Portable One MX - better than IBM T series?

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RxL77

Senior member
May 21, 2001
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EDIT YET AGAIN: Found a CNET review of the laptop... CNET Review
also, check out the user reviews. Can we say this laptop is being really hyped up?

EDIT: Found another review on it... right here.
http://www.notebookreview.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13900

The reviews:

http://www.digitalreviews.net/reviews/022005/portableonemx_index.htm
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2006

Here is the link to the company's site.

http://laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=P1MX
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I bought this today. The Portable One MX laptop, with a carbon fiber encasing (build quality is supposed to be better than IBM T series). Check the reviews, this notebook is better than IBM T series. Just 4.9 lbs with optical drive and battery, 1.19" inch thick. The AC adapter is tiny, adds 0.5 lbs. Total travel weight of 5.5 lbs.

Their customer service is top-notch. Responded to all my emails within 20 minutes, very helpful and knowledgeable about their product. Placed order through phone, talked to same person who handled my emails (Patrick). Base model is $1799 which I opted for and is below, also added options. Didn't need dedicated video card - so it's integrated (but this is for business usage anyway), but Patrick said that they are planning to debut with a dedicated video card in the future.

14.1 SXGA (standard)
Dothan 745 1.8ghz (standard)
60gb 7200rpm (standard)
DVD-R 8X dual layer (standard)

Bluetooth (PC Card solution tho) +$50
Upgraded to 1 gb memory, +$115
Upgraded to 3 year warranty, +$100
Added an add'l ac adapter, +$39
Added a port replicator, +$99

free 2 carrying cases (a body sleeve, and a laptop bag)
free 2 day fedex shipping
free 4-in-1 memory card reader

Total was $2202, with no tax as they are in California and free 2 day shipping.

Battery life is rated at 6.5 hours, but salesperson said realistically 5 hours. It's being built today, and will be shipping tomorrow. I should get it on Thursday, let me know if you guys are interested in knowing more about it when I get it.
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
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When you get it post pics and a link to the company's website.
I'm also skeptical of the build quality issue, but open to hear what its got. BTW, the T-series outer casing is made of magnesium composite on the top and carbon fiber reinforced plastic applied around a titanium framework. I don't think you can get much better than that and I've not heard of anyone else using those kind of materials. Can you get details from Portable One about that? Thx!
 
RichieZ

RichieZ

Diamond Member
Jun 1, 2000
6,551
40
91
interesting, i like everything about it except:
Intel 855GME Extreme Graphics with integrated 32-bit 3D/2D gfx core

integrated graphics are simply unacceptable for me

excellent value tho, you need IBM epp prices to approach the kind of specs you get for the price
 
W

WackyDan

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,794
68
91
Originally posted by: xcrunner51
good to know considering Lenovo might not keep up IBM's stellar reputation of quality notebooks
Click to expand...

Actually... they will. That is the focus of the "new" company.
 
W

WackyDan

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,794
68
91
No discrete graphics (THinkpad does)
No embedded security (TPM) which is a must if you are going to jump on Longhorn when released. (THinkpad does)
No embedded biometric scanner option? (THinkpad does)
No active protection system. ( thinkPad does)
No included image based backup solution. (THinkpad does)
Spillproof keyboard? (THinkpad does)
Where is support out of? (THinkpad is in U.S. and will be for next 5 years)
NO Firmware embedded computrace - (THinkpad does)
Thinkpad is thinner

There are a lot of compelling reasons as to why it's hard to compare any third party vendor's product against the ThinkPad line.

In the end...... you get what you pay for. :)
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
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Originally posted by: WackyDan
No discrete graphics (THinkpad does)
No embedded security (TPM) which is a must if you are going to jump on Longhorn when released. (THinkpad does)
No embedded biometric scanner option? (THinkpad does) There is a fingerprint scanner
No active protection system. ( thinkPad does)
No included image based backup solution. (THinkpad does) They include a backup software from what I read
Spillproof keyboard? (THinkpad does)
Where is support out of? (THinkpad is in U.S. and will be for next 5 years)
NO Firmware embedded computrace - (THinkpad does)

There are a lot of compelling reasons as to why it's hard to compare any third party vendor's product against the ThinkPad line.

