Photos: Lenovo ThinkPad X300

[Adokimus]

Lenovo answered just about every complaint with the MBA... check out the photos. Oh, and it's thickest point is thinner than the MBA's thickest. Yes, yes, the MBA has OS X and it's much sexier, but this makes me wonder which I should be saving up for.

http://crave.cnet.com/4326-2425_105-6607190.html

[yellow]

Ah, the Lenovo PR machine get to you! I seem to remember it being the other way around on the dimensions..

The X300 is thicker (and heavier).

[Adokimus]

The ThinkPad X300 is one Jobs thick--or, if you'd prefer, 0.73 inch, slightly thinner than the thickest part of a MacBook Air.

I'm just reporting on the article. BUT, in reading it, I did realize another limitation of the X300... it's only 1.2 GHz. I had read some earlier reports it would have 2.0 GHz, but apparently they were wrong (unless that's BTO). On the plus side (in my opinion) something else I didn't notice, is that the display features 1440x900 resolution. Also, as far as being "heavier," the starting weight without the dvd drive is 2.9 lbs.

Don't get me wrong, I'm saving for an MBA... this is just tempting technology-wise. Now, which PR machine is getting to who?

[Clix Pix]

This new ThinkPad has at least one major fault -- it uses Windoze.

'Nuff said......

[ahaxton]

I'm just reporting on the article. BUT, in reading it, I did realize another limitation of the X300... it's only 1.2 GHz. I had read some earlier reports it would have 2.0 GHz, but apparently they were wrong (unless that's BTO). On the plus side (in my opinion) something else I didn't notice, is that the display features 1440x900 resolution. Also, as far as being "heavier," the starting weight without the dvd drive is 2.9 lbs.

Don't get me wrong, I'm saving for an MBA... this is just tempting technology-wise. Now, which PR machine is getting to who?

It's heavy for being made out of plastic. MBA is amazingly light for being made out of aluminum.

I don't know what would be whatsoever attractive about this Lenovo. I guarantee it will not take off and no one outside of the community will even know it exists.

[gazfocus]

Seen how tight that thing is in that envelope? Lol...It's got nothing on the MBA haha

[ahaxton]

Seen how tight that thing is in that envelope? Lol...It's got nothing on the MBA haha

They shouldn't have used the MBA marketing technique. It makes it look as if its one big joke. Seriously looks like a parody version of the MBA ad.

[Adokimus]

Hey, hey... I already said I'm saving up for a MBA (and MBP, yikes!). But, there's nothing wrong with competition. Psst.. it's actually a good thing.

But, if you really want to get riled up, read this article:

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9875960-1.html

Pissed the hell out of me!

[ahaxton]

Hey, hey... I already said I'm saving up for a MBA (and MBP, yikes!). But, there's nothing wrong with competition. Psst.. it's actually a good thing.

But, if you really want to get riled up, read this article:

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9875960-1.html

Pissed the hell out of me!


LOL not directed at you. Just general discussion about the dumb product. The whole manila envelope thing is offensive.

[Adokimus]

I agree, the whole manilla envelope thing is dumb... but I highly doubt we've seen the end of it.

[DesmoPilot]

I don't know what would be whatsoever attractive about this Lenovo.

3 USB ports, an ethernet Port, a better screen, an actual optical drive and a removable battery come to mind.

And about the Processor, i doubt you would really notice the difference in use anyway.

Edit: i also just found out it has GPS, and WWAN abilities heh.

[queshy]

Seems like a nice machine. Isn't it much more expensive though?

[Adokimus]

3 USB ports, an ethernet Port, a better screen, an actual optical drive and a removable battery come to mind.

And about the Processor, i doubt you would really notice the difference in use anyway.

As a future "road warrior" in a PC world, the lenovo will beat out the Air for my work needs. But, when that's the case, my company will be paying for it. I'll be using the Air for personal use (and I'm a big enough guy, I could carry both if I want... oh no, 6 lbs!).

Seems like a nice machine. Isn't it much more expensive though?

The starting price is higher than the MBA starting price, at $2,476. But, that price includes the 64GB SSD. The price goes up to $2,936 with more features. CNET has some specs (though their reviews vary in quality):

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-x300/4505-3121_7-32864938.html

-Ado

[ddd269]

It's great that more "usable" portable computers are coming out. MBA was the first balanced portable computer, Windows or Mac, in my opinion.

Obviously this was not a copy cat attempt by Lenovo, as it would have taken longer than 2 months to put a computer out in the market. Regardless, competition is good for us and for the industry as whole. Expect better and lighter machines in the future. Not smaller, I don't think, because there is a limit on how small it is without sacrificing usability. UMPC are not as popular because of this. I had the Sony UX series and it was awful to use and to see the screen.

I would buy the x300 if it was better than the MBA, but it really isn't... Not for my use. Maybe for corporate use. I prefer OS X, but if the hardware is good enough, I wouldn't mind getting a Windows platform in the future.

I just have to keep making more money so I can keep up with the new stuff!:D

[DesmoPilot]

With the exception of the OS X vs Windows thing and the negligible processor difference, i don't see why anyone would pick up an MBA over the Lenovo. Ultimately it comes to OS X vs Windows.

[Sauron's Master]

3 USB ports, an ethernet Port, a better screen, an actual optical drive and a removable battery come to mind.

And about the Processor, i doubt you would really notice the difference in use anyway.

Edit: i also just found out it has GPS, and WWAN abilities heh.

You won't notice the difference between a 1.2 GHz and a 1.8 GHz processor?

And seriously, my laptop doesn't need GPS. It needs to not look like a piece of ****.

If you haven't noticed, people are incredibly shallow.

[Whorehay]

This ultraportable market will only get better from here. I'm excited to see how Apple responds to the competition (or even if they will?).

[Adokimus]

And seriously, my laptop doesn't need GPS. It needs to not look like a piece of ****.

If you haven't noticed, people are incredibly shallow.

Way to lead with a different foot...

I dislike the way you view your world.

[PkennethV]

It's not THAT much thinner than the MBP 15"...not worth the major compromise in speed IMO. The Air is thin enough to justify it for some people (i find my 17" perfectly portable and take it with me everywhere).

[ahaxton]

3 USB ports, an ethernet Port, a better screen, an actual optical drive and a removable battery come to mind.

And about the Processor, i doubt you would really notice the difference in use anyway.

Edit: i also just found out it has GPS, and WWAN abilities heh.

The MBA actually was thought out and designed. This lenovo is just, lets fit whatever no matter how crappy it is so we can compete with the MBA. There's nothing new about this lenovo.

[dsnort]

This new ThinkPad has at least one major fault -- it uses Windoze.

'Nuff said......

I agree. As long as it's running Windows, the Lenovo is less a portable computer than an over priced under weight boat anchor IMO.

However, it shows what tech specs are possible in this size. Gives Apple a little nudge to move up. Not a bad thing.

[ahaxton]

I agree. As long as it's running Windows, the Lenovo is less a portable computer than an over priced under weight boat anchor IMO.

However, it shows what tech specs are possible in this size. Gives Apple a little nudge to move up. Not a bad thing.


I don't know why anyone would think this does anything for Apple. Hmm, less processing power, thicker, heavy for being plastic. Shoot Apple could fit a whole lot more than we are already getting with our MBA's if they went Lenovo's size and added more weight.

[Airforce]

The MBA actually was thought out and designed. This lenovo is just, lets fit whatever no matter how crappy it is so we can compete with the MBA. There's nothing new about this lenovo.

How can you say that? The Lenovo obviously had more than enough thought and design put into its making to have such a feature rich device. The Air is just a thin computer. No ultra thin drive...no stereo speakers. Just a faster processor and thin......

