Today were putting the Lenovo x200 through its course. The x200 is the smaller brother to the now infamous x300, and an upgrade to the x61 series of earlier years (best in class for ultraportable as far as were concerned). Although being smaller, and lacking an optical drive, the x200 doesnt seem too tiny nor as thin as the x300, and developing most of its hardships with the battery bay and standard tracking devices. Of course, this is a very near end pre-consumer level model were reviewing, so Im sure things have gotten ironed out as soon as this review hits the shelf as far as fit and finish is concerned (more at the end of the review on that)
The x200 is a 12.1 widescreen ultraportable, in which it features the new Montevina platform, (not to be confused with actual Centrino 2 certification as it makes no claim to being certifiedyet) and runs the Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 at 2.4 GHz. It Features a 1066 MHz FSB with a 3mb cache limit and a nice low 25 TDP. Big measurements (although technical) would be the newer FSB and low TDP otherwise, marking a smaller die for the CPU and no increase in cache limit. We cant always win, but its a step in the right direction. Our pre-consumer unit came pretty loaded consulting the ordering screen from Lenovo. It did skimp us on the operating system, only touting Vista basic and WWAN feature, but did allow us an extra gigabyte of RAM, fingerprint reader, 160 GB HDD and Integrated Bluetooth, making the running total around $1,600.
Design
Case look and feel
The x200 is a 12.1 widescreen ultraportable, in which it features the new Montevina platform, (not to be confused with actual Centrino 2 certification as it makes no claim to being certifiedyet) and runs the Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 at 2.4 GHz. It Features a 1066 MHz FSB with a 3mb cache limit and a nice low 25 TDP. Big measurements (although technical) would be the newer FSB and low TDP otherwise, marking a smaller die for the CPU and no increase in cache limit. We cant always win, but its a step in the right direction. Our pre-consumer unit came pretty loaded consulting the ordering screen from Lenovo. It did skimp us on the operating system, only touting Vista basic and WWAN feature, but did allow us an extra gigabyte of RAM, fingerprint reader, 160 GB HDD and Integrated Bluetooth, making the running total around $1,600.
Design
Case look and feel
The case is standard Lenovo x series styling there is little to no color variations, sticking with its stark black rubber like finish, branding stamped across the base of the LCD lid, which is held to the strong chassis by the now loved/hated steel hinges. There is also suitably efficient LED readouts at the top telling some simple status changes of your unit.
The x200 features the tapered front end, housing the media card reader and LCD release latch. If you seen one x series Lenovo, youve pretty much seen them all as far as styling is concerned. Although Im not flattered by it, it does hold its own for material and minimalists. It is made of the strong magnesium allowing very little flex, and this time around, features two run off points underneath the laptop for spilled liquid.
Although I didnt feel like testing this feature, its nice to note and Im sure will save some busy coffee / cola drinker one morning.
Size & Weight
The size is very nice, featuring a decently slim profile, very thin LCD housing, and weighs just under 2.95 lb with the 4 cell battery. However, our unit came packaged with the extended 9 cell battery, which extrudes out the rear pretty awfully.
Yes, you do gain that tremendous battery life, but it makes this ultraportable larger than it should, and weighs just about as heavy as a 14.1 counterpart nearing almost 3.7 pounds. Looks will deceive you if you arent prepared for this change.
Keyboard
The keyboard again is strict Lenovo X series styling and specifications, holding cues to previous models before it, featuring alphanumeric typing keys that are spaced 18.5 mm vertically and 18.2 mm horizontally, which is defined as full-sized by ISO/IEC 15412. The stroke travel is a full 2.5 mm, which is always a pleasure to type on.
But, unlike the SL series that was also released, this still features the track-point nub in the center. Although keen for space saving design, and a following crowd of aficionados, I would have much rather seen an implemented track pad, and even make it multi-touch based like the Asus series that we just reviewed, to help aid in all those cramped Fn buttons. Am I nitpicking? Of course, but lets lay that out there.
Display quality
The display is a 1280x800 widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio display. There are 15 levels of brightness offered with a max output nearing 200 nits, a 50 nit increase of the former x61, and a welcomed addition. I noticed it didnt have very great side to side viewing angles on some PDF documents, but mostly, color representation was very decent, with adequate indoor backlighting. Outdoors seemed a bit washy or mixed results, which might harbor others to look into a more transflexive notebook option if they are constantly outdoors.
Connectivity
Connectivity is pretty standard, albeit changed from its predecessor, and a bit different from its thinner, lighter, much more expensive brother the x300. First and foremost, there is no optical drive. It doesnt list as an option of ordering one, so picking up a slim USB 2.0 self powered drive (a la the one the U110 we reviewed earlier came with) would be a handy option if you plan on using this machine to view, read, burn, or transfer optical media with. This might be a deal breaker for a lot of people but foreseeing the available prices and capacities for flash drives, SD media, and wireless data banks it might not to others.
