Need feedback on X230 configuration

You'd think I know better (been here for a while) but apparently I need help deciding. Quick back-story: I've owned many Thinkpads in my past. Most recently an X220t which I sold to get a 17" MBP. I like the Macbook and all, but honestly have grown tired of Apple's behavior with regards to it's litigious nature (more of a personal view really). I'm kicking around the idea of selling my Apple gear and returning to Lenovo. I have Windows 7 on my Mac (50/50 hard drive split) and use Windows most of the time, so it makes sense.

Anyway, here is my configuration via the B&N site. $1,052.78. Updated the processor to the base i5, added BT/lighted KB/IPS/top wireless adapter/6-cell and 3-yr warranty.

My primary uses are internet, word processing, excel. I like to up the specs of machines to help "prolong" their life. Don't care about a webcam.

Are there any areas where I can shave off some expense? Downgrade the wireless card (was a $40 upgrade)? The reason I went with the top card is because I need very reliable reception and performance.

Thanks!

 

Nearly identical to my x230 that I ordered. Normally I would tell people to downgrade to the i3 but since it's the older Sandy Bridge i3, I think the base i5 is worth the slight increase. (Assuming it's still ~$30 from the i3 to the i5.)

 

Thanks. Yes, the upgrade was only $30. I figured it was worth it to get the new Ivy Bridge internals (right?).

Just to double-check, the 6-cell (or 9 for that matter) doesn't have that annoying "bump" that the tablet has correct? That drove me nuts with the X220t.

 

Unless you've got a specific need to run processor intensive apps, I doubt the CPU makes any difference, but at $30,, it's fairly painless. Personally, I'd opt for the 500GB 5400RPM, then pick up a small mSATA SSD, unless you need WWAN.

 

They do protrude slightly from the bottom (the 4-cell is the only one entirely flat), but the protrusion is not noticeable visually during normal use, and the feet on the battery provide a stable surface as well. So no, it's not like the huge bulbous tablet 6-cell.

 

I never really noticed any difference among difference wifi cards. Right now I mostly use Intel Centrino Wireless N 1000 on Thinkpad and it works just as good (never had any problems) and any other card. On the other hand, upgrading to a better router made a massive difference.

Also do you really need the 3 year warranty? Based on what you wrote here it looks like you don't keep laptops that long.

 

Yeah, personally I'd skip out on the 3-year warranty. Computers are more and more of a commodity these days, and it's not worth it spending extra money on a warranty. I've generally bet that if something will go wrong with my electronics, it's either going to be within the first month or late in the device's life. Haven't gone wrong yet.

 

Thanks for the feedback. The only reason I added the 3yr warranty is because it was only $20/year. After thinking about it I may just keep my MacBook. I love the high resolution. I was actually looking at the Asus Zenbook Prime since its 1920x1080 on a 13" screen. Why oh why can't Lenovo produce a high resolution small screen??

 

I know, right? It's similar with HP Elitebooks (at least the portable ones). They are stuck with crappy 200-nit low-res TN screens.

 

Hah, Lenovo doesn't "produce" any screens. All sorts of great screens are available from various suppliers.

But then again, the Great Wisdom in this forum says that Lenovo is driven by faceless institutional buyers who love lousy screens (and, supposedly, demand chiclet keyboard and new CPU/GPU every year).

 

Well semantics about the screen. But it's not an unusual request especially when higher resolutions are becoming mainstream. Produce or not, Lenovo is avoiding inclusion of them for the most part. That confuses me. At least offer a choice on the smaller dimension models (ala T61p/X61 tablet).

 

^^^ Whatever. I did not disagree with you.

 

No worries. I didn't suggest you did. It sounded like you were correcting me in thinking that Lenovo makes the screens. Bah, anyway.

It seems the B&N discount isn't working for me today. I was mentally prepared to get the X230, but not at over $1,200. Oh well. I'll keep looking for a way to be cheap.

 

I'm baack! Pricing again through the B&N site. Can't stack the 10% email coupon though...bah!

$880 (after $278 B&N savings)


• Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz)
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
• 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 3x3 Antenna
• Intel HD 4000 Graphics in Intel Core i5-3210M Processor
• 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
• UltraNav™ with TrackPoint® and buttonless multi-touchpad
• 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
• No Optical Drive
• 6 Cell ThinkPad Battery X44+
• Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
• Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
• Mobile Broadband upgradable
• 1 Year Depot/Express Warranty


I think this is what I'm going to settle on. $880 isn't bad...