Thinkpads Forum

Recently I had the opportunity to see the difference between the x1 carbon and the 2014 model. I do not like the removal of the red buttons and the other changes in the keyboard on the latest model. The store does not have any of the other X series to look at. I am concerned that I might not like the fact that everything is built in and less customizable, and I do not mind the smaller screen as I have seen a used x200.

But I would like to upgrade from my x61s. What recommendations do you all have? I might consider theT4xx models if I could see one up close, and like the keyboard and pointing device.

The X220 or X230 might be worth a look. You get a durable ultraportable that has the trackpoint buttons, though the X230 has a chiclet keyboard where Lenovo has moved and removed some of the shortcut keys on the X230. I've used the X230 and thought the keyboard was pretty good from a typing perspective. I guess you'll have to decide on the shortcut keys. The X220 has the standard 7 row keyboard. They have an optional IPS LCD, which is a much better screen than the X61s had. They offer long battery life. Plus, both can do a hard drive and SSD, so you get space and speed.

The features you mention do make the x220 and x230 appealing over the x1 carbon for my use. Which shortcuts do you lose with the x230? I can deal with the page up and down keys closer. As far as processor performance options, will I lose much with the x220 against the X230? There seems to be a few new x230's available still. But a top of the line x220 might just fill the bill.

The IPS screen is of course the biggest appeal of the X220 and X230. If you want something lighter and has a higher screen resolution, the X201s gives you both. Most if not all models have 1440x900, and some also have a touchpad. The strongest CPU for it is the i7-640LM, which is comparable in performance to some of the Core i5 processors that the X220 uses. Unfortunately, it's now very hard to find an X201s partly because not many were made, and partly because people like it so much they aren't selling it. By contrast, the X200s is everywhere and very cheap, though it would be a smaller performance upgrade from your X61s, and not all units shipped with 1440x900. There's also the X201 (without the "s"), but it only has 1280x800 and is heavier.

Since the x201s will be hard to find, I am leaning towards the x230, which can still be found new. I would prefer the x220, if one can be found with equal or close specifications. Do they use the same dock/slice?

What should I look for as far as the best processor and MB on either model?

CPU-wise there is not a big difference between X220 and X230. However the GPU performance (which is integrated into the processor) is quite a bit better on the X230 (Ivy Bridge) compared to X220 (Sandy Bridge).

The accessories are compatible between the two with the exception of batteries. X230 batteries (44/44+/44++) will work fine in both, but X220 batteries (29/29+/29++) will not charge in the X230, as they do not support the fast charge methods of the newer laptop. You can still use one in the X230, it just won't charge.

The only real advantage of the X220 vs X230 is the old 7-row keyboard, if you find that an advantage. If you can live with the X230 keyboard, there is no reason to get an X220.

With an X220, I suggest going for the i7 models (2630M/2640M CPUs), both for the extra performance to compensate for being an older generation, and because only the i7 motherboard on these models have USB3.0. With the X230, all units have USB3.0.

Thanks for the advise. As I understand it, the x230 changed the keyboard some, but with the x240 even more. Or is it just the track pad buttons that were changed?

If I go with the x230, what processor and GPU specs are the best available for that one?

Check this topic with regards to X220/X230/X240 keyboard:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=113848

For X230, i7-3520M (2.9GHz) is the best CPU, followed by i5-3360M (2.8GHz).

the x230 has the track pad that some complain about. I prefer the track point anyway. Does the tablet model make sense when we already have tablets? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the tablet model? I find that most i7-3520M models have the tablet feature.

Thanks again for the tips.

The tablets are noticeably heavier and bulkier. I don't have much firsthand experience with them. The combination of a tablet and a laptop makes it a device that is more suitable for work compared to tablets that are just tablets. Whether you will find it useful or not is a different question that only you can answer.

Note that the X220 Tablet has no USB3, even in the Core i7 models.

dr_st wrote:With an X220, I suggest going for the i7 models (2630M/2640M CPUs), both for the extra performance to compensate for being an older generation, and because only the i7 motherboard on these models have USB3.0. With the X230, all units have USB3.0.

While USB 3.0 is certainly a plus, the i7 models tend to be more noisy in my experience and won't make much of a difference unless you're pushing the CPU all the time.

The other plus for the X220/X230 is the mSATA SSD + HDD, which gives you speed and space.

The x220/230 are looking better all the time. I lean toward the x230 because the chances of getting a new or refurbished with a warrantee are greater. I am not sure how much performance I need now. I only know that the x61s is slower on the internet than other laptops we have had running in my home on the same connection.

Obviously the internet is only going to require more processing power over time, so I would like to prepare for that.

How can I tell if the Screen is IPS on the x220?

dlbeaty wrote:the x230 has the track pad that some complain about.

The X220 trackpad is worthless. The buttons (which is to say, the curved area at the bottom of the trackpad) take far too much force to push - my hand cramps within minutes if I try to use it. I suppose you could use it with two hands or with the trackpoint buttons.

I've always preferred the trackpoint, but with older models I'd at least occasionally use the trackpad.

dlbeaty wrote:How can I tell if the Screen is IPS on the x220?

Pus the screen back and if it looks the same, it's IPS. If you're talking about before you buy, some are listed in the tabook, but not all. You'd need the serial number for the parts look up. You could always ask if unsure.