The Lenovo Thinkpad X220 Tablet has a "one way only" rotation system and no "securing latch". The mechanisms are different than the previous generation which is the X201 Tablet.
The positive aspect of one way rotation is that the machine will train the human to rotate it one way only. (hahaha) This rotation mechanism might be simpler and sturdier than the more "loose" both direction system. You cannot by "by-curious" with the X220T. ;-)
The securing latch is something that most people won't need. Removing that latch allows for easier transition between laptop and tablet modes. For the "hardcore running around" type person this should be a concern. If you for some strange and weird reason have the screen facing down you will notice that the system opens little by little due to screen's weight + gravity. Shake the money maker and the screen will open a lot.
I hope the video and my little details aid your decision making power to BUY the X220 TABLET. I have to figure out how to make subliminal messages, and trick you ;-) muahahaha.
18 comments:
Hey jesse,
nice review! :)
Really good to see the details u said in the video!
Does the screen turn reft or right if its in tablet mode?
Great ur hp has also arrived - do u make also reviews about this system?
Greetings tobi
From laptop to tablet is turning to the right (clockwise), and to return from tablet it's to the left (counter clockwise).
I haven't typed a review about the DV6T QE but I have uploaded a video that goes over it.
There is a separate tablet sleeve that you can buy. I've never used it, but it looks like it might be able to hold the screen in place if you're out in the field.
I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on getting this tablet, at least when the Gorilla glass version comes out. The only thing I'm concerned about is Lenovo's reputation with processing and shipping. If you look at the Thinkpad forums, there are horror stories a-plenty.
Thanks for another review. I was laughing really hard when you showed us the tablet upside down and shaking it like crazy.
Question, how much of a wiggle room does it give if you try to rotate the screen while in complete tablet mode? On my x61t with the lock, I can still move it about 3mm back and forth. I'm wondering how well the intruding knob stops the tablet screen from moving.
Thanks!
@Anonymous regarding sleeve and Lenovo reputation.
Yes a sleeve or a case that fits the body well will keep the screen closed. It's one thing worth considering if you are moving around a lot in a vehicle.
As far as I'm concerned there are horror stories with all companies. Negative comments always seem to make more buzz than positive ones. There's more passion into negative reviews/comments and they are also very entertaining. I know Dell has probably the worst record but they might have corrected their shortfalls. The only way to find out what happens is when you try it yourself.
@Nickname un...
The wiggle room is about the same 3mm as in the X61T.
Hey Jesse,
thanks a lot for another very informative video. Quite shocking one though! I was certain that they had integrated magnets to hold the screen in place while closed and also when display up (tablet function) at least with a small force to prevent it from falling down under its own weight and just give it a better feeling. This rattly thing.... sorry, but they should have left it the way it was (mechanical locking mechanism).
Is there any chance that you might have received a pre-launch unit that doesn't have the magnets yet?
Keeping my fingers crossed!
greetings from germany
I think it's very possible that I have an "early" version. I have unit No. 2 out of an initial 10 review units.
There was no statement within the papers saying that I had a review or a retail unit.
Hey Jesse, Your review was very helpful. Before finally ordering the X220 I wanted to know three things: (1)Is the digitizer pen complementary with the laptop or is an accessory to be purchased separately? (2)Apart from the optical drive how useful is the Ultrabase for an average user?
Thanks!
Ashish,
1. The digitizer pen comes with the system.
2. The Ultrabase will be useful to those that love to hook a lot of things to the system. If you like to connect hard drives, ethernet, speakers, external monitor and more the Ultrabase will be useful. It's neat because once you are done doing "desktop" work and you want to be more portable you just press a button, and then unlatch the X220T. My current HP DV6T QE setup right now could use an Ultrabase or docking station. I'm waiting for a USB 3.0 docking station and then I might purchase.
Great Reviews Jesse, you probably convinced me to pull the trigger on the x220t system. And I too was laughing when you flipped the tablet upside down to prove your point (might have given someone at lenovo watching a heart attack though). But if you were indeed in space using the tablet upside down there wouldn't be gravity to pull the laptop screen downward. I just wanted to point that out. I think it just gives you another reason to say why the latch really isn't needed.
If you were in space it wouldn't matter. On the takeoff of a spaceship it might matter. ;-)
Enjoy the X220T. It's a very good system.
Hey,
Do you still have your X220t? Wondering if you have the same problem as me... when I rotate the screen any full screen windows "pop" out of fullscreen and need to be maximised again post rotate. Very irritating but don't know if it's just my setup?
That's the default behavior. I don't have the X220T anymore.
Video @2:25: When you have the machine in tablet mode shaking like this.... BANG BANG BANG
You really convinced me about the durability of the machine with that one. :D
That video wasn't my only take. It must have been about the 5th try to make a decent video. So the screen can take a bit of a beating.
Hi Jesse, it turns out X220T also has a rollcage:
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Tablet-ThinkPad-Laptops/quot-Rollcage-quot-feature-makes-substantial-diference/m-p/625969#M14603
Nice review. Thank you. No one mentions that there's no DVD drive. How do you play DVDs, load programs, etc? Also, is there a Thinkpad light? Thanks.
Julia,
To play DVDs with the X220T you would have to:
Option 1 - Buy a USB DVD Drive (cheaper)
Option 2 - Buy a Lenovo ThinkPad Series 3 Ultrabase AND a compatible DVD drive. http://www.jessebandersen.com/2011/08/lenovo-thinkpad-ultrabase-series-3-aka.html
There's no "keyboard" light on the Lenovo ThinkPad X220T. It has the keys for it, but it doesn't. I have seen the light working on the Lenovo ThinkPad W520 which is a different system. http://www.jessebandersen.com/2011/06/lenovo-thinkpad-w520-hardware-and.html
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