X220 vs. X230

I've been holding out on an X220 purchase for nearly 3 months now to see if its successor would be worth the wait. Now that the reviews are out for the X230 I think I'm going to stick with the X220. The (minor) improvements in the X230 just aren't enough for me to justify another $400+ over the X220. The keyboard isn't much of an issue for me since I haven't had a ThinkPad in about 6 years (T41 was the most recent), so the X230 keyboard would probably still be a big improvement over what I've used since then.

The following X220 can be had today (via B&N) for $806.65:

• Intel Core i7-2640M Processor (2.80GHz, 4M Cache with Turbo Boost up to 3.50GHz)
• Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
• 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, IPS, 2x2 Antenna
• 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
• UltraNav with Fingerprint Reader
• 720p HD Camera
• 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
• 6 Cell Battery
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN

The X230 reviews I've seen are for an i5-based unit which will go for around $1200. The i7-2640M will apparently still outperform that i5, so the extra $400 seems to be buying improved GPU performance, somewhat improved battery life, somewhat better sound, and a second USB3 port.

Am I missing anything significant? If you needed a new laptop in the next 30 days, are there any other differences (keyboard aside) that would convince you to go for the X230?

 

The main difference (other than the keyboard) is a slight increase in CPU processing power and a fairly large jump in integrated GPU performance. If you aren't going to be taking advantage of those two features, the X220 is a perfectly okay choice (although I'd stick with the i5 CPU and save some more money).

 

Lenovo is offering a deal for the i7 package I quoted that actually makes it cheaper than the same configuration with an i5-2540M (by about $30). The USB3 port is a nice bonus.

 

there is a review of X23 here today

 

If you get he i7 machine with the USB 3 port, you lose the powered USB port, which can be added to any X220 via the ExpressCard slot.

 

This doesn't seem to be the case according to this testimony: Re: x220 - which is the usb 3.0 port? - Lenovo Community

 

I concur with MidnightSun. The integrated graphics get a nice boost with Ivy Bridge. Also you get native USB 3.0 without the need to upgrade to an i7 processor to get it. I would get the X230 personally.

 

???

Mine has both.

 

So...what exactly would be the price of the X230? How much was the X220 when it came out?

 

I bought the machine in the sig at launch for $850-875. Not mentioned in the sig is Win 7 Pro ($50) and instead of the ssd, a 250gb hdd.

The only practical differences between the X220 and X230 are the keyboard and gpu performance. If you don't need the gpu bump take the better keyboard and order an X220. Prices are very very low right now.

 

Order the X220 if you want to save some money, don't need a backlit keyboard, and don't need the GPU performance.

To be honest, the 3000 HD is just as capabable as the 4000 HD when it comes to 1080p video, flash video, and everything else besides gaming.

 

I don't think the X230 will be much above the X220 in price (like, within $100 - $200), and I already know they're going to offer a coupon on the first day it launches next week so the MSRP values you might have seen won't be the actual price it sells for. The X220 had pretty much the same pricing last year you see today, in fact I got mine for around $700 near launch. That price is hard to find now.

 

Awesome ^_^

Yeah, I really like the new keyboard design and backlight, so I'm probably going to wait for that

 

That makes the decision a little more difficult. But given Lenovo's track record of late I'm a little wary of buying a new model until they've had time to work out some of the kinks.

 

I am in a similar situation. I am going to buy either the lenovo x220t or x230t but am not sure about the price. I dont want to spend more than $1200 and I am concerned about the whether the x230t will be cheap enough for me by mid july. Right now I can get the x220t starting at $940. I am also looking at the outlet and am not sure if the x230t will show up in time.

 

Advantages for the X230:

* USB 3.0 standard
* Better GPU
* Backlit keyboard (optional)
* Rapidboot optional
* Boot and login with finger swipe (optional)
* Rapidcharge - charge to 80% in 30 mins
* EDIT: According to the tech specs the outdoor+gorilla glass screen now supports multi-touch!
EDIT2: I re-read the tech specs and it's a bit unclear. The brochure advertises 'Brighter 300 NIT IPS Multitouch Display panel with Corning Gorilla Glass for comfort in outdoor viewing', but the specifications give an option of a multitouch panel or an outdoor (pen-only) panel with Gorilla Glass. I remember there was a similar amount of confusion with the X220 - hopefully, someone will straighten this out.

