Lenovo Thinkpad X121e (NWN6UMH-BUN)

Since a week I am in possession of the Lenovo X121e, namely the model with i3-2357 processor ( i5 indication in the specs is incorrect has been modified). Because there is almost no reviews of this model can be found, I decided to post. Briefly describe my findings as the reader of this review are probably aware, the X121e released in several model variants, namely with AMD Fusion Single Core and AMD Fusion Dual Core E350. The model with the Single Core (C-50) you come from almost nowhere and is in my view not interesting compared with the latest Atom models. Likely choice and doubt therefore mainly between the X121e with AMD E350 and Intel i3 variant. I chose it because I i3 model notebook business and the Intel processor outperforms the AMD variant. The price difference for me was not a big argument because I do not have to pay the tax, and there is also a cashback of € 100 applies by Lenovo (with the purchase of the expansion to 2 year onsite warranty which costs approximately € 45 excl VAT) . Also, I liked the black hood is a plus. To make a good comparison, I have the reviews of J0bro and W.Wonderland about the AMD model (NWS5RMH) as a basis, so you can make them easily. beside each other in the box , the outer box (33x25x12cm) containing: The ThinkPad A Levono 63Wh battery (11.1V x 5.16A) 6 cell Power Cord Adapter (20V 65W) manuals in multiple languages ​​(including GB) Hardware Hardware as defined in the specs & images. Very briefly: Intel i3-2357 (dual core 1.3GHz) 4GB DDR3 RAM MAT 11.6 inch display (1366x768) 320GB HD (Hitachi HTS543232A7A384) Wireless Adapter Intel WiFi Link 1000BGN Wired Adapter Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Gigabit UMTS modem Ericsson F5521gw Connections Links on the device: VGA, fan grill, HDMI, USB, Gigabit LAN and Audio. Right on the device: lock, power, USB, powered USB and Card reader (without cover plate) The property / cabinet / internal Unlike the AMD version of this notebook is the hood of the i3 model black. I have not seen the red but emotionally I feel more for business black. In the Lenovo logo on the lid and the keyboard is the tip of the i illuminates red when the laptop is on. In standby mode, this light flashes slowly. When you get out of the box the laptop immediately notice how robust the Lenovo touch. The valve is provided with a coating that rough and soft so not the laptop quickly slips out of your hands. The inside is smooth and feels metallic to. With this notebook you good business for the day. The look is simple, unfussy and "ready for business". The keyboard is spill-resistant and type very tasty. As mentioned in the other reviews and seeing the pictures, there is a pressure sensor with which you can control. Mouse cursor For this, there is also an extra set of buttons (mouse left, center and right) added above the touchpad. I have this "pressure sensor" used before but it suits me very well immediately. Is very precise, smooth and easy to operate. Internally there is a DDR3 (SODIMM) found. Memory Extension to 8GB is possible. The complete "technical area" is by loosening only three screws, then you have access to the hard drive, memory, wifi module, 2nd slot (empty). , the X121e is prepared for UMTS use. Under the battery is a SIM lock present in which you can place. Sim from your mobile internet provider In Device Manager, the UMTS modem adapter is already present. Display Lenovo Actually it was almost a no-brainer. I really wanted a matte screen and performance over an Atom lie. I also wanted a screen at least 11 inches for the road to be able to work seriously. Then you come out fairly quickly with the X121e. The screen is really delicious. Lovely crisp and bright (adjustable in 15 positions) and little affected by reflections. Size is 11.6 inches and the resolution is 1366x768. Software Operating system is Windows 7 Professional , 64bit. You can choose the first boot the desired language. The D partition is about 15GB in size and contains among other things the Lenovo restore. Where I can always annoy me particularly unwanted software (bloatware) which means a lot of extra work the system. Fortunately this is not the case with the Lenovo. At the first start you get to choose the temporary antivirus and Office 2010 preinstall use. When you click "No" is selected, this is also not installed. Lenovo is also noteworthy that the various functions of the notebook nicely integrated into Windows. There is a comprehensive power management module (very extensive with possibility of automatic stretch battery life, etc.), and the same goes for eg wireless. None of this is disturbing presence. Performance Windows 7 is quite fast start, especially if you're using Hibernate. Standby course works even better, this is truly instant-on. I have the graphic keyers and whistles of Windows 7 off and you notice that he does not float. This is really a different level than the Atom netbookjes of earlier generations. I actually had