X220 Next Release

[RobertA]

I've heard the X220 will be soon replaced with an updated version. Anyone know the details and the possible specs? Thanks.

[ZaZ]

The next X220, the X230, will be released when Intel releases it's next round of CPUs, Ivy Bridge, but it's a bit up in the air as to when that'll be. Ivy Bridge has already been delayed. Your guess is as good as mine as to the when. Plus typically Lenovo likes to release the big boys, the T and W, before getting around to the X series a few months later. It might be this summer or later before you can actually get one.

If you need a notebook, the X220 may be worth considering. Ivy Bridge will offer a modest performance bump, but that's only if you need top performance, which most users do not. You'll also get a bit more battery life, but the X220 already does very well in this regard. The X230 will also get USB 3.0, which Intel finally integrated into the chipset, but an ExpressCard USB 3.0 card is available for the X220 on eBay for $20 or less and sits flush with the side of the X220.

[jdrou]

The X230 will also get USB 3.0, which Intel finally integrated into the chipset, but an ExpressCard USB 3.0 card is available for the X220 on eBay for $20 or less and sits flush with the side of the X220.

And if you get the top model with i7 CPU on the X220 you also get USB 3.0 built in (although not part of the Intel chipset).

[Summilux]

I think that at this point, it's better to wait for the X230 unless one faces an urgent need to get a laptop.
The X220 is very capable but suffers from shortcomings that will soon be addressed:

[...] Ivy Bridge will offer a modest performance bump

Not in the graphics department, where there'll be major improvements over Sandy Bridge (although overall gfx performance still won't be on par with desktop counterparts).

You'll also get a bit more battery life, but the X220 already does very well in this regard.

More than a bit, hopefully. But indeed, the X220 is already a good performer, esp. when coupled with the slice battery.

an ExpressCard USB 3.0 card is available for the X220 on eBay for $20 or less and sits flush with the side of the X220.

Unfortunately, reviews show that external adapters aren't as fast as embedded chips; it's more of an USB 2.5 with regards to performance.

And if you get the top model with i7 CPU on the X220 you also get USB 3.0 built in (although not part of the Intel chipset).

There's only one USB 3.0 port, though.

[bill bolton]

I think that at this point, it's better to wait for the X230

Guessing on the spcs of an unannounced system is never a great idea

Cheers,

Bill B.

[ZaZ]

Not in the graphics department, where there'll be major improvements over Sandy Bridge (although overall gfx performance still won't be on par with desktop counterparts).

They always say that, but it's still an integrated GPU. Based on past experience, new CPUs and GPUs offer a bit better performance and battery life, but nothing worth getting excited about, at least in my experience. I think Bill is right though. It's all speculation right now.

[Summilux]

Guessing on the spcs of an unannounced system is never a great idea

Cheers,

Bill B.

They always say that, but it's still an integrated GPU. Based on past experience, new CPUs and GPUs offer a bit better performance and battery life, but nothing worth getting excited about, at least in my experience. I think Bill is right though. It's all speculation right now.

Unless Lenovo goes for an ARM-based architecture, we actually know most of its specs. Ivy Bridge platforms have already been tested.

The only truly unknown variables are, IMHO:
- IPS screens
- Chicklets keyboard

It's fair to assume the X230 will sport an IPS screen as well, since it was vastly appreciated by X220 owners - and the market is favourable (pushed by Apple).
Regarding the keyboard, it's less sure, but Lenovo may not migrate to chicklets yet. They may wait one or two more T/X generations before changing (I'd rather say downgrading) the layout, as Thinkpad customers clinging on their cherished regular, 7 row layout.

[bill bolton]

we actually know most of its specs.

That's just basic platform specs, which are only a small part in terms of the overall orchestration of system components and parameters (etc) that makes up a differentiated commercial laptop product offering

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Summilux]

That's just basic platform specs, which are only a small part in terms of the overall orchestration of system components and parameters (etc) that makes up a differentiated commercial laptop product offering

Cheers,

Bill B.

BIOS, firmware, drivers, OS, SSD and other internal components, layout... they sure make a difference. But it's nitpicking to me.

In this case what I personally need to know is how the novel platform generally compares to older one, because I doubt there'd be a 50% difference between two equivalent computers utilising the same platform (and compared few months after the initial release of said platform, we know how first drivers can be screwed up at times).

[bill bolton]

But it's nitpicking to me.

.....I doubt there'd be a 50% difference between two equivalent computers utilising the same platform

Nitpicking?

Varience of as little as 10% overall between equivalent computers can have an enormous impact on the user experience with each computer

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Summilux]

I'll be bumping this topic when reviews comparing the X230 to similar models are out, then