Unique to IBM is the UltraPort, a small accessory connector on the top of the display. Among the accessories currently available are a digital camera and a Bluetooth module. A single PCMCIA slot provides the capability to add other accessories, but IBM takes it a step further by integrating a CompactFlash slot as well. There's even a little LED to illuminate the keyboard when working in the dark. Other ports include two USB outs, an infrared out, and a VGA out.
For connectivity, there's integrated Ethernet, 802.11b, and a 56-Kbps modem. The integrated 802.11b doesn't provide an easy method of disabling the radio, unlike HP's Omnibook 500, which uses a button on the display. Despite some drawbacks, integrated wireless capabilities are always welcome in our book.
Like most ultraportables, the X22 relies on a docking station for access to a floppy drive, CD-ROM or other optical drive, and legacy ports. We were supplied with the UltraBase X2 Media Slice, but IBM provides a variety of docking solutions. The X2 Media Slice includes a fixed floppy drive and a hot-swappable DVD/CD-RW drive. The DVD/CD-RW drive can be replaced with a battery or other optical media. IBM charges a ridiculous amount for its optical drives -- for example, $559 for the DVD/CD-RW drive. We suggest you buy the CD-ROM drive for $125 and upgrade when prices reach a more reasonable level.
The bottom line
The IBM ThinkPad X22 is the best ultraportable notebook we've seen to date. Keeping with IBM tradition, the X22 feels solid all around, from the case to the firm keyboard. The keyboard does lack a Windows key, but we're willing to overlook that for the impressive list of features and stellar performance. The unit we tested is priced at $3,157, but don't let the price preclude a second look. Avoiding the overpriced DVD/CD-RW drive drops the price to $2,723, which is cheaper than the HP Omnibook 500 and comparable to the Compaq Evo N400c.
Put the X22 on the top of the short list for the road warrior's dream machine.
Pros: Great performance; good battery life; integrated 802.11b; CompactFlash slot.
Cons: Expensive DVD/CD-RW drive.
Company: IBMPhone: 1.888.746.7426
Price: $3,157 as tested
Available: Now
Category: Notebooks
Specs: Low-voltage mobile Intel Pentium III-M 800 MHz; 256MB PC133 SDRAM; 20GB hard drive; ATI Mobility Radeon 8MB; 12.1-inch display (1024x768); Ethernet; 56-Kbps modem; integrated 802.11b; ThinkPad UltraBase X2 Media Slice; swappable DVD/CD-RW; floppy; 3.7 pounds; 11 inches by 8.9 inches by 1.2 inches; Microsoft Windows 2000.
