Lenovo Tablet

[mike.online]

Every once and a while, ther are threads here asking what computer is best... well, the truth is that many will do the job just fine!


I've recently bought the Lenovo x200 Tablet ( w/ 4GB ram, Intel Core2-64 L940 @ 1.84ghz, 64GB solid state hard drive, Vista Business 64-bit) and I can say that this machine is very nice. It is very lightweight and processes photos very easily. This morning I was processing some stuff from an event and had wifi going in a coffee shop. The battery lasted 4.5 hours on full power consumption rate (with the 8 cell LI). At home I've been using a 22" widescreen monitor plugged into the Lenovo which is a winning combination.

Having the tablet is a real bonus too, it makes using the brush tool in LR2.3 a real breeze. I have yet to do serious retouching in photoshop with it, but I can update you when I try it next week.


Overall I'm very satisfied with this machine. I got it on a sale from the Lenovo website and they seem to have them frequently.

- Mike

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hmm, maybe this belongs in the computers and periferals section.... if a mod wants to move it, be my guest!

[Gemmtech]

I've used quite a few different brands of laptops and I must admit that I was always fascinated by people who proclaimed their IBM Thinkpads (Now Lenovo) the "BEST".  I had used HP, Dells, Sonys and even bought a MAC and then one day I tried a Lenovo and I "Got it" immediately.  They are the best, PERIOD, their keyboards are worlds ahead of everybody and I believe their trackpads are as well, the feel and sensitivity are just perfect, much better than an Apple MBP IMHO.  I still like the HPs a lot for style (Lenovo has no style) and options, but if you just want a laptop that works great and has the best keyboard in the world then buy the Lenovo.  Plus the darn things seem to work forever.

[Keith Snell]

Hi Mike,

I am very seriously considering the x200 tablet as well.  I'm drawn to it mainly because it is one of the few "laptops" available that has a bright (non-glare) IPS screen.  It sounds like a winner for basic photo editing in the field.

The one thing that is holding me back a bit is the "unknown" abouit the color fidelity of the screen.  Can I ask what version of the display you have?  Is it the CCFL or LED version?  Pen only or "multi-touch"?  Outdoor readable (400nit) version?

Have you color calibrated the screen?  If so, how does it compare to your 22" desktop (assuming you have that one calibrated)?

Any other "helpful hints" on the machine or configurations?

Thanks,
Keith

[mike.online]

Hi Mike,

I am very seriously considering the x200 tablet as well.  I'm drawn to it mainly because it is one of the few "laptops" available that has a bright (non-glare) IPS screen.  It sounds like a winner for basic photo editing in the field.

The one thing that is holding me back a bit is the "unknown" about the color fidelity of the screen.  Can I ask what version of the display you have?  Is it the CCFL or LED version?  Pen only or "multi-touch"?  Outdoor readable (400nit) version?

Have you color calibrated the screen?  If so, how does it compare to your 22" desktop (assuming you have that one calibrated)?

Any other "helpful hints" on the machine or configurations?

Thanks,
Keith

Keith, just seeing this now, my bad.

after more than six months with this computer I'm still very, very happy with the purchase. the step in size from the 22" is a bit of a pain but i got used to it pretty quick. I chose the non touch screen because with the glass cover its much more durable. as for the screen quality, I'm pretty sure I got the better one of the two options, can't remember which it is. I can't really compare it to the other as I've just used this one only.

In the field (with is bright equatorial sun) it preforms well, and with the 8 cell battery it is the energizer bunny.


haven't calibrated this screen, as there is little hope of getting to a profiled printer where I am now.

the pen works really well, the touch sensitivity is cool, and there are no batteries in the pen (until some others like the HP models, TC1000). using the screen though with the pen means that sweat from my hands get on the screen and you'll need to clean it pretty much after any field session.

one niggly little thing is that the shift key doesn't seem to cooperate with my pink too well. i think that's mostly because i have rather large hands.

buy a good wireless mouse because after ten hours a day for a couple days the little nubbin (which is far, far superior to fingerpads) can be a bit rough.

also i don't have any trouble with lightroom, but if i'm running itunes, mozilla (with a number of tabs open), skype, a few other programs and stitching a 5-shot pano in photoshop the machine will crawl.

turning off all outside programs though i had a decently easy enough time stitching 10 30D files together (8.2MP each shot)

hmm what else... the SSD is nice, but you need to use an external with it if it is more than just a field photography machine. the WD My Passport is treating me quite well.

oh, doesn't have any firewire... not sure if thats important for you. also, spring for the wireless radio upgrade... its pretty badass.

if you have any other questions feel free to ask. I hope I've answered a few for you

[Keith Snell]

Thanks Mike,

That information helps a lot.  I'm still torn between something like the tablet, or something like the HP 8730W with the dreamcolor display.  Decisions, decisions...

Keith