T430s vs X220

[gaiusgracchus]

We have both an X220 and just got the T430s. We had a hard time deciding on the second laptop (for my spouse) so we thought we'd share our experience with both.

The x220 is smaller, but the T430s does not weigh that much more, surprisingly. It is hard to tell the difference between them, even though there is a slightly greater weight for the T430s in the specs.

This is what the T430s has:
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Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60GHz)
Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English
Display type 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60 GHz) with Intel HD Graphics 4000
Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English
Camera 720p HD Camera Mic
Hard drive 180GB Solid State Drive, SATA3
Ultrabay DVD Recordable
System expansion slots Express Card Slot
Battery 6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+
Power cord 90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN
Integrated mobile broadband Mobile Broadband upgradable
Language pack Publication - US English
2YR Onsite + 2YR ThinkPad Protection

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The x220 is a year older, but is similar. The SSD drive is 160 and is an older version of SATA (not as fast as SATA 3.0 on the newer laptops).

I would say the main reasons my spouse likes the T430s are:
- Has built-in DVD
- Larger body and screen
- Light and thin for size
- Nice backlit keyboard plus overhead light
- Sound quality amazing for a laptop

I like the X220 because:
- Smaller body and screen
- IPS Screen


The screen on the T430s is the high resolution one and is REALLY sharp and nice. In spite of what some users were saying, the items on screen are in no way to small to see. My spouse is almost 60 yrs old with poor eyesight and it just is not a problem at all.
It really is a gorgeous screen.
My IPS screen is just a bit better in terms of color reproduction, but the main difference is that mine looks good from all angles. Really, other than that, the T430s screen is just as good. Although my resolution is lower, I have a smaller screen so it works fine in terms of clarity.

Regarding the keyboard, I was worried about getting a chicklet keyboard for my spouse's T430s, but it turns out to be really nice, too. It is a very nice keyboard, and I can't say I prefer one over the other. The quality of manufacture on both types is very high. The backlit keyboard feature on the T430s has me jealous, I must admit. It is sweet. It has different levels of brightness and you can choose to use the overhead light instead if you wish.

We both got Windows 7 Professional, and oddly enough the T430s came with features like Games turned off. We did not know why Games would be missing on the T430s, and it turns out we just had to turn the feature on to have them show up. Go figure.

Both laptops are very nice. We had a Sony Vaio before getting these and it is a piece of $h***. Seriously. Horrible! Junk. Trash. Garbage. It lasted only a short while before going berserk and now won't even boot up anymore. Cheap garbage parts and horrible design. We are glad there are Thinkpads out there. NEVER AGAIN will we buy a Sony. ( Yeck!


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[ZaZ]

I have not a complaint about my X220i. It's a fantastic little machine. It's great having a good screen option after years of craptactular screens and the dual drives is a major bonus. I disliked having to carry everything on the external when I had my X200. I'm getting a T430 this week some time. It'll be interesting to see how it stacks up. I'd be interested in a T430 with a HD+ IPS, but unfortunately Lenovo has seen fit to offer it so far.

P.S. - If you could put your location in your profile, it'd be mucho appreciated.

[gaiusgracchus]

I have not a complaint about my X220i. It's a fantastic little machine. It's great having a good screen option after years of craptactular screens and the dual drives is a major bonus. I disliked having to carry everything on the external when I had my X200. I'm getting a T430 this week some time. It'll be interesting to see how it stacks up. I'd be interested in a T430 with a HD+ IPS, but unfortunately Lenovo has seen fit to offer it so far.

P.S. - If you could put your location in your profile, it'd be mucho appreciated.

Hello,

I agree - I love my x220 and would get it again even over the T430s -- I wanted a machine with smaller dimensions and the IPS screen is awesome. We would have loved an IPS on the T-series computers and were really puzzled as to why Lenovo did not offer it as an option. Happy to pay extra for the IPS, but Lenovo does not see fit to offer it for some strange reason.

Haven't seen the regular T430 but the T430s is very skinny and light. And when looking dead on at the upgraded 1600x900 screen it is really nice -- better than we expected for a non-IPS screen.

[We entered a location upon signing up and it looks like it is showing on the side there now -- not our doing, but there it is under location on our posts. And actually, we have no fixed location - we travel all over the place pretty much continuously.]

-GG

[mikemex]

If I were you, I would keep the T430s. A laptop with a small screen is a bad choice for a main machine.