ThinkPad X301 Review

Before going too far we’ll preface this review by saying it’s going to sound a whole lot like the X300 review we did back in February. That’s simply because the new X301 is just a refresh to the X300, and design wise everything remains the same. Internally you have a new Montevina platform Intel chipset and Lenovo also saw fit to add a DisplayPort interface this time around, but other than that we’re talking carbon copy of the X300 here. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, since the X300 won high praise.
The review unit ThinkPad X301 we have comes with the following specs:Processor: 1.40GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 (1.40GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 800Mhz FSB)Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHDScreen: 13.3-inch WXGA+ (1440 x 900, 300 nit) LED backlit displayMemory: 2GB (up to 4GB configurable)Storage: 64GB SSD (up to 128GB SSD optional)Optical Drive: Ultra-thin DVD BurnerWireless and Communications: Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 (802.11 a/b/g/n wi-fi), BlueTooth 2.0 EDR (Verizon or AT&T 3G wireless available as option, not included)Battery: 6-cell Li-Polymer extended life battery (3-cell Li-Polymer battery available and multi-bay extended life 3-cell battery)Ports: 3 USB 2.0 ports, Monitor out port, AC adapter, headphone/line-out, microphone/line-in, Gigabit EthernetDimensions: 12.4″ x 9.1″ x 0.73″ - 0.92″Weight: from 2.93lbs with 3-cell battery and no optical drive to 3.32lbs with 6-cell battery and DVD Burner inPort Replicator: Via USBInput: Full sized keyboard, trackpoint navigation, touchpad, fingerprint readerOperating System: Windows XP Professional (Windows Vista available in various flavors)Other Features: Integrated web cameraPrice: About $3,000Warranty: 1-year
Notice the dimensions of the X301, it is well under 1-inch thick, meaning it’s easy to slip into a bag for carrying purposes. The light weight makes that doubly the case.