I want to buy a thinkpad for under $650 to do mostly programming and some casual gaming (basically just Dota and TF2). Right now I'm pretty into the Lenovo Carbon X1, the 2013 edition goes for like $500 on ebay. If anyone else has suggestions/input I'd love to hear.
Dell XPS perhaps? Might be too expensive.. I didn't know that the Carbon was relatively cheap.
double check if the carbon has dual channel ram..
I remember they started turning the x1 carbon with only --single channel--..
Also the ram i think is not user upgradable, not sure which version..
Here's the issue with the "NEW" thinkpads, they're becoming less and less user-serviceable.. and the bios mods require an external programmer, and desoldering of bios chip.. not even sure if you can even get to it on the x1 carbon..
I'd recommend an Asus, because anything goes on the Asus.. hahahahhahaha.. they don't have the build quality though..
So if you're Definitly getting a thinkpad, get a high speced one, otherwise, you won't really be able to upgrade anything inside of the new versions.. like wificard/storage ssd/ etc...
double check if the carbon has dual channel ram..
I remember they started turning the x1 carbon with only --single channel--..
Also the ram i think is not user upgradable, not sure which version..
Here's the issue with the "NEW" thinkpads, they're becoming less and less user-serviceable.. and the bios mods require an external programmer, and desoldering of bios chip.. not even sure if you can even get to it on the x1 carbon..
I'd recommend an Asus, because anything goes on the Asus.. hahahahhahaha.. they don't have the build quality though..
So if you're Definitly getting a thinkpad, get a high speced one, otherwise, you won't really be able to upgrade anything inside of the new versions.. like wificard/storage ssd/ etc...
That's what is slowly driving me to a custom build.. Macs are increasingly glued, even the high end. Wtf! So if I would buy a new retina MacBook Pro today, I HAVE to order highest gpu, cpu, mem, AND ssd. Ridiculous.
double check if the carbon has dual channel ram..
I remember they started turning the x1 carbon with only --single channel--..
Also the ram i think is not user upgradable, not sure which version..
Here's the issue with the "NEW" thinkpads, they're becoming less and less user-serviceable.. and the bios mods require an external programmer, and desoldering of bios chip.. not even sure if you can even get to it on the x1 carbon..
I'd recommend an Asus, because anything goes on the Asus.. hahahahhahaha.. they don't have the build quality though..
So if you're Definitly getting a thinkpad, get a high speced one, otherwise, you won't really be able to upgrade anything inside of the new versions.. like wificard/storage ssd/ etc...
That's what is slowly driving me to a custom build.. Macs are increasingly glued, even the high end. Wtf! So if I would buy a new retina MacBook Pro today, I HAVE to order highest gpu, cpu, mem, AND ssd. Ridiculous.
what custom build.. hahaha..
double check if the carbon has dual channel ram..
I remember they started turning the x1 carbon with only --single channel--..
Also the ram i think is not user upgradable, not sure which version..
Here's the issue with the "NEW" thinkpads, they're becoming less and less user-serviceable.. and the bios mods require an external programmer, and desoldering of bios chip.. not even sure if you can even get to it on the x1 carbon..
I'd recommend an Asus, because anything goes on the Asus.. hahahahhahaha.. they don't have the build quality though..
So if you're Definitly getting a thinkpad, get a high speced one, otherwise, you won't really be able to upgrade anything inside of the new versions.. like wificard/storage ssd/ etc...
That's what is slowly driving me to a custom build.. Macs are increasingly glued, even the high end. Wtf! So if I would buy a new retina MacBook Pro today, I HAVE to order highest gpu, cpu, mem, AND ssd. Ridiculous.
Of course you really pay for it.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/traverse/pro_15/customize.php
Of course you really pay for it.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/traverse/pro_15/customize.php
Oh.. well idk if these are to be compared to the modern concept of a laptop.. hahaha..
I think they call these Mobile workstations, they're pretty heavy... you'd hate to carry them around..
3lbs is around the cutoff for uncomfortable..
Of course you really pay for it.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/traverse/pro_15/customize.php
Oh.. well idk if these are to be compared to the modern concept of a laptop.. hahaha..
I think they call these Mobile workstations, they're pretty heavy... you'd hate to carry them around..
3lbs is around the cutoff for uncomfortable..
For most things i do i'm fine with my haswell celeron chromebook running linux that's only a couple pounds , but unless i'm walking long distances id be fine with a 5-8 LB laptop.
Of course you really pay for it.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/traverse/pro_15/customize.php
Oh.. well idk if these are to be compared to the modern concept of a laptop.. hahaha..
I think they call these Mobile workstations, they're pretty heavy... you'd hate to carry them around..
3lbs is around the cutoff for uncomfortable..