Advantages for X220
* Price (potential, variable)
* Traditional 7-row keyboard (subjective, I happen to think I'll like the new one)
* Slightly better battery life

I'm hanging on for the X230T myself (or technically for my wife).

 

I doubt you'll see any x230t at all in the outlet this summer. I'd get the x220t if money matters a bit.

 

@Voldenuit: As far as I know, the backlit keyboard is standard on the new Thinkpads, and is not an option.

Also, the X230t probably has the same display options as the X220t, meaning that there's a multitouch-enabled option and a brighter pen-only (no touch layer) otpion.

 

I saw the data sheet for the X230T and agree that it also looks like an either/or situation as in the X220T. Multitouch IPS or Outdoor IPS + Gorilla Glass.

 

If you want better Sound than the X230, see my Sig (Dolby v4 instead of v2).

 

Additional ones to your list:

X220 pros:
- no http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/668357-battery-safeguard-comes-t-series.html preventing third-party battery use.

X230 pros:
- better battery life
- better cooling system <strike>so won't experience CPU throttling as seen in the i7 X220</strike>

Another option: a ~$550 ebay HP 2560P when they appear with minimal cosmetic issues and 2yr remaining of it's 3yr NBD warranty (see pics/details at http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-.../586353-hp-elitebook-2560p-owners-lounge.html including comparison to X220). It would have wiggle room to upgrade to a Ivy Bridge CPU (bios and/or systemboard upgrade) on the cheap. Hoping HP refresh their X220T competitor, the 2760P to Ivy Bridge specs. Would be a good one to consider if looking to buy a X230T. REF: Thinkpad X220 Tablet vs. HP 2760p Tablet?.

 

You can still use a third party battery, you'll just get an error message if Power Manager is installed. OEM batteries are probably better as third party batteries tend to wear more quickly and not last as long.

 

Unfortunately third-party batteries will behave like the 'old' Lenovo batteries and not have an authentication chip, so will not charge according to the quoted text:

 

As far as battery life goes, most reviews have shown that there's not really an appreciable difference in power consumption between the IB and SB mobile CPUs. Indeed, certain reviews got a lower battery life with the X230 than the X220, but I would say that's probably due to small variations in testing. They're more or less equal.

The i7 X220 throttling issue was not due to overheating, but rather to an issue that has since been ironed out with one of the latest BIOS versions. In fact, using a 90W power adapter prevents the throttling issue to begin with, even without the BIOS patch.

 

Hmm, a VERY slight CPU / integrated graphics performance, but in return the "new" keyboard. Seems that I won't be buying any new Thinkpads soon. I am glad I got the X220 and hope to keep it for some 7-8 years. Also, the 6250 WiMax card is cut as an option?

X201 -> X220 was big change
X220 -> X230 not so big, and sacrificing on the keyboard.

To each their own. Enjoy your "improved" Thinkpad keyboards. I will continue to use the best ever notebook keyboard design.

 

the cpu jump is slight, but the IGP jump certainly isnt.

if you dont do any graphics-intensive tasks, by all means the x220 will suffice.

 

. . . and if you do can a X220 steaking miles ahead of a X230 in graphics performance by adding a $200 GTX460 x1.2Opt DIY eGPU via it's expresscard slot

Performance: [X220 + GTX460 x1.2Opt DIY eGPU] >> X230
Price : [X220 + $200 GTX460 x1.2Opt DIY eGPU] ~= X230

 

The only Disadvantage of a DIY eGPU Setup is its mobility, or rather the lack of it. I am very happy with my GTX550Ti, but this summer I'll be on Vacation and I certainly won't be able to take along my eGPU. That's why I'm considering the X230. My X220i will juuuuuust only do Skyrim on looooowest Settings, and it still lags once in a while. It's no fun. But the X230 should do way better, it will even do medium, according to Notebookcheck. But I'd already be happy with a playable low.

However, my current Plans are to get an X201 and wait for the X240 and Crystalwell. Guess I'll have to survive 6 Weeks without Skyrim.

 

Lol, don't think you'll have to worry too much. I know you will survive!

 

A bit OT but since I'm already here: Anyone know how well Oblivion runs on the GMA 5700 and HD3000?

Those boring 12h Flights will be over in no time with The Elder Scrolls.

 

>using X-series for graphics-intesive tasks
mfw...

Get a T4*0s if you want that. Also, I can play D3 and SC2 and watch 1080p and there is no problem. I don't know why you would get X-series if you would use it for anything more graphics-intensive.

