ThinkPad X220 (i/T) Owners Thread

[amog]

Unless you're pushing the CPU frequently, I don't think the i5 will offer much of a performance upgrade over a C2D. Now if you want the better screen, that's probably a better reason to do it. There is of course the AFFS mod available for the X200 if you're inclined and have a modicum of skill. You also won't lose any resolution with the AFFS mod. Personally I like the 1366x768 resolution as it allows me to run the sidebar and FF sidebar at the same time without having a scrollbar at the bottom. To me 32 pixels isn't that big a deal and the stick is so easy to scroll on. You'd probably only notice if you used them back to back.

Thanks. I am pushing the CPU with real time music making, and start hitting the wall with the x200.

If anyone has followed the x200 to x220 road, please share your impressions.

[mikoal]

Unless you're pushing the CPU frequently, I don't think the i5 will offer much of a performance upgrade over a C2D. Now if you want the better screen, that's probably a better reason to do it. There is of course the AFFS mod available for the X200 if you're inclined and have a modicum of skill. You also won't lose any resolution with the AFFS mod. Personally I like the 1366x768 resolution as it allows me to run the sidebar and FF sidebar at the same time without having a scrollbar at the bottom. To me 32 pixels isn't that big a deal and the stick is so easy to scroll on. You'd probably only notice if you used them back to back.

what functions do you refer to when you say push the cpu?

[sc3]

I received my machine on June 1 -- i7-2620, 4GB RAM, 320 GB 7200 rpm hard drive, IPS, lots of other bells and whistles. I plugged in the 9 cell battery and the ac adapter, and the machine wouldn't turn on -- no signs of life at all, and no battery charging lights. Tech support asked whether I had tried turning the computer on without the battery but just plugged into ac. in that mode, it turned on! So then they recommended some type of deep discharge procedure -- no battery, no ac adapter -- then push power button 14 times, followed by holding it down for 2 sec. Then reinstall battery and plug in ac adapter to let battery charge overnight. Any idea what that procedure does? Since then, the computer seems to work fine.

I installed an extra 4GB of RAM yesterday, as well as an Intel 310 MSATA SSD. The machine recognized the RAM, and the Windows Experience Index for memory operations even increased from 5.9 to 7.4. The computer doesn't see any sign of the MSATA SSD, however. I will post more details about that problem in
http://forum.notebookreview.com/leno...-usb3-0-a.html

[Syntax Error]

I think their "deep discharge" procedure theoretically tries to expel any kind of static electricity when you try to turn "on" the computer so there is no current running through the system with the computer unplugged and battery removed. I've done this process generally for desktops when I unplug the computer and press the power button; there have been a few occasions when the computer whirred to life for a millisecond then turned off.

It could also be some kind of code to the CMOS battery to reset BIOS?

Fourteen times though? I dunno, that seems excessive.

[tsktsk]

I received my machine on June 1 -- i7-2620, 4GB RAM, 320 GB 7200 rpm hard drive, IPS, lots of other bells and whistles. I plugged in the 9 cell battery and the ac adapter, and the machine wouldn't turn on -- no signs of life at all, and no battery charging lights. Tech support asked whether I had tried turning the computer on without the battery but just plugged into ac. in that mode, it turned on! So then they recommended some type of deep discharge procedure -- no battery, no ac adapter -- then push power button 14 times, followed by holding it down for 2 sec. Then reinstall battery and plug in ac adapter to let battery charge overnight. Any idea what that procedure does? Since then, the computer seems to work fine.

I installed an extra 4GB of RAM yesterday, as well as an Intel 310 MSATA SSD. The machine recognized the RAM, and the Windows Experience Index for memory operations even increased from 5.9 to 7.4. The computer doesn't see any sign of the MSATA SSD, however. I will post more details about that problem in
http://forum.notebookreview.com/leno...-usb3-0-a.html

14 times? That is such a random number, or maybe it's just me!

[sanman]

Just recieved my x220 yesterday. Observations:

Very light and very quiet
Great keyboard
Crappy touchpad
The screen is bright and crisp, but the drivers suck. I am seeing jagged edges on videos, dvd's, etc. My HP DV5 screen blows this one away.
The default fonts are tiny. Why does the iPAD look so much better?

Battery life is awesome.

Sound is horrible. My AM radio is louder and more crisp. Even with my Bose Headphones, i can barely hear anything while on a plane.
I purchased an i5 2540M, but they sent me an i5 2520M!
This one is going back, and I'm thinking of getting an AlienWare 11x. Anyone done comparisons between the X220 and AlienWare?

[floz23]

Just recieved my x220 yesterday. Observations:

Very light and very quiet
Great keyboard
Crappy touchpad
The screen is bright and crisp, but the drivers suck. I am seeing jagged edges on videos, dvd's, etc. My HP DV5 screen blows this one away.
The default fonts are tiny. Why does the iPAD look so much better?

Battery life is awesome.

Sound is horrible. My AM radio is louder and more crisp. Even with my Bose Headphones, i can barely hear anything while on a plane.
I purchased an i5 2540M, but they sent me an i5 2520M!
This one is going back, and I'm thinking of getting an AlienWare 11x. Anyone done comparisons between the X220 and AlienWare?

do you have an i5 or an i7? 6 or 9 cell? also, what is your battery life so far?

[ZaZ]

what functions do you refer to when you say push the cpu?

Anything that runs the CPU at or near capacity, say video encoding would be one example of this. Typical notebook usage i.e. Office, Media and Internet do not do this, which is why a Merom Core 2 Duo is as good as a i5 for those tasks. There memory and hard drive play a larger role in the perceived speed of the system.

[Shayes]

ship date hasnt changed yet. still june 10th. been 25 days now :/

[Shayes]

Hello there,

I would like to purchase the X220T, i am not sure about these points:

1) Display: Should I go with the MultiTouch Display or should I wait some weeks and get the Outdoor Display? I will use it 80 % indoor an 20 % outdoor.

2) Battery Life: Is the 6-cell battery enough or do I need the 9-cell? I need about 6 hours of battery life with wireless enabled.

3) I would like to install an SSD. What do you recommend me?

a) 320 GB @ 7200 rpm + 80 GB SSD Intel SSD 310
b) Intel SSD 160 GB
c) other SSD?


Thanks

i got multitouch so i could use it as a tablet with my hands (iPad etc)

6 cell is more than enough for what you want, but check to see if the 9 cell isnt too much more money

msata is supposedly having problems with the x220, so i wouldnt go that route. i personally just bought an intel 320 series 160 GB, so id say thats the best thing to do.