What is the T430i.

[my-cool]

Lenovo Solutions Center just checked for updates on my X220 and had some updates for the power manager and other software that specifically lists as improvements/features "Support for T430, T430i, and T430u". I haven't heard of the i nomenclature until today. Does anyone know anything about this mysterious device? I searched the forums but came up empty.

[Ibthink]

It is simply a T430 with an i3. Its a weaker config of a T430. There is also a T420i.

[my-cool]

Thank you for the update. Hopefully I will be able to purchase a T430s soon.

[Kaze22]

"I" means cheaper always.
T430i means cheap t430

[ThinkRob]

"I" means cheaper always.
T430i means cheap t430

Just to clarify for anyone unfamiliar with the naming, the 'i' designation does not imply the use of lower quality parts or a less-durable chassis design. 'i' models in the past have used the same chassis parts, the same materials, and the same manufacturing process. Cost savings come in the form of lower-spec CPUs and other lower-performance (but cheaper) internal components.

Of course just to make matters slightly more confusing, in the past it's been possible to upgrade some 'i' variants to meet the performance of their normal brethren; so you could wind up with a T430i which is different from a T430 in name only.

Moral of the story: disregard bezel labels, check model/type labels.

[megapc]

Does anyone know for sure whether T430i has the same internal components as of T430? I would like to upgrade the processor of my T430i and am wondering if that is even possible.

[ThinkRob]

Does anyone know for sure whether T430i has the same internal components as of T430? I would like to upgrade the processor of my T430i and am wondering if that is even possible.

AFAIK the only differences are: 1) CPU 2) what configurations are available for purchase under each model name. Since you already have a T430i, the latter doesn't matter.

That said, I'd think twice before upgrading, if only because for most people CPUs are *not* where they should be spending their upgrade dollars first. RAM upgrades and/or an SSD provide a MUCH better return for most users.