IBM ThinkPad X31 Review - Using the X31

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With only 256 MB of RAM by default and running Windows XP, the X31 was hurting for memory and thrashed a lot. Part of the reason for this is the large amount of tray programs from IBM that are running. Running the Eclipse development studio, for example, takes a long time. If the X31 is going to be used for anything more computationally intensive than Solitaire, an office suite, or a browser, invest in more memory.

Having said that, the X31 flies once it gets going. Using X-bit Labs' Battery Eater 2.0 program, the battery was measured at 1 hour and 27 minutes at full bore and no power saving options turned on. With all the power saving options turned on, the battery can be stretched for more than five hours without worry. The Intel PRO/2100 Wireless adapter also sips power, so it's easy to get five hours of use out of the battery and surf the 'net without being tied to a wire. The average power settings will net you about three to four hours of use.

If you do manage to completely drain the battery, it takes about 3.5 hours to recharge the battery if the X31 is off. If the X31 is running, it can take as much as 4 hours to recharge the battery.

Not having an optical drive can be seen as a significant drawback or a benefit, depending on how you use the X31. A docking station allows for an expansion in the X31's abilities as well as bringing along a better set of speakers (not that the ThinkPad's speakers are bad, but they are laptop speakers), but is somewhat expensive. Docking stations can run higher than $200 US. You can put another battery in the dock, extending the life to 8 hours, or a CD drive, which is also not terribly cheap. In essence, if extreme battery life is key, get the Ultra Low-Voltage processor. If an optical drive is a necessity and not needed as a boot drive, get a USB optical drive, consider CD-ROM emulation software like Alcohol 52%, or think hard about the ThinkPad T series (mobile desktop) or R series (desktop replacement).

At 3.6 pounds (just over 1.6 kilos for the metric readers of DevHardware) this laptop is abnormally light. I've used laptops that felt like bricks, and others that were in the 4 pound range, but this one kicks them all. You will not develop Arnold Schwarzenegger-type biceps carrying an X31 around.

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Comments On: IBM ThinkPad X31 Review

· The article commented that "There is also a PS/2 port for regular mice(...), an...    · I have 768 MB of RAM in mine, and I have no issues with RAM.This is running Win XP...    · You're right.Its a mistake - the comment should have read that the DOCK that...    · Thanks for catching that. Yes, it should read that the dock comes with those ports,...    · Error should be fixed. Thanks for the heads up.    · Just got hold of an X31. Do i need a wireless PCMCIA card to enable me to connect to...   >>> Post your comment now!