ThinkPad X200 – Review and First Look

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

If you believe that good  things come in small packages, the ThinkPad X200 is just what ThinkPad X Series fans have been waiting for. This is a real powerhouse of an Ultraportable.

(Oh, and guess what, its nearly twice as fast as a Macbook Air according to benchmarks tests. Your over the Apple Barrel again Steve!)

The Lenovo ThinkPad X200 will come in three versions: X200, X200s and the X200 Tablet. These are going to replace current X61, X61s, and X61 Tablet models.

Currently the first model in the range has been released the X200, and is available to purchase from Lenovo. By the time you read this, the X200s and the X200 Tablet should be available.

Keeping in line with features we have grown to love from the ThinkPad brand, the X200 will include an array of advanced security features, such as TPM v1.2 chip and fingerprint security options.

The TPM chip or ‘Trusted Platform Module’ enables Drive Encryption and Enhanced Data Protection. We would also have like to have seen the Veriface face recognition feature the Lenovo have introduced on the IdeaPad range as an option to a fingerprint reader.

The X200 is the “Performance Model.”  It uses normal voltage processors, which are estimated to provide 3.3 to 9.6 hours of battery life. The X200s, or the “Portability Model,” will have an ultra-low voltage CPO, weighing in a 2.47 pounds and estimated to run 4.5 to 13.3 hours on one battery charge. The “Tablet Model” will also use Intel’s LV and ULV chips. Weighing in at 3.55 pounds, it is expected to provide 3.3 to 11.1 hours of battery life.

The new X Series has several multimedia and communications features built in. There is a really good integrated camera with digital zoom, new mono speaker, digital microphone with noise cancellation, and the setup includes audio and noise cancellation software.

The only real downside here is that the speaker, as in the X61 is not all that good, so it’s out with the earbuds again if you want to watch a movie.

Which brings us neatly to the UltraBase because in keeping with past X Series ThinkPad’s, the X200 doesn’t have a built in Optical drive.

The new ThinkPad X Series will feature a 12″ widescreen panel and the new ThinkPad X Series UltraBase features a DisplayPort combining HD video and audio into one digital connector. This design supports the latest graphics providing you with vibrant image quality.

DisplayPort is great news because it finally delivers on the promise of digital displays. It replaces the clunky DVI interface and eventually replaces the analog VGA interface on displays and PCs with an innovative digital solution that supports the latest graphics and LCD technologies.

Lenovo have also given the X200 a much brighter screen the that on the current X61

Dimensions using the 9-cell battery, Width - 11.61 inches, Depth - 9.2 inches, Thickness - 0.8-in to 1.4 inches

Dimensions using the small 4-cell battery,  Width - 11.6 inches, Depth - 8.3 inches, Thickness - 0.8 - 1.4″

Weight:

• 4-cell battery starting at 1.34 kg / 2.95 lbs
• 6-cell battery starting at 1.47 kg / 3.24 lbs
• 9-cell battery starting at 1.63 kg / 3.58 lbs

The X200, is quite frankly an absolute powerhouse and easily beats both the ThinkPad X300 and sister brand the IdeaPad U110. Needless to say, it wipes the floor with the Macbook Air. We didn’t need to say that again, but we love rubbing it in!

Watch out for a more detailed review and a comprehensive picture gallery over the next couple of days.