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Problem with Thinkpad X31/X32?

post #1 of 8
6/7/06 at 2:43pm
Thread Starter 
Hi, I'm new to this forum so please excuse me if my query has already been answered. I currently have an old Compaq Presario 900 and I'm looking to invest in a 2nd hand/refurbished Thinkpad - either X31 or X32. I was wondering whether either of these machines would have a problem when it comes to running Microsoft Vista. I have been reading some reviews suggesting that the graphics cards in them aren't great and while I am not a gamer I hear Vista will require a good graphics card to function properly.

Do you think there would be a problem? Also, is it possible to upgrade the graphics cards in these models? How much would it cost roughly?

Thanks

Kozo
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post #2 of 8
6/8/06 at 8:40am
I haven't tried Vista on anything that old, but judging from other machines, the video score will likely be in the 1 to 2 range due to the old chipset and 16MB of VRAM. This would likely run Vista Basic, but be unable to run the more advanced graphic elements. You would need to increase RAM to a minimum of 512MB and preferrably 1GB. The HDD will likely need to be upgraded significantly to improve scores as well. I can't be more specific due to NDAs.

The graphics card and processor cannot be upgraded on these models.
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post #3 of 8
6/8/06 at 9:57am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the reply. I'm considering an x60 instead as the investment would probably be worth it for something a little more capable. It has a GMA950 graphics card which I've heard can run Windows Vista fully.

Having never seen a Thinkpad working in front of me (only photos) as I don't know anywhere around where I live that sell them I was wondering whether the graphics capabilities are really as basic as people suggest. Will I notice an improvement from my current Compaq Presario 900 (2002) or will it be poorer?

This is currently the only thing that is putting me off getting one. I don't play games on my laptop or anything but occasionally watch the odd DVD or two (I realise DVD drives on thinkpads are extra). I am looking for something that will be good for me as a student and one that is small and light enough for me to travel with easily.
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post #4 of 8
6/8/06 at 10:05am
Then get an X60. Just because it has intel video (or Radeon 7000 in the X31/X32) doesn't mean it can't do a DVD. It can play games...just not well.

Having owned an X30 and an X31, I love them. The X31/2 have DX7 cards, and Vista wants DX9 for the glass interface. How much this matters to you is up to you...unfortunately the more I see of Vista, the less interested I am in it. (I'll still likely be an early adopter though....knowing how I am).
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post #5 of 8
6/8/06 at 11:09am
I'd have to agree with NecessaryEvil. The X60s are simply awesome performance-wise. The Intel 950 will likely score a 2 on the subsystem rating, disallowing aeroglass, but for general use it's fine. DVD playback on systems back to T20s and A20s has always worked. I've played DVDs with the Mediamatics app on 600s. Shouldn't have any problems with that at all.
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post #6 of 8
6/8/06 at 5:27pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for comments guys. Just been testing out my flatmates laptop - Sony Vaio PCG-v505 (metalic purplish colour) to get a feel for ultraportables. To anyone with experience of this or similar models, how does the x60 compare visually (I have no doubts about the x60's ability to perfom)? The XGA LCD display seems is a little bright and annoying to look at for a long time (unlike my Compaq). The graphics card inside that particualr model is ATI Mobility Radeon 9200, would this be noticeably inferior to the GMA 950 card in my potential x60 purchase?

I think I'm finished with my stupid questions now...


Any further responces greatly appreciated!
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post #7 of 8
6/8/06 at 7:30pm
Ya know...you could turn the monitor brightness down...
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post #8 of 8
6/8/06 at 9:06pm
While the 950GMA is integrated, it doesn't do too badly, provided you have enough RAM in the system. Assuming that you are running a GB of RAM, performance will be good. If feasible, order the system with 1x1GB module. This will allow you to order an additional 1GB SODIMM to run in dual channel and allow for best performance in Vista. It's also cheaper to order RAM from aftermarket vendors, or someone like brentpresley in the classifieds.
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