X230 vs X230T

What are all the differences?

OK, I know now that the t model is convertible laptop-tablet. (I would guess that old kind that folds back. Or is the keyboard detachable?) The non-t version is only a laptop, not a tablet.

What other differences though? Is everything else the same? THen I would wonder--if the t version is just as good a laptop as the non-t, with also the extra feature of being a tablet, then why would anyone want the non-t version, if the t version is just as good as a laptop but also usable as a tablet?

I am surprised that the t version comes with WIndows 7, while non-T comes with Windows 8. As Windows 8 is supposed to be much more touch and tablet friendly, wouldn't that make more sense for the tablet version?

 

They're both the same in almost every way, one is a convertible to a touch screen tablet, the other just a normal 12.5 inch laptop. The tablet convertible is a little bit bigger and heavier than the regular however. There are actually some minor differences in looks between the two, but spec wise, they are the same.

The X230 Tablets have Windows 7 because they are not Windows 8 certified by Microsoft. I believe there are only two touch points on the X230 Tablet while Windows 8 requires a minimum of 10 touch points.

I would wait until 2013 before considering getting anything related to Windows 8. It just came out recently, all its current models are going to be outdated in a couple of months when even new models are released.

 

I didn't realise the X230T wasn't windows 8 certified. That's quite interesting.

I'm not sure if I understood your meaning with the 2 vs 10 touch points. I've got the X230T and nearly made the mistake of getting the daylight viewable version without multi-touch capability. I much prefer the multi-touch to the extra brightness. That said, I'm pretty sure that my X230T has 10 touch points - if that's the same as the multi-touch thing.

Perhaps it's not certified because the daylight viewable option wouldn't pass the criteria, and it would be difficult to separate the multi-touch screen option from the daylight viewable one?

Anyway, to the OP, it's probably the price difference that stops people from getting the X230T with the tablet functionality, it's a significant price increase for some people. I was specifically looking for a Wacom tablet laptop, so didn't even consider the standard X230.

I bought mine before the windows 8 release, assuming it would be easy to upgrade and make the most of the new features. Since it's a work laptop, I have to follow the IT guys instructions, and they're not supporting Win8 yet so I haven't tried the switch. Based on the above comment about the lack of certification, perhaps it will be problematic to switch, but maybe since I've got multi-touch I'm fine ... haven't read the forums on this to see how people have gone.

 

X230t doesn't have 10 touch points, it only has 2 touch point.

 

I'm a bit skeptical with the X230T or any tablet. I'd worry about the reliability of the swivel hinge. Ive seen some reviews where they show how floppy with the LCD can be with some vibration\movement.

 

Here you go, this video should help:



I found the size and depth difference quite surprising when I had both on hand. I don't need tablet functionality so the X230 was the one I kept.

 

Yes, Windows 8 is very new. I don't tend to be an early adopter.

However, I don't think that any harm is done from having Windows 8 with a laptop. I have purchased a Windows 7 license, so I can always install that too, dual-boot, or not use 8 if I don't like it. Also, there will be updates to Win 8, so I don't see why there would be a problem buying a laptop now that comes with Win 8, that OS will be updated.

 

Why would you be skeptical of Lenovo's swivel hinge? They [Lenovo] has had them since X60t, it really takes physical abuse to break those hinges. And I've owned every X series tablet but the X201t and X230t, and I can tell you they aren't just some cheap crappy hinge.

Now the ThinkPad Twist I can have my qualms about, I believe it is a new platform, but given Lenovo's track record, I wouldn't worry too much.

 

I bought the X230T after debating between that and the X230. Here are some differences:

Form/Function (mostly obvious stuff) of the X230T:
- Stylus
- Multitouch display, sits higher than the X230's screen. Kind of nice when the laptop is on your lap, you don't have to look down as much.
- Fingerprint reader is on bottom of screen instead of on the palm rest
- Speakers are on bottom of the screen
- The T's VGA port has silver screw posts whereas the X230 has a mostly black VGA port.
- Three tablet buttons on the bottom of the screen.

Some cosmetic/form differences:
- The T is a little thicker and longer (back sticks out more)
- The T's 6-cell battery sticks out the back and also has a weird rounded bottom. The 6-cell on the X230 sits more "flush" with the rest of the body, and does not stick out.
- The T's WWAN antenna sticks out the top of the lid, whereas the X230 you don't see anything protruding.
- The T's palm rest is raised and ends in an edge so the trackpad is completely flat. The X230's palm rest ends in a bezel, so the bottom portion of the track pad is also bezeled.

The hinge has been fine on my X230T. It does wobble if you shake the machine, but it has never moved / closed / opened while I've used it. I've been really happy with my X230T, even with the "limited" 2-point touch in Windows 8. I haven't seen any use for more than 2 touch points, although that may change with future Windows releases.

Pretty much

The tablet version is a bit more expensive (about ~$200+), and the form may be bulky and awkward compared to the sleek X230. But I asked myself that exact same question and since the stylus appealed to me I went with the tablet.