Entered CNET Catalog: 10/02/2001
SKU: 627418U
Manufacturer: Lenovo
Manufacturer description
When it came time to redesign an award-winning computer, the focus at IBM was to make the new IBM NetVista X Series models deliver a better e-xperience. Intel Pentium 4 processors, new easy access to components, and an integrated TFT display make it a simpler, and more powerful computing experience. NetVista X Series models save up to 75% more space than standard Pentium 4 desktop systems. The keyboard stores beneath the monitor, while the optical drive hides in the pedestal when not in use. X Series models are optimized for connectivity, with cable management and conveniently located USB ports. An optional Radial Arm creates a truly liberating experience in tight quarters. NetVista X Series models are great for the enterprise. Select workhorse models, a stable software image and room to upgrade make X Series models ideal long-term solutions. A host of tools, including Wake-on-LAN and the Software Delivery Assistant keep IT management simple. And with Pentium 4 processors these desktops are built for speed and performance. The IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, available on select NetVista X Series models, gives you peace of mind that your e-mail and files can obtain an extra level of protection as they travel across the Internet. Rest assured that your data and your investment have enhanced protection with industry-leading security features from IBM.Product summary
The good: 17-inch LCD panel; four-hour response-time service available; excellent overall design.
The bad: No drive expansion; conservative performance.
The bottom line: Beautifully designed on the outside but lacks oomph on the inside.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: Yes
- Reviewed on: 11/07/2001
Designed for living
Typically referred to as an all-in-one system, the NetVista's computer wraps around and behind the display's pedestal. The drive bay sits on a pivoting platform that hides just below the lower bezel of the panel. Press a button and it drops down for access. Give it a gentle tuck upward and it latches out of sight. In previous versions of the NetVista that we've reviewed, the bay platform contained both floppy and DVD drives. Here, only a combo DVD-ROM/CD-R/RW drive is present; the floppy is provided as an external USB device.
Kudos to IBM's design team for finally getting the connectors positioned correctly. Many of the integrated systems we've seen require near-torturous hand contortions to get connectors into tiny, recessed cubbyholes situated in all the wrong places. Here, the NetVista X41 presents its ports both at the back of the computer and at the top rear of the display--all within easy access. That's also where you'll find a removable hatch for two low-profile expansion slots. Though low-profile cards are rare, at least IBM offers modem and IEEE 1394 upgrades. No other device-expansion opportunities exist, except via the six USB ports.
Perfect picture
Once you've absorbed the design nuances and sit in front of the screen, you'll notice that the 17-inch LCD display excels in both graphics and video. It produces vibrant colors, and screen brightness during DVD playback--often a problem for LCDs--is perfect. In fact, we had to back it off a bit. You can make the adjustments from either the front-mounted controls or from within the Mediamatics DVD player. The two speakers integrated into the panel's bezel aren't meant to get loud, but the audio quality makes up for the lack of volume.
Slow going
IBM computers are known for their conservative performance, and the NetVista X41 lives down to that goal. Though based on a 1.8GHz Pentium 4, it's saddled with SDRAM and an integrated, last-generation graphics system. Compared to decked-out RDRAM systems, the NetVista delivers only mediocre performance. Pitted against rivals with a similar memory type but cutting-edge graphics cards, the X41 suffers only in our Office productivity test, its score falling about 10 percent below that of the competition. Three words about 3D: don't go there.
IBM offers 24/7 toll-free customer support and wraps the NetVista X41 in a one-year onsite warranty. Considering the level of integration in the system, you might want to think of it more as a notebook and opt for one of the three-year onsite warranty upgrades: standard business-day response time for $129 or four-hour response, 24/7, for just $30 more.
