ThinkPad T431s / X230s Leaked

if you have decided to hate it even before the full specs is out, why do you order it?

 

Because he wants to prove that his hate wasn´t misplaced.

I can´t say the new keyboard is terrible in any way. I think it is on par with my older ThinkPad keyboards (including the NMB in my R50e), but thats just my opinion. We will see if the T431s / X230s are "terrible" when the first users get them (or at last when Notebookcheck will release their detailed review, I know that the German editorial team have ordered a review-unit of the T431s already).

 

Lol, well it wouldn't be for me. Employees at my company are allowed to order whatever laptop they want, and there are a few ThinkPad enthusiasts. So, it is almost a certainty that a newer ThinkPad will come by my desk one of these days.

The new keyboard isn't unusable by any means, the problem is that I know how good the classic keyboard was. Like ibmthink said, if this is your first ThinkPad I don't think there would be any issue at all.

 

The shipping notice for my T431s arrived via email today. Predicted delivery date is May 28'th. I'll post a review once its up and running.

 

Excellent! Thanks!

 

Nice, thank you. Looking forward to your review!

 

Awesome, looking forward to it. This could be my next laptop depending on how it fares.

 

Awaiting your personal review, I saw the following post (by ___Mike___) on Lenovo Community forum, copied verbatim:

Just Received My New T431S - Screen is Abysmal
‎05-19-2013 03:37 PM

To any of the Lenovo Staff Members who monitor this forum, please read this carefully...

I just received my new T431S, model number 20AA000SUS. What I want to know is do your Product Managers or Product Developers use the machine before signing off on the final design? The reason I ask is because of the following:

THE SCREEN IS A COMPLETE FAILURE!!!

The vertical and horizontal viewing angles are terrible, the brightness is not even close enough to being usable. When the laptop is sitting on my desk I have to push the screen back another 15 degrees at least (compared to my X1 Carbon) to get a good enough viewing angle to work on Microsoft Word documents.

I just do not understand how you can ship a product that has overall great build quality, good general specifications, but a screen that is simply not usable. I am really disappointed in Lenovo. How much harder would is be to source an IPS screen?​

Oh well...

 

That's horrible to hear. There will be no way I will be able to transition from the beautiful IPS display on my S15 to a sub-par screen, no matter how amazing the computer is in other respects.

 

What can I say that hasn't already been said? It is no surprise to me.

 

It's really no surprise to anyone who had first-hand experience with LCD quality on 14" ThinkPads, pretty much from day one or just about...

 

IGZO might the salvation, HP is getting one 3200*1800 goodness!

 

this is getting annoying they keep putting these awful panels in otherwise good computers

 

as usual, pc manufacturers have glommed onto the latest hot trend and taken it to the useless extreme. They need less focus on ridiculous hi-res displays and more on color gamut and viewing angles.

 

so tell us the specs of the igzo displays, given that the kiraboook uses IGZO








the only strange thing in that display is the color accuracy a new rev on that might fix it, much like LG fixed somewhat their IPS 15'' 1080p panel

in the end, you know nothing john snow

 

The display in the kirabook is definitely a step in the right direction, and I wish lenovo would go that direction. It's really great if 70% of AdobeRGB is good enough for you.

Also, well placed Game of Thrones quote. You're the coolest.

 

thanks, I dont do intensive graphic work, so that gamut is only a bonus for me. But you dont expect a real high quality display on the likes of the dream color 2 or whatever dell calls it, in an ultrabook. First they are 10bit panel, which the igpu doesnt support, second they cost tons of money.


but 70% aRGB is pretty great if you compare to the folio panel which is exactly the kind of bad panel that gets put on enterprise class notebooks. And before someone mentions apple in their TN or IPS displays they do around that much in terms of gamut

 

I was pretty set on getting a 14" thinkpad this fall and swearing off HP but damn that screen is too tempting. I hope lenovo jumps on that bandwagon. Maybe the successor to the X1C will have a good screen? Is the X1C screen considered better than what the T431S supposedly has? (I guess there aren't that many out there so probably hard to really tell).

Main reason for wanting a Thinkpad is still keyboard and trackpoint though, might be willing to put up with a sub par screen for those. Eagerly awaiting some user reviews here.

 

Indeed, trackpoint is one of the hallmark of thinkpad. I wonder why other brands doesn't want to put trackpoint on all of their notebooks. Could it because of the high production cost?

 

probably lack of popularity, Im a big thinkpad fan, but I for the life of me cant use the nipple and envy a lot people that can do that.

 

All Enterprise-grade notebooks have a trackpoint:

Dell Latitude E6xxx range
Dell Precisions
HP EliteBooks

And of course, ThinkPads. Other manufacturers do not, because there are no other 'true' enterprise laptops. Fujitsu, ASUS, Toshiba etc are not really business machines despite their marketing guff.

 

and that detracts the popularity statement how?

 

??? Enterprise grade ??? All ??? True ???

I'm weary of "definitive" statements like the above.

