X220, X230 or X240

[Rayners]

Hello there !

I should buy a laptop in September, and i need a lighweight, portable but solid laptop (before i had an Asus Zenbook, broken in my bag i don't now how... :/ ).

So i decided i will buy a X-series Thinkpad, my budget is below 500€, so now i have the choice between the X220, the X230 and the X240.

The X220 and the X230 seems to have a better repairability, more upgrade solutions, a better build quality and, for the X220, a better keyboard (important for me because i will type a lot)

But the X240 seems to have a better screen, it is more slim and less hot, and a better battery life.

What laptop should i take, as the X220 cost 250€, the X230 350€ and the X240 450€ ?

Thank you

[Ibthink]

X240 has better build quality than X220/X230.

Whether or not the X240, I would decide based on the battery performance: Do you want/need best battery performance? If yes, the X240 will score best in this category when you go with the 6 cell battery. Also, of course, is 1366x768 tolerable to you?

Regarding the keyboard, do you have tested all of the different keyboards? Because, its a subjective decision which one is better. Some may find the X220 keyboard better, some the X230 or X240 keyboard. The same goes for the TouchPad/UltraNav part.

X220 and X230 take more RAM, and yes, they can be upgrade in more ways. You also gain one USB port (3 instead of 2).

[axur-delmeria]

Because, its a subjective decision which one is better...The same goes for the TouchPad/UltraNav part.

Didn't we all breathe fire on the entire '40 generation (X240, T440, W540) because Lenovo removed the Trackpoint buttons?

[Rayners]

X240 has better build quality than X220/X230.

Whether or not the X240, I would decide based on the battery performance: Do you want/need best battery performance? If yes, the X240 will score best in this category when you go with the 6 cell battery. Also, of course, is 1366x768 tolerable to you?

Regarding the keyboard, do you have tested all of the different keyboards? Because, its a subjective decision which one is better. Some may find the X220 keyboard better, some the X230 or X240 keyboard. The same goes for the TouchPad/UltraNav part.

X220 and X230 take more RAM, and yes, they can be upgrade in more ways. You also gain one USB port (3 instead of 2).

I need something like 6h/7h of battery maximum and 1366x768 is okay for me (I prefer 1366x768 IPS than Full HD TN screen).

I didn't tested the keyboard, so i will try to test it before buying.

Is it easy to change the X240 screen ? Because probably one year after i buyed it, i will probably change the screen to an IPS screen (1366x768 on the X220/X230 and Full HD for the X240).

Thank you !

[Ibthink]

Didn't we all breathe fire on the entire '40 generation (X240, T440, W540) because Lenovo removed the Trackpoint buttons?

Not me, I liked the ClickPad for several reasons (and I am 100 % TrackPoint user). It had its advantages, and its disadvantages. But most people didn´t like it unfortunately for me...so, its gone again (which I am fine with, though I personally would have preferred if Lenovo introduced a better version of this TrackPad). I am not the only one who liked the ClickPad, for the record (but one of few I guess).

Also, we don´t know if the TS uses TouchPad or TrackPoint. One could argue that the X240 is clearly better TouchPad wise, than X220/X230. Just sayin.

I need something like 6h/7h of battery maximum and 1366x768 is okay for me (I prefer 1366x768 IPS than Full HD TN screen).

All of the machines you picked fulfill these requirements.

Is it easy to change the X240 screen ?

Yes, its quite easy (unless you get the Touch-version).

[Rayners]

Also, we don´t know if the TS uses TouchPad or TrackPoint. One could argue that the X240 is clearly better TouchPad wise, than X220/X230. Just sayin.

I want to learn and use the TrackPoint, it seems very useful as i will type a lot on my laptop.

All of the machines you picked fulfill these requirements.

Great !

Another question, can we consider the X240 as more "future-proof" than the X220 ? Because i saw on other forums that the CPU from the X240 is less powerful than the X220/X230 CPU, so i have a little doubt about this.

Thank you again !

[plympton]

The x220 and x230 have 2 dimm slots and can easily go up to 16gb RAM, which is very very very useful if you develop software or run virtual machines. The x250 can take a 16gb dimm, but it is pricey, and will be for a while.

The x220 also makes a darn nice hackintosh - the x230 and up have locked down bios and can't be as easy.

The x220 and x230 don't have an easy way to get 1080p screens, and the the 1366x768 IPS screen is just OK - resolution is really low for this day and age.