For most things i do i'm fine with my haswell celeron chromebook running linux that's only a couple pounds , but unless i'm walking long distances id be fine with a 5-8 LB laptop.
remember that laptop is 7 lbs, + the power adapter which is another 3 lbs.. hahahahaha..
Of course you really pay for it.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/traverse/pro_15/customize.php
double check if the carbon has dual channel ram..
I remember they started turning the x1 carbon with only --single channel--..
Also the ram i think is not user upgradable, not sure which version..
Here's the issue with the "NEW" thinkpads, they're becoming less and less user-serviceable.. and the bios mods require an external programmer, and desoldering of bios chip.. not even sure if you can even get to it on the x1 carbon..
I'd recommend an Asus, because anything goes on the Asus.. hahahahhahaha.. they don't have the build quality though..
So if you're Definitly getting a thinkpad, get a high speced one, otherwise, you won't really be able to upgrade anything inside of the new versions.. like wificard/storage ssd/ etc...
That's what is slowly driving me to a custom build.. Macs are increasingly glued, even the high end. Wtf! So if I would buy a new retina MacBook Pro today, I HAVE to order highest gpu, cpu, mem, AND ssd. Ridiculous.
what custom build.. hahaha..
Of course you really pay for it.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/traverse/pro_15/customize.php
double check if the carbon has dual channel ram..
I remember they started turning the x1 carbon with only --single channel--..
Also the ram i think is not user upgradable, not sure which version..
Here's the issue with the "NEW" thinkpads, they're becoming less and less user-serviceable.. and the bios mods require an external programmer, and desoldering of bios chip.. not even sure if you can even get to it on the x1 carbon..
I'd recommend an Asus, because anything goes on the Asus.. hahahahhahaha.. they don't have the build quality though..
So if you're Definitly getting a thinkpad, get a high speced one, otherwise, you won't really be able to upgrade anything inside of the new versions.. like wificard/storage ssd/ etc...
That's what is slowly driving me to a custom build.. Macs are increasingly glued, even the high end. Wtf! So if I would buy a new retina MacBook Pro today, I HAVE to order highest gpu, cpu, mem, AND ssd. Ridiculous.
A little off topic from OP, but what i have done in the past is buy a macbook with 3 year applecare, and sell it after a year or two to upgrade. Often with the extended applecare I can sell it for a minimal loss, barely losing any money over time. :)
I'm with you on liking Thinkpads. There's just something about them, they're just so functionalist looking it's awesome hah.
I have the W520 portable workstation as I used heaps of CAD software / Rendering stuff and it runs it all pre well :D
Love the idea of getting a Carbon though, would be so much easier to lug around, seriously the W520 is cumbersome (especially the power supply 170W 20V).
But yeah, I think either between the Carbon X1, XPSor the new Razer Blade Stealth (I know, but, I actually really like it, pretty nice for an ultrabook :O)(not around 650 woops)
I'm with you on liking Thinkpads. There's just something about them, they're just so functionalist looking it's awesome hah.
I have the W520 portable workstation as I used heaps of CAD software / Rendering stuff and it runs it all pre well :D
Love the idea of getting a Carbon though, would be so much easier to lug around, seriously the W520 is cumbersome (especially the power supply 170W 20V).
But yeah, I think either between the Carbon X1, XPSor the new Razer Blade Stealth (I know, but, I actually really like it, pretty nice for an ultrabook :O)(not around 650 woops)
I think Lenovo's are the only laptops with a decent enough keyboard. The rest sucks IMHO, except perhaps for some Dell laptops.. but Dell/HP is EVIL to me.
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
yeah the older ibm thinkpads were the best, i have a t60 myself. i think it's worth dealing with old hardware just for the ibm rgb logo alone.
the newer lenovo thinkpads aren't to special, so i wouldn't limit myself to just the series if i was buying new hardware. but hey, that's just me!
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
yeah the older ibm thinkpads were the best, i have a t60 myself. i think it's worth dealing with old hardware just for the ibm rgb logo alone.
the newer lenovo thinkpads aren't to special, so i wouldn't limit myself to just the series if i was buying new hardware. but hey, that's just me!
I think all the new gear are significantly improved.. the only real downside is that they are no longer user-serviceable..
That doesn't mean the new gears are bad, it's a shift in market strategy.
I think all the new gear are significantly improved.. the only real downside is that they are no longer user-serviceable..
That doesn't mean the new gears are bad, it's a shift in market strategy.
are you saying that the build quality has improved more than the older ibm thinkpads, or are you talking about the form factor?
Of course build quality has improved.. Magnesium alloy chassis for example....
I have a 3rd gen "2015" X1 and I like it. Lightweight, excellent battery life (approx 8-9 hours) and a quick charger.
