Is the Edge worth it?

I don't know why, but I can get search results newer than three months old...But I did search title for Edge.

Anyway - I need a great screen, small and light, and something which can be an HTPC so HDMI out is a must. So what about the Edge 14?

Currently running a x201 love it, hate it's screen and no HDMI.

 

I have the 11,6" Edge, and it's a great little computer I bring every where I go. Except some initial problem with the touchpad, I haven't had any problems with it. Well I had a disk failing it in, but that was my own disk i replaced the original with, so thats not the Edge's fault.

It feels pretty solid, also compared with my T400, T410 and W510, the only thing I'm a little disappointet about is the battery, I only get around 4 hours per charge.

 

If you're looking for a great screen, I don't think the Edge is the answer. If you want a great screen there's the tablets or you can do the AFFS mod on your X201 if you don't mind getting your hand dirty. Then pick up the dock to get the display port.

 

Wait for 420s, the screen on the current edge line is just a bit better than the screen you have now. The contrast might be better, but suffer the same poor viewing angle.

 

Thanks for reply's guys. So quick.

I'm certainly not above getting my hands dirty. Swapped out matte screen on my T61 15" for glossy. Still awful viewing angles but much better contrast.
Do you have a link to this mod?
Do tablets have HDMI?

Display port is no good. Does not transmit sound, plus you lug xtra crap around with my light setup. Kinda defeats purpose?



So what's up with 420's - they going to have a decent screen?

 

How is the toughness of Edge?

I can't count how many times I've dropped x201. On concrete, out of bed onto hard travertine floor, no problems. Man I just wish it had some HDMI/nice screen. Would be 100% perfect. I've gone through a lot of laptops and none is as tough, small and light and good as x201. Please put decent screen and HDMI next time Lenovo.

 

I don't think any of the traditional thinkpads - T,X or W have HDMI out.

On the other hand I've read on the forums that audio over DP has been achieved. Not with C2D chipsets but arrandale.

 

The tablets do not have HDMI, but you can get the dock which offers a display port. You can convert the display port to HDMI with a cable, though I think it does not do sound. You'd have to find a solution for that issue. I think the dock offers S/PDIF.

As for the AFFS mod, you'll need the Hydis screen. The model number is HV121WX4 appended by 100, 110 or 120. The 100 and 110 are glossy while the 120 is matte. The glossy versions are pretty easily found on eBay, but the matte version is hard to find and more expensive if you can.

Since it's a tablet screen many of the screens still have the touch surface and digitizer still attached. The touch surface must be removed. The digitizer is optional. I left it when I did my X200. It's a pain in the rear job. You basically have to take a razor blade and cut between glass touch surface and the LCD ensuring you don't damage the LCD or break the glass. It's also not Elmer's glue. It's pretty tough.

There's some really cheap Hydis LCDs on eBay like less than $50. They have nicks and scratches on them, but I'm guessing when you remove the touch surface, they'll be in good shape. If you're going to buy a new one, I'd recommend getting with the digitizer already removed like this.

The X201 uses all LED screens. In addition to the LCD, you'll need the cable for the CFFL X200 LCD and the inverter. Other than that it's a drop and pop installation. The X201 is a little more compact than other ThinkPads. It requires a little more finesse, but it's more than doable.

 

Thanks man informative post and I repd. I'm doing it either way and probably out of the laptop hunt for now. Just a shame they dont have HDMI I mean how much can it cost. $250 netbooks have it.

 

I have a a question about the cable and inverter. Can I pull such out of dead t61?

 

No.

 

These models are business class and include only a 15pin vga
I agree a hdmi would be nice

The downside to the mod you are considering is a reduction in runtime on battery ,caused by the use of ccfl tubes ,and the need to run on higher brightness settings and display calibration that favors red/yellow

The upgraded display is worth it though ,in my opinion

 

Thats not correct, I have sound through my Displayport on both my T410 and W510, so thats not a problem