Replacement for X301 - advice sought please

[hooliganshark]

I have an X301 which I have had since new and I love it. I would like to be prepared for its eventual demise by looking out for a suitable replacement. Whilst the screen is admittedly poor, and is the only thing about the machine I would change, otherwise it is pretty near perfect. The dvd drive is nice to have but not essential. I use the laptop for general stuff, more and more of which is in a browser these days, so I have no real need for more processing power. The light weight is great, though its not unique in this. Where it is pretty special is in being so thin as well.

Most of all I am concerned about finding another machine with a similar keyboard. Somehow the X301 keyboard is perfect for my lazy typing style. For comparison, I also have an x200s (1440x900) which is a great machine, but the keyboard on that feels much worse to me - too much travel and kind of loose. So I would appreciate any thoughts on what could replace this machine when it dies. Should I look for another X301 or X300? I believe there are newer T series machines which come pretty close? How about the keyboard on the X1 Carbon for example?

I really couldn't justify spending a lot of cash on a nearly new machine, but there may be a model I should wait for. Thanks in advance.

[sir_synthsalot]

What's wrong with the X301? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just about everything Lenovo makes these days is garbage. I would stick with the X301.

Do you have the 1440 x 900 screen? As far as non-IPS Thinkpad screens that's about as good as it gets.

Lenovo doesn't make anything like the X301 anymore. They may have laptops similar in size, but all the unique Thinkpad features were for the most part stripped out. Buying a used one is a risky proposition as well.

[hooliganshark]

Nothing wrong with it, tho the screen has a slightly dull stripe on the right hand side. It is 1440x900. Just want to be prepared and interested to hear views on newer thinkpads which might fit my bill.

[Ibthink]

I think the T440s could be a very good replacement for your X301 - very good FHD screen, very small and thin (14" display, 13" size). many ports (a Dockingport for example), good build quality and very good keyboard - the ClickPad does take its time to get used to it, but overall, I think it is the ThinkPad from Lenovo at the moment that comes closest to the X301...it is really the sweet spot in the ThinkPad lineup right now.

[hooliganshark]

Thanks - any comments on the T440s keyboard? Interestingly I was tempted by a T430s on the outlet this week, not sure of the differences between them.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[ajkula66]

Thanks - any comments on the T440s keyboard? Interestingly I was tempted by a T430s on the outlet this week, not sure of the differences between them.

The only thing that I'm going to say is that the change in keyboard/TrackPoint setup is most definitely drastic enough to warrant testing the machine *in person* before submitting an order for it.

Good luck.

[Ibthink]

I love the keyboard of my T440s - solid feeling (no flex anywhere), very good key-travel (not as deep as the "classic" keyboard, a little bit shorter, but I like that) and in general a very good typing feel.

The T430s features nearly the same keyboard, minus the dedicated volume buttons on the T440s. As ajkula66 mentioned, you may want to try both out and decide based on your hands-on experince which one to get. Personally, I would take the T440s over the T430s any day, since I think it is in general a more balanced model - but thats just me.

[hooliganshark]

I love the keyboard of my T440s - solid feeling (no flex anywhere), very good key-travel (not as deep as the "classic" keyboard, a little bit shorter, but I like that) and in general a very good typing feel.
.

Thanks - that's one of the things I like about the X301 - the shorter travel of the keys, seems to suit my lazy typing.

Thanks everyone for all the comments, it seems that the consensus is a T4*0s is a good way to go. I will see if I can find a way to try these machines out.

Interesting that no-one has recommended an X series machine. I have ruled them out since the lower screen resolution would be a backward step. This discussion has clarified that in priority order, I need

-best X301-like keyboard experience
-best screen
-thinnest and lightest available

But still, all comments welcome.