ThinkPad X240

You know what? Screw the keyboard. everything can be voice-registered. The trackpoint? touchpad? touchscreen? Screw all of that and just give me eye tracking technology. And the screen? It's bulky and not good for your eyes. Just staple a display to my cornea.

 

The old timers who love the old keyboard can't seem to manage to learn the new keyboard layout (i.e. they still need that space between grouped function keys, want the missing scroll lock, back/forward keys etc and want the pgn up down near to the home, insert etc).

 

Yeah, i have a burn mark on my stomach at the moment.

TPFanControl helps, although it interacts badly with the lenovo power manager, causing very long delays resuming from hibernation.

But yeah, it runs very hot. But other than that, the X220 is just amazing. The X240 is just meh.

 

Another thing with X220 that I don't like is the touchpad. It's just too jumpy. I tried the touchpad on X1C and found it very smooth. I am looking forward to reviews/comments on the touchpads on X240.

 

Nice try.

Those of us who "love the old keyboard" can very well manage to learn a variety of things - Alzheimer's hasn't taken all of us just yet - we are just upset that the new keyboard layout was dumped on us with no alternative after 20 years of using the original layout.

But this thread is about the new 240 series, which is why I had stayed away from posting in it in the first place, since I don't plan on buying one.

That being said, it doesn't mean that I'm just going to sit and watch several generations of ThinkPad users being ridiculed by the usual suspects.

 

Lenovo ThinkPad X240S 20AJ0001TW i7 4500U 1TB 24g W8 Free SHIP to World | eBay

here is a sneak peak of the x240s haha

 

I guess the ironic part of that is that I was "forced" to learn to use other methods while borrowing others' computers while my T61 was down for service (which was often). Afterwards, I found the other methods to be better. Of course, I'm not doing "real work", according to those on the internet...

Funny thing is, you'd thing that if there were a massive market for a 7 row keyboard, some manufacturer would come out with one and it would sell like crazy to all of the disgruntled folks. Truth is, companies are making computers for how people actually use machines now, and how they'll use them in the future. It's hard to blame them. I realize this is inconvenient for some, and maybe a new bios mod will fix that in the machines which can do a physical keyboard swap. That said, the fact that said bios mod hasn't been done yet should suggest that the demand is actually pretty low.

 

As an X230 owner, I certainly don't see any compelling reason to look at the X240. It looks nice and all but there's not much in the way of "better". The 1 RAM slot doesn't thrill me. The internal battery is a welcome idea (coming from one who does end up doing battery swaps). I guess one nice thing about it is that for some, the dreaded 6-row keyboard is now implemented in a way to make the palm rest longer. For me, that's not an issue--my hands fit perfectly on the short palm rest. I could see that not being the case for those with a different hard position or hand size.

As far as those asking for a 1080 screen on the X240, all I can say is that I'm envious of your eyesight.

 

Not necessarily.

That means that a lot of old-time users find the *20 generation sufficient for their current workload.

Those really "disgruntled" ones might have also decided to switch the brands altogether.

Speaking of modded BIOSes - something I would never know how to accomplish myself - let's not forget that it took several years for Middleton's BIOS for *61 series to appear...

 

Yeah, that's a good point. Having had both an X220 and X230 I can tell you that there's not much to choose between them in day-to-day use. None of the advancements in the last couple of generations have really been significant. It's not like the introduction of SATA/SATAII and SSD compatibility. This is even more true with the X220/30/40, as the screen has been the same. The T4X0 on the other hand have had some questionable displays, so you'd think there would be some opportunity there if there was really a strong demand.

True also, but you'd think that if there was really a significant market for 7-row keyboard "work" machines, someone would still be making them. It just seems weird to me that every single existing company would be ignoring this segment of the market if it were of significant size.

While that's true, there were other upgrade paths that obviously less upsetting to some folks--since the keyboard didn't change.

 

I'd argue that the issue at hand is a bit more complicated: not only would they have to offer a 7-row keyboard, but an exceptionally good one at that. The layout per se - just like the quality per se - wouldn't do the trick.

Right now my wife (a ThinkPad user since '95 and a horrendously fast typist) is toying around with a top-shelf Precision 6700...and I'm still not that certain that we'll end up keeping it. The keyboard is not bad - much more pleasurable to use than the one on the 8740W that we ended up returning - but still not up to ThinkPad standards. Mind you, we would prefer owning one 17" workstation in this household, but it might just not happen.

So if Dell and HP can't get it right - and I'm talking about quality, not layout - who can?