The left side houses the power jack, exhaust, 2 USB ports, monitor-out, Gigabit Ethernet, ExpressCard 54mm slot, and the wireless LAN on-off switch. This is to note that it turns off all wireless options, Bluetooth and WLAN. Im not sure about WWAN as my unit did not come configured to use this.
The front, as mentioned earlier, can contain either a 5-1 media reader, or an SD card slot. Ours totes the SD card reader slot.
The right, with our configured unit, came with another USB port, headphone out, microphone, modem port, and lock slot.
The rear houses nothing other than the obtrusive battery (in being fair, it was just a bit too big for my taste.)
Upgrading?
Even though WWAN wasnt configured in our pre-consumer level test system, the antenna that is needed to utilize these features is installed by default, so its simply a matter of inserting the WWAN card into the bay inside the x200, call up new service, and away you go. Since I dont utilize a company or hardware to test that feature, I can only say that it is possible to upgrade to using it.
Memory can be configured a few ways, which can handle up to 3 GB of internal memory. Which, is all Windows Vista Basic would utilize anyways, so if you feel cramped, you can do a little memory management there.
Hard drive capacity is another relative upgrade, with Lenovos website listing solid state 64gb as an option, and all the way up to a 320gb 5400 rpm drive. As a note, were sure it could handle the newer 7200rpm drives that are 320 GB but were not 100% positive.
Features
Some excellent features on the x200 that are worth noting that are new is the spill flow keyboard, and biometric finger print reader. Also, the x200 features that handy ThinkLight, an LED near the top bezel of the LCD and offers illumination for typing in near darkness. Its handy, its welcomed, and although not as cool as a backlit keyboard, functions just as well.
Lenovo decided to implement a webcam on this model as well which will serve great for video conferencing, but unless you need proof that someone is at the office and need to see it, the benefits of video-conferencing and voice conferencing is minimal in my opinion.
Again, the x200 does feature the ability to connect to GPS WWAN services from Verizon, Vodafone, Telus or KDDI but mine didnt have this feature.
The speaker, on the x200 is pretty dismal. Great for the beeps, hums, chimes and pings from OS system sounds, but otherwise, pretty pitiful. Dont count on it for much more than a what just happened, I thought I heard something Alert status.
Performance & Conclusion
Windows Vista Experience Score
The Windows Vista Experience score is a 3.7. In comparison, the U110 we reviewed earlier this year was a 3.5. The breakouts are featured below:
3Dmark Vantage
3Dmark Vantage refused to operate, and in which, I didnt test 3Dmark 06 on this unit. Its 3D abilities are not being included.
PCMark Vantage Pro
In light of the other blunder of leaving power save mode on, the PCmark Vantage score has been updated using "full performance" power scheme, and greatly affects the outcome to nearly 3200 PCmark Vantage points. Sorry for the mix up. In light - this is one very decently powered ultraportable.
WorldBench 6 (33 on power save 86 on full performance)
Ok, so here we see some major spanking happening. Itobliterates other ultraportable competition models with ease. In power save mode its pitiful and I was so shocked when I first ran the test, it only gathered 33 Worldbench points. I was like, that can not be right! And I wasnt! Thankfully I had set the laptop to full powersave and not full performance. Once that blunder was reconciled, and worlbench set its course to run again -it indeed, did pick up the pace. It hammered a striking 86 worldbench points down the tube!
Battery Performance
Ok, so me demeaning that battery for looks has its take-backs. I was successfully able (with power stretch) to somehow navigate 8 hours and 47 minutes on the x200. All at one time, mind you. Thank god it comes in this battery flavor as I wasnt feeling good from the night before and seeing my horrible entourage captured on Facebook made passing my time down laying down in bed much easier. Seriousness aside, the x200 with its 9-cell battery packs some serious longevity. I couldnt test its real world DVD rundown time, but Im assuming you could get by with watching a full movie (via external USB DVD drive), running some spreadsheets and youtubes afterwards bringing heavy use to a moderate 5.5 or 6 hours.
Real-life usage:
All in all its not much to look at, but what it does offer is a nice punch under the hood for performance if it needs it. Using that power saver profile and power stretch program, you can really thin things to the lines of ultimate mobility with this unit and its 9 cell battery.
The only other gripes I come are from pre-consumer build quirks (9 cell battery being fairly losedont grab this by its tail end thats for sure, and gaps with some panels on the LCD housing). Other than that the heat and efficiency of this unit is awesome.