I'd stay away from the 2nd gen due to the weird capacitive function key row and trackpad buttons (I've seen pics of modded T440s that had the physical button part swapped, not sure it can be done on the X1C2). First gen is fine in that regard.
Another, more general consideration: high DPI screens may be a pain to deal with depending on your OS of choice and which specific apps you use.
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
Not if you're on a very tight budget its not! I love my little thinkpad! With it's perfectly smooth super-key and blue mouse-nipple!
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
Not if you're on a very tight budget its not! I love my little thinkpad! With it's perfectly smooth super-key and blue mouse-nipple!
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
Actually for UK it's £70 for x200 and £180 for x220, I did not and still do not have that much money for a laptop!
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
Actually for UK it's £70 for x200 and £180 for x220, I did not and still do not have that much money for a laptop!
Ok.. Plane ticket to USA.. $500.. then Cheap Computers 4ever..Show Image(http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/onion-head/uhuhuh-onion-head-emoticon.gif?1292862523)
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
Actually for UK it's £70 for x200 and £180 for x220, I did not and still do not have that much money for a laptop!
Ok.. Plane ticket to USA.. $500.. then Cheap Computers 4ever..Show Image(http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/onion-head/uhuhuh-onion-head-emoticon.gif?1292862523)
No thanks mate, we have somewhat reasonable gun laws! :p
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
Actually for UK it's £70 for x200 and £180 for x220, I did not and still do not have that much money for a laptop!
Ok.. Plane ticket to USA.. $500.. then Cheap Computers 4ever..Show Image(http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/onion-head/uhuhuh-onion-head-emoticon.gif?1292862523)
No thanks mate, we have somewhat reasonable gun laws! :p
Very few people get shot..
The main concern in America is heart-disease and diabetus..
16:10 versus 16:9 screen. Not even a contest.I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
16:10 versus 16:9 screen. Not even a contest.I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
Not if you're on a very tight budget its not! I love my little thinkpad! With it's perfectly smooth super-key and blue mouse-nipple!
I have a 3rd gen "2015" X1 and I like it. Lightweight, excellent battery life (approx 8-9 hours) and a quick charger.
I'd stay away from the 2nd gen due to the weird capacitive function key row and trackpad buttons (I've seen pics of modded T440s that had the physical button part swapped, not sure it can be done on the X1C2). First gen is fine in that regard.
Another, more general consideration: high DPI screens may be a pain to deal with depending on your OS of choice and which specific apps you use.
Do you use Linux on it? If so, how does the battery hold up UNDER LINUX?
It runs Arch full time, with Cinnamon, UEFI boot using rEFInd. I'd say my usage patterns with screen brightness on the high side and some more power hungry programs take a hit on the battery life, closer to 6-7 hours in practice. Enough that I hardly every worry about it, and when I do, the charger is fast enough that I can top up and carry on. (Something like under an hour for a full charge, but don't quote me on it; double check that your country gets it, not all do.) One factor that might help battery life is that I have the 1080 HD screen (vs high DPI).
Driver-wise, Linux support out of the box is pretty hard to beat. Had to tinker a bit to adjust the TrackPoint sensitivity, the fingerprint reader driver I found was for a related model (with a different resolution so the output image looks weird, might look into it sometime) but everything else pretty much "just worked" out of the box with Arch's up to date kernels.
My Carbon has the i5-5200U, 1080p non touch screen, 8GB (non user-upgradeable :() RAM, M.2 2280 SATA 128GB SSD (the board also supports PCIe :) ), and the backlit keyboard. I eventually bought it's external non-backlit USB twin as a light travel board; the backlit feels more shine resistant than the non-backlit.
Let me know if you have other questions.
Of course you really pay for it.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/nav/traverse/pro_15/customize.php
All of a sudden Apple laptops feel cheap and affordable..
I just ordered a T420 last Friday. Can't wait to get it in and swap out parts from my old laptop. I got 16GB of RAM and a 480GB SSD waiting.
I just ordered a T420 last Friday. Can't wait to get it in and swap out parts from my old laptop. I got 16GB of RAM and a 480GB SSD waiting.
Awesome machine, and swapping parts in a ton of fun!
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
Not if you're on a very tight budget its not! I love my little thinkpad! With it's perfectly smooth super-key and blue mouse-nipple!
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
Not if you're on a very tight budget its not! I love my little thinkpad! With it's perfectly smooth super-key and blue mouse-nipple!
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
x230 has an edge over the x220, unless you prefer the x220's keyboard:
3rd gen Core processors,
Many available with IPS displays,
2x USB3 + 1 always on USB2 ports.
