Thinkpads Forum

What do I need to know about buying this machine? My history is as follows:

T22
T60
T400

So the T22 had bezel-breakage problems, the T60 was just awesome, and the T400 has hinge and keyboard flex issues (launch model).

What can you guys tell me about the T430? How does it compare?

It's a typical 14" T series notebook, which means solid build quality, long battery life and average screen. The biggest news for the T430 is the new chiclet keyboard. I personally think it's very good from a typing perspective. It's firm and the pitch is excellent, but it's a six row and the layout has change, which some long time ThinkPadders don't like.

The T430 is very solid, but thickness is still on the high side. Only the "s" models are slimer than the T4x and T6x models. If you're interested in slim, then I'd look at the T430s.

As compared to T400 models, the T410/T420/T430 models feel more solid and the six cell battery fits completely flush with the back of the laptop, which is nice and a better design.

The only "issue" I've seen with recent T-series machines is that the finish on the plastic palmrest, touchpad and keyboard keys seems to wear much faster than the older Thinkpads, like T60 or prior.

Of course, the "s" models need somewhat more care due to their thinness.

underclocker wrote: The only "issue" I've seen with recent T-series machines is that the finish on the plastic palmrest, touchpad and keyboard keys seems to wear much faster than the older Thinkpads, like T60 or prior.

While I have problems with keyboard wear too, I actually think that my T420's palmrests have worn much *better* than the T6x units that I've had.

But yes, apart from that I agree with the other two posters: the T420/T430 are wonderful machines -- everything that a T-series should be!