MacBook Air vs Lenovo Thinkpad X1

Christian Stefanescu compares the MacBook Air vs the Lenovo Thinkpad X1. His #1 priority seems to be running Linux for development purposes, which is more difficult on a MBA - short of that, the MBA wins.

With maximum specs on both, the MacBook Air is less expensive than the Lenovo X1, but it can only have 4GB of RAM and it does not seem to be a pleasant environment for running Linux natively, or as a dual-boot option. It trumps in display resolution, considerably lower weight, longer battery life, bigger hard-drive space and clever solutions like the power plug or the OS restore system on an USB stick instead of a hidden partition.

The Lenovo X1 comes out as the more expensive laptop, which might suprise some people. The upgrades for RAM and SSD bring the price up a lot, though and I deem it possible to get it below 2000€ by either staying with 4GB of RAM and/or the stock 128GB SSD or buying third-party components. The Lenovo also has the better Linux experience (in theory), the faster processor, better video output connectivity and generally better upgrade options (for instance: battery).

I guess it's up to your priorities, if you have to choose between these two portables. Subjectively, I think the MacBook Air wins this comparison. The only reasons to pick the X1 would be Linux compatibility, extended battery life [with an extra battery!] or 8GB of RAM.

An Android Tablet for Non-Techies

... and the budget-conscious. Interesting that android has become the brand for techies, because it's highly configurable. Unfortunately, that "openness" makes it more difficult for newbies and non-techies. If I were buying my mom a tablet, it would be an iPad - not an Android. The K1 may beat the iPad on pricing - not availability though - but for non-techies the extra cost is often worth the ease of use. Remember, you get what you pay for!

Dana Wollman reviews the Lenovo IdeaPad K1

The IdeaPad K1 is cute, (relatively) affordable, and easy to use, and we know it'll be a sensible choice for some shoppers. We're just not sure that's you, our dear, tech-savvy readers. See, the K1 has two big strengths: one, it's aggressively priced, starting at $449 for 16GB (granted, that version's not on sale, so if you buy today, it's going to be the $499 32GB model). The other major thing the K1 has going for it is simplicity. Lenovo's tweaked Android 3.1 so that settings are easier to find and apps are easy to kill. It also comes with an array of popular apps (or bloatware, if you're cynical). Factor in the attractive design, and we can recommend this, particularly for people with budget constraints, or those looking to give a techie gift to a not-so-techie person. Those things aside, the K1 is heavier than most tablets, and doesn't justify its heft with additional ports, extraordinary battery life or even zippy performance. If you didn't want ports anyway, and know your way around Honeycomb without Lenovo's help (thank you very much), why not just get something thinner, faster, and longer-lasting? Or, you know, at least stick around and see how Lenovo's geekier ThinkPad Tablet fares.

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Ideapad K1 Tablet

Another Android 3.1 tablet. Lenovo's Ideapad K1 Tablet looks interesting as does the strategy of including over 30 apps.







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad