Could I mod a x230 tablet into a normal x230?

[LompaDompa3]

Hello ThinkEnthusiasts,

I’ve never owned or taken apart an X330, and I’m trying to find a computer to convert into an X330. Most of the listings on eBay, especially the cheaper ones, are for the tablet version. Since I’m planning to change the screen anyway, I thought about just buying a tablet and converting it. My main questions are: are the hinge mounting points still in the same place, and is the connector the same?

Thanks in advance!

[axur-delmeria]

X230 Tablet has a different system board, incompatible with regular X230. For one thing, the X230 has Mini-Displayport, while the X230 Tablet has a full-size Displayport.

One way to compare them is to read their respective Hardware Maintenance Manuals, specifically the disassembly section.

[LompaDompa3]

Oh, makes sense also why are they so much cheaper? is it a issue with the computer or low demand?

[axur-delmeria]

Oh, makes sense also why are they so much cheaper? is it a issue with the computer or low demand?

Probably. The X230 Tablet is heavier than the regular X230, and thus not as appealing.

[ZaZ]

The tablet screens are physically thicker the standard screen due to the touch surface., so you'd need find a way around that and because the digitizer runs all the time, it leads to less battery life. I would think buying the notebook you want makes more sense.

[LompaDompa3]

Yea, Ive found a listing near me on ebay selling three damaged x230 i'm going to try to take the good parts from all 3 and make one nice one.

[ZaZ]

I'm curious, is it less expensive to buy three to make one working X230 than to buy one working X230 or perhaps it's for learning purposes?

[olex126]

Zaz... (off-topic)

Back in the mid-2000's I purchased a single 5-piece lot of retired/damaged A31p's and after much trial and error (and hair-pulling!), ended up with one beauty and two fair-to-middlin' working units...

Really didn't purchase with the thought of getting any more than my initial investment back, but the teardown-and-rebuild experience was a valuable learning lesson on Thinkpad deconstruction/reconstruction...(Follow the HMM for sure!)

So I can understand the OP's intent on trying to mod his X230.

Just my 2 cents!

Regards.

Dave

[Saucey]

On eBay I've seen the standard X, L, and X1 Carbons sell for higher than their tablet variants.
I don't know why, Im guessing the cracked screens of tablets and the cost of replacing the entire digitizer/panel just offputs buyers and so they are sold less.
From there the average price goes down, so a nice example can't really fare against the commonly sold higher standard model.

Right now we also have Coreboot & Libreboot raising up prices of ThinkPads that are compatible.
In general I've hardly seen any tablets who get that modification, but the standard models get modded by some and thus the average price gets raised from that as well.
Also I think some of the Core/Libre flippers are buying stock at any price they can get.

[axur-delmeria]

I'm curious, is it less expensive to buy three to make one working X230 than to buy one working X230 or perhaps it's for learning purposes?

Sometimes yes. Plus, you get spare parts which is always a good thing.