Yes and no. For many folks, a SXGA+ LCD on X6* tablets was a very attractive feature that had died with that generation. T61/p was also the last 4:3 ThinkPad in the vast majority of markets, and many folks that I know are happily holding on to them. Middleton has saved the day for them, no questions asked.

I currently use a home-built X6* tablet with 8GB RAM and an Intel 320 series SSD, and it's a pretty tough animal to beat for my purposes...

 

Is this available now?

 

Depends on one's *exact* location.

On Earth, it is.

In the U.S. - not just yet from what I know.

 

Truth is, most companies are making horrendous keyboards, layout/keys/feel/everything just bad, and get away with it (next door BestBuy has plenty of evidence on the shelves, including Lenovo consumer series). Because it's cheaper that way, and consumers don't care (now, until some next marketing wave from Apple, at least, as happened with screens, or thickness when closed, or chicklet keyboards etc).

Lenovo had in their hands something that was better than what competition had. They were the last of the Mohicans, who had a keyboard with not only good feel for a laptop keyboard, but also state of the art Trackpoint, and also the "the ThinkPad keyboard has always tried to stay as true as possible to the desktop keyboard layout" ( The new keyboard - A “Wow” Layout - - Design - Lenovo Blogs ). And they threw most of it away in just 2 generations of the devices. Keyboard in X220 was a real full-width keyboard. Keyboard in X230 was at least the same as in its larger brothers. Keyboard in X240 has different layout, so that Lenovo can show plastic on the sides of it. Why? No reason.

Argument "I don't use these keys so you must be an old timer, probably spending his days in mainframe-connected terminal, who can't adapt and learn, if you notice" misses the point.

If you give the same keyboard to Alice in sales, and Bob - software engineer typing lots of C++/Javascript code they will be both fine with old Thinkpad keyboard. If you remove the function keys, Tab, Capslock, [] physical keys from the keyboard, and replace them with Fn+something+other combination, Alice may not even notice or may see it as benefit: it's cleaner and more minimalistic (she's fine with her iPad on-screen keyboard too, in just 4 rows and about 40 keys ). But for Bob, it's a device that is a lot harder to use, bordering on completely unusable: things that were simple and convenient, that required the same gestures on the office desktop keyboard and on the go, are not so anymore. Especially if Bob can't even buy a keyboard with the exactly matching layout for on-the-desk use (another benefit than only Lenovo and Apple had, and now it's just Apple).

And if something was working before, something that Alice and Bob could use, was replaced with something that only Alice can use, with no benefit but black plastic, it's plain and simple degradation. And if Lenovo hasn't removed the keys you use yet, it's just a question of time, wait for the next generation

 

Nice theory. So Lenovos goal is to provide less keys with every generation? Explain me: Why has Lenovo started with this generation to put Number-Pads on their 15" ThinkPads? The T540p/W540/L540 have more physical keys than their predessesors T530/W530/L530 or even the last Generation with the 7-row keyboard (T520/W520)

So much for your theory. There is less "black minimalistic pastic" around the keybard on the new 15" models.

If you would have looked closely on the X240(s), you would know why this is neccessary: The keyboard would basically "colide" with the Ethernet Port if it would cover the whole width of the ThinkPad. See:

And another question: Where should they put the Powerbutton? Beneath the keyboard? Above of the keyboard between the hinges is no room, because the battery is directly under there (the power button is not only the button, but also the power button card etc.).

Lose the Wires, Not the Experience: ThinkPad Compact Bluetooth Keyboard - Products - Lenovo Blogs

The same layout as T431s, T440(s/p), L440, E431 and E440, and also the same layout as the T540p/W540/L540, just without the Numpad. The only difference with the X240(s) / ThinkPad Yoga / Helix layout is the missing Insert key.

 

Not every programmer notice the difference in keyboards, even if they notice, they cannot do much if they switch jobs or are issued different notebooks at work. As a programmer myself, I have been given notebooks with different keyboards over 15 yrs span.

 

Yeah, Lenovo in cloning mode again. First they completely remove numpad (instead of actually make it right, when Fn+UIOP keys work as numpad keys, w/o switching to Numlock), then they make the whole thing off-center and Enter key in the middle of the keyboard (in 15" laptop there is no place to provide a separation space between alphanumeric block and the numpad, like in 17" models).

Anyway, this is merely another proof that the clowns they recently put in charge of the keyboard layouts have no clue what are they doing. 12", 14" and 15" keyboards are now significantly different w/o any apparent reason. And they were identical, like in 13" and 15" Apple machines. And exactly matching the layout of the external keyboard.

