Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X300

April 22nd, 2008 | by Josh Norem

Display Details

In the past most ultra-portable notebooks have used small 12.1” displays in order to keep size and weight to the minimum, but recently manufacturers have moved to a larger 13.3” display for the simple reason that more display real estate is better as long as it doesn’t negatively impact overall weight. The X300 uses a 13.3” LED backlit display, similar to the MacBook Air paired with onboard Intel X3100 graphics. The movement toward using LEDs for a backlight instead of cathode tubes is gaining popularity as its makes for more even lighting, reduces backlight leakage at the edges of the display, and consumes less power.

The Fixed Bay

Most ultra-portable notebooks do not include an optical drive, and though it’s mostly due to weight and size limitations it’s also because most people don’t bring CDs with them on the road and only occasionally need access to such a drive. Lenovo recognizes this, and allows the user to remove the optical drive and replace it with either a lightweight travel bezel that protects the port, or an additional 3-cell battery. Lenovo claims that when using Windows XP and the optional 6-cell battery, the additional 3-cell battery can extend battery life up to 10 hours.

Operating System

The default OS for the X300 (and all business-oriented notebooks these days) is Vista Business, but Lenovo also offers Windows XP Professional at no additional charge and Vista Ultimate for an extra $63. If you are considering ordering an X300 with Windows XP, you better get on the ball since Lenovo won’t be able to offer it after June 30th.

Security Features

Like all ThinkPads, the X300 comes with a biometric fingerprint scanner that can be used to log into Windows. It also features Lenovo’s Active Protection System for the internal hard drive, which monitors the movement and acceleration of the laptop in order to protect the hard drive. It also includes a Trusted Platform Module which can encrypt passwords.

The X300 sports a gorgeous 13.3” LED backlit display that runs at 1440 x 900.