Who cares what the outside looks like? Honestly folks, it a computer, not a purse. If you're trying to impress someone with electronic devices, you're wrong. ;)

[ahaxton]

How can you say that? The Lenovo obviously had more than enough thought and design put into its making to have such a feature rich device. The Air is just a thin computer. No ultra thin drive...no stereo speakers. Just a faster processor and thin......

Who cares what the outside looks like? Honestly folks, it a computer, not a purse. If you're trying to impress someone with electronic devices, you're wrong. ;)


uhh hello??? Are you kidding???? Big chunk of plastic with no regards for weight, nothing amazing. Apple could fit more if they took the fatter, same weight but used plastic.

[wacso]

Ug-ly.

[ahaxton]

This Lenovo will quickly fade away as soon as its out and the small community that even knows it exists doesn't care about it anymore.

[Digital Skunk]

typical PC manufacturers. All the hardware and features we want with out Apple computers, in the ugliest package imaginable.

It'd be nice to have the two USB ports and optical drive in the MBA, but if it is going to make the book as ugly as that hedious Lenovo (which is an ugly name even) then I don't want it.

[Sauron's Master]

Way to lead with a different foot...

I dislike the way you view your world.

People are incredibly shallow. Hence, my computer needs to not look unstylish.

It's a simple, logical conclusion.

You dislike how realistic and cynical I am?

[DesmoPilot]

You won't notice the difference between a 1.2 GHz and a 1.8 GHz processor?

And seriously, my laptop doesn't need GPS. It needs to not look like a piece of ****.

If you haven't noticed, people are incredibly shallow.

With everyday use yes i highly doubt that you'd notice the difference between the two processors.

The MBA actually was thought out and designed. This lenovo is just, lets fit whatever no matter how crappy it is so we can compete with the MBA. There's nothing new about this lenovo.

Do you even know what you're talking about? The Lenovo has been in development for longer than the MBA, not to mention it has an actual Optical Drive built INTO it, not an external drive.

[ahaxton]

With everyday use yes i highly doubt that you'd notice the difference between the two processors.



Do you even know what you're talking about? The Lenovo has been in development for longer than the MBA, not to mention it has an actual Optical Drive built INTO it, not an external drive.

You will notice a difference between the 2 processors.

Well it doesn't show it has been in development for so long. Crap job. An optical drive? big whoop. Apple could have done that as well if it used plastic and was thicker.

[Adokimus]

People are incredibly shallow. Hence, my computer needs to not look unstylish.

It's a simple, logical conclusion.

You dislike how realistic and cynical I am?


Yes. Be the change you want to see in the world.

I'm not saying you have to buy an ugly computer, just don't act like you're in high school. You should re-examine your "needs."

[DesmoPilot]

You will notice a difference between the 2 processors.

Well it doesn't show it has been in development for so long. Crap job. An optical drive? big whoop. Apple could have done that as well if it used plastic and was thicker.

How is it a crap job? Honestly?


Also an interesting Benchmark:

PCMark05 benchmark results (higher scores are better)


Lenovo ThinkPad X300 (Intel Core 2 Duo L7100 @ 1.20GHz, Intel X3100) 3,467 PCMarks

Apple MacBook Air (1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7500, Intel X3100)
2,478 PCMarks

[Adokimus]

How is it a crap job? Honestly?


Also an interesting Benchmark:

PCMark05 benchmark results (higher scores are better)


Lenovo ThinkPad X300 (Intel Core 2 Duo L7100 @ 1.20GHz, Intel X3100) 3,467 PCMarks

Apple MacBook Air (1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7500, Intel X3100)
2,478 PCMarks

Got a link to those benchmarks?

Thanks.

[DesmoPilot]

Got a link to those benchmarks?

Thanks.

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4270

[WilWheaton]

The thinkpad is not made of plastic but a magnesium case (far superior to aluminum) and an internal rollcage made of carbon-fiber/glass-fiber. There is no doubt this is far more durable than the macbook air.

The macbook air has a stylish look to it, for sure, and the curves are deceiving as to its actual dimensions, but in the end of the day, the x300 will fit anywhere the mba will, and weigh the same, with more options to boot.

Hardware wise this is clearly a superior machine with the only potential letdown being the processor (which should be more than enough beef for the functions anyone would use it for, it is dual core after all)

[clayj]

The thinkpad is not made of plastic but a magnesium case (far superior to aluminum) and an internal rollcage made of carbon-fiber/glass-fiber. There is no doubt this is far more durable than the macbook air.

The macbook air has a stylish look to it, for sure, and the curves are deceiving as to its actual dimensions, but in the end of the day, the x300 will fit anywhere the mba will, and weigh the same, with more options to boot.

Hardware wise this is clearly a superior machine with the only potential letdown being the processor (which should be more than enough beef for the functions anyone would use it for, it is dual core after all)This is definitely off-topic: Are you the Wil Wheaton?

Back on-topic: Sorry, but the x300 is ugly. Lenovo has never made a good looking machine, just as IBM never made a good looking machine. The little red nipple controller has GOT to go.

[WilWheaton]

Back on-topic: Sorry, but the x300 is ugly. Lenovo has never made a good looking machine, just as IBM never made a good looking machine. The little red nipple controller has GOT to go.

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me, the thinkpad line is an extremely professional looking design. The macbook air looks better, but its hardly a huge deal.
Also the trackpoint (the red nipple) is extremely functional once you get used to it. It allows a pretty good boost to productivity once you get used to it as well, its extremely accurate and allows you to continue using a mouse without moving your hands off of the home row on the keyboard. The left and right mouse buttons can easily be tapped with your thumbs below the space bar. Hell, you can even play shooters with it effectively.

[Adokimus]

EDIT:

CNET/Crave seem to be wrong in saying that the Lenovo is 0.73" at it's thickest point. According to notebookreview.com, that's the thinnest point, and it gets as thick as 0.9" or something. I'm going to go ahead and say that I believe the notebookreview team on this one after looking at some comparison shots. Still a nice computer, but this is a key mistake by Crave. I'm actually hoping the next MBP will have that type of thickness (wider and longer of course). Anywho.

[Adokimus]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me, the thinkpad line is an extremely professional looking design. The macbook air looks better, but its hardly a huge deal.
Also the trackpoint (the red nipple) is extremely functional once you get used to it. It allows a pretty good boost to productivity once you get used to it as well, its extremely accurate and allows you to continue using a mouse without moving your hands off of the home row on the keyboard. The left and right mouse buttons can easily be tapped with your thumbs below the space bar. Hell, you can even play shooters with it effectively.

Way to dodge the "real Wil Wheaton" question...

haha

[TatsuTerror]

uhh hello??? Are you kidding???? Big chunk of plastic with no regards for weight, nothing amazing. Apple could fit more if they took the fatter, same weight but used plastic.
This notebook's weight is about the same as the MBA's weight.
This notebook scored way higher in the benchmark previously posted in this thread.
This notebook is thin.
This notebook is filled with features the MBA doesn't have.
This notebook is ugly.

But since when did something being ugly stop people from buying it? If the "people are shallow" approach were true, Apple would have a bigger share of the computer market than they do right now. Apple fans are shallow sometimes, I'll give you that ;)

The only thing the MBA has on this is looks and the operating system. The Lenovo even costs much than the equivalent MBA. Sound familiar? It's the same as comparing an Apple desktop to an HP, or a Dell. You pay more for the operating system, the security, and the looks. The Lenovo is definately a superior piece of hardware.

[cohibadad]

This new ThinkPad has at least one major fault -- it uses Windoze.

'Nuff said......

Have to agree. My buying decision begins with the OS.

[ahaxton]

The thinkpad is not made of plastic but a magnesium case (far superior to aluminum) and an internal rollcage made of carbon-fiber/glass-fiber. There is no doubt this is far more durable than the macbook air.

The macbook air has a stylish look to it, for sure, and the curves are deceiving as to its actual dimensions, but in the end of the day, the x300 will fit anywhere the mba will, and weigh the same, with more options to boot.