Another question: where must they put the fingerprint scanner? It must be right of arrow keys, is it not?!

No, it's not. Anywhere else out of the way is fine. Power key does not have to be in the corner, where Apple puts it. The previous location was OK. Better location is on the side of the laptop, like some in HPs, which comes with the added convenience of being able to turn the machine on/off, when closed, and used connected to external monitor(s).

Power key isn't exactly the most frequently used key on the laptop. Many people don't ever press it, ever - there is a laptop screen.

Nope. It matches only xx30 series, but not xx40 series anymore - different trackpoint, Insert key, no gaps between Fn keys.

Not every programmer notices. But some do. And this is enough reason already not to fix what wasn't broken.

Thankfully, there are enough companies out there that listen to their programmers enough to provide them any hardware they want, if that helps them to be even slightly happier or more productive. Even if it costs a few pennies more.

 

Bingo. Between *most* consumers not really caring about many of these things and some savvy marketing, computer makers seem to be getting away with this "me too" school of design. To some of us (sadly not the majority) this means more of the stuff we don't want and less of the stuff we do. To the majority it means more of the stuff they either want or are told they must have and less of the stuff they once believed they needed.

Most computer manufacturers source many components from the same suppliers because suppliers can make them really cheap if a lot of manufacturers buy the same thing, which is why every laptop seemed to have the same crappy screens for years and is the reason every new laptop seems to now be getting half-decent FHD screens. The exception is Apple and a few others, who differentiate themselves by sourcing better components and charging more as a result. Then there's Dell, which uses the same crappy components as everyone else and still charges more

 

God damn. I end up with $2.200+ if I configure it fully to my tastes (without the full HD screen which isn't available yet, and leaving out the SSD, which is a lot cheaper to buy separate). Those kind of prices are not fun anymore.

I have an MSI netbook. The home & end keys are FN+arrow keys. I use it all the time. It's brilliant, actually.

On the 1080P screen, you just up the DPI. Everything will be the same size, only a whole lot sharper and crisper.

 

According to this shop: Campuspoint - Lenovo ThinkPad® X240-Serie - Notebooks für Studenten the X240 will be available with FHD in December.

Yep, thats pretty expensive. Hopefully they will get a bit more affordable over time, but there are no coupons yet on the X240.

In Germany, the price differece between the lowest non-Student X230 and the lowest non-Student X240 is ~50 € (both IPS). The difference gets bigger with the more expensive models, the top-of-line X230 costs 1800 € here, and the most expensive X240 1950 € (with Multitouch-Display, without, you will end up at 1885 € .

 

Guys is there any way I could purchase the x240 screen + panel etc and attach to an x230? I understand it may not be easy, but is it possible and if so, what would I need to do?

 

Those of your planning on getting FHD, will you all use an increased DPI setting? X-series is a very attractive size.

 

It seems like Windows still has issues when scaling so getting an FHD screen on a 12.5" might be uncomfortable at native resolution while zooming in might reduce the image quality. I believe they still offer the standard 768p screen with IPS so that might be a good choice for some.

 

I want the FHD resolution for increased desktop area so I won't be changing the DPI settings at all. I was at a Sony store the other day and was looking that their 11 inch Pro series with FHD. My eyesight is good enough that I was able to read text on the screen from more than 3 feet away without any issues. I even went into the display properties to verify that it was running at 1080p without any magnification.

Now if only we didn't have to wait until late December to get the FHD display option....

 

hallo guys
I'd like to buy a new laptop but i cannot decide which one between x230 and x240
I don't need a FHD display, I'm a little confused about keyboard layout
my daily notebook is a vaio FZ

but now I want to move to something more confortable to carry on

What is ur suggestion?

 

The FHD resolution on the Helix was okay, so i imagine the 12.5 inch should be just right with FHD IPS.

FHD IPS in a X220. Hum... now that would be sweet!!

 

Windows 8.1 (which will actually get released tomorrow!) will have better support for high DPI screens.

 

How does X240 compare to Thinkpad Yoga? The latter looks more interesting, but do they have comparable build quality?

 

3 expensive models. $1500, $1700, $2400. Looks like everywhere but the US has it available.

 

Its October 18 - is the x240 getting released today or what?

