Sorry if this was discussed but I noticed a new model line in the X category, the X40. It appears to be even lighter (by a fraction of a pound) than the X30, but otherwise similar.

The one thing it gives up though is the discreet 16MB Radeon 7500 card, as the X40 has an IGP in it.

Any thoughts on this? Its not even shipping yet and I don't see any reviews for it.

Another thing it gives up is the faster processor. The X31 can go up all the way to a 1.7 Pentium-M, while the x40 is stuck at 1GHz.

Are you sure it goes to 1.7? I only see it going up to 1.6 on the IBM thinkpad shopping site.

I hope you're right though.

Oops. Sorry about that. Hah yeah it looks like only 1.6 which is still pretty good in my opinion. I dont see why it wouldnt be able to run with a 1.7 in there, if its socketed. But anyways... despite what we (you and I) have pointed out so far... such as the change from a dedicated GPU to a integrated , and also the change in processor speed (a large diff by the way 1<1.6), I think you can find the x31 at a better price.

In my opinion going from the x31 to the x40 is a downgrade. For the small amount of weight and space that you lose, you also lose a considerable amount of processing power.

I believe the main selling point for the x40 is a longer battery life, thus the usage of the ultra low voltage or low voltage celeron m. I placed an order on the morning of the announcement, but I cancelled the order two days ago after learning the estimated shipping date was changed to late March/early April.

I hate waiting. I may reconsider when IBM offers a build to order option for the X40.
or I may rethink my options and get a Vaio TR3. or wait for the mid year product announcements...

Why would you want to go with a Vaio TR3?

I really dont think they are worth what they cost. If you are going to look into something like that... why not go for the Fujitsu P5000?

The P5000 is a great subportable - but the screen on the TR3 is going to be better. The P5000 can be upgraded though (bigger hard-drive at least) where the TR3 can't.

Both have a combo drive - which the X40 *doesn't* - don't know the value in that (personally).

Bigger hard drive and also a faster one. Besides that, the P5000 has a modular bay that can accomodate an extra battery, cd burner, or dvd burner. I think those are other advantages over the TR3.

I have seen the Fujitsu 5020. With the exception of the plastic case, it seems to be a good contender. I just don't like the plastic squeeking sound when typing.

Even though I cancelled my Thinkpad X40, I received a notice from IBM that the order has been delayed to 04/09/2004. I am still interested in the X40. Because of the delay I had second thoughts on the order.

I found some alternate models for light weight notebooks, but they are only Japanese releases. The Panasonic Y2 is awesome. The main features are its 14" screen, 2.5" form factor hard drive, intergrated CDR/DVD, and 3.3 lbs weight. Hitachi PriusGear notebook series is another 12", 1280x800 screen notebook with a Pentium M 1.5Ghz, glossy screen which may be similar to the TR3s, and modular bay housing a CDR/DVD or TV tuner/PDR of some type.

These alternates are costly since they are imports and maybe consider luxury items. I'm trying to find out the price and availablity of the Hitachi laptop with one of the importers.

too bad about the X40 being delayed. It's a nice system - but I liked the X31 better as it packed a fair bit more power.

Your P5000 creaked? I had a T90D (asian version of the 5000) and loved it. Never noticed any creaking while typing or anything like that. It wasn't as solid as my T41p - but best I can - nothing short of another IBM is going to be.

Something I wish the US manufacturers would start picking up on is that glossy LCD. I absolutely love them.

Yep I like the x31, too. Plus I believe that for the size decrease and weight decrease that you get... its not worth loosing all the power that you lose when going from a x31 to a x40