X1 first generation vs x230 - for a developer

I am primarily a development manager. My current setup is T420 (i5 540M) often connected with an external monitor. I will be extensively travelling in 2016 and hence looking for a portable setup that allows me to review/rewrite code, compilation etc on the go. Good battery capacity is desirable too.

Being a Thinkpad user, X230 looks attractive as I can add second HDD, upgrade easily, use chargers from my T420 (feel free to correct me) etc. It's quite lighter compared to my T420. I am getting the one with i7 3520M + 256SSD for a decent price online.

The seller is also offering me X1 with i5 3427u + 128GB SSD at the same price. I assume it's 1st generation X1. Advantage of X1 are that it's lighter, bigger screen (1600x900). However, storage capacity is small and may not be possible to add another drive to X1 (please correct me). Also the charger is different, not a big problem though.

Please share your suggestions and help me select the right model.

Thanks

 

My two primary machines are an X1 Gen 3 (non-touch QHD screen, I5 5300, 256SSD, 8GB) and an X230 (I5 3320, 16GB, 256SSD).

Short version: I'd go with the X230.

Longer version:

• X230better, more flexible battery life (I have the 9 cell and slice, which is a weekend worth of power)
• the keyboard is a bit nicer for typing (longer travel keys)
• RAM and storage options (I think you can get 512 in the X1 carbon, but you have way more flexibility w/the X230 for both store and ram
• the IPS screen on the X230 is quite a bit better than the TN panel on Gen1 X1's (if the X230 you're looking at doesn't come w/IPS, it's worth swapping the screen, IMO).
• X1 is a bit thinner, marginally lighter
• X1 touch pad is quite a bit nicer (I use the trackpoint more, but not exclusively--this is one plus for the X1).

Two other things, and the reason I end up using the X230 most of the time: 1) it's more comfortable for me. Subjective-but the sharp edge of the X1 cuts into my wrists when typing, the rounded edge of the X230 does not. It's annoying enough that I find I end up not using the X1 all that often, and that's the primary reason. 2) For portable work, the curved lid makes it more convenient to grab and move around while open. Not sure if this applies to you, but for me it's a big plus.

In real world situations, the X230 just feels a bit faster. With a full voltage I7, I imagine the X230 you're considering will be quite a bit faster than a Gen1 X1.

 

I will also choose X230 over X1C (1st gen).

But I prefer X1C (3rd gen) over X230/X240/X250. X1C is not only larger, it's also lighter and seems better built.