Lenovo Thinkpad X41 Tablet PC

• Reviewed by: bonsaitigers42

  Strengths: Weight, versatility, battery life

  Weaknesses: sluggish HDD, single core CPU, lousy parts service

  Overall: My config: 1.6G CPU, 1 gig memory, 60G disk, port replicator with CD/DVD, large batteryI really like the light-weight design combined with the 4 hour+ battery life, IBM/Lenovo has struck a superb balance here. I just wish there had been room for a 2.5 inch disk, preferably with 7200 RPM, instead of the 1.8 inch 4200 RPM disk that slows the machine down very noticeably.Also, with all the tablet extras loaded the machine is sometimes not very responsive, a dual core CPU (like in the new X61) would have been nice.Big turn-offs - the X41 comes pre-installed with loads of trial versions and other junk some of which is really hard to get rid off.And the parts service is abysmal - my unit fried on 12/14/06 and I am being told it needs a new main board. I have been waiting for more than 4 weeks now (today is 01/15/07) and IBM is not able to tell me when a new main board will be available, not to mention when I will receive the notebook back. And this notebook is targeted at business users?

• Reviewed by: zug

  Strengths: Tablet format, weight, size, doos screen for a 12.1" machine

  Weaknesses: Slow disk drive (4200 rpm), slow processor, limited handwriting recognition capability of OneNote.

  Overall: When I first got my x41 tablet in late Oct'05, I was excited about using the tablet format for note-taking and making written comments and highlights while giving presentations. The x41 tablet seemed the best value at the time, hence the purchase. My disappointments are with: Processor speed -- the 1.5GHz Centrino is too slow for many workload situations. The machine frequently crashes when loaded heavily. I did upgrade from 512MB memory to 1.5GB memory in order to hopefully limit disk swapping -- there was some limited positive response to the increased memory. Disk -- 40GB got quickly filled up so I upgraded to the 1.8" 60GB drive (the largest capacity then available), but still at 4200rpm. Those 4200 rpm drives are just too slow for most applications. For example, a full restart of the computer takes a little over 10 minutes!! Fortunately, one can hibernate the machine and restart much faster that way (sleeping has the disadvantage that the limited battery power is still subject to some power drain). Bottom line: I have just purchased a dual-core 2GHz laptop with a 100GB 7200rpm drive -- works 10-40 times faster!!

• Reviewed by:

  Strengths: The Journal software is great for taking notes at meetings. And, one will not get a hernia from carrying it around the world...or back and forth to office and home.

  Weaknesses: The difficulty of turning the Journal recorded notes into text for the world to read. Small screen, IBM name.

  Overall: At first I disliked the "gift" intensely having had previous bad experiences with IBM and their laptops. But, after a few weeks of forcing myself to use the machine I am growing to accept it (not sold yet)but give me a year and some more traveling...

• Reviewed by: skari1

  Strengths: Lightweight - VERY, Perfromance, On screen button, compact, speed, power consumtion and MOST Importantly Portability, Rapid charge of battery, Anti-shock mechanism for Harddrive

  Weaknesses: No CD/DVD ROM (extra), Wish Major lockout password can be applied in PC mode, Initally took time to learn machine - investment in time paid off, Hard Drive space (ok), SUPPLY (must wait for computer)

  Overall: My purchased config: 1.5MHz, 512K, 40GB (no ext drive) My current config: 1.5 GB memory, Targus CD/DVD rom ($99 on sale) and IBM carry case custom - $45 I bought this machine since my brother an IBM fan recommended it. Its all he said it would be and more. I even bought a case $45 extra to carry it in - I recommend it- helps protect the screen. They give extra tips for the pen. The security is Amazing - Three levels of lockout - if you forget the password - kiss it goodbye, depending on the level set - you may have to send it in to get the board replaced and HD replaced (they CANNOT Retrieve info) - in my field its important (I'm a doctor). So I know my patient records are secure. Very lightweight - gets a little warm - will be nice in the winter. The screen is a bit small - but just the right size if you look at it like a textbook. My arm does not get tired toting it around. I love the keys on the screen, the TABLET Shortcut key is Phenomenonal and makes almost everything possible from the tablet. I'm getting my MBA and using it to take notes and keep up with the assignments, i've started using it to make excel spreadsheets and after a while its pretty easy - takes a while to get used to it - but seems to be paying off. Journal Software is nice (and you can print and create journal pages/forms you can write on - very nice for office forms). It comes with a printer to create the pages - sad part is I can't locate the printer to generate forms from my desktop to use on it YET ! You can rest your hand on the screen when you write - just like paper. Perfect number of buttons - can't ask for more. The Battery rapidly charges even when I am using it - when plugged in it is very rapid NOT hours. The fingerprint reader is a plus - but sucks - hard to use. The drawbacks - IF you set the password for the main system, you have to open the tablet - and type on the keyboard and then close it (a pain if its in the carry case)- WISH IT WAS ON THE SCREEN. ALSO, NO SOFTWARE CDs. The software CD can be obtained from IBM for $45-50 which is a pain if you ask me. I bought a portable CD/DVD rom - targus and its pretty nice, initially had diff recognizing it- but just swapped the ports around - keep in mind only one USB powered Port on the left side (not a major flaw). Hard drive space - I see my self filling it, need more given 40 MB - but once shipped has approx 34 GB free (REMEMBER IBM has a partiton with Rescue items using some of the space - which is important) The computer requires you make back up discs initally - hope you have a USB external drive or CD/DVD burner ext - I got a USB ext drive and backed it up (RESCUE DISK). I upgraded my memory - saw an impovement in performance and battery time (hmmm...). Pen - occasionally the buttons get accidentally pressed - too close together - getting used to it. I had to wait two weeks - a freak of nature since the wait time was actually supposed to be 4 weeks and kept increasing. BOTTOM LINE: AWESOME !!! Despite the minor flaws would recommend it highly - I saw the other ones out there and the closest to this one is Motion in terms of price, weight and similar features - but this is a laptop as well. SORRY I HAVEN'T Tried out the sound yet - will try that later. I've used it for presentations using powerpoint and its great... I'm very happy w my toy now becoming a functional tool as I learn how to use it and implement it into my business and personal life. Suggestions: I have increased my memory to 1.5 GB (base 512 - added 1 GB - pretty cheap), Ext USB Drive - buy one on sale - you could always use it as safe backup for a desktop, the CARRY CASE worth the extra $45-50, and finally i'm considering the extra battery since I use mine a lot.