A design agency of multimillion-dollar annual revenue that does not use trackpoint-loaded computers is not an "enterprise"?

 

I was merely stating only enterprise laptops include a trackpoint, hence why they're not more commonly available. Much like integrated touchpad buttons - some features are seen as old hat by consumers, but functional and useful to businesses. A trackpoint would never feature on a Mac for example, because its un-cool and would ruin their aesthetic.

 

It's not a definitive statement, it's an observation. Name a laptop that has a trackpoint which isn't listed above.

 

Many IBM, Accenture and KPMG "consultants" use mouses -- wired ones, at that -- with their ThinkPads. They do "serious business" everyday.

Include "modem port" while you're on it.

Anyway, I suppose this thread is about "ThinkPad T431s / X230s Leaked."

 

Actually I'm questioning why other brands doesn't want to put trackpoint on all of their notebook lineups (not just business class notebook).

Samsung has it too with their series 4 and 6. Also some models from Fujitsu Lifebook.

But only thinkpad that consistently has trackpoint in all of their notebooks and once again only thinkpad that provide budget options: the Edge

 

I think my comments have been taken slightly out of context, which is my fault because my quoted reply replied to the wrong post, I meant to quote the chap who asked why other manufacturers didn't include a trackpoint.

Personally, I never use them and find they get in the way when typing.

On the subject of mouse buttons I much prefer dedicated buttons so I can simultaneously move the pointer and click at the same time - and it's easier to right click with dedicated buttons. An integrated button always seems to think you want a left click.

Anyway, lets get back on topic.

 

T431s Review from lenovo-blogs.cz (via Google-translator): ThinkPad T431s: best of Carbon and T series with the dock (test) | Lenovo CZ Blog

 

Thanks for the link.

What ThinkPad T431s revolution unfortunately does not bring the display. He is in all respects exactly the same as in the case of any 14 "ThinkPad recent (light than so be it X1 Carbon ) and fully comparable with the T420, T420s, T430 and T430s - it is a matte, 14 "panel with a higher HD + (1600 x 900 pixels) resolution, which is 14 "more than sufficient value on the border between too little body and plenty of space to work on the go. contrast is low (given 400:1), 250 nit brightness standard, and there are no obviously weak saturation colors. Vertical viewing angles are really weak, horizontal are better. they counter that a few millimeters on the right and left edges of the luminance is significantly lower.​

Just rubbing it in.

 

+ Hilarious "TrackPad"

/LOL/

 

FYI, Notebook Test, Laptop Test und News - Notebookcheck.com has the review up for T431s.

Quick summary of certain element below:

1) Screen, a very small improvement over the T430s but still a TN screen. So for Thinkpad users of T420s or T430s it might be a disappointment with no improvement, but definitely not worse

2) Keyboard, the tester liked the keyboard a lot, mentioned increased travel and also considers the combined trackpad with the mouse buttons a big improvement. As for die hard trackpoint users like me, I have my reservations until I can try out myself for a longer time

For the other elements, you can go to the website and have a look.

Cheers!

 

T431s Review by Notebookcheck: Review Lenovo ThinkPad T431s Ultrabook - NotebookCheck.net Reviews

Note the slightly better contrast ans black-Levels.

 

Looks like a pretty good review of the machine. Is it my imagination or does the picture show two SoDIMM slots with one of the RAM SoDIMMs merely taped?

 

I think its your imagination, I cant see it, but that doesnt mean Im not wrong

still I like the this thinkpad, but between this and folio, I would go for the folio, same weight, removable battery on the fly (just open the main latch and remove it), 2 sodimm slots, 2.5'' HDD, msata, and probably the same horrid screen, have I mentioned how I love those elitebooks one latch all the guts are out?

 

Well, the problem with the Elitebook: it is overpriced, way more overpriced than the T431s. The first config of the Folio with HD+ starts at 1699 $ at HP.com (!) ( HP EliteBook Folio 9470m Ultrabook (ENERGY STAR) -). Thats just crazy expensive if you compare that to the T431s, which starts at 953 $ with HD+ ( Customize your ThinkPad T431s Ultrabook | Lenovo | (US)) or the Dell Latitude 6430u, which starts at 950 $ with HD+ ( The Dell Online Store: Build Your System).

 

True, though you can get a refurbished Elitebook for reasonable, sometimes really low prices. But I agree with HP's new pricing being pretty bad. Especially the CTO models, which are priced stupid-high.

 

that is true, very true, the best thing is to call and haggle, people get the price down that way, those prices that they charge for enterprise level hardware always baffled me, direct ship are not that bad, but CTO? call about jack the ripper so he can cut you some deal

exactly

 

The system arrived on time. Here are my first impressions. I'm keeping a log for a more detailed discussion later. This review is typed on the T431s.

Overall, I like it, but there are lots of things to get used to. Opening the lid is different. There is no hinge and it is not obvious where to pry. When trying to lift the lid with one hand, the whole unit raises off the table.