The x220 won't drive a 4K monitor at 60hz, which is a bummer.

The x220 has usb 3.0 only on the i7 variants.

For me, Lenovo hasn't come out with a replacement for the x220 yet. I am very happy with mine, but the battery life on newer machines is much much greater, but performance hasn't changed much in what... 3 years now?? Crazy.

-Dan

[Rayners]

The x220 and x230 have 2 dimm slots and can easily go up to 16gb RAM, which is very very very useful if you develop software or run virtual machines. The x250 can take a 16gb dimm, but it is pricey, and will be for a while

That's cool to keep this computer in the pace, but i think i will need only 8gb RAM !

The x220 also makes a darn nice hackintosh - the x230 and up have locked down bios and can't be as easy.

I don't think i will do a hackintosh, but this story of "locked down bios" can get me to the X220 since i want to install Linux on my laptop.

The x220 and x230 don't have an easy way to get 1080p screens, and the the 1366x768 IPS screen is just OK - resolution is really low for this day and age.

My old Zenbook had a 1366x768 screen, and it was OK, but if possible i would prefer a Full HD screen, that can get me to the X240.

The x220 won't drive a 4K monitor at 60hz, which is a bummer.

I didn't need 4K, so this isn't important for me.

The x220 has usb 3.0 only on the i7 variants.

That's a bit diappointing but i know i can get ExpressCard cards to have USB 3.0 ports.

Thank you

[plympton]

Linux isn't a problem with the BIOS. It is the whitelist that won't let you install a different WIFI card or bluetooth card. Linux would be fine.

As for USB 3.0 via expresscard - I have 2 I can send you. Junk. Even from Lenovo's "supported" brand. Drivers are flakey (could conflict with the native drivers for USB 3.0 on board)

[dr_st]

CPU-wise they are all more or less equivalent.

I would get an X220 only if the new 6-row keyboard is a deal breaker for you, or if you want a less locked down BIOS, as plympton mentioned. Otherwise, X230 and X240 are better options. They have USB3 across the board, support more simultaneous displays and higher resolutions, have better GPU performance and better battery life. Not to mention the units themselves being newer, with less wear-and-tear.

Still, if you get an X220, try to get one with i7/USB3 onboard. ExpressCards are an option, but they are not bootable, consume extra power, and not all of them will work well. Renesas uPD720202-based cards are notoriously problematic with an X220 and so far I haven't got one to work reliably unless ASPM is turned off completely (which kills battery life).

[cros]

Don't let the X230's locked BIOS rule it out entirely - depending on how familiar you are with electronics and programming. See this method: https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread- ... 4#pid91134

You can then use an Intel 7260 AC or Azurewave AW-CE123H (Broadcom BCM4352, for OS X) in place of the original Intel 6205/6300.

The remaining potential downsides vs. an X220 are the keyboard type and the security check for third-party batteries due to RapidCharge. Neither of these bother me. ...of course both are also potentially removed via BIOS (or EC) modification too, but nobody seems to have had the inclination yet.

[Rayners]

Today i had the opportunity to try the X230, it feels really good, seems solid, i like the keyboard. But i noticed that the battery wiggles a little, don't know if it is only the particular model i tried that have this problem, it is not crucial but it should be reported.

I also tried a T420, just because of the keyboard, i like this keyboard too, so i didn't really have a favorite keybord.

I don't think i will take the X240, I want to install an SSD it but it will exceed 500€ price limit (and i didn't find a X240 with integrated SSD for this price)

Don't let the X230's locked BIOS rule it out entirely - depending on how familiar you are with electronics and programming

My qualification in electronics and programming is equal to zero :/

[Rayners]

Just a little update there ! I've found a X230 for 310€ with his base, i was going to take it but i saw this video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HrBqtUtvUI

I'm a bit worried of this problemes, did they exists too on X220 ? Are they on every X230 on the market ?

Thanks !

[ajkula66]

I'm a bit worried of this problemes, did they exists too on X220 ? Are they on every X230 on the market ?

Well, no, not on all of them...but with that said, these are fragile little machines where QC left a lot to be desired when compared to X200/201 generation.

[sysiphus]

Well, no, not on all of them...but with that said, these are fragile little machines where QC left a lot to be desired when compared to X200/201 generation.

Absolutely agreed. By the _20 generation, QC and materials had taken a considerable plunge from years past. It's pretty sad to compare the build of my father's X60t to a friend's 220. Though the screen shape made for some disappointing design compromises, the 200/201 still was built to standards far closer to the 60/61 series, at least.