We're not going to try to convince you that the NetVista X41 is anything less than a trophy. But underneath the glitter lies a competent, meat-and-potatoes computer with an LCD display that you could stare at for days. Besides, you probably deserve it.
| Performance test 100=performance of a test machine with a PIII-800, 128MB of PC133 CL2 SDRAM, Creative Labs GeForce Annihilator 2 32MB, and Windows 2000 (Service Pack 1) Longer bars indicate better performance
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| Quake III Arena test Frames per second; longer bars indicate better performance | ||||
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Editor's note: CNET recently upgraded its system benchmarks to BAPCo's SysMark 2001. All the systems mentioned in this review were tested using the new benchmark and cannot be compared to systems tested using previous benchmarks. Gateway 700 Windows 2000; Pentium 4 1.8GHz; 256MB RDRAM 400MHz; Nvidia GeForce2 Ultra 64MB; WDC W0400BB-AUA1 40GB 7,200rpm IBM NetVista X41 Windows XP Professional; Pentium 4 1.8GHz; 256MB SDRAM 133MHz; ATI Rage 128 Ultra 16MB; IBM IC35L040AVER070 40GB 7,200rpm Though based on a 1.8GHz Pentium 4, the NetVista X41 is saddled with SDRAM and an integrated, last-generation graphics system. Pitted against rivals with a similar memory type but cutting-edge graphics cards, the X41 suffers only in our Office productivity test, its score falling about 10 percent below that of the competition. Three words about 3D: don't go there. |
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 User Rating: 
6/10
I like my Net Vista, I don't think it is all that bad.
Pros: Doesn't take up much space.
Cons: LCD, not the best in the world.
In my opinion the Net Vist X40, is great for every day use. I dont like the LCD screen, I am annoyed by the placement of the ports. I am small and have tiny hands, it was difficult for me to connect some of my stuff, I am afraid to imagine what the connectivity would be like for someone with large hands.
If you are, or know someone who is a student, and needs a compact machine, this is the one. They sell on Ebay for about 200.00 or so. If you are, or know someone who wants a super fast, super compact gaming machine that is all in one,........check with Apple, or just go with a flat screen monitor that is not attatched to a computer. It will be easier to upgrade, and if the monitor goes out, the computer is still availible for use.
User Rating: 
9/10
IBM X41 All-in-One Reliable Style
Pros: The previous comments show they have little computer knowledge about hardware or software folks! Make no mistake, this is a true high-quality and reliable IBM personal computer with hard-core style style style, space saving, and a great LCD you can't beat
Cons: OK, ya the system does have an external power supply, but it is a small case that is easily hidden. Now why that person would put this on the desk shows they have no clue about what the all-in-one style is about. The 16MB video memory is under-powered, bu
User Rating: 
2/10
A pig tied to a shoebox.
Pros: Cool looks without power supply shoebox, which is never shown in the photos. Nice screen. Lots of USB ports in good locations.
Cons: Won't run without huge ugly power supply box on the desk. Very slow due to extraordinarily slow disc. Upgraded from 1.8GHz Netvista to 600 MHz clone. Can't install OS or any of the included software, no disc provided, you must use their media image. S
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4/10
After one year.......dead.
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7/10
Fab !
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User Rating: 7/10
So impressed we have about 90 of them.
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User Rating: 7/10
Sleek design & Solid
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User Rating: 4/10
Quality is poor
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8/10
I love it! Small! Sleek! Cool!
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User Rating: 6/10
Impressive Looks
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User Rating: 9/10
Runs like a slick cat
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3/10
Very hard to install componets
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User Rating: 9/10
Like a stealth bomber - Unique
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10/10
Design Perfection
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User Rating: 6/10
Great computer,non functioning keyboard
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User Rating: 10/10
Awesome ! ! Power and Looks! !
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User Rating: 3/10
Doesn't measure up!
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1/10
Great Space Saver
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User Rating: 9/10
Fantastic all in one design with power to match
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User Rating: 10/10
Sleek, Small, and Powerful
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User Rating: 9/10
Best designed PC around
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User Rating: 9/10
Optional radial arm saves space
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User Rating: 3/10
Definetly Lame!
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User Rating: 8/10
Great Looking Stealthy
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User Rating: 7/10
Space Saving and Reliable
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User Rating: 3/10
Bad slow overpriced looking
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