My university currently has a deal with lenovo where every two years (Freshman and Junior year) students have the option to upgrade their laptop to the newest lenovo T model. However, this year they are offering either the newest model of the T (the T430) and the newest X model (the X230). I'm currently stuck in a bind here and do not know which one I should choose. I currently have a T410 and love it. I casually game (old games like WoW, TF2, and CS but all on low settings with this current laptop) and sometimes will watch HD movies so the T430 seems like the best option. However, I'm loving the long battery life and the portability that the X230 offers. I know both models aren't out yet but I have to let my school know by the end of the month on my choice. I also have the option of buying my T410 out as well for about $350.
So my question is essentially is it worth it to get the T430 or will the upgrades be negligible? Will I see that much of an increase in my gaming or a drop off in quality if I go to the X230? Or is it better to go with the portability and battery life of the X230 and buy out my old laptop for gaming? How would the gaming be on the X230 if I chose to get that?

Here are the specs of each:

T430 Hardware Specifications
Processor: 2.6 GHz Intel Core i5-3320
Memory: 4 GB DDR3 RAM (1600MHz)
Storage: 320 GB 7200 RPM hard drive
Graphics: 1GB NVIDIA N13P-NS1 <--Not sure what this graphics card is
Screen: 14" HD+ LED Backlit display (1600 x 900 resolution)
Optical: CD/DVD-RW Wireless: Intel 6300 802.11 A/G/N
Power: 94 Wh 9-cell battery Accessories: 720p camera, Fingerprint Reader, Bluetooth 4.0, dual microphones
Weight: 5.2 lbs (with battery)

And the X230:
Processor: 2.6 GHz Intel Core i5-3320
Memory: 4 GB DDR3 RAM (1333 MHz) Storage: 320 GB 7200RPM hard drive
Graphics: Integrated Intel HD 4000
Screen: 12.5" IPS HD Premium display (1366 x 768 resolution) Wireless: Intel 6205 802.11 A/G/N
Power: 58 Wh 6-cell battery
Accessories: 720p camera, Fingerprint Reader, Bluetooth 3.0
Weight: 3.30 lbs (with battery)

To me, I wouldn't want to surrender that 1.5" of screen size. With the higher resolution of the T430, you are effectively surrendering more than that.

If you want an optical drive, you are pretty much stuck with the T430.

Here are the differences as far as I can tell:

1. Graphics. T430 = NVS 5400M 1GB; X230 = Intel HD 4000. I hear the latter is quite capable, there are some benchmarks available on Notebookcheck. For your current usage the Intel would be fine, but it's not very future proof for newer games. Will you be upgrading again in 2 years?

2. Screen. Obviously you are losing the 1.5", but more importantly you are losing about 30% of desktop area with the lower resolution. To make this more difficult, the X230 is IPS. Not sure how picky you are with screen quality (to me it doesn't matter, a nice TN panel is fine) but the X230 will most likely be a lot better. I think the T430 will use T420 panels, so it would be a good idea to read some reviews there.

3. Ultrabay. Like mentioned above, unless you buy an ultrabay (~$200) or a USB drive you won't have the optical drive, a second HDD, or an ultrabay 3 cell battery. Your call..

4. Wifi. T430 = Intel 6300 = 3x3 antennas; X230 = Intel 6205 = 2x2 antennas. Theoretically with the right kind of 3x3 router you can achieve better speed and range, both are good cards however. If you get rid of the webcam you can get the 6300 with the X230.

5. Battery life. Not sure on this one, but I would think both machines (T430 w/ 9 cell; X230 w/ 6 cell) should achieve similar battery life. Once more reviews come out someone will surely test this.

6. Portability. X230 = more portable, slightly smaller power brick, system itself about 1lb less. I am perfectly fine carting around my slightly heavier T400 with the 90w adapter in a backpack, but if you have to carry tons of books etc. less is always better.

That's about it, hopefully that's helpful, although it probably just complicates matters.

I'm assuming these are school-issued laptops with no charge on your part? Or is the laptop yours to own? If you're buying, what are they quoting you for price?