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    The Upcoming ThinkPad X230, X230i, T430, T430i, T530, T530i and W530?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by moocow_cn, Mar 19, 2012.

  1. Pseudorandom

    Pseudorandom Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm going to doubt this change will have a negative impact in their sales, otherwise they wouldn't be doing it. They went out and talked to their customers and they said they were okay with the dreaded 6 row layout. The other business laptops from Dell and HP both have recently switched to chiclet keycaps and have had 6 row layouts for a while now. It seems its not just the consumers that like chiclet and don't care about the 7th row.
     
  2. XX55XX

    XX55XX Notebook Evangelist

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    Ivy Bridge has been bumped up to April 23rd. Guess we'll see the W530 by then, since the quad-cores are coming first?
     
  3. The Mayor

    The Mayor Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sometimes good companies, with great brands, make bad product decisions that not only impact sales, but destroy a companies bottom line profit.

    Coke & New Coke
    Sony Betamax Vs. VHS
    Ford Edsel
     
  4. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Judging from the vast amount of good feedback regarding Lenovo's chiclet keyboard implementation, I doubt it. The general consumer (and even many business users) like chiclet keyboards: they do look cleaner, and the typing feel on the Lenovo chiclets is great.

    If Lenovo does eliminate the 7-row layout, it's probably because they feel the added benefit doesn't outweigh the cost savings from stocking the same keyboard across the board. With luck, the images are just renders, and Lenovo has a 7-row chiclet in store for us... not holding my breath, though.
     
  5. k2001

    k2001 Notebook Deity

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    6 row keyboard = larger trackpad. Since they have move to the 16:9 rational, they have find some vertical space from some where. I just hope that they did not downgrade the build quality or the support, I am not worry about the keyboard at all.
     
  6. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Eh. I never use multitouch gestures in any case (I usually purposely disable them), so a larger trackpad is useless to me. No doubt that's the current demand from consumers, though.
     
  7. k2001

    k2001 Notebook Deity

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    Even for regular use a larger trackpad are alot easier to use. Although personally I only use trackpoint and a mouse, I know alot of people never like to use the trackpoint. Hopefully with the implementation the 6 row keyboard, it will have room on the x230 to fit in physical button for the trackpad.
     
  8. Colonel O'Neill

    Colonel O'Neill Notebook Deity

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    Having used an X100e where the media keys weren't Fn+Arrow Keys, but rather Fn+F9/F10/F11, I found it incredibly unintuitive and difficult to aim properly. Heck, I made the system hibernate 50% of the time trying to go to next song. More buttfrustrating than anything, I tell you. Especially considering we can't easily disable Hibernate from Fn+F12.

    Why they'd get rid of the ThinkLight is beyond me. The differential cost can't be more than a nickel.


    What I'm really holding on to here, and it is a faint shadow of a hope indeed, is that somewhere up top was far more insightful than we give him credit for, and has plans for a full 180 in the next generation. I suppose that gives them the opportunity to sweep all of their failings to the ThinkPad under the carpet in one go and truly go back to roots. But I'd sooner be hit by lightning on my way to redeem a winning lotto ticket.
     
  9. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    How much of this is a function of ThinkPad keyboards being so mostly similar over the years? After years of using the same setup, the layout is probably grooved into your brain. If they'd started with a six-row keyboard years ago, then switched to a seven row, I'm sure the transition would be difficult as well.
     
  10. Q-Ball7

    Q-Ball7 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Unlikely, if history repeats itself.
    It's likely going to be August to September before we see anything; if we take the 4 month gap between Sandy Bridge's mobile release and the appearance of the T and W520 lines (the 2720QM was released at the beginning of January 2011, and the first W520s went on sale at the end of March).
    Just in time for back-to-school sales, I might add (and enough time for people who want a guarantee of a traditional keyboard to snap up this current generation as they clear stock for the new models).

