IBM ThinkPad X31 TK1C8UK review

Apart from Access IBM, there's not much in the way of bundled software - only PC-Doctor and Norton AntiVirus 2003 are provided. But we're quite happy with the hardware specifications, with a 40GB hard disk, 256MB of DDR RAM and an ATi Mobility Radeon graphics chip. Don't expect 3D gaming from this machine, however, as the score of 1,539 in 3DMark2001 SE isn't really enough for current games.

It's also worth noting that this model, the TK1C8UK, doesn't come with any extra drives. This means you'll have to buy a separate CD-ROM or preferably the X3 UltraBase docking station. Costing around £140, it allows you to fit an Ultrabay 2000 or Ultrabay Plus drive - such as a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive.

It also adds a serial and PS/2 port to the surprisingly generous number of ports already built into the X31 - these include parallel, Type II CompactFlash, Type II PC Card, FireWire and infrared. The only wireless standard missing is Bluetooth, with WLAN coming courtesy of Intel - after all, this is a Centrino notebook.

It all adds up to a phenomenal ultra portable that, once you take into account the build quality, 2D performance and battery life, is excellent value at £1,135.

Author: Tim Danton