IBM ThinkPad X31 1.4GHz Pentium M: A Traveler's Best Friend
by Matthew Witheiler on April 11, 2003 5:59 PM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
Conclusion
Saying that we enjoyed our time with the X31 is an understatement. The X31 is small enough to easily tag along almost anywhere you go. We found ourselves bringing the X31 to meetings, class, and on trips without even being conscious we were carrying it. But the X31 is not for everyone.
The target markets for ultraportable notebooks, like the X31, are business users who travel a lot. No one likes lugging around a 7+ pound system with them especially when a job or other commitments require you to travel a lot. A desktop replacement notebook may make sense in situations where the laptop rarely leaves the desk but not much sense on an airplane or long trip. IBM says they designed the X31 to fit comfortably on an airplane tray. That describes the system perfectly. The X31 does not aim to replace your desktop system but rather to accompany it. If you are looking for a powerful machine to serve as your daily computer, we suggest you look elsewhere (like the IBM T40p or Dell Latitude D800).
If, however, you are looking for an ultraportable system to go where you go then the X31 is a very polished solution. The hardware is powerful given the unit's size and the software solutions it ships with add greatly to the overall experience. Battery life also left little to be desired, running at about four and a half hours on the single battery and eight and a half hours when docked. Overall the system proved to be very impressive. Road warriors rejoice: the IBM X31 is a perfect travel companion.
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DL2 - Saturday, March 20, 2004 - link
I currently have a Dell x300. I have had a problem with a spot appearing on the LCD. I have already had the screen replaced once soon to be again. I have heard that the X31 is more durable than the Dell. Can anyone out there that has the X31 speak to this? Specifically, I am interested in the durablity of the screen as it pertains to being able to carry it on trips without the slightest bit of pressure causing problems with the screen. Thanks.DL2 - Saturday, March 20, 2004 - link
eshepard - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - link
Is the Mini PCI slot in the machine user-accessible? I'd be interested in installing WiFi there, if possible. Thanks.Anonymous User - Thursday, October 2, 2003 - link
I own an X31. You can boot from any USB device. The option is presented in BIOS.A note about the USB 2.0. Each Thinkpad model line (X31, T40, etc) has many options available. Some are standard on specific model numbers, others are not. Read the specs in full and ask questions before you make a $1200+ investment and you should be fine.
Anonymous User - Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - link
I purchased an X31 and the models they are currently seelling through their express program DO NOT come with USB 2.0! You have to be aware of what model series you are getting. I am very annoyed by this. Especially as I was going to purchase an external USB2 optical drive. Anandtech should investigate this!jeffdique - Monday, August 11, 2003 - link
I'm thinking about getting an X31 myself, and I have a similar concern, especially as regards getting Linux on the machine. The results of a google search on 'usb boot x31' seem to indicate it can boot from *any* USB storage device, including memory keys!Anonymous User - Saturday, August 9, 2003 - link
i'm considering purchasing the x31. however I've always had a laptop that has an internal optical drive. the x31 does not. how does one restore windows? is any USB 2.0 external optical drive bootable? thanks.northernhats - Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - link
I just purchased a used X31, It has all of the speed and durdability and the screen does have a great pretection line. I have not suffered from any mouse dents in the screen or on the edges, if thats what you need to know.Me, personally would rather have a mouse pad instead of the mouse button but I guess thats what makes the X31 model more durable during trips, the little mouse button does not make contact with the screen.