I love the old IBM Thinkpads. Lenovo is okay but "they don't make 'em like they used to." Ha. I bought a x200 for $60 and outfitted it with 6GB RAM and a 120 GB SSD. It runs Antergos. I use it mainly for programming. Never really pushed it with any WebGL projects as I'm sure it wouldn't be capable of rendering 60fps at an acceptable rate, but it's great for what I use it for. The Carbon X1 looks sleek and neat. Nice thin profile. :thumb:
I'm with you in rocking the x200! Mine is a lenovo branded one though :L It was only £70 and I'm running arch with gnome : P
x200 is ol'skool , but it's honestly clumsy to use these days.
X220 is the best budget one to get these days..
Not if you're on a very tight budget its not! I love my little thinkpad! With it's perfectly smooth super-key and blue mouse-nipple!
So..
$60 x200
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --1556-- (Core2duo p8600, base model)
vs
$100 x220
$50 8gb ram
$50 128gb SSD
Cpu score --3737-- (i5 2540m, base model)
the extra $40 which is (20% increase in cost) buys you 200% the cpu power, and something like 10x the Gpu power as well..
So...... yea....... ..... You can see how x220 is bestest ever..
-- also, x220 has an LG-brand -ips screen available if you want the upgrade, it's like $60,
x230 has an edge over the x220, unless you prefer the x220's keyboard:
3rd gen Core processors,
Many available with IPS displays,
2x USB3 + 1 always on USB2 ports.
Um... well if you can get an x230 with a preinstalled top-end wifi card.. I think that's fine..
but most of the time, you get the mid-tier card, and you can't upgrade without an official lenovo part..
You can reflash (https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-TUTORIAL-Lenovo-X230-Tablet-BIOS-Whitelist-Removal-Hardware-Flash)the bios with a custom one with no whitelist, if you are brave enough. It requires some soldering work, because starting with the x230 it cannot be done by software anymore.
2011 was the last year you could buy a ThinkPad with scissor switches.
#NEVERFORGET
You can reflash (https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-TUTORIAL-Lenovo-X230-Tablet-BIOS-Whitelist-Removal-Hardware-Flash)the bios with a custom one with no whitelist, if you are brave enough. It requires some soldering work, because starting with the x230 it cannot be done by software anymore.
If you like to fiddle, yea... I could see going for an x230..
The problem here is that bios chips are not the easiest to desolder.. and where are you going to get another one should it fail.. hahahaha..
You can reflash (https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-TUTORIAL-Lenovo-X230-Tablet-BIOS-Whitelist-Removal-Hardware-Flash)the bios with a custom one with no whitelist, if you are brave enough. It requires some soldering work, because starting with the x230 it cannot be done by software anymore.
If you like to fiddle, yea... I could see going for an x230..
The problem here is that bios chips are not the easiest to desolder.. and where are you going to get another one should it fail.. hahahaha..
In the linked tutorial the poster bought a new BIOS chip for flashing the custom BIOS, while keeping the original as a backup.
You can reflash (https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread-TUTORIAL-Lenovo-X230-Tablet-BIOS-Whitelist-Removal-Hardware-Flash)the bios with a custom one with no whitelist, if you are brave enough. It requires some soldering work, because starting with the x230 it cannot be done by software anymore.
If you like to fiddle, yea... I could see going for an x230..
The problem here is that bios chips are not the easiest to desolder.. and where are you going to get another one should it fail.. hahahaha..
In the linked tutorial the poster bought a new BIOS chip for flashing the custom BIOS, while keeping the original as a backup.
Hrrrrrrmmmmmm...... Hrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
I guess an upgrade to x230 is in the books for me then...
Hrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmm......................
x230 $250
SSD $120
Ram $60
Wifi Card $30
Bios Chip+ programmer $60
ips upgrade $100
$620... man this adds up fast..
Hrrrrmmmmm..........
Why do you have to replace the stock wifi card? is it really that bad as to invest $90 and risk to damage the mother board? Also you can save the ips as there are some x230 that are offered with factory IPS displays.
Why do you have to replace the stock wifi card? is it really that bad as to invest $90 and risk to damage the mother board? Also you can save the ips as there are some x230 that are offered with factory IPS displays.
WIFI card is the SOUL of the laptop..
It's more important than anything else.. the 6xxx intel wifi series was terrible..
Why do you have to replace the stock wifi card? is it really that bad as to invest $90 and risk to damage the mother board? Also you can save the ips as there are some x230 that are offered with factory IPS displays.
WIFI card is the SOUL of the laptop..
It's more important than anything else.. the 6xxx intel wifi series was terrible..
Could you provide specific part numbers or models of the Lenovo's approved one and the model you want to use instead? I am sorry, but "terrible" is just a poor reference to understand what you mean; besides, unless everything you do requires wireless internet access, the ssd and ram are as important or more important than the wifi card, also the display and keyboard that are the only actual interfaces with the user are very important; therefore, your statement that the wifi is the "soul" of the laptop is also too vague.