X230(t) Owner's Thread

Anyone who can test out a 9mm ssd in the x230 tablet and tell me if it works? I'll PayPal you 5 bucks for your trouble. Please, I'm getting desperate here :-(

I just need to know if the 9mm drive goes in easily without the rubber bumpers or the metal carriage.

 

At least on the 220, you can't use a 9.5mm drive without some modding (I've verified this myself and there's a thread somewhere). Given that the 230 chassis is nearly identical, I see no reason why it should not be the same.

 

I just noticed that my "B" key is at least 1/3 lower than the rest of the keys. Just wondering if this is normal.

 

I think he's asking specifically for the 9mm (non standard) height ones. The standard is 9.5mm, and slim ones are 7mm. I read that Samsung 870 is even a little slimmer than 7mm, somewhere around 6.5mm which should be fine.

Personally I wouldn't use a 9mm height ssd even if you can somehow fit it in without the rubber guide rails. Samsung 256gb ssds are sold for very low these days, and 128gb one can be often found for $90 when on sale.

 

same on my E420

 

Thanks. I assume it's designed that way so you can access the trackpoint easily?

 

same on my x230t.

 

Does anyone else have a problem with at least one side of the screen after calibration? I always have the edge of one side being too much off while compared to the rest of the screen. Is it because I calibrated it wrong?

I notice it while using Onenote or Photoshop the most since the cursor shifts away from where it should be pointing.

 

No you can't.
With an SSD, you can remove the cover (void warranty) to fit it the HDD cage.

 

those people in the UK that might still be waiting for the X230T, it went live on the Lenovo.co.uk website yesterday. however there is hardly any money off it, the "standard" spec with:

i5 3320
4GB
500GB 7.2k
2x2 MultiTouch
WWAN
Backlit Keyboard
3 year onsite warranty

is coming out at just over £1,610 incVAT - yet I paid £1,340 for it via Hemini about 2 weeks ago and got next day delivery. Lenovo need to build it and ship from China - eta 2 weeks.

So if you are looking for one in the UK, either negotiage a BIG discount from Lenovo or look elsewhere at places such as Hemini.

Cheers

 

Make that 3 weeks ETA from China (at least for me.)
After I had to return my first X230T due to mother board faliure, I reordered (7/7) the same config and it was supposed to ship out on 7/15 but, due to lack of parts it still hasn't even gone into production.
The first X230t which suffered MB failure shipped on time though.
Either way, looking at the prices you guys have to pay in UK, an extra week of waiting isn't too bad I guess. $1075 including tax for a similar config, plus 6 cell, minus the WWAN and 3 year onsite warranty.

 

regarding UK purchases of X230t. I got mine off ebay for about 1 grand (is in flux due to exchange rate). With the standard specs, but with the i7 upgrade and another 4gb ram stick thrown in the box by the retailer (to make 8gb). Though you will have to pay VAT on this as well, which will come to another 200 pounds. I then upgraded the HDD to a 256gb SSD, thus got a almost maxed out (ram could be 16gb but that is extreme) version for much less than the UK site would ever give. Delivery took 4 days from payment to door. I think buying in the UK is a bit pointless unless you need a very particular spec list, or cannot deal with the awkwardness of a US keyboard. The Warranty is international remember.

 

Hi all

Eagerly awaiting delivery of my x230 and intend to install

1. mSATA
2. extra ram

​

As regards the first, would I be able to install the OS from recovery disks via an ultrabay optical drive? I'll be getting the DVD Burner Ultrabay Enhanced Drive II - SATA...

And for the second, can I use any DDR3 soDIMM RAM? I've ordered 2x4GB of Corsair's DDR3 1333MHz PC3-10600 soDIMM CL9, but now I see that the system will come with 4GB at 1600MHz I'm wondering whether I need to get some Corsair Vengeance sticks instead..

Apologies for the naivete. If any of you knowledgeable folks could give me any pointers I'd be much obliged!

