Lenovo X300 vs. Apple MacBook Air... Fight!

As long as Lenovo is drawing a direct comparison between their own X300 and the MacBook Air, we thought we'd go ahead and put them side-by-side for you. So dear reader, how do you define perfection?

[NSA @ Feb 15th 2008 9:48AM]

Couldn't agree more. Apt analogy.

[Orangey @ Feb 15th 2008 8:07AM]

It's So Damn Ugly!!! The same as every thinkpad has looked for years, solid as a brick but undesirable in appearance. Surely they could layout a little bit of that R&D budget to make the design a little bit competetive.

Sony Have got their design work done, bang on for the stuffy corporate market

[ez @ Feb 15th 2008 8:09AM]

It's really not about the computer, it's about the OS. Having said that, even if I wanted a Win box, I'd still take the $1700 MBA and stick XP on there using Boot Camp. Of course, what we should be comparing the Lenovo to is the MacBook, which would win in a landslide.

[ian9outof10 @ Feb 15th 2008 8:09AM]

What is wrong with you people. To everyone that says "don't forget OSX is better than Vista" what about the multitude of Linux based OSs that are available for free?

Seriously, are you all that blind to the fancy effects of OS X that you can't see the available, Free, options for your Intel or AMD based hardware.

Get a grip.

[Wwhat @ Feb 15th 2008 8:13AM]

Hmm, well don't notebooks have all that propriety hardware that makes it so hard to get linux to work smoothly on it out-of-the-box?

[mazimi @ Feb 15th 2008 8:21AM]

Seriously, everyone that comments about OS limitations on either hardware is an idiot. Both notebooks are completely capable of running Vista/XP/Linux/OSX. My Lenovo x61 tablet has Vista/OSX/Ubuntu. Install whatever OS you like.

[ben @ Feb 15th 2008 8:22AM]

@ Wwhat
Linux has come a long way. It's true that a lot of users experience problems getting integrated wi-fi working right from the installation, but ethernet almost always works. Also, Lenovo typically includes wi-fi chips with Open Source drivers, which are detected in the install or Live environment.

[ard buijsen @ Feb 15th 2008 8:24AM]

it's quit simple, most "normal" people don't use Linux. So that why it's not there.

And let's face it, Apple was the 1st one to skip the floppy drive and everybody was shouting. Doe we miss it. No. I think they might be sot on by saying that you don't need all that connectivity once you're on the road. And the whole replaceable battery bs. I never replace my MB battery, other then when it broke down and Apple replaced it for free. A Superdrive you don't need if you're on the road so skip that too.

So the clear inner on specs can only be the MBA (faster cpu, more RAM and let's face it greater wow-factor).

[Bender Bending Rodriguez @ Feb 15th 2008 8:39AM]

I will agree that Linux has come a long way and Ubuntu seems to the best option for long time Windows and Mac users to as it does its best to abide to the mantra "it just works." That isn't to say that it's a long way off from being as simple as as Windows or OS X. It's a great effort, but it isn't nearly ready to be an option for non-technical computer users.

[Kelmon @ Feb 15th 2008 9:10AM]

There's a few things to note here. Firstly, I like OS X and the way that it works - it works the way I expect it to and doesn't get in my way so I have no incentive to switch to Linux (unlike Windows that drove me nuts and prompted the original switch). Secondly, Linux won't run my applications and I have no intention of trying to find alternatives. Linux needs to deliver a compelling reason to switch and so far I can't see one, mostly because OS X does what it needs to do. Free, honestly, isn't very important.

Finally, the important thing about the effects in OS X is that they all serve a purpose - nothing is there just to "look fancy".

[Wwhat @ Feb 15th 2008 1:44PM]

It's just that I hear people bitch enough about trying to get their mobile graphics drivers updated on windows which makes me think it isn't too easy on linux either, although linux doesn't have so much choice in that area of course but in general many notebooks have some brand-locked stuff that requires drivers from the manufacturer on windows which is hard to update, and that makes me think they are not that open to linux either, and we all know apple isn't very open to 3rd parties don't we?