    Mind you, there was a problem with the silicon and the QM67 chipset that Lenovo got, so this delay might be a bit longer, but I think that there will be a delay of at least two months regardless.

    In fact, Intel's having heat problems with Ivy Bridge because of the way the transistors are- the first desktop parts have a TDP of 95W instead of the original 77W, so we may be seeing a similar delay while Intel gets that problem worked out (if they in fact do so).
    Since Ivy Bridge processors are designed to have configurable TDPs this may have interesting implications for that technology.
     
  11. forumlogin

    forumlogin Newbie

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  12. Summilux

    Summilux Notebook Guru

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  13. k2001

    k2001 Notebook Deity

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    I guess they will release the Edge on May and then sometime in June the release of L, T series. Around late June or early july only when the X and W series will hit the market. I am hopeful that I am too pessimistic about the prediction.
     
  14. Thors.Hammer

    Thors.Hammer Notebook Enthusiast

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    If it's on the internet, it MUST be true. :D
     
  15. Summilux

    Summilux Notebook Guru

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  16. andreyvo

    andreyvo Newbie

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  17. mochaultimate

    mochaultimate Notebook Consultant

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    I do fully agree with this. In fact I'd say about 95% of my issue with the keyboard change is because I've already been so used to the old format and key pitch, etc. If the original layout were 6-row, and I have to adapt to a 7-row today, I would probably be having the same issues.

    This doesn't make it any less of a valid reason to oppose the change, however. If, for instance, BMW were to change the gear transmission on its cars to work downwards instead of upwards (ie, PARK right at the bottom, while DRIVE is on top, etc) you'd get a huge uproar. It would WORK just fine, but people are simply used to how things have always been done.
     
  18. Mech0z

    Mech0z Notebook Evangelist

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    Bah 1366x768 is not enough :( hope it at least have TB connection
     
  19. dp3000

    dp3000 Notebook Evangelist

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    Only the S430 is confirmed to have a TB connection, don't know why it is not getting any love on here
     
  20. XX55XX

    XX55XX Notebook Evangelist

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    How many peripherals exist for ThunderBolt? Almost none.
     
  21. Oats04

    Oats04 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm excited for the S430 also. I think it's getting no love cuz it's an edge, and not a T series therefore the durability isn't as good.
     
  22. Mech0z

    Mech0z Notebook Evangelist

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    Any chance the S430 will have 3820QM? Or is that for 15" models only


    Only TB peripherals I care for is eGPU and that will have exist soon both DIY and oem products
     
  23. 600X

    600X Endless bus ride

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    Since Lenovo also offers its IdeaPad Y480 (14") with an QC i7, there might be a chance they will do the same with the S430.
     
  24. ibmthink

    ibmthink Notebookcheck Deity

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    But the S430 is much slimmer and not designed for gaming/multimedia as the Y480. I the S430 will come with a QC.
     
  25. andpgud

    andpgud Notebook Guru

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    You mean the T430s, right?
     
  26. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    There's two separate models, the Thinkpad Edge S430 (what he's referring to), and the Thinkpad T430u. The T430s has not been confirmed yet, and personally, I would think it'd be redundant with the T430u--I'd bet Lenovo will cut it out of the product lineup.
     
  27. 600X

    600X Endless bus ride

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    The T430s is confirmed. In one Lenovo Video i think, it was confirmed that the T430s will continue to exist, so you can choose what suits you best. Other prove was also found in the german ThinkPad Forum.
     
  28. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    I couldn't find any reliable proof anywhere on the Internet, the only the pictures that were listed on Chinese websites and at other rumor mills are identical to the T430u pictures. And, it's missing from PTCRB.

    It'd be interesting to see otherwise, especially if there are other new pictures floating out there--then, my question would be why Lenovo needs two portable 14" Thinkpads. They'll likely use similar/same keyboards, so would the only difference be an ODD? Doesn't make any sense.
     