I am not putting down the X230, but it just isn't worth it to me, especially with the new keyboard layout.

 

Does this mean that the X230 is not compatible with eGPUs at all or you just meant X220+eGPU price is similar to X230 price?

 

Spoken like a true elitist.

 

Runs very well (on the HD 3000 with 8 GB RAM).

 

I am interested in the answer to this question too. Thanks in advance!

 

He meant the X220+eGPU costs about the same as an X230. The latter is 100% compatible to eGPU's.

 

The "best ever"? You mean the ALPS-made T/X*20 design? Or the variant by Chicony? Or do you mean the design used from the T60 through the T400 (and which manufacturer's design)? Or the one used in the T3x and T4x? Or the T2x design? Or the one from the 600 series?

Personally I define "best" to mean "keyboard I can type comfortably on". And by that standard, pretty much every ThinkPad keyboard design except the T3x/T4x keyboards (and some individual 600s) qualify.

And on that note, I'd recommend anyone who's considering a new laptop to try typing on it first. Basing one's opinion of a laptop's keyboard solely on user reviews is an excellent way to ensure disappointment.

 

I tried typing on the ThinkPad chiclet. Poor imitation of the MacBook. A Mac user will never buy a ThinkPad because some marketing fool decided it's a plus to copy Apple. I hate the chiclet and I can say that the MacBook one is by far the most comfortable to type on if you are into that. I've spoken to the few people where I work at (co-work space, 100+ companies) that don't use MacBooks (only about 5%) and they all dislike the new design. The minor gains you get by the CPU and GPU upgrades are nothing compared to a dual channel DDR upgrade with SSD. Also, I can run the latest games on my "weak" HD 3000 and can stream full HD. The "gains" of the X230 are just not worth it imho. Maybe next Intel gen will be a more visible notice and in 2 gen a definite one. Right now it's not.

 

Just wondering, but if you're running FreeBSD 9.0, how can you say that? 'cause last I checked, KMS support (and thus proper drivers for the HD3000) weren't in -STABLE yet.

 

Just wait for the Haswell GT3 in the X240. (HD5000?) This pre-Alpha Version without optimized Drivers can do Skyrim with HIGH Graphics @ 1920x1080.

Haswell Processor Graphics GT2 vs. GT3 Hands-on - YouTube

 

As an owner of both, I definitely prefer the X230.

I like the keyboard better in that it feels the same to me. I like the new backlight system. There are 3 levels: low, medium, and high, which backlights the keyboard and has the thinklight still. I was surprised that the thinklight remains. I would have thought that the thinklight would be gone.

I do notice the system is cooler, and for what it's worth, I do not hear any CPU "whine" on this unit.

The touchpad is also a bit better, though I don't know if they actually changed anything.

The speakers do seem better to me, esp on linux where I have increased the volume; they can fill a room and it's plenty fine for watching videos, etc.

All in all, I am very pleased with the X230.

 

Were you referring to fan "whine" when CPU is under load?
What kind of CPU to they have?

I do have this problem with i7 X220. I'm thinking about getting an i7 X230.
It would be nice to know that there's no fan "whine" problem on X230.

 

They're not even suppose to be a copy, they're nothing a like. The response of the thinkpad keyboards are much more similar to the traditional keyboard. Just because they're both chiclet doesn't mean they're in anyways the same or a copy.

 

I'm considering upgrading to a x230 (or even x240) too

At the moment, my 2-year old x201 (SSD, 8Gb, i5 M540 2.53 Ghz) gets wPrime: 21.08 , PCMark 07: 2722 , 3dMark06: 1765
I've checked the review, the x230 gets wPrime: 15.09 , PCMark 7: 3287 , 3dMark06: 4926

I'm pretty happy with x201, the only thing that annoys me is delays in the browser (Chrome), but those may be due to extensions like Ad block or Speed Dial. Performance wise (for everyday tasks, MS, Excel, browsing, nothing huge), would there be any point in upgrading to a x230 16GB, or is this just my desire (ie consumerism) to upgrade ?

 

Well, i finally upgraded to x230 (SSD, i5-3230M, 2.60Ghz , 16Gb), wPrime gets: 18.04
Havent run the other benchmarks yet, but there is definitely great difference regarding Chrome, pages load much faster, there is not the annoying delay I was used to (eg with speed dial or could not scroll page for a couple seconds until full page would load)

Very happy with it, got it with 3x3 Antenna + Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN, much much better signal (finds a lot more networks)