Hardware wise this is clearly a superior machine with the only potential letdown being the processor (which should be more than enough beef for the functions anyone would use it for, it is dual core after all)

Still my point sticks. Lighter casing.

The X300 weighs too much for being magnesium. I refuse to pay an amount of money the X300 is asking for ugly slapped together "ibook power". For being thicker and at it's weight, it should pack a better punch. FAIL.

A Macbook pro is also a superior machine. Lenovo fails though in competing with the MBA.

[TatsuTerror]

Still my point sticks. Lighter casing.

The X300 weighs too much for being magnesium. I refuse to pay an amount of money the X300 is asking for ugly slapped together "ibook power". For being thicker and at it's weight, it should pack a better punch. FAIL.

A Macbook pro is also a superior machine. Lenovo fails though in competing with the MBA.I FAIL to see why it's such a bad product. You can squeeze in 4GB of RAM. It's really not thick at all. And dude...it's weight is about a tenth of a pound away from the Macbook Air's. You refuse to pay that amount of money? Well let's see, the equivalent MBA would cost...wait, you say there isn't one? You can't have 3 USB ports? You can't have an ethernet port? You can't have a DVD player and burner? You can't have an express card slot? You can't have stereo speakers? Getting the point yet?

Just in case you don't want the SSD, you can get a 120GB 5400RPM SATA HD. Am I mistaken or is that higher than the base Macbook Air...and the base Macbook? Wait...it's the same as the Macbook Pro?


The only thing the Air has on this is the operating system and the looks. It's just like comparing any Mac to any equivalent (spec wise) PC.

[kuwisdelu]

As good as the extra ports and those things are for many people, and however more "functional" those may make the X300, I think many users won't really notice such things during day-to-day use. I know there are a lot of people who need such functionality, but for lots of us it doesn't make a difference. I don't need those ports. The thinness of the MBA is more appealing as far as portability goes when they weigh about the same. The MBA has OS X, and is just beautiful. I don't think something has to be ugly to look professional. I'll take something as aesthetic as the MBA, with its faster processor and sleeker design, and its OS X. For some people, the X300 will make a lot more sense, but it isn't necessarily a better machine. Personally, I'd get the MBA, no contest, but I see why the X300 is a better option for some. Not me.

Also, I find it interesting that many people were calling the 1.6-1.8 GHz of the MBA "underpowered" and now the MBA's critics are calling the 1.2 GHz much more than sufficient for most people's needs. :confused: :rolleyes:

[ahaxton]

I FAIL to see why it's such a bad product. You can squeeze in 4GB of RAM. It's really not thick at all. And dude...it's weight is about a tenth of a pound away from the Macbook Air's. You refuse to pay that amount of money? Well let's see, the equivalent MBA would cost...wait, you say there isn't one? You can't have 3 USB ports? You can't have an ethernet port? You can't have a DVD player and burner? You can't have an express card slot? You can't have stereo speakers? Getting the point yet?

Just in case you don't want the SSD, you can get a 120GB 5400RPM SATA HD. Am I mistaken or is that higher than the base Macbook Air...and the base Macbook? Wait...it's the same as the Macbook Pro?


The only thing the Air has on this is the operating system and the looks. It's just like comparing any Mac to any equivalent (spec wise) PC.

The MBA though is bringing the portable market mainstream. You have to be radical. I would just buy a MacBook if I wanted something portable and there was no MBA. You need to get radical in creating an ultraportable machine. A bunch of features being put in a hefty portable is not pushing the envelope whatsoever.

[tstarks33]

Mba Defense Force, Assemble And Crush This Possible Competitor!!!

Do It Fast... My Battery Won't Last Long.

[TatsuTerror]

As good as the extra ports and those things are for many people, and however more "functional" those may make the X300, I think many users won't really notice such things during day-to-day use. I know there are a lot of people who need such functionality, but for lots of us it doesn't make a difference. I don't need those ports. The thinness of the MBA is more appealing as far as portability goes when they weigh about the same. The MBA has OS X, and is just beautiful. I don't think something has to be ugly to look professional. I'll take something as aesthetic as the MBA, with its faster processor and sleeker design, and its OS X. For some people, the X300 will make a lot more sense, but it isn't necessarily a better machine. Personally, I'd get the MBA, no contest, but I see why the X300 is a better option for some. Not me.

Also, I find it interesting that many people were calling the 1.6-1.8 GHz of the MBA "underpowered" and now the MBA's critics are calling the 1.2 GHz much more than sufficient for most people's needs. :confused: :rolleyes:
I'm not an MBA hater, but I'm just going off of the information I have...the benchmark someone posted earlier in the thread. The X300 scored much higher than the MBA. Again, you're taking the MBA for the design, and the operating system. That's fine. What I'm pointing out is, there isn't a point in shooting down the X300 because in fact, it offers more in the hardware world than the Macbook Air offers. If you don't mind losing the USB ports, the stereo speakers, the optical drive, the ethernet port, and the SSD, the Macbook Air is definately for you. But it's obvious the X300 offers more in the functionality department. As I said, if you don't need what it has to offer, then get the MBA.

[ahaxton]

Mba Defense Force, Assemble And Crush This Possible Competitor!!!

Do It Fast... My Battery Won't Last Long.

I prefer to call it MBA Consumer Protection Force

[TatsuTerror]

The MBA though is bringing the portable market mainstream. You have to be radical. I would just buy a MacBook if I wanted something portable and there was no MBA. You need to get radical in creating an ultraportable machine. A bunch of features being put in a hefty portable is not pushing the envelope whatsoever.The portable market is "mainstream" already. That's why Apple decided to get involved in the portable market -- it's already thriving.

[ahaxton]

The portable market is "mainstream" already. That's why Apple decided to get involved in the portable market -- it's already thriving.

Everyone knows what a MBA is. Lenovo? HELL no.

[appleman1974]

Ah, the Lenovo PR machine get to you! I seem to remember it being the other way around on the dimensions..

The X300 is thicker (and heavier).

Do you know when it is going to be released??

[TatsuTerror]

Everyone knows what a MBA is. Lenovo? HELL no.I wasn't referring to Lenovo specifically, anyways. I bet you a lot of people know what Sony is also ;) Plus, people know what it is because Apple is pouring money into advertising it. If Lenovo did the same, people would know what it is.

Apple isn't making the ultra-portable mainstream, they've just made it look good, and they've made it run OSX. I'm sure Lenovo could made a thinner laptop with specs similar to those of the MBA, but they went for a different balance of features and looks. A lot of people think Apple as gone too far towards form in the battle between form and function.

Plus, the Lenovo will probably be mildly popular just because it runs Windows.

[Adokimus]

Everyone knows what a MBA is. Lenovo? HELL no.

Obviously you don't work in the business field. I believe that Lenovo (perhaps you might recognize the name "IBM ThinkPad"?) is the most common business laptop purchased by companies. The company I work at part-time just started replacing some Lenovos with HP business laptops, but most are still Lenovo. And I can assure you that none of the accountants there know what an Air is.

I'm saving up for an Air, but it will have to be on my own dime.

[WilWheaton]

Still my point sticks. Lighter casing.

The X300 weighs too much for being magnesium. I refuse to pay an amount of money the X300 is asking for ugly slapped together "ibook power". For being thicker and at it's weight, it should pack a better punch. FAIL.

A Macbook pro is also a superior machine. Lenovo fails though in competing with the MBA.

But the X300 weighs almost the same as the mba? Less even, without the drive installed (2.9 pounds without the drive, 3.1 with, the mba is 3 pounds). As for the dimensions, for all intents and purposes its .16 inches difference when you're sliding it into a bag (thickest point on both)

[ctt1wbw]

3 USB ports, an ethernet Port, a better screen, an actual optical drive and a removable battery come to mind.

And about the Processor, i doubt you would really notice the difference in use anyway.

