Thinkpads Forum

I recently replaced my X220 with a T430s, mostly because the 1366x768 resolution on the X220 was getting too low for me. The 1600x900 is a definite improvement, although the TN screen is noticably lower in color and viewing angle quality to the IPS screen on the X220 (are there any easy IPS screen upgrades for the T430s?)

Also, these are the other advantages I've taken note of:

*T430s is Ivy Bridge instead of Sandy Bridge
*T430s has HD4000 over HD3000
*T430s has USB 3.0

Any other subtle advantages I've missed or haven't discovered yet? Overall, I'd say the upgrade was worth it just for the extra screen real estate.

You can mod the keyboard from your X220 plus mod your T430s BIOS and then put the (classic) X220 keyboard in your T430s. viewtopic.php?f=43&t=122640

There's also a kit available to put an FHD or higher screen in your T430s: viewtopic.php?f=45&t=122224

Warning: both threads are BIG...

I attempted to summarize the knowledge contained in the aforementioned threads in my recent picture tour:
T430s
X220 vs T430s

The FHD screen looks like a nice upgrade, although it seems difficult to get hold of the kits. Might be something I'd consider, though, if availability increases.

The T430s isn't as sturdy as the X220, imo (the T430 non S is like a tank in comparison).

The prospect of a FHD or higher res screen upgrade makes the 430s very attractive though (the non S models have been put on the back burner, I believe).

The X220 does indeed have USB 3 on the higher spec models. I don't really notice that much of a performance difference between both with comparable processors and the step in graphics but the T430s runs much cooler than the X220/230 and even the T420/30 so for that alone I think its worth it.
The batteries are a bit of a downer though. They're quite expensive and the extended options have an awkward lump protruding.I'd quite like a proper SD card reader too. I do like how all the ports are on the back though, as It makes it so much neater when used on a desk with an extended desktop.
Also, I'm not sure if it's unique to the devices I have access to, but I find the thinklight is terrible on the T430s compared with the X220. It's kinda greeny/yellowish. Do you notice any difference?

TankPad wrote: ↑

Thu May 11, 2017 7:14 pm

The batteries are a bit of a downer though. They're quite expensive and the extended options have an awkward lump protruding.I'd quite like a proper SD card reader too. I do like how all the ports are on the back though, as It makes it so much neater when used on a desk with an extended desktop.
Also, I'm not sure if it's unique to the devices I have access to, but I find the thinklight is terrible on the T430s compared with the X220. It's kinda greeny/yellowish. Do you notice any difference?

I found a used ultrabay battery for my T430s on ebay for $20, so I ordered that. Hopefully that will help with battery life as the runtime is kind of short with just the standard battery. Since the main battery is in the front, I can't even picture how an extended battery would look/fit on the unit. But after using X-series for so long, I've got used to no optical drive, so I won't miss it when I replace it with another battery.

The thinklight on mine seems normal to me--just a plain white LED. My X220 was a tablet, so it didn't have a light.

I can tell you that the T430s is totally worth it, but watch out because mine died in the middle of a hackathon Otherwise, it is kick***. It's like an X1 without some terrible upgradibility.


Sent from my E6553 using Tapatalk

ThorOfAsgard wrote: ↑

Fri May 12, 2017 7:45 am

TankPad wrote: ↑

Thu May 11, 2017 7:14 pm

The batteries are a bit of a downer though. They're quite expensive and the extended options have an awkward lump protruding.I'd quite like a proper SD card reader too. I do like how all the ports are on the back though, as It makes it so much neater when used on a desk with an extended desktop.
Also, I'm not sure if it's unique to the devices I have access to, but I find the thinklight is terrible on the T430s compared with the X220. It's kinda greeny/yellowish. Do you notice any difference?

I found a used ultrabay battery for my T430s on ebay for $20, so I ordered that. Hopefully that will help with battery life as the runtime is kind of short with just the standard battery. Since the main battery is in the front, I can't even picture how an extended battery would look/fit on the unit. But after using X-series for so long, I've got used to no optical drive, so I won't miss it when I replace it with another battery.

The thinklight on mine seems normal to me--just a plain white LED. My X220 was a tablet, so it didn't have a light.

I was gonna go that route myself but I read some bad reviews of them. Apparently they have issues with excessive discharging etc. In any case, for $20 it'll be worth a punt I suppose.

TankPad wrote: ↑

Fri May 12, 2017 7:02 pm

I was gonna go that route myself but I read some bad reviews of them. Apparently they have issues with excessive discharging etc.

They do get more charge/discharge cycles through normal use, because of the Thinkpad power algorithm that always uses the bay battery before the main battery. However, nobody ever proved a meaningful correlation between the number of charge cycles and battery capacity degradation. I did some rather extensive checks on all batteries I've owned (none of them bay batteries, but the technology is essentially the same), and found that battery age and manufacturer have much stronger effect on its longevity.

I got a used T430s bay battery myself, probably from the same seller. It came with over 500 cycles on it, and still holds ~75% of the original capacity. For the $15 it cost me (I think offers of $15 on that listing are automatically accepted), it was definitely a better option than an aftermarket, non-standard protruding extended battery, especially since like most people, I hardly ever use the optical drive that normally occupies that bay.

I agree completely. For 15 bucks it's gotta be worth a shot.

I'm not familiar with them in any real detail but my research led me to some suggestions that the battery needs to be completely depleted before switching to the stock battery, which isn't very good for longevity of the battery itself. That may or may not be accurate though. In any case, I'd take a chance for 15 quid.

TankPad wrote: ↑

Sun May 14, 2017 7:50 pm

the battery needs to be completely depleted before switching to the stock battery, which isn't very good for longevity of the battery itself

Yep. As I said:

dr_st wrote: ↑

Sat May 13, 2017 1:16 am

the Thinkpad power algorithm ... always uses the bay battery before the main battery. However, nobody ever proved a meaningful correlation between the number of charge cycles and battery capacity degradation

If you do buy one, would love to hear about your experience. The more data, the better.