Conclusion

Tech specs and features aside, the ThinkPad X41 continues the streak of providing a highly usable laptop in the small 12.1" screen form factor.  It's no small feat to produce a keyboard on a notebook of this size that feels the same as a keyboard on a mainstream 15.4" notebook.  The 1.5GHz processor is the fastest you'll find in any ultraportable on the market, and the typical rugged build of the ThinkPad line is part of the course.  This is an easy laptop to recommend to those who need to be highly mobile and get work done while moving about.  When combined with the UltraBase X4 docking station solution, the X41 can function well as a main computer too, so keep that option in mind.

Pros

• 1.5GHz Intel Pentium M is the fastest processor available for this sized notebook
• Highly usable keyboard and TrackPoint navigation, even with the limited area
• Excellent rugged build, Active Protection System and biometric security combine to make a notebook with great data protection and security
• Thin and light,only 1.06" at its thickest point and 2.7lbs if the 4-cell battery is used
• Good docking solution in the form of the UltraBase X4 provides nice expansion capabilities
• Includes PCMCIA slot for easy accessory upgrade -- many ultraportables do not have this slot
• Very good wireless performance and software

Cons

• No built-in optical drive
• Secure digital is the only available flash memory reader, competitors offer multi-card readers
• Can get warm on the left palm-rest and on the underside after prolonged usage
• Some might miss having a touchpad and Windows shortcut key
• 1.8" hard drive is proprietary in design and cannot be upgraded past 4,200RPM of speed.