Edit: i also just found out it has GPS, and WWAN abilities heh.

GPS and WWAN. AKA GIMIC. Next thing everyone is going to hear is that it has an am/fm tuner in there and people will be saying how much better it is than anything else.

And again, can someone tell me how having three usb ports instead of one equates to power?

Obviously you don't work in the business field. I believe that Lenovo (perhaps you might recognize the name "IBM ThinkPad"?) is the most common business laptop purchased by companies. The company I work at part-time just started replacing some Lenovos with HP business laptops, but most are still Lenovo. And I can assure you that none of the accountants there know what an Air is.

I'm saving up for an Air, but it will have to be on my own dime.


Is the build quality of the Lenovo the same as it was when IBM made it? It's a Chinese made machine, so there might be tons of lead in it. :eek::D


This notebook's weight is about the same as the MBA's weight.
This notebook scored way higher in the benchmark previously posted in this thread.
This notebook is thin.
This notebook is filled with features the MBA doesn't have.
This notebook is ugly.

But since when did something being ugly stop people from buying it? If the "people are shallow" approach were true, Apple would have a bigger share of the computer market than they do right now. Apple fans are shallow sometimes, I'll give you that ;)

The only thing the MBA has on this is looks and the operating system. The Lenovo even costs much than the equivalent MBA. Sound familiar? It's the same as comparing an Apple desktop to an HP, or a Dell. You pay more for the operating system, the security, and the looks. The Lenovo is definately a superior piece of hardware.

No, it just has more ports. More ports does not equal superior hardware. I mean, how many usb devices do you need to plug in to a laptop for God's sake? I've NEVER had more than one plugged in at a time and I've been using laptops for 10 years. Even with my mba, I've only plugged in a usb device once. ONCE.

[dibara2003]

one word: looks.

[Sesshi]

This new ThinkPad has at least one major fault -- it uses Windoze.

'Nuff said......

For me - and any person who actually uses this class of machine in everyday business - it's an advantage... nay, a necessity, not a fault.

[Phil A.]

With the exception of the OS X vs Windows thing and the negligible processor difference, i don't see why anyone would pick up an MBA over the Lenovo. Ultimately it comes to OS X vs Windows.

The 1.8Ghz is 50% faster than the 1.2 in the ThinkPad. People have been complaining that 1.8Ghz is too slow, and you think the difference between 1.2 and 1.8 is negligible?
The fact that the X300 doesn't run OS X and is pig ugly are big enough reasons for me not to buy it anyway :)

[BongoBanger]

I think I nearly passed out with laughter when I read the comment about no-one knowing who Lenovo are.

Dear me.

Anyway, the Lenovo is a business machine, the Air is one for personal use. That's the difference. Lenovo's are brilliant laptops for this purposes - robust, excellent build quality and well supported.

Both are nice machines for their purposes.

[biturbomunkie]

if apple made a MBP similar to the x300 and keep it under 3lbs, i'd get one in a heartbeat.

[netdog]

Nice machine. Shame about the OS.

[Adokimus]

Has anyone seen any other websites do benchmarks for the Lenovo? I'm just curious how it could have whooped the Air so bad when it has a much slower processor (1.2 vs 1.6 or 1.8). I believe they both use the same ram (though BTO up to 4 GB for the Lenovo), same video card, same SSD, etc.

I think it's because notebookreview.com used the 5,400 RPM drive model of the Air. Does anyone have a link to benchmarks for the SSD Air? I think that would be a better comparison. To be fair, I'd like a test of both machines maxed out.

---
Again, I plan to buy the Air and it is a more enticing product to me, but I like competition (it's a good thing) and I think the Lenovo presents a better option for the road-warrior business user.

[raremage]

Hey, hey... I already said I'm saving up for a MBA (and MBP, yikes!). But, there's nothing wrong with competition. Psst.. it's actually a good thing.

But, if you really want to get riled up, read this article:

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9875960-1.html

Pissed the hell out of me!

I think this was my favorite part of this article:
"When it comes to Japanese PC manufacturers, their manufacturing plants will complain or add their own technical efforts to lower cost, if a proposed structural design was insufficient," one of the engineers said. "The MacBook Air gives me an impression that its manufacturing plant packaged the computer exactly as ordered by Apple."

I didn't think having a fulfillment shop build something "as ordered" could be turned into a negative, but apparently I'm mistaken. 'Course as an engineer, I generally prefer that things be built to spec. Silly me.

No, it just has more ports. More ports does not equal superior hardware. I mean, how many usb devices do you need to plug in to a laptop for God's sake? I've NEVER had more than one plugged in at a time and I've been using laptops for 10 years. Even with my mba, I've only plugged in a usb device once. ONCE.

Two. A mouse and a dock for my iPhone. I've swithed to a bluetooth mouse instead. So now with the MBA I need two: my iPhone dock, and an ethernet jack. I rely on an external USB hub (non-powered) if I need more than one.

The MBP had two, which is plenty, especially with an ethernet port as well.

I love my MBA but one more USB port would have made things alot more convenient, and I can't believe it coud have added significant weight.

[Sesshi]

I think this was my favorite part of this article:


I didn't think having a fulfillment shop build something "as ordered" could be turned into a negative, but apparently I'm mistaken. 'Course as an engineer, I generally prefer that things be built to spec. Silly me.

I can't deal with people who think like you, and I have to on a regular basis. I would like other people who have valuable input to actually contribute to making a product even better.

A lot of the problems that Apple products suffer from these days is as a result of design engineer ego.

[Tymmz]

I really like that Lenovo. If it would run OS X I would get it straight away as a replacement for my 12'' PB, I think.

[Digital Skunk]

I'm actually hoping the next MBP will have that type of thickness (wider and longer of course). Anywho.

God I hope not.... I really hope that Apple doesn't make the MBP any thinner than what it is now... unless they can somehow make it thinner, stick more hardware inside of it, make if stronger (because the current models are flimsy and fragile), and make the machine deserve the nomenclature "PRO"

If they can make the 17" thinner, and still fit a dual 2.8 GHz Penryn, dual hard disk drives, 3G, and more FW ports on it, then go for it. If not, then I really hope they keep the current thickness, or even make it a tad bit thicker.

In all reality the lack of high end hardware in the MBP is a combination of old antiquated design, and Apple's cheesy marketing and "one size fits all" approach.

A lot of the problems that Apple products suffer from these days is as a result of design engineer ego.

AMEN!

**applause ring out from the ever suffering professional crowd**

[Roba]

I could be way of the mark here but i think that the driver support could have something to do with why the MBA benchmarks lower than the X300. The MBA benchmarks is also pretty much on par with the Sony TZ.


ctt1wbw
I use 2 USB ports from time to time when i have my iPod say plugged in and i am using my printer etc. Also if you want to use the optical drive that will take up one usb port and then will have no space for anything else unless you use a USB or a USB powered hub.

[Digital Skunk]

ctt1wbw
I use 2 USB ports from time to time when i have my iPod say plugged in and i am using my printer etc. Also if you want to use the optical drive that will take up one usb port and then will have no space for anything else unless you use a USB or a USB powered hub.

Remember also, that the MBA is intended to be used as a second computer. You would undoubtedly have your 80GB iPod (or equivalent) plugged into that iMac or other various Mac with larger HDD space, faster processor, and bevy of ports.

Not that I am trying to justify the MBA's lack of ports compared to other books in it's class, just that Apple is banking on the users of the MBA having bigger, faster machines as main computers, and the MBA as the road warrior type of machine.

