Lenovo X201

Not as well lengthy ago the 12-inch ThinkPad acquired its 2010 refresh. even although the T sequence obtained an important update (thus getting transformed through the T400 for that T410) the X sequence was merely transformed through the X200 for that X201. That implies inner components experienced been updated (processor, graphics, etc.) however the chassis is quite appreciably identical as last generation.

Keeping modifications to some minimum amount unquestionably is not just a worst circumstance situation when you contemplate how great the X200 was. The 12-inch X series’ design is time-tested and has long been chugging along relatively well, even even although the institution has released quantities of competition through the X301 and now the X100e. The X201 is normally a lightweight, sturdy, 12-inch ultraportable which has only gotten appreciably better since the inner components have enhanced from one era for that next. And now it has Intel’s major processors along using the company’s HD graphics, producing this an fascinating upgrade through the major two Duo generation.



For an awesome offer more particulars concerning the case, build, keyboard, and so on, confirm out our evaluation near to the X200. optimistic it is a tad old, but tiny has transformed because then.

The specs near to the ThinkPad X201 evaluation unit are: Intel major i5 540M processor (2.53GHz), 4GB RAM, glass windows 7 specialized 64-bit, Intel HD integrated graphics, and 320GB of storage.

I was going to hold out a complete review, but offered how comparable this could be to preceding X designs and how the method has long been out for just about any few months, I’ll restrict myself to some thoughts:

On the element side, this was an awesome upgrade. The X201i/X201/X201s ultraportables get major i3/i5/i7, Intel HD graphics, glass windows 7, and as appreciably as 8GB of RAM. None of those make the method unique, however it is cut-throat with HP and Dell (etc.) in every sole respect.
They method was initially readily available owning a WXGA+ show at the same time for that WXGA one. 1280×800 is good for just about any 12.1-inch widescreen but 1440×900 is normally a noticeable upgrade. This is not readily available any an awesome offer more near to the X201, also it must acquire near to the X201s (but that is not thorough on Lenovo’s website in the instant since it is most most likely away from stock). at the same time to getting a wonderful quality this really is some thing not supplied near to the X201’s principal competitor, the HP EliteBook 2540p.
For every one of the communicate about netbooks over the previous many years the X201 is nonetheless a extremely wonderful size. At 11.6 x 9.2 x 0.8-1.4-inches and about 3.5 pounds the personal computer travels extremely well. It feels even appreciably better owning a scaled-down battery on it.
Speaking near to the battery, Lenovo nonetheless hasn’t place am exterior LED evaluate near to the X201’s battery. tiny features such as this are lengthy overdue.
The port assortment is nonetheless good. The method has three USB slots, headphone, microphone, modem, Kensington lock port, the ThinkPad’s regular 20V energy connection, VGA, ethernet, and ExpressCard/54. There is normally a card reader even although in the top as well. probably the most noticeable quality lacking right here is normally a electronic movement image output, but odds are the fact that X201’s chassis and motherboard only have space for that sole movement image output and VGA requires precedence for company users.
One near to the USB slots is yellow. this really is normally a your consistently On USB that is produced to cost your USB equipment even once the personal computer is off, sleeping, or hibernating. It could possibly be toggled on and away in BIOS and arranged to Automatic, BlackBerry, iPod/iPhone, or Other mode. i have been screening it with my iPhone however it does not not appear to purpose regardless of owning the precise settings in BIOS.


The keyboard is nonetheless relatively good. No method this sizing has however been in a placement to complement the ThinkPad on this respect. The elegance near to the X201 should certainly be the reality that it is the smallest personal computer feasible to construct near to this keyboard.
The X sequence now a trackpad, just such as the relaxation near to the ThinkPads. This wasn’t the circumstance near to the X200. it is not just a enormous change, however it is wonderful to create dual cursor controls throughout the board. For us trackpoint consumers it is unnecessary and could possibly be disabled, or you can just not spend the additional amount of bucks for it.
The show near to the X201 is nonetheless not superb (this is not even a disappointment at this point, it is a steady weakness). Lenovo has gotten the brightness to some acceptable phase but colours are nonetheless lacking.
The full-powered (standard voltage) major i5 processor is normally a safe option also it features nicely for this ultraportable. it may be an satisfactory performer and the two desktop purpose and movement image playback are handled well. It offers a superb hold going to purchase the ThinkPad over a much less expensive (C2D or Atom-powered) computer.
In inclusion for that major i5 540M purchasers also obtain the option near to the major i3 370M, the major i5 520M, along using the high-end major i7 620LM. it is a tad confusing but purchasers will should look at and purchase accordingly. The major i5 processors will suck affordable an awesome offer more energy but should unquestionably give a tad of additional standard performance in comparison for that low-voltage (but an awesome offer more expensive) major i7 option.
Battery existence is going differ dependent near to the processor and battery you go with. standard the X201 carries a extremely great battery life. Most reviews i have observed says it really has the borders near to the HP 2540p, so that is some thing to retain in views if you actually are contemplating the two computers. using the extended nine cellular battery you must acquire great for 8 several hours of cell work, if not more. There are also 4 and 6 cellular battery possibilities as well.
While I appreciate the longevity near to the 82.4WH extended battery I favor to create utilization of the scaled-down 57WH. This one shaves some unwanted weight near to the personal computer (about half a pound) and cuts about an inch away the end.
After spending some time using the ThinkPad X201 there is no query that this really is normally a successful, although incremental, follow-up for that X200. It do not get identical chassis modifications that people saw near to the T series, however the X sequence does now possess a major i5 complete energy processor option as well as major i3/i7 CPUs. The X201 also introduces the trackpad for that 12-inch X models, that is going to acquire a massive offer for some buyers. owning a acceptable construct at about $1500 (starting marketing price $1099) the X201 is not cheap, however it is many personal computer for that money.

The X201 does not exist within of a vacuum though, so purchasers should unquestionably certainly retain in views the competition. The X301 is as well much at the rear of the curve to contemplate at this point, but there should certainly be the EliteBook 2540p and, near to the customer side, the Sony Z. purchasers should unquestionably retain in views the fact that HP has an optical generate with some builds and is also cut-throat using the ThinkPad in practically all respects.



Verdict: The X201 is normally a extremely powerful providing also it is in sustaining with what we’ve observed through the ThinkPads over the last amount of years. The major i-series processors marked a massive actions forward for that ultraportables, especially contemplating the fact that availability near to the full-powered major i5. The option in between the ThinkPad along using the EliteBooks is getting hard though. Personally I do not alternative concerning the optical drive, but I do really wish the ThinkPad experienced a electronic movement image out option. The ThinkPad carries a appreciably better keyboard, however the the EliteBook’s chassis design has really grown on me. it is essentially a toss up in between the two, so purchasers should choose which system’s strengths they worth more.

Lenovo X201