To T430s or to X1 Carbon, That is the question...

Am I crazy? Here is my situation. I spoke to our rep and I'm awaiting a quote for the X1 Carbon with 8GB RAM and the 256GB SDD for about $1750 (They are giving me a break for not responding to calls and emails for several days, WHOOPEE!). But, I'm considering buying the T430s instead. Here's why... I have a 128 GB mSATA drive, the 3 cell battery, 16 GB Crucial RAM, and a Samsung 830 512 GB SDD that I bought for a T420s order that I canceled to wait on the new models. Basically, this hardware will have not be used for its intended purpose going forward if I don't go for the T430s. Sure I could find a use for the SDD and RAM or donate them to one of my colleagues, but they were intended for "My New ThinkPad" and now I just don't know. Sorry to be long winded... What would you do?

 

If you have solid, rational reasons to get the (expensive and locked in) X1 Carbon, I'm sure you'll find creative ways to sell or donate those parts. Please PM me if you will be in generous mood.

Deep down, though, I know you want the T430s.

 

You may be on to something... LOL! I really hate that the LCD was/is such a weak spot on it. Even if I had to install the LCD myself, I'd take the potential of the T430s over the X1. X1 is too proprietary... Very un-ThinkPad like IMO. Seems I may be deciding...

 

As soon as I can (and will) get an exact and genuine LG display panel that's used on the X1 Carbon, any T430s can show beautifully. That's when I will laugh along with 16GB RAM and Samsung 830 512 GB SDD.

 

Is that a confirmed possibility? If so, my decision has just been made.

 

LP140WD2 (TL)(E2). Been patiently hunting.

 

I read about this but didn't know it was actually a possibility. Count me in!

 

This?
LP140WD2 (TL)(E2) LG Philips 14" WXGA++ (LED backlight) LCD Screens, brand-new for $89 Retail ($80 Wholesale)

 

I wouldn't count on that. There are any number of reasons why they would not be swappable.

 

There are also a number of reasons that they could be swappable? Forever the optimist... To be perfectly honest, I think I'd be fine with the LG or Samsung, but I'd be ecstatic with a X1C level TN... If this is possible $89 and a couple hours is a very small cost IMO.

 

There are any number of reasons that Lenovo would be out of business, that LG would stop producing the panel you want, that your spouse would leave you.

 

I hope it does work, but as I said, it's not a sure thing. I can't argue than the X1 TN is better than the T430 TN because I have both right now and it clearly is.

 

300nit and 700:1 contrast is fantastic for a notebook. If the screen is swappable it'll make all the 14" Thinkpad's the best machines on the market hands down.

 

Especially those 14" ThinkPad's that can be readily upgraded.

 

According to tabook, the X1 is 400:1 while the T430 is 300:1, but the X1 is at least twice as good as the T430.

 

Any numbers to quantify that "twice as good" comment? Why do you think it's 'twice as good'? I've been hearing mixed things myself, so I don't know if it's a matter of opinion really or not.

 

Nothing really firm, but one example might be movies. On the T430 darker areas in moves look gray, which is not an issue with the X1. I would say the screen is very MacBook Air like for comparative purposes.

 

^ ^ Ok thanks. The screen is one area that I think needs improvement on most notebooks. Every single one I have had has terrible viewing angles, and some with washed out colors at normal viewing angles. My old 2008 macbook had that very bad, I don't care what anybody says.

 

Well according to notebook check it's nearly 681:1

Review Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

 

what about waiting for the new t430u.
It's got my eye. It looks as if it may have TWO (2) storage bays

 

Only viable with an HD+ screen. Currently, reports seem to indicate it will be HD only. I hope it's upgradable as that would give me more hope for upgrading the T430s.

 

Hello all,

Has anyone tried to swap their t430s LCD with the one from Carbon X1? Really need more contrast and looking forward to upgrade, but want to hear some personal experiences before purchasing new LCD.

 

All hope was lost on the LCD swap due to incompatibilities... But a short while ago a forum member reported actually swapping one in. The tale was one of LCD cable extensions, double sided tape as opposed to screws, and etc. I'm afraid I saw no pictures but the compromises turned me completely off of the idea. Besides, I had the AUO screen on my first T430s and the replacement has the LG. Both were fine, after adjusting the gamma and saturation and applying the appropriate profiles. After a quick look I wasn't able to provide a link, gotta get back to work...

 

Thanks. Actually would be interesting to know exactly, what modifications needed to retrofit it, so maybe you could share a thread, or a user name who did it. Interested, if there any modifications needed to the bezel, mounting points, etc..
I have a worst of a trio - AUO, tried to play with calibration settings, it is a tad better, but still far from, what will make this machine perfect. If you remember and could share your calibration settings with AUO, it would be highly appreciated.
There are some new products coming from AOU, hopefully it is something proper and direct fit, so could be worth a wait...
AUO - TFT-LCD

 

I think this is it... http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/682490-x1-display-t430-2.html#post9070033 The user is Virgi44 and it was a t420s but same principle...

 

1080 14 incher. Nice!