[chaosbunny]

...Who cares what the outside looks like? Honestly folks, it a computer, not a purse. If you're trying to impress someone with electronic devices, you're wrong. ;)

That's a stupid argument in my opinion. Why do people buy mercedes cars then? Why do people buy expensive, designed furniture or clothes? Face it, it may not be important to you, but some people like pretty things, and I can't see anything wrong with that. As a designer I'd be out of business if it were otherwise. ;)

[Roba]

Actually having just looked into this i now doubt that the driver support had so much to do with the MBA's lower benchmark score. The x300 in that particular test was using an SSD drive and the MBA when they did that benchmark was not. I would be interested to see what the scores would be if they tested both those computers with the same HD's.

[ctt1wbw]

I could be way of the mark here but i think that the driver support could have something to do with why the MBA benchmarks lower than the X300. The MBA benchmarks is also pretty much on par with the Sony TZ.


ctt1wbw
I use 2 USB ports from time to time when i have my iPod say plugged in and i am using my printer etc. Also if you want to use the optical drive that will take up one usb port and then will have no space for anything else unless you use a USB or a USB powered hub.


That is true, however you don't have to keep the optical drive plugged in 24/7. My other laptop has an optical drive, but I hardly ever use it. I also just bought a wireless mighty mouse, so I still have a usb port open.

[Sesshi]

Remember also, that the MBA is intended to be used as a second computer. You would undoubtedly have your 80GB iPod (or equivalent) plugged into that iMac or other various Mac with larger HDD space, faster processor, and bevy of ports.

Not that I am trying to justify the MBA's lack of ports compared to other books in it's class, just that Apple is banking on the users of the MBA having bigger, faster machines as main computers, and the MBA as the road warrior type of machine.

I'm guessing though that in the Mac world at least it's going to spur some innovatively compact USB hub which will benefit 'road warriors' (God I hate that title) as a whole, maybe something less visually challenged than the squid (http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/93ad/) but as usable.

[tstarks33]

No, it just has more ports. More ports does not equal superior hardware. I mean, how many usb devices do you need to plug in to a laptop for God's sake? I've NEVER had more than one plugged in at a time and I've been using laptops for 10 years. Even with my mba, I've only plugged in a usb device once. ONCE.

You've never had a mouse and your ipod/iphone hooked up? I routinely hook up my external HD, mouse, iphone, nano and my psp. I imagine if I had an air, I'd need to hook up my optical drive as well.

Anyways, for the rest of us who use USB ports, having more than 1 would make one hardware superior over another, at least in that respect.

[ctt1wbw]

Nope. I don't have an iPhone, but would dearly kill for one. And I have an iPod shuffle, which I'm not even sure where it is. I think the only thing I've hooked up to my Air so far is my 16gig thumb drive.

[ahaxton]

But the X300 weighs almost the same as the mba? Less even, without the drive installed (2.9 pounds without the drive, 3.1 with, the mba is 3 pounds). As for the dimensions, for all intents and purposes its .16 inches difference when you're sliding it into a bag (thickest point on both)


It weighs a lot for being made out of magnesium. It isn't fair to compare the Lenovo to the MBA when it doesn't share similarities. If Apple went thicker and added more weight using aluminum or same weight using magnesium I'm sure apple could beat Lenovo's specs. The 1.2 Ghz is just insulting. Wonder how much that helped in packing what they wanted to put in it.

[yellow]

The original article I read made me laugh because the Lenovo product manager said that he was tired of seeing "silver" laptops. Black laptops with that little red nubbin.. yeah, there's not many of those around.

[ahaxton]

The original article I read made me laugh because the Lenovo product manager said that he was tired of seeing "silver" laptops. Black laptops with that little red nubbin.. yeah, there's not many of those around.


Sick.... He probably meant to say Lenovo can't pull off silver looks wise which just imagining it makes you want to puke.

[ageha]

The original article I read made me laugh because the Lenovo product manager said that he was tired of seeing "silver" laptops. Black laptops with that little red nubbin.. yeah, there's not many of those around.

Actually he's right. I'm also tired of silver. Silver always looks cheep like a mobile phone.

[yellow]

But you're not tired of black laptops? That's all I see all day long. Lenovo up the wazoo.

[ahaxton]

Actually he's right. I'm also tired of silver. Silver always looks cheep like a mobile phone.

You have to have something that suits the color. Flat out this Lenovo can't pull off silver b/c of its bulkiness and 90's design. It's pretty obvious why they went black. Can't change color like that if you keep your 90's design.

[ageha]

You have to have something that suits the color. Flat out this Lenovo can't pull off silver b/c of its bulkiness and 90's design. It's pretty obvious why they went black. Can't change color like that if you keep your 90's design.

Lenovo's design is bad as well. And I think the 80's design of the MPA is even worse, it's way too curvy. It's just I don't like silver. I would prefer brushed titanium.

[yellow]

Ti, too 'spensive. But I too liked that look over the glossy Al.

[Mr.Green]

BusinessWeek has an article about the X300 (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_08/b4072042350389.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_top+story) and one of the things I found interesting was that they only expect to sell 60,000 of them.

I would think that Apple will be selling a lot more of the MB Air.

I do like the features, but it looks the same as my Thinkpad T20 from 10 years ago. The design really hasn't changed since 1992, over 16 years ago. Some people say Classic design, I say dated and lazy.

[ageha]

Ti, too 'spensive. But I too liked that look over the glossy Al.

The MBP has a relatively thin aluminum shell. Titanium isn't that expensive but compared to aluminum they would need to spend probably 10 times more. How much is the aluminum worth Apple needs per MBP? £1? Even high-grade steel is more expensive.

[Mr.Green]

Ti, too 'spensive. But I too liked that look over the glossy Al.

Did you actually ever own one? I found it to be less durable than the current aluminum designs. The paint used on the trim would flake off and instead of denting when dropped, the TI would tear. I actually also think the TI had a glossier/smoother finish than the Aluminum.

[Roba]

People say that the MBA is made of AL but is it even? I have read that the casing is made out of magnesium alloy.

Both of these products weigh about the same. The x300 is lighter with the removable optical drive not installed. The minor weight difference between both of these models is a non issue.

I used to think that the Lenovo laptops looked boring and ugly but that was before i ever saw one up close. I am not really one for all black laptops but the Lenovo laptops have a look of there own that i quite like.

The processor could have maybe have been done with being slightly higher or they could have offered different choices. The pay of though for that is a slight decrease in battery life and for some in this market battery life is very important.

Neither of these laptops are designed to be used by power users and i am sure that for those who do not do anything to intensive with their computer will find that the processor is enough.

[ageha]

Neither of these laptops are designed to be used by power users and i am sure that for those who do not do anything to intensive with their computer will find that the processor is enough.

I think so as well. Has the X300 a removable battery?

[Sesshi]

The MBP has a relatively thin aluminum shell. Titanium isn't that expensive but compared to aluminum they would need to spend probably 10 times more. How much is the aluminum worth Apple needs per MBP? £1? Even high-grade steel is more expensive.

Hard-anodised aluminium is very durable against abrasion (until the anodising wears off, then it might as well be made of paper), very attractive in finish and easy to work. For Apple where superficial style rules over solid engineering, it's a perfect match.

Magnesium is tougher to work with and the finish is generally speaking less attractive / flexible than alu - and that's why fewer companies (and also those with greater economies of scale) use it. I believe Apple does use Mag subframes on some of their notebooks. Titanium is a stupid metal to use on notebooks, because although Ti has great tensile strength, the grade of Ti that can be easily and economically worked into products like notebooks is comparatively soft and easily scratched.

[tothelimit]

Oh, and it's thickest point is thinner than the MBA's thickest.
http://crave.cnet.com/4326-2425_105-6607190.html

:confused:
From Mossberg's matchup:

[yellow]

Did you actually ever own one? I found it to be less durable than the current aluminum designs. The paint used on the trim would flake off and instead of denting when dropped, the TI would tear. I actually also think the TI had a glossier/smoother finish than the Aluminum.

