Thinkpad X series-like notebook recommendations

[edm1]

This autumn I am going back to uni to start a post graduate degree in computational biology. Ive decided im going to treat myself to a new notebook before then...well i think the screen might fall of this Dell pretty soon anyway.

At the moment I really like the look of both the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 and X220. I am leaning towards a X220 (with IPS screen) because of the battery life but also like the sound of the X1's rapid charge battery. Does anyone have any recommendations of similar notebooks? My desired specs are:

- High quality (very much a priority)
- 12 or 13 inch, portable
- Very long battery life
- Intel Core i3 or higher
- Decent warranty (3 years)
- Multitouch Touchpad/Clickpad
- Maximum price ~£800

So what options are available in the UK either right now or between now and october?

Also does anyone know if there is a new line of Thinkpads coming out for 2012?

Thanks,
Ed

[SemiExpert]

Wait until after the Ivy Bridge launch. Right now, I don't see Lenovo discounting very much at all and the product lines are overdue for a refresh. The Thinkpad X1 was a horrifically overpriced precursor to the currrent crop of so-called ultrabooks. The X220 has the fascinating IPS screen option, but while that technology solves viewing angle issues, it brings over challenges, such a light leaks and odd color gamut issues. I haven't seen a good deal on a X220 in months, so I'd advise you to wait.

[edm1]

I havent really been following whats going on lately but just looked into ivy-bridge and it sounds like it is definitely worth the wait. Just for the power consumption improvements if anything.

I could only find this (http://www.winsupersite.com/article/hardware/lenovo-preps-thinkpads-2012-141798) on new 2012 thinkpad lines. Theres also rumours of an X230. Guess its best just to wait and see.

[Warpnow]

I like the Acer Timeline series.

Its not thinkpad quality but very good bang for your buck.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1889640&CatId=4938

[SemiExpert]

I like the Acer Timeline series.

Its not thinkpad quality but very good bang for your buck.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1889640&CatId=4938
That is a really, really old refurbished Acer. With Ivy Bridge coming out, a first generation Intel Core chip will be two generations old. Old, refurbished hardware isn't something I'd recommend.

[SemiExpert]

I havent really been following whats going on lately but just looked into ivy-bridge and it sounds like it is definitely worth the wait. Just for the power consumption improvements if anything.

I could only find this (http://www.winsupersite.com/article/hardware/lenovo-preps-thinkpads-2012-141798) on new 2012 thinkpad lines. Theres also rumours of an X230. Guess its best just to wait and see.

The Ivy Bridge launch has been delayed, which in turn has set back the entire hardware cycle. In past years, you'd have seen the entire new Thinkpad/Elitebook/Latitude line-ups by now, but March and April launches have been set back to as late as June and July. There are big stockpiles of Sandy Bridge chips, but manufacturers aren't discounting very much, chosing to keep margins up while volumes go down. Not many PC deals out there at the moment.