Lenovo ThinkPad X200

Lenovo also takes full advantage of the extra width provided by the updated chassis. The keys themselves are a little wider than that of the ThinkPad X60 series, and it also offers generous amount of space for those oft-forgotten function keys: you won't have any trouble hitting Home, Delete and the like, as they're large and logically grouped.

The compromise is the trackpad, or lack of one. While long-time users of ThinkPads won't have any concerns about using a trackpoint, anyone weaned on Dell and Sony ultraportables that include trackpads alone will mourn its absence. It's not a killer blow though: once you get used to the trackpoint it's a quick and easy way to navigate a 1,280 x 800 desktop.

Compromises

Of greater concern to most will be the omission of an optical drive, but before you dismiss the X200 solely on this basis it's worth working out just when you really need one. If it's just in the office, an external optical drive may well suffice. If you're looking for a neater solution, Lenovo offers its UltraBase. The cost does start to mount up, though, as this sells for £129 exc VAT.

Also note that, because the X200 is a different body shape to the X60 series (and its predecessors), no previous bases will fit.

At least Lenovo doesn't compromise on the ports. You get three sensibly spaced USB ports around the chassis, none of which are adjacent to each other so you can fit three thumbdrives in simultaneously without issue.

There are also the usual modem and Gigabit Ethernet sockets, along with an ExpressCard/54 slot and a versatile 5-in-1 card reader: it takes Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SD, SDHC and MMC cards (note some models only include support for SD, MMC and SDHC).

The Lenovo extra

Most of the time we complain about the software companies bundle with their computers, but the ThinkPad approach has always been different: Lenovo's ThinkVantage suite of applications is genuinely useful, from the Linux-based OS that allows you to download drivers when Windows won't load, to Access Connections, a utility that lets you manage your wireless connections far more effectively than Windows' own tools do.

Lenovo is also distributing the top-end version of the X200 with Windows Vista Ultimate, which brings with it BitLocker Drive Encryption. In combination with the Trusted Platform Module, this means you can encrypt the whole disk so only people with the correct password - or fingerprint - will ever be able to see its contents.

The warranty is disappointing, though. It's a good length at three years, but there's no hint of on-site cover; you have to pay for the courier costs both to and from the service centre.

A question of style

The final point we need to make is about the X200's style. In terms of looks, comparing the X200 to the Sony Z11 is like putting a tractor side by side with a Porsche 911. It isn't helped by the X200's extraordinarily large screen surround; while it's comforting to know that the extra space is used by the radio antennae, that's not going to gain you any admiring glances.

And it's a little disappointing that the X200 isn't slimmer. At its rear, and including the feet, it measures 35mm thick, and though it tapers down at the front it still measures over 20mm. Compare that to the MacBook Air's much-praised 19.4mm thickness - there's simply no contest.

Does it matter? For serious-minded businessmen, probably not. And to be fair to Lenovo, the ThinkPad's square, uncompromising design has become iconic in its own way over the years.