Yes, I have 3 defunct TiPBs sitting in my office on the shelf.

I have never dropped a laptop. Ever.

The Ti is matte gray, smoother perhaps because of the finish, but definitely not glossier.

[ageha]

Titanium is a stupid metal to use on notebooks, because although Ti has great tensile strength, the grade of Ti that can be easily and economically worked into products like notebooks is comparatively soft and easily scratched.

Yeah but I talked about the color.

I would prefer stainless steel. It's soft as well and even heavier than Ti but it feels sturdy.

[Roba]

Yes the x300 has a removable battery.

In regards to my other point in my post above about the LV processors having slightly better battery life over L voltage processors. According to Lenovo the x300 with the 6 cell battery is reported as having better battery life than the MBA.

The x300 ships with a 3 cell battery or you can configure it with a 6 cell battery. The MBA is either shipping with a high capacity 4 cell battery or a 6 cell battery. I have read that the MBA's battery is rated at about 5000 mAh.
http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/macbook-air-ssd-review.ars/2
This rating is nearly just as good as the majority of 6 cell batteries. You have to look at the mAh rating if you are going to compare battery life.

I am not sure what the mAh rating of the x300 3 cell battery is but it should be like under 3000mAh. The 6 cell battery if it is not a high capacity battery should be around 5000mAh.


I think so as well. Has the X300 a removable battery?

[Adokimus]

:confused:
From Mossberg's matchup:

If you read through the thread, you'll see that I already corrected this. The first site I read (Crave) gave the misinformation, but after reading the notebookreview.com review and photos, I found the correct specs and reported them here.

[yellow]

Lucky for me, I will soon have the opportunity to fiddle with both the X300 and the MBA.

[Airforce]

That's a stupid argument in my opinion. Why do people buy mercedes cars then? Why do people buy expensive, designed furniture or clothes? Face it, it may not be important to you, but some people like pretty things, and I can't see anything wrong with that. As a designer I'd be out of business if it were otherwise. ;)

Thank god for people with more money than brains, right? ;)

[ctt1wbw]

I'm arguing with those idiots over at the arstechnica forums. Here's what some dude called zprime said about the x300's light:

"I can't speak for other people, and I wouldn't consider myself a Windows fanboy at all... (I actually think OS X is quite nice and would gladly run it on my current thinkpad if Apple would allow it.)
But I call it the "oooh-ah" factor because that's exactly the response it elicits. You dim the lights, and the keyboard glows. Nifty. It's useful. But how does it function in a low-light situation where you want it OFF? Is there an easy hotkey to disable the backlight, or do you have to dig through the software? (I don't own a Mac of any type so I truly don't know.) Also, while backlighting the keyboard is nice to make typing in the dark easier, those of us who can touch type don't really need to see the keyboard. The Thinklight is more useful, because it can also illuminate documents if you're trying to input something in a dark area."

This is their line of thinking over there. I was called a fanboy because I asked them questions about the x300... :rolleyes:

[Adokimus]

Lucky for me, I will soon have the opportunity to fiddle with both the X300 and the MBA.

Do tell. I'd love to hear a first-hand account. I already know the Air will be more physically impressive, but let us know how the Lenovo performs and how the form factor is.

Thanks!

[ctt1wbw]

Thank god for people with more money than brains, right? ;)

Well not really. I think a Mercedes has better build quality than a Kia. And we know the price of each.

Do tell. I'd love to hear a first-hand account. I already know the Air will be more physically impressive, but let us know how the Lenovo performs and how the form factor is.

Thanks!


Well, it DOES run Windows, right? Once you've run Windows on a Toshiba, it can't be much different than on a Thinkpad or a Dell or an HP or anything else.

[ahaxton]

Aint it sexy? lol (MBA on top of a X300)

[ctt1wbw]

It looks like a normal Thinkpad. I thought they said it was supposed to be thinner than the Air? Looks twice as thick to me. Maybe that's how it has all those ports and dvd burner in there.

[ahaxton]

It looks like a normal Thinkpad. I thought they said it was supposed to be thinner than the Air? Looks twice as thick to me. Maybe that's how it has all those ports and dvd burner in there.

It's I guess somewhat thinner due to the less power in it. The LCD looks thicker too.

[ahaxton]

MBA snugly in envelope, Lenovo about to burst out of a manila envelope.

[Sauron's Master]

Yes. Be the change you want to see in the world.

I'm not saying you have to buy an ugly computer, just don't act like you're in high school. You should re-examine your "needs."

There is no change necessary. Being concerned with a) social demands and b) appearances are evolutionary adaptations with viable and substantive purpose. Figure out why on your on.

And trust me, being "shallow" and concerned with outward appearances is hardly high school behavior. People who rail against judging on looks are, in fact, the people who haven't figured the true purpose of appearance.

[Sauron's Master]

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4270

Benchmarks are worthless without the test's details.

The MBA did not have a SSD. In fact, if you read above that chart, you would have noticed the x300 getting handily beat by the MBA.

And regardless of what some people say, one can tell the difference between a 1.2 GHz and 1.8 GHz C2D outside of games.

[ahaxton]

Benchmarks are worthless without the test's details.

The MBA did not have a SSD. In fact, if you read above that chart, you would have noticed the x300 getting handily beat by the MBA.

And regardless of what some people say, one can tell the difference between a 1.2 GHz and 1.8 GHz C2D outside of games.



And of course they wrote the review as if the SSD difference wasn't really a big thing. The part where the Lenovo beat MBA (SSD) thats where they said MBA had no SSD in test model, but if it did, the results would probably be comparable. I'd say the MBA would smoke it just as it did in the other benchmark.

There is no change necessary. Being concerned with a) social demands and b) appearances are evolutionary adaptations with viable and substantive purpose. Figure out why on your on.

And trust me, being "shallow" and concerned with outward appearances is hardly high school behavior. People who rail against judging on looks are, in fact, the people who haven't figured the true purpose of appearance.


Also to note, the Lenovo doesn't have to get better looking, but if they are going to make it fat and hefty atleast make it appear thinner if they aren't going to make it thin like a MBA.

[BongoBanger]

To be honest I don't see the point of the X300 when the X61 already exists. Heck, when the 3000 V200 exists.

It's a business toy, just as the Air is a personal toy.

[Kendall015]

To be honest I don't see the point of the X300 when the X61 already exists. Heck, when the 3000 V200 exists.

It's a business toy, just as the Air is a personal toy.

In a room full of Thinkpads, I doubt that the X300 would really stand out anyways. I mean, they have looked pretty much the same for what, 20 years now? And people say that the MacBook Pro's design is stale after 5 years...

[butterfly0fdoom]

Monolithic Black is timeless; anodized aluminum isn't quite as timeless.

[heatmiser]

Very impressive.

[John.B]

And seriously, my laptop doesn't need GPS. It needs to not look like a piece of ****.
Funniest thing I've read all week! :D

I believe that Lenovo (perhaps you might recognize the name "IBM ThinkPad"?)
Fail. Lenovo != IBM.

Nice machine. Shame about the OS.
LOL!!!

[biturbomunkie]

Fail. Lenovo != IBM.


i think potential MBA/x300 buyers would appreciate it if you'd kindly elaborate on the "≠" pertaining to thinkpads' design, quality, and support (in other words, non-brand related) with sources.

[queshy]

This is a good alternative for those who need the features...but for those who don't, the mba is clearly better in terms of the design, OS, and even price.

[mashoutposse]

MacBook Air:

-significantly faster
-noticeably thinner; nearly 50% less volume
-backlit keyboard
-superior aesthetics
-better battery life
-OSX
-minimum price: $1800

X300:

-expandable (memory/battery)
-more ports
-higher resolution screen
-built-in 3G connectivity
-optical drive
-minimum price: $2400

It's clear from these lists that the MBA excels where it matters most for consumers, while the X300 is geared towards solving the problems of mobile power users.

