Lenovo X61 vs. Dell XPS M1330 - what else?

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

Some of you will know of my current troubles replacing my (excellent) IBM X31 lappie. I want a Lenovo X61, simply because the current machine has been so good.

However, I have been mucked around something rotten by two potential suppliers to date, and am seriously thinking about alternatives.

One option would be the Dell XPS M1330.

It is a slightly different type of machine - slightly bigger, whereas the X61 is an ultraportable. It is a reasonable chunk cheaper, and sounds like it has a better screen (nice, but not essential.) It is meant to have a good keyboard (very important - that on my X31 is excellent, and the one on the X61 is meant to be excellent as well.) It is a bit bigger and heavier (fairly important, as I will be carrying it around a lot.)

It is also meant to look very pretty, whereas the X61 will be as eye-catching as the lump of matt black plastic that it is.

Does anyone have any observations on the merits of one or the other? Or any suggestions as to what else I might consider?

(To re-cap, it will be used for Office stuff, eMail and t'internet. And not much else. Speed is not critical. It needs to be good to type on and easy to carry around and robust. Saving cash is good, but it is being bought through a company therefore the sting of the extra cost of the X61 is lessened.)

Thanks!


Oli.

[Moose.]

You can't go wrong with a Thinkpad IMHO. Currently got an X41 which is fantastic. Build quality is just so much better than anything else out there, not to mention the best keyboard on a laptop ever. Saying that, I've not seen that particular Dell in the plastic, so can't comment on it really. However, other Dells I've seen seem ok but don't feel as solid as a Thinkpad.

[apguy]

Well I've got an XPS M1330 and the previous XPS M1210. To be fair I would say that the build quality of the M1330 is not up to the same standard as the M1210. Its a lot lighter (1.75kg) but the screen (LED and ultra thin) is very flimsy, the brushed aluminium keyboard surround looks like it'll mark very easily.

To put this in context. My M1210 has been punted in a standard courier bag (no protection) for the last 12 months and taken 80 miles on a train into London everyday and it still works perfectly with only minor wear. My M1330 is 2 months old and I wouldn't take it anywhere without a padded laptop bag. So its sat at home and used for sofa surfing...

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

Thanks.

You have confirmed that I should be looking at the Lenovo/IBM machine. On build quality if nothing else.

Thanks.

(Apguy - context: My old X31 - which I am typing on when I write this - has been hoofed around the world for the last 3 1/2 years, although admittedly in a padded lappie bag. It has been used every working day in that time. It has also been dropped (not in the bag) onto a wooden floor at least twice, and stood upon by my 3-year-old niece, trying to reach onto my desk. It still works fine, bar the letter wearing off some of the keys and slight scuffing to one corner on the top. It is this sort of performance that makes me want an X61! It sounds like the Dell alternative simply wouldn't be up to it - thanks.)


Oli.

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

Just to put this one to bed (so to speak), the new X61s has now arrived, and very nice it is too! Pricey mind, but OK. (Not as quick as I might have hoped, perhaps not a whole load quicker than the old X31, but a bit smaller and lighter.)

I am pleased.

I think.

Thanks for your suggestions.


Oli.