Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Hi:
For years, when we travel we use encrypted X40s, cheap enough that we won't miss them if they get stolen or broken.
The only problem is that they're quite slow running Lubuntu 16.04 and 18.04, even with Kingspec SSDs, and the comparison with our faster home laptops is painful.
So we're looking for something in the 3-pound range that is comparable in speed to the T420s and X1 Carbon we use at home yet cheap/disposable enough to travel with. It looks like a few of the X2xx series might fit the bill.
Any recommendations?
Thanks!
Bill
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Why not get the same model to which you are accustomed, then get a rider to your home insurance policy to to cover loss or theft of electronic (computer) devices. Another option, if you are going to have access to the internet, is to consider a chromebook. Some of the recent models are reasonably priced and have good performance specifications.
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Thinkpads seem pretty linux friendly, at least the older ones are. I have an X201 as a daily user, replaced the HDD with an SSD. The biggest downside is that the screen is pretty small. Installing the power management package TLP increased the battery life quite a bit as does dimming the screen as much as practical. I think the 'business class' Dells are pretty linux friendly as well but I've never had one of those.
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Kurt:
I've used Lubuntu on multiple Thinkpads. I use the X40s for travel b/c they are so cheap and light, but the slowness is starting to get to me. I use a T420s and X1 Carbon at home, and gosh are they fast. (I put SSDs in all my systems).
I've got an inexpensive X61s on order, see if that's any faster than the X40. For travel, I don't mind the small screen size, and I don't need very long battery life, since I can plug in the A/C adaptor most of the time.
Thanks!
Bill
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
I have a T-61 tablet with 3 GB. RAM. I installed Xubuntu onto it and it works fine for simple stuff, mostly web browsing. The X201 is significantly faster though more $$.
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Quote:
Originally Posted by
wjbmd48
Hi:
For years, when we travel we use encrypted X40s, cheap enough that we won't miss them if they get stolen or broken.
So we're looking for something in the 3-pound range that is comparable in speed to the T420s and X1 Carbon we use at home yet cheap/disposable enough to travel with. It looks like a few of the X2xx series might fit the bill.
Any recommendations?
Thanks!
Bill
I have an X220 with SSD that I have used for a few years and have no urge to replace it due to speed issues!
You can buy them second-hand for under £200 fairly easily, plus the cost of an SSD, so I guess it depends if that is cheap enough. If it is I can't recommend it enough.
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Kurt:
The X201/201s look interesting, really not that expensive without HDD. the X201 is a glut on the market, the X201s, OTOH, is impossible to find. My main consideration is weight. Is the X201s lighter/slower?
Bill
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Good thought on the X220, even cheaper here in the States, around $120 without HDD . . .
Bill
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
Quote:
Originally Posted by
wjbmd48
Kurt:
The X201/201s look interesting, really not that expensive without HDD. the X201 is a glut on the market, the X201s, OTOH, is impossible to find. My main consideration is weight. Is the X201s lighter/slower?
Bill
Here's what I found X201 vs. X201S. It looks like an X201S might have a little better screen.
http://www.notebookreview.com/notebo...d-x201-review/
Re: Advice on X-series Thinkpads
The T430 440s work well with Ubuntu and can be had refurbished quite cheaply. Here is one link