Conclusion
If youre looking for a stiff upgrade to your x61 series, need a widescreen, dont mind missing out on a track pad, and like the idea of no optical drive, the x200 can fit the bill, and fit it much more nicely than some other ultraportable. However, this is such a new platform still that it would be hard pressed for me to say that this is THE ultraportable to get. If it came outfitted with an external drive, a transflexive screen, a track pad option (as the x300) and a more advanced video card, I would say yesbut until then, it measures quite well, but not in the realm of unbelievable.
* Pros:
o Stark Black Design
o Decently Powerful Components
o Awesome Battery life with 9-cell
o Decent display resolution for its size
o Connectivity is adequate
* Cons:
o Huge Battery really increases weight
o No optical drive option
o Minimal Graphics Options
o Upgrade options are awkward
Bottom Line:
A healthy refresh to the older X series, now offering widescreen and beefier components, the x200 is a very decent commuter workstation. Now, we just need a slight refresh to the aesthetics, a couple of more advanced output options, and a track pad / track point option, and we might have more of a winner. Oh, and usable speaker(s) would be nice as well.
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Source [laptoplogic.com]
The x200 features the tapered front end, housing the media card reader and LCD release latch. If you seen one x series Lenovo, youve pretty much seen them all as far as styling is concerned. Although Im not flattered by it, it does hold its own for material and minimalists. It is made of the strong magnesium allowing very little flex, and this time around, features two run off points underneath the laptop for spilled liquid.
Although I didnt feel like testing this feature, its nice to note and Im sure will save some busy coffee / cola drinker one morning.
Size & Weight
The size is very nice, featuring a decently slim profile, very thin LCD housing, and weighs just under 2.95 lb with the 4 cell battery. However, our unit came packaged with the extended 9 cell battery, which extrudes out the rear pretty awfully.
Yes, you do gain that tremendous battery life, but it makes this ultraportable larger than it should, and weighs just about as heavy as a 14.1 counterpart nearing almost 3.7 pounds. Looks will deceive you if you arent prepared for this change.
Keyboard
The keyboard again is strict Lenovo X series styling and specifications, holding cues to previous models before it, featuring alphanumeric typing keys that are spaced 18.5 mm vertically and 18.2 mm horizontally, which is defined as full-sized by ISO/IEC 15412. The stroke travel is a full 2.5 mm, which is always a pleasure to type on.
But, unlike the SL series that was also released, this still features the track-point nub in the center. Although keen for space saving design, and a following crowd of aficionados, I would have much rather seen an implemented track pad, and even make it multi-touch based like the Asus series that we just reviewed, to help aid in all those cramped Fn buttons. Am I nitpicking? Of course, but lets lay that out there.
Display quality
The display is a 1280x800 widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio display. There are 15 levels of brightness offered with a max output nearing 200 nits, a 50 nit increase of the former x61, and a welcomed addition. I noticed it didnt have very great side to side viewing angles on some PDF documents, but mostly, color representation was very decent, with adequate indoor backlighting. Outdoors seemed a bit washy or mixed results, which might harbor others to look into a more transflexive notebook option if they are constantly outdoors.
Connectivity
Connectivity is pretty standard, albeit changed from its predecessor, and a bit different from its thinner, lighter, much more expensive brother the x300. First and foremost, there is no optical drive. It doesnt list as an option of ordering one, so picking up a slim USB 2.0 self powered drive (a la the one the U110 we reviewed earlier came with) would be a handy option if you plan on using this machine to view, read, burn, or transfer optical media with. This might be a deal breaker for a lot of people but foreseeing the available prices and capacities for flash drives, SD media, and wireless data banks it might not to others.
The left side houses the power jack, exhaust, 2 USB ports, monitor-out, Gigabit Ethernet, ExpressCard 54mm slot, and the wireless LAN on-off switch. This is to note that it turns off all wireless options, Bluetooth and WLAN. Im not sure about WWAN as my unit did not come configured to use this.
The front, as mentioned earlier, can contain either a 5-1 media reader, or an SD card slot. Ours totes the SD card reader slot.
The right, with our configured unit, came with another USB port, headphone out, microphone, modem port, and lock slot.
The rear houses nothing other than the obtrusive battery (in being fair, it was just a bit too big for my taste.)
Upgrading?
Even though WWAN wasnt configured in our pre-consumer level test system, the antenna that is needed to utilize these features is installed by default, so its simply a matter of inserting the WWAN card into the bay inside the x200, call up new service, and away you go. Since I dont utilize a company or hardware to test that feature, I can only say that it is possible to upgrade to using it.
Memory can be configured a few ways, which can handle up to 3 GB of internal memory. Which, is all Windows Vista Basic would utilize anyways, so if you feel cramped, you can do a little memory management there.