  29. dp3000

    dp3000 Notebook Evangelist

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    Well I think it'll be pretty durable. I look forward to changing the odd to a second hard drive. the 1600x900 on the 14" is also not bad but i would have preferred a 1080p 15" screen. Only thing I'm not sure about is the graphics card it'll be using

    more info here: http://translate.google.com/transla...om/a2012/0411/1336/000001336191.shtml&act=url
     
  30. Oats04

    Oats04 Notebook Consultant

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    hopefully 640m
     
  31. Mech0z

    Mech0z Notebook Evangelist

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    Is 640m not just a rebranded 5xx? And if yes then I suppose its not much faster than hd4000
     
  32. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    there is one model that is rebrand, however we hope that nvidia is going to put out more of the new 640m/650m/660m (yes all those are the same chip) in the new line up of OEMs
     
  33. Nrbelex

    Nrbelex Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    General question about ordering new ThinkPads:

    Are new models immediately added to the education side of the Lenovo website (allowing for discounted .edu orders) as soon as they are available for order elsewhere on the site?
     
  34. Bronsky

    Bronsky Wait and Hope.

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    No. It is not. It is a Kepler core. It is a significant improvement over the 540M or other 5xx series GPUs. And, yes, it is significantly more powerful than the HD4000 integrated graphics.
     
  35. ibmthink

    ibmthink Notebookcheck Deity

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  36. aadadams

    aadadams Notebook Deity

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    Realizing that I must maintain my composure while at work... I will simply say "That's great news." I won't exclaim it from the roof tops as that may draw unwanted attention...
     
  37. ibmthink

    ibmthink Notebookcheck Deity

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  38. 600X

    600X Endless bus ride

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    Looks like a X220 with Chiclet Keyboard. :mad:

    They should have called it the X221.
     
  39. aadadams

    aadadams Notebook Deity

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    Do you mean the X230 image looks like an X220? If so, I'm sure most were expecting exactly that. Chipset, keyboard, video card and maybe TB were among the expected changes... No major chassis revisions...
     
  40. Summilux

    Summilux Notebook Guru

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  41. ibmthink

    ibmthink Notebookcheck Deity

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    Yes, only the Top-Sellers. The Education Systems of the current generation will disappear in June.
     
  42. Nrbelex

    Nrbelex Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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  43. ibmthink

    ibmthink Notebookcheck Deity

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    Google. :) I googled "X131e", because I saw this name on a chinese website.
     
  44. Summilux

    Summilux Notebook Guru

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    So no Custom To Order X220 from June either, I presume. Schade :(
    Gotta order very soon.
     
  45. Schmitty

    Schmitty Notebook Consultant

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    I'll sell you my new X220 in my sig so I can get a new ivy bridge-based X230

    :D
     
  46. XX55XX

    XX55XX Notebook Evangelist

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    Still that stupid clickpad with no buttons, despite the reduced number of rows on the keyboard on the X230? Guess I'm gunning for a T430s then.
     
  47. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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  48. Pseudorandom

    Pseudorandom Notebook Evangelist

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    Uggh. They have more space for the touchpad, but instead of adding buttons, they make the stupid clickpad larger. I'm so happy I'm a trackpoint user...
     
  49. aadadams

    aadadams Notebook Deity

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    @vinuneuro,
    I noticed that too... Looks like the X1 may not be update aside from the chipset maybe... even so it's strange that it didn't get something X1.1 maybe... I'm only interested in devices offered with HD+ or higher so if they don't throw a new screen in there it's not an option for me...
     
  50. Oats04

    Oats04 Notebook Consultant

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    what an insanely good find! thankyou very much.

    They are comparing brushed alluminum with soft touch paint, they will both be soft touch right? with the alluminum having a soft touch paint.

    I remember at CES the guy said the t430u is brushed alluminum but will be soft touch cuz of the paint.

    I wish they would use leather on the thinkpads like they are going to on the yoga and like the did on the u260, but softtouch is nice also.

    which page does it say thinkpads are coming on june 5th? sry i cant find it
     
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