In the end...... you get what you pay for. :)
Click to expand...
I love Thinkpads too, but you didn't read the reviews/company webpage ;)
 
sygyzy

sygyzy

Lifer
Oct 21, 2000
14,001
4
76
Originally posted by: RichieZ
interesting, i like everything about it except:
Intel 855GME Extreme Graphics with integrated 32-bit 3D/2D gfx core

integrated graphics are simply unacceptable for me

excellent value tho, you need IBM epp prices to approach the kind of specs you get for the price
Click to expand...

Good luck getting away with integrated graphics for a small portable (< 4lbs). I know there are some exceptions but for the most part, you are going to get the Intel chip.
 
W

WackyDan

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,794
68
91
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: WackyDan
No discrete graphics (THinkpad does)
No embedded security (TPM) which is a must if you are going to jump on Longhorn when released. (THinkpad does)
No embedded biometric scanner option? (THinkpad does) There is a fingerprint scanner
No active protection system. ( thinkPad does)
No included image based backup solution. (THinkpad does) They include a backup software from what I read
Spillproof keyboard? (THinkpad does)
Where is support out of? (THinkpad is in U.S. and will be for next 5 years)
NO Firmware embedded computrace - (THinkpad does)

There are a lot of compelling reasons as to why it's hard to compare any third party vendor's product against the ThinkPad line.

In the end...... you get what you pay for. :)
Click to expand...
I love Thinkpads too, but you didn't read the reviews/company webpage ;)
Click to expand...


Actually I did... i cought the backup software, but it doesn't compare to RRPC,

I totally missed the biometrics... will look again to see if it's the silicon based... so my bad ;)

EDIT It seems their biometric scanner is a USB based external vs integrated and it's the older optical based tech, not silicon. That's all I've been able to find on it unfortunately.
 
RichieZ

RichieZ

Diamond Member
Jun 1, 2000
6,551
40
91
Originally posted by: sygyzy
Originally posted by: RichieZ
interesting, i like everything about it except:
Intel 855GME Extreme Graphics with integrated 32-bit 3D/2D gfx core

integrated graphics are simply unacceptable for me

excellent value tho, you need IBM epp prices to approach the kind of specs you get for the price
Click to expand...

Good luck getting away with integrated graphics for a small portable (< 4lbs). I know there are some exceptions but for the most part, you are going to get the Intel chip.
Click to expand...

see sig
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: WackyDan
Actually I did... i cought the backup software, but it doesn't compare to RRPC,

I totally missed the biometrics... will look again to see if it's the silicon based... so my bad ;)

EDIT It seems their biometric scanner is a USB based external vs integrated and it's the older optical based tech, not silicon. That's all I've been able to find on it unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Ah, OK. I wasn't meaning to imply its Thinkpad quality by any means ;) You can't beat features that have been developed over the past couple decades!
:)
Still interested to see how this measures up though
 
R

RxL77

Senior member
May 21, 2001
238
0
0
Yeah, you guys are making me second guess my buying decision! Especially with all the fuss over the IBM T series. But I can't argue with the price and the fact that I haven't read one bad user review of it yet. For the price, and free shipping and no tax to NY, I can't go wrong... would be nice to have the video card in the T series but in the end, I think/hope I made the right buying choice as it has firewire, 4 usb ports... airbag protection would be nice though, didn't think about that one.
 
F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Firewire is nice to have. The New R-series from IBM has a single 4-pin Firewire port.
The IBM T-Series is pretty much the best of the best though, esp with an EPP discount ;)
T-series also only have 2xUSB, which sucks.
The Active Hard Drive Protection System is nice, I'm sure its saved my data more than once.
 
W

WackyDan

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,794
68
91
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Firewire is nice to have. The New R-series from IBM has a single 4-pin Firewire port.
The IBM T-Series is pretty much the best of the best though, esp with an EPP discount ;)
T-series also only have 2xUSB, which sucks.
The Active Hard Drive Protection System is nice, I'm sure its saved my data more than once.
Click to expand...

X30 series also has firewire... though I'd need to double check the new x32.

When may I ask do you need more than 2 USB ports on a notebook especially if you are using it to travel? It's rare to find more than 2 usb on a notebook like the T series.

get a USB hub for desk use, or get the MiniDock which has four ports and the power supply with it.

 
R

RxL77

Senior member
May 21, 2001
238
0
0
I talked to Portable One yesterday, the harddrive is suspended in a harness, which alleviates my worries about the IBM having the active harddrive protection. Also, the rep said they've yet to have any laptops be returned for harddrive failure. They swear to me that the build quality will blow IBM away, which I'm very hopeful =).

