I would buy the X1C if... [ Edited ]

[tovo]

The X1C could easily be my favorite if:

1. it had 2 msata slots stacked.

2. memory not soldered onto pcb, but 2 (stacked) slots available

3. expresscard slot, instead of SD card slot.

I don't get why they have so much empty PCB system board area where the proprietary msata SSD card is, where there would easily be space for 2 (stacked) msata cards of the currently available formfactor (see newegg.com).

T

 http://service.lenovo.partner-management.com/content/CourseWarePublic/14261/player.html

[ThorsHammer]

If you have a proprietary design, you can set the price.

I actually blame Intel for this.  They should have identified this loophole in the "Ultrabook (tm)" specifications and forced everyone to use the already established mSATA form factor.

It's really hard to put the genie back in the bottle after it is out.

[tovo]

Seems like I will wait for the next version of the X1c, and extend the life of my T410s a bit more.

[goretsky Community Moderator]

Hello,

The X1c really strikes me as the type of computer a globe-trotting executive might need.  It has a lot of interesting technologies applied to it, but I don't think it—or UltraBooks in general—are the right form-factor for everyone.  There are times when I can get away with using my X120e for some writing, and other times when I need the power and storage of my W510. 

If you need more storage than the X1c provides and don't want to go with an external drive solution, you might want to take a look at the X220 or X230 series.  You can install a standard mSATA and a 2.5" SATA SSD (the latter has to be 7mm high, though, which does not cost any more than 9.5mm high models), have SDXC and ExpressCard slots for additional storage and so forth.  Yes, they're not as svelte as the X1c, but that's kind of because the X1c is basically a razorblade with a TrackPoint.

Another possibility might be the T430s or forthcoming T430u models, which are the respective "slim" and "ultrabook" models for the fourth generation of Lenovo's 14" T4x0 series of notebooks.  Those might be a little larger than what you're looking for, but a larger size typically means more expansion options.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

[hausman]

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goretsky wrote:

Another possibility might be the T430s or forthcoming T430u models, which are the respective "slim" and "ultrabook" models for the fourth generation of Lenovo's 14" T4x0 series of notebooks.  Those might be a little larger than what you're looking for, but a larger size typically means more expansion options.

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I decided to get a T430s because it's only slightly thicker and heavier than an X1C yet cost half the price, The savings let me upgrade to 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD with lots of money left over. I'm travelling with it now and don't find the size or weight objectionable. The increased screen resolution is a huge improvement over the X61s that I used to travel with.

IMO the X1C is a bit like the 15th anniversary X61s "Reserve" model that came in a leather exterior, etc. It's fine if you want and can afford to impress everyone else at the conference table, But don't buy it for value or for practicality (expandability.)

[tovo]

with the elimination of CD drive, and switch from 2.5" HD to msata, I would have expected that more system board space is available, even with a slight decrease in chassis size, and therefore no other reductions in features and capabilities (expresscard slot, SODIMM modules) is required. Compared to my 2 year old T410s! I would have expected some progress (innovation) from lenovo engineers.

(see my above link to system board pics and replacement videos)

[sarbin]

@tovo...

keep one thing in mind re: internal space on the X1C. a good portion of it is taken up by an internal battery pack. to maintain a good runtime, while staying within the thinness spec, it needs to be larger, footprint-wise, than the snap-in battery packs in other models. i haven't seen any wasted space in the pictures i've seen.

regards.