Processor (2.30GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)1
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)12
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, IPS, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor graphics with dynamic frequency
2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)8
250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm4
9 Cell Li-Ion Battery60
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN10
Mobile Broadband ready (no mobile broadband module)65
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty7
Total w/ eCoupon/Discounts = $ 757.90

I recently looked at the Dell V131 and it may actually be a contender verses the x220. I am fairly confident my Dell rep who I bought my alienware from can give me up to 23% off the website. I am going to have to do some research of course -.- but I still feel the size of the x220 will be best for me and its hard to believe this will have 9 hours of battery.

The V131 specs are:
2nd generation Intel®Core™ processor i5-2410M (2.3GHz) Intel HD Graphic 3000
13.3 inch High Definition LED Display (1366 x 768) with anti-glare
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-Bit, Aberdeen Silver
4GB Shared Single Channel DDR3 Memory
Fingerprint Reader with DigitalPersona software
Integrated HD Webcam
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1030 & Bluetooth 3.0
65 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Backlit Keyboard with Gesture Touchpad
1 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 1 Year NBD Onsite Service
Total = No more than $ 600. (Probably could add a 3year warranty >_<)

 

V131 is a nice machine, but it can't compare to the x220. For starters, the V131 is similar to the V130/V13 and my now gone Latitude 13. You are only going to get 2-2.5 hours on full blast use. With the 9 cell with your x220, you will achieve much higher battery life. The V131 screen is okay, but cannot compare to the IPS screen found on the x220. Dell typically tends to be the better deal overall when you compare the specs, but you will be happier with the x220.

 

Apart from the precision none of the Dell business or semi business grade laptops are worth getting anymore.

Tsunade_Hime i see you are purging your rank of Dell laptops.

 

What happened to the dell business line? (except precision)
I know my alienware m17x R3 is beastly, and I love it. But that's the alienware division within dell >_<

 

It's not that bad as its still very robust (my friend has the Latitude E6420) though it did have some problems initially with the edge of the bezel popping out (its solved now btw). Mainly it's down to the looks really, the latest Latitude line had a major change visually which polarized opinions and it did enough to deter some potential buyers.



Personally I find the current Dell Vostro more aesthetically pleasing than the current Dell Latitudes and strange as it seems, the Vostro range is their inexpensive business line!

 

Well the last generation Latitudes (E6x00/E6x10) are still worth buying, and they are getting pretty cheap now (maxed out like 800-900). But the newest generation Latitude line is repulsive. Vostro laptops are nice for the money, but they are nearly ODM consumer grade these days. Precisions are nice...but I haven't got 7k to drop on a maxed out one.

 

Alienware is nice. But the Latitude has gone all consumer esque with their design.... it no longer looks professional. E6400 was the best looking Latitude ever.... also i don't like how Dell changes their laptop design all the time.