[I'm going to merge all on-list replies into one. Thanks everyone, just a few more questions! :) =aw]
After all the great answers I'm leaning towards the X220 just for the weight. But I haven't ruled out the T420s for power/screen size; problem is, most of the time I use an external display so the small X220 is fine, and when I use the internal it's usually in my lap so the X220's lightness is preferred (though the T420s's display is preferred -- if only I could get the two in one machine, wait that's almost an X300!). - Does the T420s posted weight include the optical drive or is it with an empty bay? If the former it's much closer to the X220 than it would appear. I assume the latter but weight is becoming a critical factor so it's fairly high up for me. I have two old external DVD burners, they're travel weight but require AC power, so a USB-powered one is another purchase with the X220. [added: I see the T420s spec sheet says 3.94lb with optical drive while X220 spec sheet says 1.3kb (2.86lb)] - What does i7 give me vs. i5, in the X220? Would one likely do things that make it worth the upgrade, on such a small machine? i7-2620M is a $245 increase over i5-2410M. Reading the tech PDF it looks like i7 is required for USB3.0? - I'm leaning toward USB3.0 rather than always-on. I have a 2TB HD with USB3.0 support so this seems a higher priority. Or is always-on that useful? - How do I choose between ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n, Intel WiFi Link 1000 [+$10.00], and Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN [+$20.00]? There's no "help me choose" on anything any more. - I want to be able to get warranty service both in Canada and US. Do I have to worry about different models in this, or is it only overseas? Also there's a significant different in pricing for extended warranties (US cheaper), has anyone bought a ThinkPad from Lenovo Canada and then extended the warranty from Lenovo US (perhaps while in US)? More replies below. Monday, June 13, 2011, 6:56:47 AM, Chris wrote: > On 06/12/2011 11:19 PM, Andrew Webber wrote: >> Am thinking I can do better on a second 4GB DIMM than >> Lenovo's price (haven't checked) but is it wise to wait? > You might go with even less RAM and buy your own, replacing what they > send. Check prices. I'm surprised to see it appears to be the case. I figured the first 4GB DIMM might be cheaper from Lenovo because they take out the 2GB but even Kingston (the one place I checked) is only about $69 for a 4GB. Is the same likely true of HDs? I think after almost 3 years of the 64GB X300, I'm going with a real HD and not SSD in the X220. I'll do a comparison but if the move-up cost from Lenovo is comparable to buy-and-replace, I might do the former (with RAM it really appears not to be). > Lately Intel graphics work very well for office apps, web browsers, > and even passably for many games. Thanks, probably won't play games at all. Monday, June 13, 2011, 8:54:12 AM, Scott wrote: > I only had my X220 briefly (it's now back with ezserv so they can > look at the ghosting IPS) -- but for the few days I had it, I can > tell that I liked it. (Over the years I've owned a TP600, X20, X40, > X61s -- and I was deliberating between X220, X1, and T420s.) I found my 600 and T41 to be a good weight but since getting the X300 I find the T41 a bear to carry. Old age I think. :( So I'm really leaning toward the X220. > * I wanted an IPS display -- I'm sick of tilting my X61s screen in > search of its narrow viewing "sweet spot" -- and comparing the X220 > alongside to the X61s, I'm pleased with the improvement in viewing > angle and vibrancy (though do hope they fix the ghosting problem). Me too, from what I read it's not on all units so it's fixable? It's a fairly significant price premium and I'm wondering how much I really need it. [added: err, it's a $50 premium, can that be right!?] > * Several years ago I decided never to buy another optical drive > again, and there wasn't an option to get a T420s without one. Because you have too many? I'm okay with an external optical on the X220 since I use it so seldom, but I'd prefer an internal like the X300 (so I don't have to plan ahead for "here are your 4GB of files, please copy them and return the disk"). Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 12:03:11 AM, Stefan wrote: > Moneywise you're better off buying with as little RAM as possible > and adding RAM yourself later on. I figured getting a credit for the 2GB would make the upgrade to 4GB (1 DIMM) competitive (I don't mean a credit literally but reducing the cost). It appears not. > Yes, the X2nn keywords are really full-size. Actually these > machines are about as wide as a 14" T60, which is why they can > accommodate a full-size keyboard. Sounds nice (except the 16:9 screen). > I stay away from Nvidia because of their lack of support for Free > Software. Last I checked, the discrete graphics also consumed more > power, hence leading to more heat, more noise, and less autonomy. It does appear the NVIVIA option is what increases the power supply in at least some machines. I think Intel will do for me. >> -- One of the T420s models offers a choice of 65W/90W adapter, > In terms of whether the machine may be limited by the 65W, I don't > know (never noticed a difference), but in terms of size the 65W is > definitely smaller and lighter. I think the T420s NVIDIA is definitely 90W but one of the Intel machines is 65W/90W and another Intel is 65W. Another reason not to get the NVIDIA needlessly. Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 12:11:56 AM, STeve wrote: > To amplify this: Nvidia is downright open-source hostile, ... > > If you are going to use Windows only, this isn't a problem, but if > you've thought about running something else, consider this. I always think I'll use Linux but always end up with Windows. Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 8:11:09 AM, Scott wrote: > fwiw, Lenovo offered a free upgrade to a 4GB (single stick) when I > bought my X220 -- I'd guess that if you talk to a sales rep, you > might be able to get him/her to toss it in. Could be, I'll see how it goes. I'm planning to use the RedFlagDeals 25% off coupon (+8% cashback) which expire Friday so not sure how that will go. I don't really have time to start aggressively comparison shopping for parts because it's the last day. :( Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 1:41:00 PM, Robert wrote: > I wonder if the different power supplies are offered to account for > the fact that the separate graphics (I.e., Nvidia) needs more power. I thought that was the case, I think the 90W T420s was NVIDIA but the 65W/90W was Intel. Maybe a HD requires 90W and SSD gets away with 65W? Will check my notes in the morning and see. Think I'm going with X220 and portability at this point. Once again, thanks everybody! I'm sure I had more questions but can't remember. -- Andrew mailto:[email protected] _______________________________________________ Thinkpad mailing list [email protected] http://stderr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/thinkpad
