Purpose of "thorns" on X230?

I've noticed recently that the thorns on the top part of the screen have made marks on the bottom row.

There are 6 "thorns" on the top above the webcam, and span the length of the screen. What is the point of that, in terms of functionality? The only thing I've seen it do is make permanent marks and cause damage on the palmrest.

 

Are you referring to pen-dot sized raised surfaces that run the length of the top bezel? I have 8 of them that run along the top.

I'd guess they are to provide a buffer when the display is shut against the palm rest.

 

Shouldn't that be the function of the rubber strips on the bezel around the display?

The "thorns" have caused permanent dimples along my palmrest as well.

 

Discussed here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/618767-x220-build-quality-problems.html

 

Yep. Elaborating on my previous post some more: without those dimples, you'd get a single long horizontal line delineating the entire top bezel of the laptop. My older T500 already had very faint lines where the bezel meets the palmrest, from years of slight contact. Small imprints or longer ones, it's your choice.

Do wish that more Thinkpads used a rubber bumper instead of a plastic one, though, like on my X120e.

 

In my Opinion it would have been better if Lenovo had left those darn things out. In case you haven't noticed, the X220 has actually got some rubber strips or whatever you call them.

I took a closer look at it, it would do a great job if those plastic things weren't there.


(click to enlarge)

They serve no purpose but to torture us, it's as simple as that.

 

They are in fact necessary, or you would get the same problems as the X121e: The screen bezel would scratch the palmrest. Lenovo will solve this problem on future Thinkpads with the usage of a rubber lip (like on X1 Carbon oder T431s/X230s), but on some older models, these "thorns" are necessary, it is that simple.

 

OK tell you what, I'll remove them and if my Palmrest survives, you loose. If not, you win.