Thinkpads Forum

My 6 month old X220 that I purchased new from Lenovo is starting to show case wear along the right edge. The black paint/coating is coming off and shiny metal is showing through. I have purchased a new Thinkpad every couple of years since they first came on the market, and never has one shown any wear like I am seeing now. Since this is a "cosmetic" issue, I doubt that Lenovo will do anything about the problem, so I was wondering if anyone has experienced this problem and found a way to re-coat the case.

JPOESQ wrote:I was wondering if anyone has experienced this problem and found a way to re-coat the case.

Not on the X220 specifically, but I've seen it on pretty much every ThinkPad that uses a metal chassis, so it's not really surprising (to me) that the X220 is no exception.

Is there a way to posticipate as long as possibile the incoming of this problem ?

I use a neoprene sleeve when I carry the laptop to work/school/library but I don't know if can be sufficient...

Apart from keeping it in a sleeve or whatnot, no. In my experience it's the edges/corners that rub against fabric or other rough surfaces when sliding the notebook in and out of, say, a bag that tend to wear first.

ThinkRob wrote:Apart from keeping it in a sleeve or whatnot, no. In my experience it's the edges/corners that rub against fabric or other rough surfaces when sliding the notebook in and out of, say, a bag that tend to wear first.

Therefore, in Your opinion, could a neoprene sleeve really help in posticipating the... bas suprise ?

I used a Waterfield sleeve with my Thinkpad X61, which I carried in a bag often and it did not encounter this wear issue around the edges of the lid.

ThinkGreen wrote: Therefore, in Your opinion, could a neoprene sleeve really help in posticipating the... bas suprise ?

I honestly don't know. I take care of my ThinkPads, but I don't baby them. I put them right in a messenger bag/backpack/carry-on, etc. -- so I pretty much just think of paint wear as a fact of life.

I haven't been able to identify any source of the wear. All of my Thinkpads are protected by sleeves, cases, etc. and there just isn't anything that would be rubbing. It's more of a situation where it looks like the black just fell off. Strange.

My six months old X220 case is still in perfect condition (yet) but I have the same experience with case wear on five years old X31 case.

JPOESQ wrote:I haven't been able to identify any source of the wear. All of my Thinkpads are protected by sleeves, cases, etc. and there just isn't anything that would be rubbing.

Rubbing against the fabric of the sleeves/cases/etc. That's been the case (Har dee har har... Ugh.. Sorry!) for me in the past.

A couple weeks after I got my X220i, I noticed there was some wear on the memory panel. I suppose I could replace it, but then of course, it would just wear elsewhere.

Things will wear over time, Thinkpads are no exception. Do you try not to use your sofa so it remains new looking? Walking around the new rug instead over it? Take the bus so you don't wear out the tires on your new car? Keep that new toothbrush looking like it just came out of the packaging? All kidding aside, loosen up. I hope the levity helps you not to obsess over it.