Thinkpad Model Advice

[Carthik]

Hello,

So I've edited this first post to make things simpler. Replacing X230, I'm looking for a ThinkPad that is capable of supporting the following within its chassis. I don't mind changing out parts to make my ideal ThinkPad. I think it would probably be a T series or W series. I'd prefer an older model if possible to save some money. Preferably the oldest model that ticks all the boxes. The new W541 looks nice, especially with the dedicated number pad (I'm a desktop guy), but I don't feel like dropping that kind of money.

Need:
-ThinkPad
-Matte 1920x1080 IPS Screen or higher resolution with same aspect ratio (factory, or up-gradable)
-Simultaneous mSata SSD + WWAN Support
-2.5" HDD Slot
-Optical Drive Slot
-Hardware Capable of Playing Blu-Ray Media
-14" or smaller preferred, though will settle for 15"

Thanks,

Carthik

[theterminator93]

My first inclination is the W520 or T520 - since it seems your wants are similar in fact to my own. You can get Serial Ultrabay Enhanced Blu-ray drives for either, although they only support up to 9.5mm height HDDs. I don't know of any new ThinkPads that support a 15mm HDD in the HDD bay. Both are available with an FHD panel and SSD from the factory (not sure on IPS compatibility), although I'd probably just search for one with a HDD and buy an mSATA SSD to add - or just install a regular SATA SSD and use an Ultrabay HDD adapter if you need more space. The HD 3000 GPU will handle Blu-ray playback fine (again, I do it occasionally on my T420); factoring in the discrete video option on either gives you plenty of headroom. Both had WWAN options (although I think having WWAN negates the possibility of using an mSATA SSD), BT, WiFi... Plus my favorite - the xx20 series has the classic keyboard and trackpoint that we lost since the introduction of the xx30 series. This is ultimately why I decided on the xx20 over the xx30 and later when I was in the market for something "new".

[Carthik]

Thanks for the response theterminator93. Please see the first post again, I simplified it. I don't think either of those models support IPS displays. After using IPS on my X230 and comparing it to my T410's display, I can never go back to TN. IPS is a must!

I understand your feelings towards the keyboard. When I was purchasing my X230 they just switched over, and I considered buying an X220 just to have the good ol' keyboard. However, because of the new design X220's were selling for the same prices as X230's, I couldn't justify it for the keyboard. I still use my T410, and the new keyboard isn't bad, just takes getting used to.