So I finally broke down a bought a new laptop. A nice shinny new, lightweight, long batterylife laptop… an IBM ThinkPad X40. This was not an easy process for me. The temptation to buy an Apple was huge and I really like OS X. The reality for me is that I need a Windows computer that I can carry with me easily from site to site.
My current Dell 4150 has been a great computer and will serve Christina well. It is simply to heavy (over 6 pounds with two batteries), and the battery life is just to short for what I need. A lot of people ask how I will handle using a computer with a 12.1″ screen; a) I’ve had one in the past, it really isn’t bad at all, b) I have a docking station at my house with a 19″ LCD, keyboard and mouse. So having something as light as possible with as much battery life as possible is the most important thing and makes this laptop absolutely perfect.
For those interested, read on for the specs (Check out the ThinkPad X40 Technical Doc from IBM):
IBM ThinkPad X40
Processor/Level 2 Cache: Low Voltage Intel Pentium M Processor 1.20Ghz/1MB
Display/Resolution: 12.1 TFT XGA/1024×768
Hard Disk Drive: 40GB 4200rpm (1.8″/4.57cm)
Memory: 512 MB DDR PC2700 Memory
Video Graphics: Intel Extreme Graphics 2
Integrated Communications: v.92 56Kbps Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, Intel PRO/Wireless 802.11b
Li-Ion Battery Life: up to 7.5hrs (one 8-cell battery, I bought two)
Ports: 2 USB 2.0 (1 Powered USB 2.0); Infrared; expansion bus; external display; AC adapter; RJ-11; RJ-45; audio:headphone/line-out, external microphone
Slots: 1 Type I or 1 Type II PC Card; 1 Secure Digital Card
IBM Active Protection System: Yes
IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0: Yes
Weight: 3.1 lb / 1.43kg
Accessories
- ThinkPad Leather Case
- Kensington MicroSaver Security Cable Lock
- ThinkPad Multiple Battery Charger II
- ThinkPad 72W AC/DC Combo Adapter
- ThinkPad X40 Series 8 Cell Li-Ion Battery
After I get it, depending on how the battery life plays out, I might get one of these add on batteries from Electrovaya.