[ben @ Feb 15th 2008 8:17AM]

although the Air has a significant sex factor that needs to be considered, the X300 is much more of an actual computer.

Anyone who says that the Air is supposed to be a real computer is kidding themselves; 1 USB port and no optical? Surely you jest.

And Vista? You can take care of that with the generously provided DVD drive. It's like ian9outof10 said (now that I've noticed it), throw linux on the X300 and you're set.

X300+GNOME+AWN+MacOS theme of choice=Cheap Macintosh

[Skeezle @ Feb 15th 2008 9:11AM]

ports & add on drives are what make a REAL computer? Add on themes to make it look like OSX?


Surely you jest!

[Kelmon @ Feb 15th 2008 9:21AM]

Technically, what you get is a computer that looks like a Mac but it won't behave like one and clearly won't run its software either. Whether that is important or not is up to the buyer, but if you are prepared to go through installing all this then I think you are knowledgeable enough to know that what you are getting is not a Mac. If you want a cheap Mac then a Hackintosh is the only way to go, although I wouldn't advise it.

[ben @ Feb 15th 2008 9:35AM]

@Skeezle
I will certainly admit that a computer doesn't need ports and an optical to be a computer, but those items definitely contribute greatly to the functionality that everyone expects from a computer. The Air really doesn't have that functionality. Yes, you could buy a USB hub and the special Air-only external Superdrive thing, but computers that are meant to be used as computers have those things without all the sex and prohibitive cost.

@Kelmon
Absolutely. A Hackintosh isn't recommended for most people, but for people like me who are on a budget and who know about computers, a Hackintosh is probably the best way to go. Of course, we all eventually switch to KDE :-)

[eucalyptus @ Feb 15th 2008 8:21AM]

i am a thinkpad user, but lets face it, in a way apple always had a nice design, i dont want to start an os war, since mac has the bootcamp option, and if you really want, you can install an osx to a thinkpad too, now even for a road warrior the number of ports, extra battery(ultrabay battery instead of the ODD), 3g option, and gps, thinkpad keyboard, roll cage are making the x300 number one here....

[brassready @ Feb 15th 2008 2:22PM]

That..... Is a really long sentence.

[thomas Deffieux @ Feb 15th 2008 8:21AM]

Macbook
- 1.08 inches instead of 0.76
+ same form factor otherwise !
- 5 pounds instead of 3
+ Full connectivity
+ Better specs
+ From 1099$

[Bender Bending Rodriguez @ Feb 15th 2008 8:32AM]

The Macbook is 66% heavier than the Air. That does make a difference. It's a niche machine for a specialize market, If you are looking for the most bang for your buck then Apple isn't the way to go. While the MacBook is an good value for a C2D machine you can do much better with a $400 Dell or HP, assuming it's running Windows.

[Arjun @ Feb 15th 2008 8:21AM]

Dang, that Thinkpad is sick. Because unlike the Air, it includes

-Built in Camera
-Full size backlit keyboard
-Multi-touch trackpad
-Faster Processor
-More RAM
-And last but not least, OSX.

Actually, hold on a second...

[viro @ Feb 15th 2008 12:10PM]

the x300 cpu is 2 ghz not 1.8ghz like the mba

[Jeff @ Feb 15th 2008 11:27PM]

Yeah....gotta have that multitouch trackpad...can't live without pinching my photos in Starbucks... Another expensive latte please!

[Mitch @ Feb 15th 2008 8:25AM]

Personally, i rather my laptops looking like Russian tanks rather than pancy aluminum glowing apples

[Karl Viklund @ Feb 15th 2008 8:28AM]

Flawless victory for MacBook Air!

[Itchy Pajamas @ Feb 15th 2008 8:31AM]

The machines are both great. The X300 is a feature-filled box in search of an operating system. The Air is coolness and compromise (although not as bad as I'd expected.) I could happily have both in my arsenal.

[jus10 @ Feb 15th 2008 8:35AM]

*picks up his regular Macbook*

Does everything these overpriced toys do. Saves $1,000. Problem solved.