 

Getting so tired of waiting, I need a new machine badly. Actually went to Best Buy last night because I couldn't keep waiting but man the machines there are junk. Almost got the Sony Vaio Pro 13 but it's so ugly, the screen on it is so glossy that I thought at first it had one of those plastic shipping stickers over it.

 

so basically the x230 is stronger than the x240 with his maximum specs? and not worse in terms of screen? (for non touch users)

i'm really considering to buy the x230 with 3520M right now.

 

Some differences that may or may not matter to you:

1. X230 may offer better raw performance and similar battery life with the 9-cell
2. X240 has a bigger palmrest so it might be more comfortable to use and type on
3. X240 has an available higher resolution screen that may or may not matter to you. It appears to be somewhat brighter than the screen on the X230
4. X240 might be half a pound or so lighter and slimmer though I doubt I would notice any major difference
5. X240 may offer a 10+ hour batter life with the larger 6-cell battery. It will bring the weight up but battery life will likely increase quite a bit

If I was in the market, I would wait and see how the X240 is. I'm not a huge fan of the new changes Lenovo is making but the X240 doesn't look bad at all.

 

The only real reason to buy the X240 is if you want FHD (touch or non-touch). There's an issue of practicality though with such a high resolution in that size screen.

 

Exactly. The reasons I listed are minor. I also wonder how an FHD might work on a 12.5" screen. I have no problem with 1366x768 if the FHD is poorly scaled on the X240,

 

I was in the same boat as you earlier this year but I just decided to purchase the X230 instead of waiting for the X240. After hearing about the X240 it seems like it was a good choice. Overall it seems like a downgrade, im sure a high spec X230 will be much cheaper than a high spec X240 especially if you were to find one on ebay.

 

Do you think they will offer a 9-cell on the X240? That would mean it'd have 12 cells total, because it has a built-in 3-cell battery. Imagine that, combined with a Haswell processor. The battery life would be through the roof.

You can increase the DPI 150% in all Windows versions and even increase it 200% in Windows 8.1. This basically means that everything on screen is still the same size as on a "normal" resolution, but it's much, much sharper. There's no downside to a super-high resolution, except for the higher price.

Windows 8.1 rules, by the way. I got the upgrade installed on my desktop and I'm very happy with it. It got rid of the annoyances I had initially with Windows 8, and it's lightning fast. If you buy a new laptop, get Windows 8. There's no reason to stick to 7 anymore, honestly.

 

pretty sure he meant 9 cell total...

 

Why wouldn't they offer stronger graphics on this notebook?
Not saying the Iris 5100, but at least the 5000 GPU.
On average, the performance difference btw. the 4400 & 5000 is 20-25%.

The optimal configuration would have been:
Core i7, 256GB SSD, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 1920x1080 IPS Display, & Intel Iris 5000 graphics.

The least they could have done is release a docking station that also has a strong GPU built-in for a larger stationary display.

 

The name of the 5000 is Intel HD 5000, not Intel Iris 5000.

As I mentioned before, the HD 5000 is not worth it. Claims of "20-25 % better" are wrong. The difference between the two in reality is nearly 0%, maybe 2 %. See:
View attachment 103547
Review Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus 940X3G Ultrabook - NotebookCheck.net Reviews

 

They switched to ULV processors in this one. They don't have the same graphics chips as the "normal" mobile processors. These are mostly geared towards long battery life and have a TDP of 15w while the normal mobile processor have a TDP of 35w. The fastest X230 is faster than the fastest X240, despite of being a generation behind.

 

x240 is now configurable on lenovo's US site.

 

Very strange, it is now much cheaper than before.

 

and no FHD.

 

no fhd. t440s here we go

 

Again, FHD will be available in December.

 

Would it be safe to assume the fhd display is replacable? I have done screen replacements for other thinkpads like t430 but I am not sure how this new series is configured. I was thinking of buying the x240 since its up on the site with the IPS HD screen and then just upgrading to the FHD screen when the parts become available. Do you think it will use the same connectors and will be an easy upgrade like the previous models?

thanks

 

The X240 isn't discounted at all right now. Wait a few days and you'll save a lot.

 

Oh I plan on using the barnes and noble discount when it happens, but i was first worried about if the screen is upgradable after the fhd replacement parts come out.. Any idea?

 

How large of a discount do you expect? A realistic "base model" configuration ( i5-4200u, IPS upgrades) is $1180. If a 20% B&N Gold discount is available on that model, we're looking at $944. Still not great.

IMO, the x240 is an $800 laptop with Win 7. I'm still trying to figure out how much I'd have to charge Lenovo to get stuck with Win 8.