Look at the above lists and the picture below -- personally, the decision to purchase the MBA was a no-brainer:

http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/31169.jpg

[nsbio]

MacBook Air:

Look at the above lists and the picture below -- personally, the decision to purchase the MBA was a no-brainer:



That is, if you do not have firewire external drives that you use. Or a FW camera (the best gift for an MBA owner :p). If Lenovo does not have FW, then it loses the competition soundly.

Some people also use ethernet connection and MBA is useless for them (another dongle - no, thanks). If you are on wireless 100% of the time, then MBA is good.

[Roba]

I don't believe that the MBA has better battery life than the x300 with the LV processor and the 6 cell battery. Some reports have given the MBA 3 hour battery life. I won't base everything on what Mossberg has written.

Significantly faster it maybe faster in some tasks but if you load the x300 with 4GB of ram and run it in 64bit Vista then it will be faster at some tasks also.

Looks is also subjective.

The x300 also has the LED backlight screen.
MacBook Air:

-significantly faster
-noticeably thinner; nearly 50% less volume
-backlit keyboard
-superior aesthetics
-better battery life
-OSX
-minimum price: $1800

X300:

-expandable (memory/battery)
-more ports
-higher resolution screen
-built-in 3G connectivity
-optical drive
-minimum price: $2400

It's clear from these lists that the MBA excels where it matters most for consumers, while the X300 is geared towards solving the problems of mobile power users.

Look at the above lists and the picture below -- personally, the decision to purchase the MBA was a no-brainer:

[mashoutposse]

I don't believe that the MBA has better battery life than the x300 with the LV processor and he 6 cell battery. Some reports have given the MBA 3 hour battery life. I won't base everything on what Mossberg has written.

CNet says that the HDD-equipped MBA ran 20 minutes longer than the X300 w/ the 6-cell battery.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-x300/4505-3121_7-32864938.html

Significantly faster that is also detable it maybe faster in some tasks but if you load the x300 with 4GB of ram and run it in 64bit Vista then it will be faster at some tasks also.

Check the review I posted above -- CPU-dependent tasks are completed ~40% faster on the base 1.6GHz MBA. The X300 closes the gap with the HDD MBA in processes that involve lots of reading from the SSD.


Looks is also subjective.

Of course.

The x300 also has teh LED backlight screen.

Yes.

[Roba]

mashoutposse i was not disputing that the more demanding CPU intensive tasks may perform better on the MBA. I do however think that the extra ram may make the system perform faster in some other tasks.

That battery test is interesting. I will read more reviews and see what they say. I have read reviews that have given the MBA just under 3 hours and reviews that have given it 4 hours plus battery life.
This was Lenovo’s projected battery life. I am always sceptical though of what any manufacturer has to say about projected battery life.

http://usera.imagecave.com/picturesmac/life.jpg

I would like to see future comparisons run the systems as close as possible and that means removing or disabling the dvd drive when testing the battery life. I don’t know if C-Net did that as I don’t have the time right now to read all the review. Also, I am not sure what configuration of notebook they tested but if you leave the GPS enabled and WWAN on when on battery that will also consume power.

[John.B]

i think potential MBA/x300 buyers would appreciate it if you'd kindly elaborate on the "≠" pertaining to thinkpads' design, quality, and support (in other words, non-brand related) with sources.
Simple, Lenovo bought out the IBM personal computer business. The Lenovo Thinkpad is no longer an IBM product.

When I said Lenovo != IBM, I meant that despite the marketing efforts that Lenovo puts into making everyone think the new Thinkpads are still the old IBM Thinkpads, Big Blue no longer has anything to do with that product line.

[tstarks33]

MacBook Air:

-significantly faster
-noticeably thinner; nearly 50% less volume
-backlit keyboard
-superior aesthetics
-better battery life
-OSX
-minimum price: $1800

X300:

-expandable (memory/battery)
-more ports
-higher resolution screen
-built-in 3G connectivity
-optical drive
-minimum price: $2400

It's clear from these lists that the MBA excels where it matters most for consumers, while the X300 is geared towards solving the problems of mobile power users.

OSX is enough to put me squarely in the MBA camp (though I'd never actually buy a MBA). But when you list the features out like that, I have to scratch my head and wonder what market exactly the MBA is going for. People say how awesome it is to carry around less weight when doing frequently traveling, but the actual travelers I know would take the extra features listed on the x300 side in a second.

Anyway, coming from a Thinkpad, I have not a single bad thing to say about those computers. Lenovo is doing a great job with this line, as they always have, and to say it's not IBM is not exactly a knock against Thinkpads or the company itself.

[Digital Skunk]

I went to the Apple Store....

Saw the MBA...

Held it in my hands.... It's light

Looked at it closely... it's small

Twisted it, turned in, tried to break it.... it's construction is FAR SUPERIOR to the MBP

I ran iLife and other apps at the same time, not speedy but it passes....

I AM A BELIEVER!

Will hopefully be picking one up for the Mrs.

[Sauron's Master]

mashoutposse i was not disputing that the more demanding CPU intensive tasks may perform better on the MBA. I do however think that the extra ram may make the system perform faster in some other tasks.

That battery test is interesting. I will read more reviews and see what they say. I have read reviews that have given the MBA just under 3 hours and reviews that have given it 4 hours plus battery life.
This was Lenovo’s projected battery life. I am always sceptical though of what any manufacturer has to say about projected battery life.

http://usera.imagecave.com/picturesmac/life.jpg

I would like to see future comparisons run the systems as close as possible and that means removing or disabling the dvd drive when testing the battery life. I don’t know if C-Net did that as I don’t have the time right now to read all the review. Also, I am not sure what configuration of notebook they tested but if you leave the GPS enabled and WWAN on when on battery that will also consume power.

Gee, I wonder what could cause variation in battery test results. Maybe, you know, they were testing with different tasks. :rolleyes:

Virtually every program that needs more than 2GB of RAM will be CPU or GPU intensive/bound. The idea that x300's RAM will make it faster is a delusional fantasy.

[jonswan]

Although ThinkPads tend to work well from experience at work, they also tend to be repulsive to look at and do not run Mac OSX, so exactly why would I want one?

[dongmin]

OSX is enough to put me squarely in the MBA camp (though I'd never actually buy a MBA). But when you list the features out like that, I have to scratch my head and wonder what market exactly the MBA is going for. People say how awesome it is to carry around less weight when doing frequently traveling, but the actual travelers I know would take the extra features listed on the x300 side in a second.

To me, the MBA's three biggest flaws are:

1. Slow 4200 rpm HDD
2. Dearth of ports
3. Inability to swap out the battery when traveling

The first problem is an easy fix. Prices for NAND flash is falling pretty quickly so in no time, it'll be a cheap upgrade to the faster SDD.

The second problem will require a revision to the design. It's baffling to me why Apple couldn't just make the port doors a little bigger and add a second USB port. Since there are zero internal expansion options (for 3g, gps, etc.) the least Apple could've done was give more external expansion options, i.e. more USB ports.

The third problem, I'm hoping, will be solved by a third party solution. It shouldn't be that hard to design a battery pack that connects directly to the magsafe connector and double/triple the battery life of the MBA for those long flights.

[haner]

Is the build quality of the Lenovo the same as it was when IBM made it? It's a Chinese made machine, so there might be tons of lead in it. :eek::D
Give me an effing break. Where do you think your Mac is made? I wouldn't recommend you licking your ipod either.

[Luzzio]

I prefer the Vaio T-series over both :D

[CaptainCaveMann]

This new ThinkPad has at least one major fault -- it uses Windoze.

'Nuff said......

+1

I love how people always come on the Mac forums and are like, "hey look at this new laptop it's so much better than any mac laptop, I'm gonna save my money and buy this instead because it's a better value!"