[dukeswharf @ Feb 15th 2008 8:36AM]

The Mac Air is quite clearly a dumb blond who I would eventually leave to have an affair with Olga, the robust, well built and hight spec'd X300.

Boy does she serve up a mean hsdpa, wimax and expresscard!

[jamesged @ Feb 15th 2008 8:38AM]

I'm confused. That looks an awful lot like a full-size keyboard on the X300 to me. Isn't it? Also, I'm convinced the informational images posted here earlier today said it was backlit. Was I wrong?

I'd also assumed that thing at the top of the screen was a built-in camera. Is it just a funny-looking ThinkLight?

[Ty @ Feb 15th 2008 8:49AM]

You dumbass windoze lovers are a waste of my oxygen.

Please just crawl away and rot somewhere?

Your blatent ignorance and taste disgust me.

[zargon @ Feb 15th 2008 9:16AM]

Yeah, because I am sure your shit doesn't stink.

Get over yourself and get a life.

[brent98 @ Feb 15th 2008 8:49AM]

It all boils down to preference, the die hard Mac fan will never pick the Thinkpad, its just to plain looking and it comes with with Windows. Personally I would pick the Thinkpad, but truthfully I would rather not pay extra for a laptop with fewer features just because its smaller. For $3000 Id rather have a larger and much more powerful laptop. I can deal with lugging around a heavier laptop with a 15.4 or 17 inch screen if has extra storage, power, and enhanced capabilities (blu-ray, better speakers, the ability to play games, etc.).

Anyway, the MBA will sell very well in spite of the features it gives up.

[Yoshi Likes Boys @ Feb 15th 2008 8:53AM]

Yeah, how about the fact that the Lenovo is built around a 1.2ghz LV/ULV processor, and for the relative same amount of money, the MBA is packing 1.8ghz, or 1.6ghz if you go the base model route. The whole point of the MBA is Steve saying "here are where we don't want to compromise and here is where we do."

Leaving out key points where he refused to compromise just shows you're blogging with an agenda. This comparison is a complete joke.

EDIT: please disregard the above comments, I just realized that this post is on engadget. I withdraw my surprise.

[insertAlias @ Feb 15th 2008 10:36AM]

Oh, so now Engadget are Apple haters? You complainers need to make up your minds about who Engadget actually has a bias for. Or GTFO. Either way, it makes no difference to me.

[Antimatter @ Feb 15th 2008 12:56PM]

Gizmodo is reporting the x300 comes with a 2.0 GHz processor and can have a maximum of 4GB RAM. So... I dunno who to believe at this point. I guess we'll wait and see the official specs.

http://gizmodo.com/346797/ultralight-lenovo-x300-series-thinkpad-leaked

[Rob P @ Feb 15th 2008 8:54AM]

Regardless of machine, I'd gut the OS and put Hardy Heron on it

The Lenovo would be better... if it wasn't a Lenovo

And Macs are just sexier.... win

[zargon @ Feb 15th 2008 9:15AM]

What is wrong with Lenovo? Does it have the stigma of a Chinese manufacture or something to you? Have you used a Lenovo yet?

I will admit, since we used IBM here at work, I was worried about the switch myself too. But we stuck it out and Lenovo has kept the same high quality that IBM had. Their PCs are rock solid and problems with them are far and few in between. If Lenovo did not perform up to snuff, I guarantee you we would still not be using them especially since I am the one who decides what computers the company uses. If we would have had any drop in quality, I would have ditched Lenovo like a bad habit.

[Rob P @ Feb 15th 2008 11:56AM]

Well where I work I use an IBM laptop... excuse me if I am making a mistake thinking they're one and the same.... I have not used a Lenovo yet, but am use a ThinkPad at work... and it's awful....

I'll try to keep my superficial opinions to a minimum but I think they're just plain ugly, first off. Beyond that, I'll play my own devil's advocate and say that my other criticisms could very well be XP problems I'm blaming on IBM.....

Sometimes it just decides it doesn't want to open programs anymore -- granted this is after weeks of being on constantly, and the in the six months I've been working at this place, have shuffled between several different machines due to USB ports dying and other instances of a computer that locks up should you confuse it by doing too much at once... not slowing down or programs not responding... just locks up, old school Apple-style.

