X230 vs T430s

I'm torn between the two laptops, especially due to the Canadian pricing on the T430s. These are the prices of each laptop I'm considering.

X230:

Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Intel HD 4000 Graphics in Intel Core i5-3210M Processor
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav™ with TrackPoint® and buttonless multi-touchpad
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
No Optical Drive
720p Camera
6 Cell ThinkPad Battery X44+
None
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN
Mobile Broadband upgradable
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

The X230 comes to 906.75 before tax (CDN)

T430s:

Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel HD Graphics 4000 with Intel Core i5-3320M Processor
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav multi-touch touchpad & TrackPoint
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+
720p Camera
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
Mobile Broadband upgradable
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

This T430s comes to 700.50 CDN before tax

So I can get the T430s for approximately $200 cheaper, and with a better processor. The problem is I plan to watch a tonne of shows/movies on it which makes me lean toward the IPS screen on the X230. With the X230 I am very worried about the small form factor, and typing on it as I have big hands.

I am very interested in getting opinions on what you guys think I should purchase, considering the added benefit of the IPS screen and considering the smaller form factor and the $200 cheaper price tag on the T430s.

Thanks.

 

The keyboards are the same, so I would not imagine a big difference in typing... only difference is the palm rest (which you should technically not rest your palm on while typing anyway. I also noticed you put Win 7 Pro on the x230 vs Win 7 Home Premium on the T430, that will add a little money...

How else you plan to use this? You going to be lugging it around from place to place a lot?

 

I'm not going to be lugging it around too too much, but I also don't want anything too heavy. With the X230, I can hook it upto an external monitor as well, it's just the small screen with the low resolution and small palm rest that worries me.

I would get the T430s, but I'm extremely worried about the screen on it, which is making me hesitate to purchase it, even though at that price it's a steal.

 

I'm in the exact same boat as you. Except I'm also considering the W530. The Canadian deals on the 430s and W530 are pretty good.

 

This article comparing the T430 and X230 might help you a little

ThinkPad T430 Vs. X230 Comparison, Choose Portability or Bigger Screen? | Business Tech Gear

Granted, it's not a direct comparison of the T430s but some still applies. Higher resolution can equal more productivity, so look at how you work, if you need to compare windows side by side or have long documents to scan the 1600 x 900 is a boon.

 

At least the X230 has a decent IPS screen.

The T430 HD and HD+ screens are terrible. Higher resolution means zilch if you can't stand looking at the screen.

 

I hear what your're saying, but I don't have a problem with the T430(s) screens as the colors and contrast is "fine" when viewed straight on, but I'm certainly less picky about screens than others. It's not like it's a glossy colored technicolor screen that will give me headaches or something, and an Excel spreadsheet, MS Word or code editor (my uses) on an IPS screen looks pretty much the same on a TN screen, you can just see more with the 1600 x 900 which really does help.

 

Might as well go back to monochrome.

 

Hey, How were you able to configure the $700 price on the T430s? I've been searching around for a good deal , but from my end on the canadian lenovo site the minimum it shows ( with coupon ) is $919. Could you please share, thanks.

 

Canadian deals!? on w530!? WHERE!?
the visaperks thing ovr here is still 100-150 more expensive than in the US, better off sneaking it over the border =P. (if you live close to it)saves you alot on tax too.

 

Check RedFlagDeals.com.