IBM ThinkPad X31 1.4GHz Pentium M: A Traveler's Best Friend
by Matthew Witheiler on April 11, 2003 5:59 PM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
The Test
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Windows
XP Professional Test System |
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Hardware |
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IBM
X31 |
FIC Centrino | IBM T40 | IBM T40P | Desktop
System |
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| CPU(s) | Pentium
M 1.4GHz |
Pentium
M 1.6GHz |
Pentium
M 1.5GHz |
Pentium
M 1.5GHz |
Pentium
M 1.6GHz |
Pentium
4 2.4GHz |
| Motherboard(s) | IBM
855PM |
Dell
855PM |
FIC
855PM |
IBM
855PM |
IBM
855PM |
Intel
D845EBT 845E |
| Memory | 256MB
PC2100 |
512MB
PC2100 |
512MB
PC2100 |
256MB
PC2100 |
512MB
PC2100 |
512MB
PC2100 |
| Hard Drive | 40GB
4200 RPM |
40GB
5400RPM |
30GB
4200RPM |
40GB
5400RPM |
40GB
5400RPM |
IBM
Deskstar DPTA-372050 20.5GB 7200 RPM |
| CDROM | N/A |
CD-RW/DVD |
CD-RW/DVD |
CD-RW/DVD |
CD-RW/DVD |
Philips
48X |
| Video Card(s) | ATI
Mobility Radeon 16MB DDR |
NVIDIA
GeForce4 4200 Go 64MB DDR |
Integrated
855PM |
ATI
Mobility Radeon 7500 |
ATI
Mobility FireGL 9000 64MB DDR |
ATI
Radeon 9000 Pro 64MB NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200 128MB |
| Ethernet | Onboard
Intel Gigabit |
Onboard
Intel Gigabit |
Onboard
Intel Pro/100VE |
Onboard
Intel Gigabit |
Onboard
Intel Gigabit |
Linksys
LNE100TX 100Mbit PCI Ethernet Adapter |
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Software |
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| Operating System |
Windows XP Professional SP1 |
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| Video Drivers | ATI
7.79.7.3 (latest available for IBM) |
NVIDIA
42.56 (latest available for Dell) |
Intel
6.13.01.3460 |
ATI
6.13.10.6278 (latest available for IBM) |
ATI
7.79.7.3 (latest available for IBM) |
ATI
Catalyst 3.1 NVIDIA 41.09 |
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Benchmarking Applications |
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| Bapco
SysMark 2001 |
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With the Mobility Radeon graphics solution the IBM X31 is not marketed as a 3D notebook, nor should it be. We will therefore not be running 3D tests on the system. The X31 is an ultraportable system best used on trips in 2D mode.
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8 Comments
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DL2 - Saturday, March 20, 2004 - link
I currently have a Dell x300. I have had a problem with a spot appearing on the LCD. I have already had the screen replaced once soon to be again. I have heard that the X31 is more durable than the Dell. Can anyone out there that has the X31 speak to this? Specifically, I am interested in the durablity of the screen as it pertains to being able to carry it on trips without the slightest bit of pressure causing problems with the screen. Thanks.DL2 - Saturday, March 20, 2004 - link
eshepard - Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - link
Is the Mini PCI slot in the machine user-accessible? I'd be interested in installing WiFi there, if possible. Thanks.Anonymous User - Thursday, October 2, 2003 - link
I own an X31. You can boot from any USB device. The option is presented in BIOS.A note about the USB 2.0. Each Thinkpad model line (X31, T40, etc) has many options available. Some are standard on specific model numbers, others are not. Read the specs in full and ask questions before you make a $1200+ investment and you should be fine.
Anonymous User - Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - link
I purchased an X31 and the models they are currently seelling through their express program DO NOT come with USB 2.0! You have to be aware of what model series you are getting. I am very annoyed by this. Especially as I was going to purchase an external USB2 optical drive. Anandtech should investigate this!jeffdique - Monday, August 11, 2003 - link
I'm thinking about getting an X31 myself, and I have a similar concern, especially as regards getting Linux on the machine. The results of a google search on 'usb boot x31' seem to indicate it can boot from *any* USB storage device, including memory keys!Anonymous User - Saturday, August 9, 2003 - link
i'm considering purchasing the x31. however I've always had a laptop that has an internal optical drive. the x31 does not. how does one restore windows? is any USB 2.0 external optical drive bootable? thanks.northernhats - Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - link
I just purchased a used X31, It has all of the speed and durdability and the screen does have a great pretection line. I have not suffered from any mouse dents in the screen or on the edges, if thats what you need to know.Me, personally would rather have a mouse pad instead of the mouse button but I guess thats what makes the X31 model more durable during trips, the little mouse button does not make contact with the screen.