Since the computers are all loaded from the same image, it could be a problem in that, but I've blamed IBM, and haven't been alone in my workplace to do so.

Perhaps I should reserve judgment until I see the differences between the two machines, IBM and Lenovo that is.... but I just had a sour taste in my mouth when you mention those words.

[aaronsheath @ Feb 15th 2008 8:54AM]

I'd say I'm pretty much the AIR's target audience:

I'm a writer (so I don't need loads of power) who likes my gadgets to be stylish, and I do a hell of a lot of travelling.

But the Air is to big at 13.33". I wanted, desperately, a replacement for my 12" iBook. Forget the USBs, the optical, and the ethernet - cloud computing is where it's at (I have a Wi-Fi printer, wireless mouse etc). The battery is a problem, though.

If the AIR had been 11.1" WS - I'd already have one.

[aaronsheath @ Feb 15th 2008 8:55AM]

it's actually *too* big!

[Ben Willis @ Feb 15th 2008 8:57AM]

Macbook air's thickest spot is thinner than the x300's thinnest spot. You guys don't even make sense. These laptops shouldn't be pinned up against each other. If Apple wanted to make a lappy that thick they could have filled it with all those other features. Oh wait they already did. ITS CALLED THE MACBOOK.

[Kelmon @ Feb 15th 2008 9:00AM]

Yes, it's not exactly a fight unless you are considering switching either to or from Windows to OS X. For me it would be the MacBook Air since otherwise I can't run my applications but then I have my doubts that the Air would run them very well regardless (I can imagine it choking on Aperture). So for me it's a fight between an Air, a normal MacBook or a MacBook Pro. In this respect Apple kinda loses out because there isn't much in the way of choice whereas the likes of the X300 will no doubt be a dime a dozen on the Windows side.

[Freshhh @ Feb 15th 2008 9:01AM]

Take the X300, wipe the drive, throw Ubuntu or another Linux distro on in :D

[jd @ Feb 15th 2008 9:02AM]

$2700 for a laptop that d the same speed as a 1000$ laptop. why the hell do they charge the 1700$ premioum for? i dont see a special designed mother board would cost extra 1700$ to build, and all other parts(cd-rom, keyboard, lcd, ram, usb connectors) are the same as heavywieght laptop

Good luck lenovo, even expensive apple can do better than you. you should be ashame of yourself.

[zargon @ Feb 15th 2008 9:10AM]

This has been beaten to death, with a little research you would find out the X300 $2,700 price includes a 64 GB SSD drive, which is where the added costs comes into player. Add the 64 GB SSD drive to the AirBook and check out the price, magically it is the same.

[cheng @ Feb 15th 2008 10:07AM]

very funny. can lenovo really sell you a ssd, with a computer included for free? maybe you should think before saying lenovo should be ashamed of themselves.

[madgunde @ Feb 15th 2008 10:16AM]

Actually, any $1000 notebook would run circles around the X300. Really, even $600 notebooks would run circles around it, since it's got a seriously underpowered processor, unlike the MacBook Air, which has a pretty decent CPU given it's size.

Apple made the right compromises for who they targeted the Air at. Lenovo only made the right compromises if they only expect people to watch DVDs on that thing. God running Windows on that underpowered processor must be painful!

[zargon @ Feb 15th 2008 9:09AM]

Don't forget the X300 has GPS built-in.

[Surur @ Feb 15th 2008 9:12AM]

Actually early sales have been rather poor - its a case of look, but dont buy.

http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=7523737

Hope it doesnt make Apple's shared tank another 44%.

[Alan Partridge @ Feb 15th 2008 9:12AM]

I dont think i would buy either, but if I had to then I would get the X300

[Jimmy Jones @ Feb 15th 2008 9:12AM]

if all of your mac fanbois can't do w/o Windows XP/Vista (whichever you so desire), just SAY that CLEAR instead of bullshitting around saying you want OSX86 on X300. Jeez I'm tired of all you nutz running around with a black case with some silver shit OSX86 inside it........Just take your 1port usb and split it and stop yapping in here.