IBM EXPRESS THINKPAD X41 TABLET ( 18695CU )

by IBM

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009XVGO2
• Item model number: 18695CU
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2005

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
Tablet-style notebooks are distinctive from standard notebooks in two critical ways. First, they're built for portability, featuring super-slim profiles (less than an inch in this case!) and a lightweight design. More importantly, they offer users an alternative method for inputting data. Those who prefer traditional data entry can take advantage of the integrated keyboard, while users who'd rather "handwrite" via digital ink can simply use the enclosed stylus to freehand sketch their ideas on a double-duty display screen. While not inexpensive, the IBM ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) Tablet PC delivers all the above and more, including wireless communication, fingerprint-based security, and impressive speed for a computer of this size. You'll need to add an optical drive if you want to use CDs or DVDs and you can't expect top-rung 3D graphics performance, but the ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) does what is does very well.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) is equipped with an Intel Pentium M Low Voltage Processor 758. This is one of three components that comprise Intel's efficient Centrino system (the others being a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support). Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. This CPU is one of the new, revamped Pentium M models with two full MB of Level 2 cache for even faster access to your most critical information. Operating at 1.5 GHz, this is a comparatively quick tablet CPU and will easily handle most common mobile tasks. It is not, however, recommended for those demanding applications you usually reserve for your desktop.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The tiny ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) is equipped with a surprisingly beefy 512 MB memory allotment. This is the same amount of RAM you'll find in many of today's much larger notebooks, and is more than enough for effective multitasking or running complex applications without experiencing periods of sluggishness.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller), the best of which include "dedicated" built-in video memory rather than relying on "shared" portions of the system's valuable main memory. This system boasts an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. Though not a controller with dedicated memory, it allocates more system memory than do most "shared memory" controllers and therefore better handles complex 3D images. 3D graphics performance this strong is a rarity in the world of tablet PCs. Nevertheless, the system cannot be considered a true gaming or 3D animation machine.

Display:
It is not surprising that an ultra-compact notebook such as the ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) sports a comparatively smallish 12.1-inch display. Still, its 1024 by 768 maximum resolution offers ample clarity, and its Super Wide Viewing Angle technology means you aren't forced to sit directly in front of the screen to see it.

Hard Disk:
At 40 GB, the integrated hard drive is not as spacious as those found in many of today's notebooks. Yet in a computer of this size, it's certainly none too shabby either. Users may need to curtail their music of video libraries somewhat, but 40 GB of storage space is enough for a full complement of typical mobile applications and files.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Most drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. In order to maintain its portability and diminutive size, this system does not include an optical drive. However, it easily accepts external drives via one of its spare USB ports.

Audio:
The unit is equipped with a SoundMax audio chip and a small mono speaker.

Keyboard and Controls:
You can either use the enclosed stylus to enter data the "old-fashioned" way by writing upon the unit's swiveling, foldable display, or tap in your input via the full-size keyboard.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) sports a solid array of connections. Communication facilities include a super-high-speed 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet interface for fast Internet surfing and email gathering, a standard 56K modem for low-speed dial-up connectivity, and Intel 802.11b/g wireless technology for cord-free online access in either Wireless-B or the much faster Wireless-G standards. Other key amenities include two fast USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras and an embedded security subsystem based on your own fingerprint. IBM has not included an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data streaming from digital camcorders).

Operating System and Software:
The smallish bundled software package is headed by Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC operating system and several anti-virus and security utilities.

Dimensions and Weight:
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and definitely too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that are typically less powerful than their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. Branded by IBM as the "thinnest and lightest 12" convertible tablet available", the ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) definitely hails from the latter category, tipping the scales at a miniscule 3.6 lbs and measuring a mere 10.5 by 8.3 by .81 inches.

Power:
Powering the ThinkPad X41 (18695CU) is a 4-cell Lithium-Ion battery that delivers up to an amazing 6.3 hours of use between charges.

Product Description

LENOVO (18695CU) ThinkPad X41 Tablet 1869 Pentium M 758 1.5 GHz LV-RAM 512 MB-HD 40 GB-Mdm-LAN EN

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding travel computer, January 16, 2006

By 

Mark Bookworth "MB" (Bermuda) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: IBM EXPRESS THINKPAD X41 TABLET ( 18695CU ) (Personal Computers)

This convertible is a pleasure to use. Performance is not cutting edge however there are a number of conveniences built in that make this a great travel choice.

The swivel hinge is rock solid. If you jiggle the screens of other convertibles, you will often notice a wobble. To me this is just unacceptable as a laptop with a screen that moves erratically is impossible to use.

The screen is outstanding. It is only 12.1 inches diagonally (1024x768) but colours are beautiful and text is as crisp as can be.

The security suite included is a real selling point. There is a fingerprint scanner on the lower left of the screen (using your right thumb to activate is easiest in laptop configuration, and your right index finger in tablet configuration). I've had a few "false negatives" but not enough to complain about. Logging in is far more convenient this way.

There is a strong encryption option which encrypts all data on the hard drive.

There is also a connection manager that efficiently keeps track of the various network configurations (including browser proxy server addresses) for the different networks you might use.

Using it as a tablet takes some getting used to at first, but turns out to be a really cool way to work with a computer. I found the handwriting recognition to be good even with my messy writing. If you write neatly you should achieve nearly perfect recognition.

I also bought OneNote which allows you to write notes just as you would on a ruled pad during meetings or phone calls. A very useful clipping tool (scissors in the quicklaunch bar) allows you to clip any screen region in a freeform shape and paste that into your notes. I would recommend getting this with your tablet and spending some time learning it.

The built-in 802.11g/b radio seems quite sensitive and provides 54Mbps of throughput up to about 40 feet from a plain vanilla wireless access point.

I looked for a small case to accomodate the computer and ended up buying a zippered neoprene sleeve (actually designed for a Powerbook). This is useful to protect against bumps and scratches in a backpack or briefcase, and it looks stylish. Also recommended.

There are a couple of hints I can pass along:

1. Don't be afraid of resting your hand on the screen and pressing fairly hard with the pen. This is a more rugged screen than on standard laptops and will not scratch as easily.

2. There is no optical drive so a 1+GB USB 2.0 thumbdrive is essential. I am still trying to find a good light DVD writer but with no success.

3. Microsoft is pulling out the stops to encourage folks into tablet computing. THey have a great selection of games and extras on their XP Tablet Edition website.

Hope you enjoy it if you get one!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Mine is a lemon, March 27, 2007

By 

Warren B (Irvine, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: IBM EXPRESS THINKPAD X41 TABLET ( 18695CU ) (Personal Computers)

Horrible, horrible, horrible machine. My problems with this machine could fill out a thick Grisham thriller. The fingerprint technology is not working. Certain USB devices are not recognized. The batteries went (almost) dead after 10 months. Wi-Fi is slow and weak: the laptops of my girlfriend or my co-author, put side-by-side, connect much faster and do not lose signals so frequently. Most recently it turned out that bluetooth is not working as well. I tried it with two different devices that, between themselves, established communication in ten seconds. The design of this machine is not so bad but there are various buttons that are either useless (Access IBM) or non-intuitively designed (page up/page down). Go for it if you want to take a risk of getting such a sour lemon as mine.

4.0 out of 5 stars Love it, January 30, 2008

By 

Albert Gris (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: IBM EXPRESS THINKPAD X41 TABLET ( 18695CU ) (Personal Computers)

I bought an X41 tablet used and I love it. The screen is responsive and the tablet features are fun. Not having a cdrom drive is a bummer and it does get warm, but they are easily made up for by the ability to hand-write digital notes on a job site.
Great Product.