High school portable choice?

My son has a small motor issue, and
his teachers have asked us to buy him
a notebook to carry around to class for
notes and writing assignments/tests.

I am inclined to go ultra-light here.
To hand in tests and assignments, transferring
with a jump drive is acceptable.

As he will be carrying the machine from class
to class, and commuting with it, lightness seems
to be a key.

Would the Latitude X1 be good for this? I would
want to get a complete care warrantee, and find
him a good backpack with would protect it well.

Any conflicting opinions? Additional advice?

Thanks,

 

The best ultralight is the IBM/Lenavo Thinkpad X41. Hands down.

It also comes in a slick convertible tablet version.

Rock solid

Tom

 

Tom Scales writes:

Tom> The best ultralight is the IBM/Lenavo Thinkpad X41. Hands down.
Tom> It also comes in a slick convertible tablet version.

I thought IMB did not ship with an XP disk, is
that true?

I had trouble figuring out how to configure on their
website too, pretty odd layout.

Tom> Rock solid

 

Interesting question. Don't know as my work provided my X40. They do have
a restore partition, but I don't know about a disk.

Tom

 

My ThinkPad R51 did not come with an XP disk or a restore disk. Also, the
sales person said that IBM does not have a restore disk or an XP disk to
buy. The user can create a restore disk from the restore partition. But only
one restore disk can be created. I wish I could buy a restore disk but it is
not possible.

On a ThinkPad forum at:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/

you can find out how to use a regular XP disk to do a clean install on the
ThinkPad. And then the site explains how to put back the IBM Installer
Software on the ThinkPad to install all of the drivers and utilities that
need to be on the ThinkPad.

I have the ThinkPad R51 and an Inspiron 6000. Like Tom mentioned the
ThinkPad is rock solid and superior to the Inspiron. I like my Inspiron 6000
but the feel and performance of the ThinkPad is better in my opinion.

Leigh

 

Tom Scales writes:

Tom> Interesting question. Don't know as my work provided my X40. They do have
Tom> a restore partition, but I don't know about a disk.

I looked all over their site, and could not find
any indication that the X41 ships with an OS disk.

So I emailed Lenavo (web-form).

I am pretty sure I heard they do not, and for me
that is really a non-starter.

Being able to reinstall after a hard drive failure
is a requirement, as is the ability to do a repair
install.

Does sound like a pretty neat machine, but it is a
bit heavier than the Latitude X1.

 

i like the x1 but it isn't the sturdiest machine. it is much cheaper than
the ibm and when dell is running specials it is the best value in the ultra
portable class. if speed isn't all that important then have a look at the
fujitsu lifebook p1000. it has a solid build quality and an amazing 9+ hour
battery life.
http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=P1
the s2000 is larger but still weighs in at under 4lbs and has an integrated
cd/dvd drive so you can even use it as a portable video machine... and it
has a 7+ hour battery life...
http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=S2
or their other ultra portable models (scroll down).
http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/productoverview.do?type=NB&pgid=Notebooks
the only problem with the fujitsu machines is that they are poorly
distributed. they chiefly sell just to large corporate accounts so you have
to buy them site unseen via mail order, oh wait, that goes for dell too

 

Christopher Muto writes:

Christopher> i like the x1 but it isn't the sturdiest machine. it is much cheaper than
Christopher> the ibm and when dell is running specials it is the best value in the ultra
Christopher> portable class. if speed isn't all that important then have a look at the
Christopher> fujitsu lifebook p1000. it has a solid build quality and an amazing 9+ hour
Christopher> battery life.

Do they come with an XP OS disk?

Thanks,

 

i have not seen how the retail versions are packaged. your best bet would
be ask them.

 

ps. you know that the absense of a physical cd is something that microsoft
is pushing... so all manufacturers are pressured to not supply one. in fact
i just looked and the latitude x1 can only be ordered with media with xp
home, not with xp pro. but the dimension 700m does have media available for
both home and pro. the 700m is a nice machine too and has an integrated cd
which is highly desireable.

 

The X1 is available with XP Pro media if you purchase it through Small
business (available to anyone). I just checked. In fact, the default is
included -- you have to change the radio button to NOT get it.

Tom

 

When I last purchased through the Small Business Division, I was asked
to provide some type of "business ID."

Notan

 

Did you call or order online? I've purchased all my machines through Small
business and just put my last name in the business field.

Tom

 

I spoke to a salesperson... Ever since a bad experience, ordering online,
I've called. (I order a configuration that, apparently, wasn't do-able,
and Dell substituted parts they *thought* I'd want.)

Notan