Hard drive capacity is another relative upgrade, with Lenovos website listing solid state 64gb as an option, and all the way up to a 320gb 5400 rpm drive. As a note, were sure it could handle the newer 7200rpm drives that are 320 GB but were not 100% positive.
Features
Some excellent features on the x200 that are worth noting that are new is the spill flow keyboard, and biometric finger print reader. Also, the x200 features that handy ThinkLight, an LED near the top bezel of the LCD and offers illumination for typing in near darkness. Its handy, its welcomed, and although not as cool as a backlit keyboard, functions just as well.
Lenovo decided to implement a webcam on this model as well which will serve great for video conferencing, but unless you need proof that someone is at the office and need to see it, the benefits of video-conferencing and voice conferencing is minimal in my opinion.
Again, the x200 does feature the ability to connect to GPS WWAN services from Verizon, Vodafone, Telus or KDDI but mine didnt have this feature.
The speaker, on the x200 is pretty dismal. Great for the beeps, hums, chimes and pings from OS system sounds, but otherwise, pretty pitiful. Dont count on it for much more than a what just happened, I thought I heard something Alert status.
Performance & Conclusion
Windows Vista Experience Score
The Windows Vista Experience score is a 3.7. In comparison, the U110 we reviewed earlier this year was a 3.5. The breakouts are featured below:
3Dmark Vantage
3Dmark Vantage refused to operate, and in which, I didnt test 3Dmark 06 on this unit. Its 3D abilities are not being included.
PCMark Vantage Pro
In light of the other blunder of leaving power save mode on, the PCmark Vantage score has been updated using "full performance" power scheme, and greatly affects the outcome to nearly 3200 PCmark Vantage points. Sorry for the mix up. In light - this is one very decently powered ultraportable.
WorldBench 6 (33 on power save 86 on full performance)
Ok, so here we see some major spanking happening. Itobliterates other ultraportable competition models with ease. In power save mode its pitiful and I was so shocked when I first ran the test, it only gathered 33 Worldbench points. I was like, that can not be right! And I wasnt! Thankfully I had set the laptop to full powersave and not full performance. Once that blunder was reconciled, and worlbench set its course to run again -it indeed, did pick up the pace. It hammered a striking 86 worldbench points down the tube!
Battery Performance
Ok, so me demeaning that battery for looks has its take-backs. I was successfully able (with power stretch) to somehow navigate 8 hours and 47 minutes on the x200. All at one time, mind you. Thank god it comes in this battery flavor as I wasnt feeling good from the night before and seeing my horrible entourage captured on Facebook made passing my time down laying down in bed much easier. Seriousness aside, the x200 with its 9-cell battery packs some serious longevity. I couldnt test its real world DVD rundown time, but Im assuming you could get by with watching a full movie (via external USB DVD drive), running some spreadsheets and youtubes afterwards bringing heavy use to a moderate 5.5 or 6 hours.
Real-life usage:
All in all its not much to look at, but what it does offer is a nice punch under the hood for performance if it needs it. Using that power saver profile and power stretch program, you can really thin things to the lines of ultimate mobility with this unit and its 9 cell battery.
The only other gripes I come are from pre-consumer build quirks (9 cell battery being fairly losedont grab this by its tail end thats for sure, and gaps with some panels on the LCD housing). Other than that the heat and efficiency of this unit is awesome.
Conclusion
If youre looking for a stiff upgrade to your x61 series, need a widescreen, dont mind missing out on a track pad, and like the idea of no optical drive, the x200 can fit the bill, and fit it much more nicely than some other ultraportable. However, this is such a new platform still that it would be hard pressed for me to say that this is THE ultraportable to get. If it came outfitted with an external drive, a transflexive screen, a track pad option (as the x300) and a more advanced video card, I would say yesbut until then, it measures quite well, but not in the realm of unbelievable.
* Pros:
o Stark Black Design
o Decently Powerful Components
o Awesome Battery life with 9-cell
o Decent display resolution for its size
o Connectivity is adequate
* Cons:
o Huge Battery really increases weight
o No optical drive option
o Minimal Graphics Options
o Upgrade options are awkward
Bottom Line:
A healthy refresh to the older X series, now offering widescreen and beefier components, the x200 is a very decent commuter workstation. Now, we just need a slight refresh to the aesthetics, a couple of more advanced output options, and a track pad / track point option, and we might have more of a winner. Oh, and usable speaker(s) would be nice as well.
Lenovo Launches ThinkPad W520 Laptops Review
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Lenovo ThinkPad X120e Laptops Review
New Lenovo Idea Centre A600 All-In-One Desktop
Source [laptoplogic.com]