 

Used my X230T for the first time in a project. Wow what a treat to use a tablet with inking ability. Marking up existing survey documents, Hi-Liting, using the sleeve to hold the laptop while I use my camera or whatever. Why didnt I get one of these sooner...

 

Is there any space in the X230 to add a DVD burner rather than using an external one (and not through the ultrabase)?

 

No.

10char

 

Oh, no. That's bad!

 

That's why the T430s exit.

 

I guess they are two different categories size wise (weight and dimensions) and also the IPS panel on the X230 is much better than the mediocre HD+ display on the T430(s)!

 

They call it trade off. For a such small portable machine like X230, it's difficult to have put a regulat 9mm hard drive already, not to mention a dvd slot.

 

I understand that it is difficult but doable especially that this is not an ultrabook and it is not so slim to make this trade off.

Mas I ask if the ultrabase for the X230 has a USB 3.0 because if it does, I may get it and place a DVD burner in the bay?

 

ThinkPad UltraBase Series 3 | 0A33932 | Lenovo | (US)

this says 4 usb 2.0

 

Good news everyone! Crucial starts selling m4 msata ssd lines. Very good price too for 128GB and 256GB. Go check on their web, search for msata.

I might just get a Crucial m4 msata 128GB (and keep the hdd plugged) instead of 256GB Samsung 870.

 

I have already one in my x230t (Crucial mSata M4 -128GB).
Works like it should work - no problems here

 

So I have a question in regards to the ssd vs msata ssd debate: Either one can be installed? As in can I keep the hdd intact and put an msata instead? Is there a dedicated slot easily accessible? Would I erase the hdd and put windows on the msata instead and then use the hdd for my videos and stuff? Additionally what kinda ram does the x230t have? I was wondering if I can add just a single 4gb ram stick to it as opposed to buying 2 of em.

 

I just got my X230 today and I am pretty excited about it. I am gonna share my thoughts about it later this week. I am upgrading it with Samsung 830 256 GB and an additional 4GB of RAM from Samsung. Now, I really wanna know if there is any difference from doing a fresh install of Windows and apps and just using the preloaded OS and software after uninstalling any non-useful bloatware. For some reason, I have a feeling with the ThinkPads that preloaded OS with originally installed software like Power Manger work better than fresh install and individual installation of the software later.

Also, I wanna know what did you do guys to do the recovery DVDs and also to freshly install Windows since this machine does not have a DVD burner. I may get an external DVD latter but I wanna get started for now till I think about it.

Finally, I already have the Mini Dock Plus Series 3 with USB 3.0 and the two reasons I got it for is to have the USB 3.0 port and also to be able to use it in the future with any ThinkPad with quad core. However, I wonder if the Ultrabase Series 3 for the X230 has any advantage over the one I have.

Thanks a lot guys for your help in advance.

 

I did a fresh install, only because my recover media didn't work. The good news is that the performance is now the same or better. I did install the power manager software and my battery life and power draw at idle is actually a bit better with the fresh install (I just double-checked this since I had to pull some stuff off of the old hard drive). I'm drawing about .2W less on the fresh install.

The bad part is that I was installing random missing drivers for about a week. The system update didn't seem to catch everything. Then again, I didn't have to delete any bloatware either, so I guess it's a wash. I'm running almost the same system as you, 8GB RAM and Samsung 830 256 SSD.

As far as the base, the ultrabase has provisions for a DVD, so at some point I'm going to pick up one of those. They're $100.00 on Ebay, and I can pull the DVD drive from my dead T61. So, it gives you an all-in-one portable option.

 

How are the boot up times with a SSD with the X230t?

Does UEFI affect it?

I'm getting 22 seconds total with a factory clone image with an antivirus and some other programs installed.

 

You need to take off the keyboard and the palm rest to access the mSATA slot. The "normal" hard drive slot comes out with one screw on the side of the laptop. You're correct when talking about installing Windows on the mSATA and using the hard drive for mass storage.

The x230(t) uses DDR3 PC3 12800. The stick that came with mine was 1600Mhz. I saw a review that said their stick was 1333Mhz. I went with this: Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model F3-12800CL9S-4GBSQ Free shipping, no tax and a lifetime warranty. No issues.