[dr_st]

Just a little update there ! I've found a X230 for 310€ with his base, i was going to take it but i saw this video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HrBqtUtvUI

I'm a bit worried of this problemes, did they exists too on X220 ? Are they on every X230 on the market ?

Thanks !

This is one of the worst, most useless videos I've seen in a long time. Even the fact that he's got almost 50% negative reviews does not do it justice. People making videos like that about laptops should be hit on their head full force with the laptop they "reviewed", and then be forced to post another video about how each component of the laptop survived the ordeal.

To the point - the guy takes the most measly, pathetically minor, totally insignificant things and drones about them for almost 10 minutes, to create a feeling that there is something important and bad about them. Volume buttons feel a bit loose? Battery wiggles? LCD wobbles a tiny bit when forced?

Never mind that every single laptop in existence will have these "issues" (unless of course they follow a different design path, like a monolithic chassis with no modular battery, or non-existent volume keys), these "issues" are actually good. Some looseness means some tolerance, and lower likelihood of downright breakage.

Keep in mind that there do exist some actual (fairly minor) issues with X220/X230 series construction, but by focusing on stupid crap like he did, the guy totally overlooked them.

Edit: toned it down a bit after cooling down, but yeah, it's still terrible.

[Rayners]

Just a little update there ! I've found a X230 for 310€ with his base, i was going to take it but i saw this video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HrBqtUtvUI

I'm a bit worried of this problemes, did they exists too on X220 ? Are they on every X230 on the market ?

Thanks !

This is one of the worst, most useless videos I've seen in a long time. Even the fact that he's got almost 50% negative reviews does not do it justice. People making videos like that about laptops should be hit on their head full force with the laptop they "reviewed", and then be forced to post another video about how each component of the laptop survived the ordeal.

To the point - the guy takes the most measly, pathetically minor, totally insignificant things and drones about them for almost 10 minutes, to create a feeling that there is something important and bad about them. Volume buttons feel a bit loose? Battery wiggles? LCD wobbles a tiny bit when forced?

Never mind that every single laptop in existence will have these "issues" (unless of course they follow a different design path, like a monolithic chassis with no modular battery, or non-existent volume keys), these "issues" are actually good. Some looseness means some tolerance, and lower likelihood of downright breakage.

Keep in mind that there do exist some actual (fairly minor) issues with X220/X230 series construction, but by focusing on stupid crap like he did, the guy totally overlooked them.

Edit: toned it down a bit after cooling down, but yeah, it's still terrible.

Thanks ! I feared that it is a really big problem, but it seems that it is not !

Another question, is there any AC Wifi Card in the X230 whitelist ? Thanks !

[ajkula66]

Another question, is there any AC Wifi Card in the X230 whitelist ? Thanks !

No.

[Rayners]

Another question, is there any AC Wifi Card in the X230 whitelist ? Thanks !

No.

Thanks. That make me really hesitate between X220 and X230

[ajkula66]

Thanks. That make me really hesitate between X220 and X230

There's really not all that much difference between the two.

If you must have USB 3.0 - it's standard on X230 - and only the i7 versions of X220 have it.

If you prefer the 7-row keyboard, it's X220.

Do bear in mind that you can charge X230 battery in a X220, but not the other way around.

Intel is apparently dropping the support for Sandy Bridge graphics in W10, but will support Ivy Bridge. Whether this makes any difference to you is a whole another matter.

[Rayners]

There's really not all that much difference between the two.

If you must have USB 3.0 - it's standard on X230 - and only the i7 versions of X220 have it.

If you prefer the 7-row keyboard, it's X220.

Do bear in mind that you can charge X230 battery in a X220, but not the other way around.

Intel is apparently dropping the support for Sandy Bridge graphics in W10, but will support Ivy Bridge. Whether this makes any difference to you is a whole another matter.

I don't really need USB 3.0, but it is better to have it "just in case".

I had the opportunity to try the two keyboards, in one hand the 7-row keyboard has a better key layout but in the other hand i'm more familiar with island keyboards like the 6-row keyboard, and it makes less noise.

I will use Linux on my laptop, and if it's on a dual-boot, i will use W7 anyway.

Thanks !

[Temetka]

That video of the guy showing the issues with his X series issues was terrible.

I've always been a fan of the X-Series machines. I really like the look of the 230 series.