IBM ThinkPad X20

Our last notebook Labs (see Labs, issue 73, p139) saw the IBM ThinkPad A20m put in an average showing, with disappointing performance, although it managed to impress with its no-frills approach and solid design. The X20 is virtually identical to the A20m in terms of styling, and while it may not have the most exciting design, the angular chassis, coupled with the compact size and matte-black finish, gives the ThinkPad X20 a powerful corporate look. The ThinkPad X20 is the ultra-portable sibling to the A20m, and while it won't win any beauty awards, the ThinkPad brand alone will make this a competitive market entry.

Processing power emanates from a Pentium III/600 SpeedStep processor, although even with SpeedStep disabled, the X20 still worked continuously through office-based applications, for an impressive one hour, 35 minutes. This would place it in the top three of our last ultra-portable notebooks Labs test.

The processor is supported by a respectable 128Mb of SDRAM, helping the X20 to deliver impressive 2D application-based performance, with an overall score of 1.62 in our benchmark tests. This is only marginally slower than our A-List ultra portable, the Sony Vaio PCG-Z600NE (see Labs, issue 73, p150), and would have again placed the X20 in the top third of the ultra-portable Labs test.

Although the X20 isn't intended for 3D graphics, it coped with 3DMark2000 admirably, returning a score of 1,001 at a resolution of 640 « 480 in 16-bit colour. This won't let you run the latest in 3D software at high resolutions, but it should be sufficient to run a few 3D games at a playable pace.

A surprising inclusion was the 20Gb IBM hard disk, which not only improves on all the machines tested in the ultra-portable Labs, but also adds 8Gb to the ThinkPad A20m. This is more than enough storage for today's office applications, and also provides enough extra space to future-proof the X20 to the end of its working life. However, some may also see 20Gb in a notebook as overkill, and needlessly pushing up the price with storage space you're unlikely to use, so it's really down to your priorities.

Also notable is the sleek and efficient ten-speed external CD-ROM drive, a slimline external device that adds little extra bulk to your carrying case, and the simple USB plug and play operation makes it hassle free. An external floppy drive is also included, and connects to the supplied docking station, although it's comparatively chunky next to the elegant CD-ROM drive. It's also worth noting that the external floppy disk drive can only be connected to the docking station and not to the notebook on its own.

The 12.1in TFT screen is comfortable to view in XGA, and although viewing angles are smaller than I'd have liked, it's sharp and evenly lit. The lid also feels rugged enough to stand up to the rigours of constant travel, although with its slimline build it won't afford complete protection for the screen. The overall build quality of the X20 is superb, with all the socket and port coverings neatly tucked away to minimise any chance of damage. IBM has stuck with its usual three-button TrackPoint arrangement, which is smooth and responsive, although it can be slower than a glide pad. The keyboard also feels natural, quiet and responsive, and is a pleasure to use.

Even though the X20's performance won't rival comparative desktop machines, IBM has supplied a full docking station to widen its functionality. This adds the usual array of parallel and serial ports, as well as DVI and PS/2 support. If you ever need more memory headroom, the X20 will accept a maximum of 320Mb of SDRAM using SODIMM RAM modules. Since the X20 will spend much of its life on the move a good warranty is vital, and IBM is throwing in a three-year carry-in warranty, which includes a one-year system battery guarantee.