Opinion on the IBM Thinkpad X31

[Utterman]

I was wondering if anyone has used the x31? It looks like it's a great small laptops comparable to the size of an iBook. The price is pretty good at a little over a grand for a used one with a year warrenty. So has anyone actually seen one in person? I would really like to see one first-hand to get an idea of what it is like.

 

[Shanteli]

Well I played with one a whille ago....it is very lightweight and portable...but personally I don't like the whole 12.1" and 1024x768 setup. I used to have a 12" powerbook and had the same gripe...too small of a screen. But then again I'm one of those who cannot have a resolution larger than 1024x768 on a 14" T40. But overall it was a neat thinkpad

 

[OldSpooky]

I've never seen an X31, but I've seen an X23 and an X30. I like their low system weight and good feature set, but the 12" screen takes a bit of time to get used to.

The only thing I really don't like is the lack of an optical bay, but I suppose that's the price one pays for ultraportability. The X31 is 3.6 lbs, while the T40 is 4.9lbs (including optical bay). The Fujitsu Lifebook S series sits in the middle at 4.3 lbs (including optical bay). The Fujitsu is realy nice, but it lacks some of the amenities of the T40 series, namely a real GPU and a TrackPoint device. It also uses a 13.3" screen instead of a 14.1".

 

[OldSpooky]

drat, double post...

 

[JZilla]

AT review. Just in case you missed it.

 

[mocca]

We have one here in my department. Look very similar to the X23 and X30. It is very light and very easy to carry around. If you decide to go with the X31, I suggest you get the wedge station as well since it is probably your best choice for optical drive connector for X31. I used to use Compaq Presario 1925 which is designed base on the same idea, small laptop with a removable wedge. Just leave the wedge at home and bring your laptop to the work or school. Work perfectly well especially if you have good network connection and a desktop nearby (so you can install whatever you need in case of emergency and you don't have the wedge with you at work.

Mocca