It feels very light, but as I type with it on my lap, the screen is bouncing more than the T410 that I'm giving up. The new keyboard keys are fine, but I keep reaching for the page up/down button and they are moved to the lower right. Other than that, my fingers seem to know where to go, for most keys. Having the Function keys sharing volume and other top row functions is weird. I hit F1 to mute and got a new web page because I didn't hit the FN button first.

The trackpoint (aka; nipple) is set lower than I am used to, and the action is slightly different, but I'll get used to that. The jury is still out on the trackpad, especially now that acts as the mouse buttons too. You have to push harder than the dedicated buttons on the older keyboard and it clacks in a cheap way that reminds me of slamming an old car door. Update: when the room is quiet, the click of the pad rude loud. The old keyboard mouse click was virtually quiet. This is disappointing.

One unexpected thing that is still bugging me is the cursor movement when my finger is on the track pad, ready to click the left-mouse button. I only want the trackpoint to move the cursor. Having both active to move the cursor reduces precision (a lot). I'm having some trouble selecting text down to the letter. Again, I'll likely get used to it, but first impression is not "oh wow!". Update: I tried disabling the pad and the trackpoint movement got jerky. Need to play with that more. The area for your wrists is huge - and there are different pressure points on your hands. My wrists are not yet sure how to position for surfing, typing, editing, etc.

Sound is interesting. Loud enough, but tinny. The sound comes up through the gap that forms when the lid is up - so the sound seems to come out of the bottom of the screen - which is kind of nice. I haven't messed with tone control yet. Update: tone control helps, but sound quality is still just ok. Again, mute and volume controls only work while the FN button is pressed - a two finger operation. Update: if the function lock isn't on.

The screen brightness seems OK - and as we suspected, the view is best head on. You can still read the screen at 30 degrees off center, but the brightness suffers. Not much different than the T410, but I'll do some side to side comparisons later.

The trackpad got smudged right away - and is shiny, like its been worn down from years of use - after minutes of use. The whole pad is smooth. I bought a Thinkpad for the trackball, so it will take a while to get into the gesture features of the pad. Overall, I miss the dedicated buttons, since I never used the pad before.

The system is quiet. You can hear the disk whir if the room is quiet, but so far, The fan is quiet, when it runs. I noticed some warmth, but not hot yet - but it isn't hard to be cooler than the T410. I'll check out the backlit keyboard tonight in the dark. Update: backlite is ok, but doesn't show the pad at all - so you can't tell where you are clicking. The Thinklight is gone - I sorta miss it.

So far, I'll keep it. The size and weight are a good compromise, and it feels sturdy. I've used Thinkpads for over 10 years in a corporate setting, but am on my own now and couldn't give up the nipple. Hope this has been useful. I'll keep track of responses and answer questions.

UPDATE: SYSTEM IS HEADED BACK. I really wanted to like the T431s. Really light yet solid, but after a week of use, I could not get used to having the mouse buttons integrated into the Touchpad. Also, my wrists got very sore when using it on my lap. Lenovo was great about letting me return it for a full refund, with prepaid shipping. I ordered a T430s to replace it.

 

Regarding your issue with the trackpad cursor movement, here's a suggestion-I have no idea if this will work or just be a bother.

In the ultranav settings for the trackpad, I think there was an option to change the usable area (edges?) of the trackpad that moves the cursor when touched. You could try making the area smaller so that the area does not include the portion of the trackpad that houses the mouse buttons. I would check the exact way to change this for you, but I personally keep mine disabled via the BIOS and it won't even let me open the trackpad settings on my laptop.

 

Is-there still a shortcut to disable the touchpad?
Like the Fn+F8 of my T410s.

 

No, but this shortcut was already gone with the T430s.

 

Can you disable the touchpad in BIOS? If you physically unplug the touchpad, can you still click with the trackpoint?

 

Don´t know about the second, but yes, it is still possible to disable the ClickPad in the UEFI-BIOS: T431s - BIOS Simulation

Thats also confirmed in the Userguide: http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/t431s_ug_en.pdf

 

Why is the f1-f12 keys secondary instead of primary? I use f2-rename, f3-search, f5-refresh more than any media or brightness keys.

http://blog.lenovo.com/products/swi...o-standard-f1-f12-on-lenovo-slim-usb-keyboard

Looks like you will need to download a driver and have an extra icon if you want to disable the multimedia keys completely unless the Fnlock key in this keyboard saves the setup even after a reboot. They seem to be going for the edge keyboard design which is similar to macbook in all their upcoming models too which kinda suck.

 

Some T431s hi-res innards:













Coming from here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.590154394338070.1073741825.245730528780460&type=1​

 

The FN-Lock is saved by default as I understand this new function.

@mirkot,
thanks for the pictures and the link...

 

Yep, that looks like a standard SoDIMM connection with two slots. Now why on earth did they tape down the silly 4GB "standard" stick? Sure looks like the machine can handle 16GB.

 

Another video about the T431s: T431s Overview v1 - YouTube

 

the updates are about to be revealed today i think.

ideapad updates have already been revealed today.