to replace an OCZ Vertex2 SSD that I had lying around the 320GB HD but unfortunately does not fit because the OCZ 9.5 mm thick and then housing offers space for up to 7mm thick. This is what I had read in advance but it is a pity. Soon, just looking for an SSD that will fit (hear that the Intel 320 fits if you took off bracket). Probably you can improve the performance of Windows even further by eliminating some unnecessary services, but here I'll have to dive . As you can see from the 3DMark score, there are also plenty of horsepower you need for a simple game now and then, but this notebook is, in principle, of course, not intended for. Windows Experience Index (AMD E-350 score from reviews J0bro) Base score 4.7 (3.8 for AMD E-350) (determined by lowest score) Processor 4.9 (3.8 for AMD E-350) Memory 5.5 (5.7 for AMD E-350) Graphic 4 7 (4.2 for AMD E-350) Graphics (games) 6.1 (5.7 for AMD E-350) Primary hard disk 5.9 (6.7 for AMD E-350) 3DMark 2006 score Although the notebook not designed for gaming, many people will still wonder if this is possible. That's why I just installed 3DMark 2006, this is the latest version of the 1.20 patch. Score (at default settings and max resolution 1366x768): 3014 Score (at default settings and resolution 1280x720): 3149 I also have a test as Red Alert 3 and installed in this fashion skirmisch turned nice and smooth. Have not really tested further. Battery life is the specifications state that the i3 will last approximately 7.7 hours on battery. I have the laptop only just so I can try this out exactly. However, I do believe that this is pretty easy to pick up when you have the brightness of the screen does not move at 100% (this is adjustable in steps of 15 (!)) And the CPU load is not too high late rise. For my daily work, I use HP HDX 16 "notebook. This is after 2 hours really empty. What a relief it is then when you go to work with the Lenovo. Even surfing, just mail, video playback on TV, watch a movie in bed and the day after that there are still 3 hours battery time. Temperature and Sound For easy usage (including surfing, word processing), the laptop stays cool. If you ask more (for example, during a game of Red Alert 3) then the bottom or hot, the fan blow harder. however it all neat and can not be compared with the normal 15.6 inch notebooks that can quite easily burn your legs. I did notice that the fan can be when I MSN, restless Outlook (Exchange HTTPS have open. sync) and some web pages Every few seconds, you can hear the same speed increase. However, not disturbing, also have very few can test will tell how this will expire. Mobile Internet (UMTS) I bought this mainly notebookje also underway to support my customers. In the past I've always done this by building a connection via bluetooth with my phone and thus make. Connect with internet , however, X121e has an integrated UMTS module. As stated in the specifications, this is a F5521gw Ericsson mobile broadband module. If you remove the battery you will see a small slot where a normal simcard (so no microsim!) Can be placed. I took the acid test and the SIM card out of my phone and inserted into the lock. You have to be careful how it should be placed because the first time I had it wrong. If you're lying on the lid of the battery towards you, the laptop for you than the sim must be placed in the left corner. You will hear a click and then he is as it should be. On Windows, you can go to the ThinkVantage tools. Here you can then choose to UMTS/3G connection and then there is a wizard where you can choose from KPN and other. If you choose Other comes the message that activation is not supported, but it does work just. When you click to activate you must enter the PIN code of the SIM. Then communicates the UMTS module with the SIM and the network and the UMTS connection is available under Lenovo Access Connections (also part of the ThinkVantage package). Here you can double-click the Mobile Broadband connection, enter your PIN and you're online. Works wonderfully! On your smartphone, you can request a provider duocard. You get an extra sim which you can leave. Lenovo Mind you, this is not allowed in each subscription. Of course you can also take out a separate Internet account. This is often called a microsim so you'll need an adapter. This functionality gives the notebook a real added value for me! Additional Cashback If possible, use the cashback action! You can buy an extension to 2 years warranty onsite for + - € 50 and get € 100 back then Lenovo. Two birds with one stone. Note, notebook and warranty package must be on one bill! The warranty package that you need for this is part number: 78Y9363 . Link Lenovo cashback 7mm Solid State SSD which to build his to 7mm include Intel 320 and X-25 series. More information Photos Attached some pictures of the X121e, also in comparison with a 16-inch HP HDX and a 9-inch Acer netbook of the first generation. Lenovo is nice and in between will be the next time my regular travel companion.