The problem with this thinking, is that obviously these people are not partial to the mac osx operating system. Therefore their arguments don't hold any weight with me. The reason I personally buy mac laptops is not because of their specs, it's because of the OS. These posts are so annoying, oh well.

[Ratty]

It's just another Thinkpad and not even IBM any more! The MBA is unique the X300 is just another expensive wanabe.....(I was with for IBM many years and worked on the device drivers for the some of the first Thinkpads models - Hummingbird ala 750)

[anirban]

I think the X300 does have a lot to offer to the people who would want to own only one computer. MBA is designed to be a companion machine. No matter how ugly the X300 may look, I have complete faith in its build quality. I have owned 4 Thinkpads, and they have been very durable.

[QCassidy352]

And about the Processor, i doubt you would really notice the difference in use anyway.

LOL if apple released anything with a 1.2 Ghz processor people on this forum would be *howling.*

IMO both are nice machines and do some things better than the other. The Air is going to be a lot faster, and is obviously a lot sexier. The x300 has more connectivity options.

It doesn't seem to me that one is obviously superior. Both are really good machines. But one thing that I would hope the x300 does do is shut up the whining fools who complain about the price of the Air. The x300 is right around the same when both are equipped with SSD. Yeah, it does actually cost a lot to get all that computer in to that tiny space. Who knew. :rolleyes:

[ctt1wbw]

The x300 rulz! It has more than one usb port! It is sooo powerful!!!:D

[Adokimus]

There is no change necessary. Being concerned with a) social demands and b) appearances are evolutionary adaptations with viable and substantive purpose. Figure out why on your on.

And trust me, being "shallow" and concerned with outward appearances is hardly high school behavior. People who rail against judging on looks are, in fact, the people who haven't figured the true purpose of appearance.


Life means suffering, the origin of suffering is attachment, the cessation of suffering is attainable, the path to the cessation of suffering is the gradual path to self-improvement.

You can argue based on biological evolution all you want, but your interpretation of human evolution is stale and uninspiring. I suggest that you will find more fulfillment in life by discovering your own true purpose, rather than the true purpose of appearance. Figure out why on your own.

Cheers.

[raremage]

Give me an effing break. Where do you think your Mac is made? I wouldn't recommend you licking your ipod either.

Being made in China is not a detractor. Being made by Lenovo may be a detractor.

Before the IBM deal Lenovo was still a huge manufacturer of PCs, and their reputation for poor quality was pretty widely known. While this has not carried forward into the ThinkPads so far (reportedly IBM is guarding that brand carefully) there's always the fear that it could.

I bought a ThinkPad x61 Tablet about a year ago for use on a project. The battery failed within a month, the wireless adapter had to be replaced within three, and the stylus had to be replaced about three months ago.

On the other hand, my first Macbook Pro had to be replaced three days after purchase because it would randomly power off.

Build quality varies. The thing here is Lenovo used ot be known for poor quality products.

[Abstract]

The X300's only flaws are:

1. It's ugly
2. It uses Windows.


That's it. Wrap that thing up in Apple's anodized aluminium, put a 1.6 GHz processor in it, and sell it. That's what everyone wants, anyway.

The one flaw with the MBA are the tapered edges. Sure, it makes a slightly smaller machine look MUCH smaller (than it really is), but it limits the amount of internal space. Apple can't even take the design back. They can't say, "Sorry guys, we needed a bit more space and had to make the MBA a bit thicker this time." It's out. It was released like this, and if they really do need more space, they're not going to be able to take those tapered edges away, or make it thicker.

I'd bet if the tapered edges were not there, you'd be able to get at least 2 USB ports and possibly even an ethernet port (despite its thickness), and still keep it as thin as it is now.

[John.B]

I'd bet if the tapered edges were not there, you'd be able to get at least 2 USB ports and possibly even an ethernet port (despite its thickness), and still keep it as thin as it is now.
Its been said before but its worth repeating: The tapered edges on the back are probably what keeps it from being flimsy.

[Whorehay]

Life means suffering, the origin of suffering is attachment, the cessation of suffering is attainable, the path to the cessation of suffering is the gradual path to self-improvement.


Cheers.

Ain't that the noble truth? :apple:

[Adokimus]

Ain't that the noble truth? :apple:

all four of them in fact.

[eddy64]

Looks like the x300 has been reviewed.
Here (http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-x300/4505-3121_7-32864938.html?tag=tpr)

Looks to be very nice.

[SodiumBenzoate]

It weighs a lot for being made out of magnesium. It isn't fair to compare the Lenovo to the MBA when it doesn't share similarities. If Apple went thicker and added more weight using aluminum or same weight using magnesium I'm sure apple could beat Lenovo's specs.

Please know about things before you write about them.

The difference in weight between a magnesium-alloy case and an aluminum case is not much, seeing as magnesium-alloy is typically about 90% aluminum, and can be up to 95% aluminum - meaning that an equivalent volume of magnesium-alloy will have about 97% of the weight of aluminum. The main advantage of magnesium-alloy is that it is harder (not necessarily stronger - but less likely to dent or bend).

[ahaxton]

Please know about things before you write about them.

The difference in weight between a magnesium-alloy case and an aluminum case is not much, seeing as magnesium-alloy is typically about 90% aluminum, and can be up to 95% aluminum - meaning that an equivalent volume of magnesium-alloy will have about 97% of the weight of aluminum. The main advantage of magnesium-alloy is that it is harder (not necessarily stronger - but less likely to dent or bend).

I'm basing it off what I have seen in the photos of the X300. There's quite a number of choices of "magnesium" casings

[skulchalehum]

How can you say that? The Lenovo obviously had more than enough thought and design put into its making to have such a feature rich device. The Air is just a thin computer. No ultra thin drive...no stereo speakers. Just a faster processor and thin......

Who cares what the outside looks like? Honestly folks, it a computer, not a purse. If you're trying to impress someone with electronic devices, you're wrong. ;)

Also Apple want to sell additional Optical Drive after you spend what you saved for MBA, and after using that optical drive the battery(whcih is fixed) of MBA will shrink in terms of time,
while in X300 you get six-cell swapable battery as standard and if you want more you can use the BAY battery in place of Optical Drive(which is really cool).

[cherry su]

I think the X300 does have a lot to offer to the people who would want to own only one computer. MBA is designed to be a companion machine. No matter how ugly the X300 may look, I have complete faith in its build quality. I have owned 4 Thinkpads, and they have been very durable.

Perhaps MacBook Air is a companion to the X300? ;)

[SodiumBenzoate]

I'm basing it off what I have seen in the photos of the X300. There's quite a number of choices of "magnesium" casings

Exactly what have you seen in pictures of the X300 that claims that the magnesium case results in a significant weight reduction? It doesn't.

They may say it's a "magnesium" case, but it's really magnesium-alloy that is at least 90% aluminum. Pure magnesium is not at all useful to make cases with. It's very brittle, corrodes when exposed to air, and has the unfortunate quality of igniting fairly easily.

[Masquerade]

is ugly like a dog, but this is much more than a air. yes, you got all the ports, you got twice the battery if you want plus one or more in your bag, and you don't have to borrow anyone dvd drive (or ask him to burn a dvd, because you have the last generation personal notebook)...

[Jayrod]

Yeah, the Thinkpad is hideous. So it has an optical drive - big deal. I never really use my optical drive on my laptop that much anyhow. The MBA is not for all audiences - same as all ultra-portables. If you use an optical drive a lot when you are on the go, then the MBA isn't for you. Maybe that awkward looking chunk of plastic is more suited for your needs. Or better yet, buy a MacBook. Then you won't be embarrassed to take your laptop out of it's bag in public.

[BongoBanger]

Err... since Lenovos are pretty widely used in business I don't think anyone's going to be embarrassed.

Once again, these machines are for two different audiences and both have their good and bad points.