In a world where notebooks are expanding into 10-pound behemoths or contracting into keyboardless PDA wannabes, IBM inevitably builds a sub-4 pound design that feels as rigid as a tank, has a far better keyboard than the competition, and provides a smart array of appropriate expandability options. Get a look on tonight's "Tech Live."
The new ThinkPad X30 doesn't stray far from the original X series design or idea. At less than an inch thick and just under 4 pounds the X30 provides top-notch design and usability for serious mobile business professionals. A consumer-friendly notebook this is not, but we can't think of a better portable for the road warrior.
New X things, same X look
As with earlier models of IBM's X series of ultralights, the X30 is built with a solid frame and superior fit and finish. IBM has re-enforced the X30's LCD panel mounts with larger metal brackets rather than depending on a combination of plastic and metal. The notebook's keyboard, as with nearly every IBM notebook we've reviewed, is a pleasure to type on. Unlike the earlier X22 models, the X30 doesn't have the unpopular UltraPort expansion slot.
IBM offers a bevy of X30 expansion and media slice devices for a variety of needs. However, many of these options will rapidly increase the already hefty X30 price tag of $2,000 to $2,500.
- X3 Ultrabase expansion dock with two drive bays and an expansion battery bay: $199
- Extended lithium-ion battery slice: $189
- CD-RW/DVD combo drive: $399
The review unit that TechTV Labs received for review came loaded:
- Intel PIII-M 1.2-GHz processor
- 256MB memory
- Intel 830MG Integrated video
- 40GB ATA-100 hard drive
- 12-inch XGA screen
- Embedded 802.11b wireless
- Rapid Restore HDD image recovery
- Windows XP Professional
How we tested
In testing the X30 we focused almost exclusively on business applications and battery life. In Notebookland anything over 1 GHz would be overkill for basics business apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and any number of database applications. We tested the X30's essential business and Internet application performance under SysMark 2002, and it was the first ultralight to break 100; it scored 106.
Though we won't expect a CEO to fire up a first-person shooter during a board meeting, it's still nice to have options. We ran 3D benchmarking on the X30's Intel integrated 830 video subsystem, as we do with all notebooks that come through the doors of TechTV Labs. Though we can't recommend this notebook for gaming, it has more than enough power to deal with all the DVD movie and audio needs that may arise.
In battery-life testing using BatteryMark 4.01, the X30 pulled in an impressive three and a half hours under basic usage. Although this is a slightly lower time than we got in our earlier test of
last year's IBM X22, it's still better than in nearly every other ultralight. IBM also offers the X30 extended battery slice, which is great for longer flights and marathon meetings. Though it costs more and adds weight and thickness, we would recommend it as an option for all day computing.
Bottom line
If you're well-educated in the world of notebook computers, then you know that you'll always pay a premium for choosing IBM. But if you can stomach the price, you won't be disappointed. We haven't seen a better ultralight notebook with the right combination of core mobile business performance and design.
Pros: Rigid design; great battery life; excellent keyboard; great overall performance.
Cons: Poor high-end video performance; pricey.
Company: IBMProduct name: IBM ThinkPad X30
Price: $2,499
Specs: PIII-M 1.2-GHz; 256MB RAM; 12-inch 1024x768 native screen; Intel 830 integrated graphics chipset; 40GB ATA-100 hard drive; 802.11b integrated wireless; one compact Flash slot; one Type II PCMCIA slot.