I told them of my worries, that I had potentially made the wrong buying decision (thankfully 30 day risk free trial), but they assured me that I'm making the right choice. Personally I've yet to read one bad comment/complaint of the laptop on forums and review sites, as well as on CNET user comments. The IBM T42 series got a 6.6 on CNET, and the MX got a 7.4... I don't know why they didn't get higher, maybe lack of video card... but compared to like other "business" laptops, it was #1 in everything. Best bettery life, best build quality, best performance scores.

In fact, and I quote "the IBM feels cheap in comparison to the MX." Terrific customer service, as it is a boutique laptop shop (ask for Ivan or Patrick), they will answer all your questions/concerns within an half hour. Also, the laptop shipped yesterday afternoon (tuesday) with fedex 2 day shipping. I ordered it on Monday, and they had built it, and extensively tested it within 48 hours and shipped it. Will get it tomorrow, barring shipping problems.

I was thinking of spending an extra 20-30 for overnight shipping, so I'd get it this afternoon, but decided I should wait an extra day and not spend more money...

AHHH THE WAITING! =P
 
W

WackyDan

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,794
68
91
Originally posted by: RxL77
I talked to Portable One yesterday, the harddrive is suspended in a harness, which alleviates my worries about the IBM having the active harddrive protection. Also, the rep said they've yet to have any laptops be returned for harddrive failure. They swear to me that the build quality will blow IBM away, which I'm very hopeful =).

I told them of my worries, that I had potentially made the wrong buying decision (thankfully 30 day risk free trial), but they assured me that I'm making the right choice. Personally I've yet to read one bad comment/complaint of the laptop on forums and review sites, as well as on CNET user comments. The IBM T42 series got a 6.6 on CNET, and the MX got a 7.4... I don't know why they didn't get higher, maybe lack of video card... but compared to like other "business" laptops, it was #1 in everything. Best bettery life, best build quality, best performance scores.

In fact, and I quote "the IBM feels cheap in comparison to the MX." Terrific customer service, as it is a boutique laptop shop (ask for Ivan or Patrick), they will answer all your questions/concerns within an half hour. Also, the laptop shipped yesterday afternoon (tuesday) with fedex 2 day shipping. I ordered it on Monday, and they had built it, and extensively tested it within 48 hours and shipped it. Will get it tomorrow, barring shipping problems.

I was thinking of spending an extra 20-30 for overnight shipping, so I'd get it this afternoon, but decided I should wait an extra day and not spend more money...

AHHH THE WAITING! =P
Click to expand...


Well, good luck with. :)

FYI... All vendors have hard drive shock absorbtion....ala mounting points, etc...

IBM has active and passive... not only do they have a passive shock absorbtion but also park the drive heads when a fall or acceleration is sensed. Toshiba, Apple, and Fujitsu have now all licensed the IBM implementation.

Again, good luck..... And don't be afriad to call them on any BS if you run into issues. They are of course going to tell you their product is the best (it's a whitebook though), and of course the magazines they advertise in are going to be kind to them in reviews.

Sorry..... I'm just doubtful of their claims and reviews.
 
H

HuckleberrySeed

Junior Member
May 9, 2005
11
0
0
Looks pretty sexy... I'll be curious to see what you think of it. Definitely take pics!

My T43 arrives this evening... if it wasn't for EPP it would have never been an option..

It seems the MX is quite similar to the Asus M3, with a much steeper price.... have you looked into comparing the two?
 
R

RxL77

Senior member
May 21, 2001
238
0
0
Thanks, I'll need the luck! Understandably I agree with you doubting their claims. Good thing they have a 30 day risk-free trial period, where I can return it. If it's not as great as I hope it will be, then I'll return it and purchase myself a T42/T43. I'm paying $2202 for this laptop, for that money, I can easily purchase a decent T42. So trust me, I thought heavily about the T series, but opted to try the MX laptop. Yes, I know, I'm a guinea pig, as many of my colleagues are calling me who have the IBM T.

But if this is as good as it sounds, I'll be very happy =) I hear the screen is way better than the T which is good. Don't get me wrong, the T is one of the best business laptops, if not the best, and I admit that buying the MX is a bit risky. But doing my homework and research, I wanted to give it a shot!

Thanks, I'll let ya'll know tomorrow evening. Really can't wait.
 
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