[Thinkpad] Just to let you know: Asus vs. IBM (Subnotebook-Class)

Hello,

i think this will be interesting for others too, so here we go.

Currently i'm thinking about buying a subnotebook. I'm thinking about
the X31 or X40 ... or an Asus S/M5200N

Here's my conclusion why the Asus is not able to beat the IBM:

1.) The M5200N is a competitor because you have an optical drive
    included but the size and weight would be just like the X31.

    But: The cooler in the M5200N is too small (not enough space) so
    that the fan is running all the time! Asus itself confirms that
    problem but it is as it is... no space, no cooler, fan is running

    That will kick the M5200N.

2.) So, if Asus WITH opt. drive is not a solution (fan is always
    running) you can go for a S5200N. It's lighter than the X31 so it
    is comparable with the X40 (but the Asus is a bit bigger)

    Now you don't have an opt. drive. OK. What about the rest?

    Biggest problem: the keyboard layout with the Asus!!! Horroble in
    my opinion:

    - The number-keys are not full height
    - There are no pos1/end/page-up/down keys! You have to use the
      cursor-keys with the Fn-Key
    - I cannot speak for english/amerikan/... layout but the german
      layout normally has the "<>|"-Key on the LEFT side. But not the
      Asus! The Asus has that key on the MOST RIGHT side - Right
      beneath the Cursor-Keys!
    - That means: the Cursor-Keys are not at RIGHT position. There's
      an other key at the right side of the right-cursor key!
    - The cursor-keys are full hight but extremely small
    - The Cursor-keys are at one line with the other keys. That means,
      that the Cursor-Up-Key is at the left side of the smaller
      Shift-Key... and that means, when you are 10-Finger-Typist you
      will often hit Cursor-Up when you like to hit the Shift-Key..
      not very nice design...

Conclusion:
- Bad keyboard-layout with the Asus.
- always running fan with the M-Version of the subnotebook

So the better solution would be the IBM. Of course, more expensive -
but maybe better support, you have IrDA, Bluetooth included, you have
ThinkLight and shock-resistant HDD etc...

Now i'm just where i'm started:

- should i go for a X31 or X40? ... hard decision ...

Pro X31:
- CF-Slot
- 2,5" HDD

Pro X40:
- smaller and lighter (even with high capacity battery)
- 1x Powered USB (for external opt. Drive)

CF-slot is good because i have a microdrive and a digicam with CF. But
i can use it with PC-Card-Adaptor too (just like i do now)

I don't need Firewire so this is no PRO or CON for me

The powered USB is good because i could use the external IBM opt.
Drive without external power supply which would be really annoying on
the road

The 2,5" HDD is good because it could be easily upgraded with higher
capacity

maybe i should buy both, work with both and then send one back... :-)
but i don't have the money for that ;)

-- 
Best regards,
 Boris                          mailto:nospam@nsonic.de
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