Replacing X220

I want to replace my lenovo x220 i5 because disappointed for what concern keyboard and display quality (no ips model).

I don't want spend any money and I'ma considering eventually bigger & heavier models like T420 or T430.

What about them in terms of overall build quality and mainly keyboard comfor experience ?

thks

 

T420 has the exact same keyboard as the X220. Do bear in mind that there are several (three, I believe) manufacturers for that generation of keyboards and that the typing feel varies widely between them.

T430 sports the "new" 6-row island keyboard and if you're OK with the change in layout you may want to test it out.

Neither T420 nor T430 have LCDs that are anything above mediocre, even in the best of circumstances.

Build quality is fine, generally speaking, but I'd say the same for the X220 apart from its useless touchpad.

 

Or you can try upgrading your X220 with an IPS screen.

 

An excellent suggestion indeed, and get a keyboard from a different manufacturer while you're at it...

 

Is there a way to know which is the manufacturer of my keyboard (x220 i5 4290) ?

However going with T430 could be a valuable option or the x220 remains definitely a better machine ?

 

You need to remove the keyboard and look up the FRU number on it.

I don't see that you'll gain much of anything with a T430...

 

I'd like to remain on business models made by lenovo, hp or dell.
Are the some models particularly I retesting in the low-mid range?
For example hp 2570p.

Sent with a lazy Nexus 5

 

You will not be gaining much if you opt for an 2570p imo. The keyboard probably won't be as good as your Thinkpad and the HP is much thicker and heavier, albeit better built. The TN panel is mediocre and you have no option for an IPS display. If you really want one, you can still pick one up new on eBay.

 

The ips is not a priority. It is sufficient to have decent angle view and somewhat vibrant colors. Consider that with 2570 I consider the i7 core version. It is heavier but it seems to me well built and in past I've had very pleasant experience with hp keyboard (for example with models like 6510b and 2510p)

Which models in your opinion are worth to mention as alternatives to my x220?
The recent (nice) ativ book line of samsung could be a valid option ?

P. S. :today I'll check the keyboard to verify which is the manufacturer...

 

The keyboard on the 6460b/6470b (probably same as the 2570p) is good but not as good as most Thinkpad keyboards IMO. And the one on the Probook 640 is downright shallow compared to earlier models. (At least the t440s and probably the others of that line still have a good depth.) Sadly, most consumer laptops I've seen lately (Samsung ATIV series likely included) have crappy, shallow keyboards compared to business laptops. Depends on if you can get used to it or not...

 

That's what you get if you want an ultraportable. Very slim laptops do not have good keyboards (tactile feedback, spacing AND good key travel)

 

Except that the Probook 640 isn't that slim. 1" at the front. My t440s is thinner and has more key travel. Though the 640 has an optical drive, and the t440s doesn't.

 

The problem is not the key size or the space among them. The problem is the tactile feedback and the "noise" .
In the meanwhile I've obtained a keyboard replacement directly from the lenovo. We'll see...
I've heard that the X220 keyboard has been produced by different manufacturers and that there are differences among them in terms of quality. I don't know if it's really true.

Sent with a lazy Nexus 5

 

It is. Personally, I think they're all way better than you get on most notebooks, but some do prefer one over the other.

 

I'll try the new one and then decide what to do.
The 2540p and 2570p remain however interesting alternative models in my opinion...

Sent with a lazy Nexus 5

 

I wasn't referring to the Probook but very slim ultraportables in general. The dimensions of the chassis will always be a limiting factor on how much key travel a notebook can have. Thinkpads are great because their keyboards are usually pretty good. I am not a fan however of the 6-row arrangement; try Alt + F4 to close a programme. You can't by default which is pathetic.

 

It seems like you originally made up your mind on the HP but now reconsidering. You are unlikely to get strong support on a Lenovo forum imo.

 

What?

Sent with a lazy Nexus 5

 

Fair enough. And although I'm fine with the 6-row arrangement, I don't like the F key default either - at least the Fn-lock sticks across reboots. I turned that on as soon as I got my t440s and have never turned it off.

Not necessarily... looks like amazing-boy has an HP. And although I'm posting in the Lenovo area here, I deal with HPs at work (and own a few).

 

The new keyboard has FRU 45n2123
and
ID NO: 43M031
MODEL NO: C9-90I0
REV. A

But the manufacturer seems to be not clearly indicated.