Lenovo ThinkPad X300
GCN Lab review
GCN
LENOVO'S THINKPAD X300 has everything we've come to expect in a ThinkPad laptop PC except weight, tipping the scales at only 3 pounds, 6 ounces.
Its 13.3-inch WXGA+ display was easily the largest in the review and unusual on a lightweight a laptop. We found the keyboard just large enough to be comfortable with even the smaller keys large enough to be sure of hitting the right one, a feature that can't be overestimated on an ultraportable.
MAIN STORY: Portability meets performance
The ThinkPad has a few features that were rare in our test group. It was one of only three laptops with an internal webcam. Only a few manufacturers, including Lenovo, included a track stick pointer in addition to the standard touch pad. But the X300 was unique with its Think- Light, a small white light just bright enough to read by that does a good job of illuminating the keyboard. This might be distracting to others in the room, but the light is a useful feature when that isn't an issue.
A single button opens the ThinkVantage software, which provides a central location for activating or deactivating devices such as Think- Light and the webcam.
In our performance benchmarks, the ThinkPad earned a score of 388, second-highest in the review. Its hard drive read/write performance speeds, 2-D and 3-D graphics capabilities, and 2G of memory contributed to that score. The X300 lasted 3 hours, 10 minutes in our battery test.
The ThinkPad costs $2,936, which was higher than we expected but not outside the realm of reason. The government price of $2,642 moves its value score from fair to good, making it a bargain.
The ThinkPad X300 is a good, solid workhorse that would do well in any office environment.
Lenovo, (866) 968-4465, www.lenovo.com
About the Authors
John Breeden II directs the GCN Lab.
Greg Crowe is the associate technology analyst for the GCN Lab.