Some ThinkPad X230 Convertible Tablet Questions before I buy

The Laptop Config I'm looking into:


System components
Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
12.5" Multitouch HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM) (I'll upgrade this myself to 8 gigs or 16)
Keyboard - US English
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
6 Cell Battery X67
65W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN
Mobile Broadband upgradable
Services and software
2YR Depot
Accessories
ThinkPad Tablet Digitizer Pen



I've been trying to research some particular points for this laptop and have had no success, so I've come to you guys.

I'm an engineering student who originally obtained a M15X Alienware laptop. That computer has been a trooper and great asset in the past but now I find myself moving around a lot (lab, friend's house to study, to class, back to lab, etc) and it's just too bulky/heavy to cart around so often. I have to take the bus on the days that I need it, instead of using my bike; which is a real pain. Plus I've had a professor this quarter who taught using the Thinkpad and I thought it was a phenomenal tool, especially with its writing capabilities (I originally looked into the Yoga 13 but was dismayed that it did not offer the same precise writing/drawing), while still being a serviceable device for running MATLAB (computational software). I'd be taking this laptop with me into Grad school for sure.

I frequently bike around town and in campus (UC Davis student) and was wondering if anyone had any experience or comments regarding the X230 being stuffed in backpack with a laptop sleeve. Will it still be safe to load a binder or two into the backpack and not affect the laptop? Obviously I know not to drop a backpack with a laptop in it on the floor but I've always been leery of _riding a bike_ with a laptop (though I know so many of my friends do it).

How bulky is the expanded 6-cell battery vs the 3-cell battery? I can't seem to find any videos or images that confront this matter (this is important if I want it fit inside my backpack). Besides that, I'd like to be able to fit on a small desk.

Thank you.

 

I carried my x220t with all my college stuff in my last year. It was fine.

Very.

 

I recommend this sleeve/case to everyone, but if you have $35 and want a sleeve/case strong enough for throwing a tablet pc into a laptop with other books and binders, consider getting the Zeroshock III case (ebay: yap). Just don't randomly drop or throw your bag or backpack onto the ground or into to any car trunks carelessly, and you'll be fine.

 

Thank you Wolf and fatpolomanjr. I picked up the Zeroshock III case.

I just realized before I order: if I opt for the 3x3 antenna (i.e. the HD webcam gets replaced with extra antennas), will I also lose the microphone array?