 

You can make a recovery media using a usb thumb drive, but be forewarned that you have to prep the usb stick FIRST. When creating the usb flash drive recovery media, it does not mark the partition as active, which means you cannot boot from it.

Here are the instructions that you need to do before you create the disk...I think you need at least a 8gb flash drive

New or used USB memory keys or USB flash drives require an active partition created from within Windows Vista or Windows 7 prior to making the Windows 7 Recovery media on the USB key - ThinkPad

 

with the non-tablet and fresh install, I'm getting about 18-22 seconds on average in dual boot mode (legacy and UEFI). I suppose a UEFI alone would be faster but I didn't go that route. I have MSE for antivirus, and a couple of other programs which come on at start-up.

 

Anyone tried Office 2013 on tablet multitouch version? Just wonder how it works (Especially onenote) I bought a desktop and want something smaller and would love to have use this for my upcoming classes. (stochastic modelling and discrete math /shrug)

If anyone tried onenote 2013, could you maybe try to import a full pdf book (200-500 pages) and see how it handles that, want to take notes on each page

 

How long is it taking from order to ship status for those of you that have ordered?

 

Mine took 2 weeks. Are you thinking about replacing your x220 with the x230? If so, why?

 

Thanks. It's for someone else. I extended the warranty on my X220 another two years with plans to keep it past that. Only model that might make me switch is the X1 Carbon, but that's contingent on price, battery life and screen quality.

 

Ordered on 07/12. Shipped today (07/18). Estimated delivery is 07/24 (to USA).


--

 

External DVD burners work. My attempt failed, so I called them up and got them to send me the discs.

15-20s depending on settings, hardware, and what you have installed.

For example, you can shave off 1-2 seconds with No GUI boot, but I decided to turn it back on.

 

Is there any where to buy a new, authentic 4-cell battery for the X230? Can't seem to find it on Lenovo's site...

 

Found one on Amazon when I was looking for x220t 3-Cells:

Amazon.com: Lenovo 0a36316 3 Cell Battery 67 for X220t , X220 Tablet, X230t, X230 Tablet Pc Notebooks: Electronics

 

Sorry, should have clarified. I don't have the tablet version. It's the standard X230.

 

I just discovered that the stock RAM that came with my X230 is Hynix and the one I wanted to add is Samsung. Are these usually compatible and will provide me with the high clock speed I should expect or do you advise me to get two of the same brand?

 

I mixed a G.Skill with the Micron that came with my laptop and had no issues. They were even different voltages. Depending on where you buy, most places have a generous return policy. Is the speed of the Hynix 1600Mhz?

 

Looks like I am in the minority of being one of the unlucky few who've had weired delays. Ordered 7/7. Was supposed to ship out 7/15. Checked status on 7/16 and it said "Released to manufacturing" so I called Lenovo. Ship date got revised to 7/20. Supposed to arrive on 7/26. Reason I was given was that there was a parts constrain. Sounds fishy but, what can I do....

 

What's the spec list of your order? Parts constraints do delay, happened to people with the X220 too.

 

Mine is the X230t. This is the second one I ordered after I had to return the first one due to mother board faliure. The first one arrived perfectly on time.

Specs are pretty standard.

Processor Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
Display type 12.5" Multitouch HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
otal memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English
Fingerprint reader Fingerprint Reader
Camera 720p HD Camera
Hard drive 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Battery 6 Cell ThinkPad Battery X67+
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN . No WWAN

Why I said its fishy is that some other forum members who placed orders on or a few days after me seemed to have had no delays whatsoever

 

I just got my X230T and wanted to point out some stuff.

1. Are the power adapters no longer compatible from the X61 era? I know my old 65W adapter works on wife's X220, but it won't charge nor power the X230T. Does anyone know if they changed the power adapters on new IvyBridge models? EDIT: FRU 92P1212 is the adapter that is not working. It works fine on X220. I tried wife's X220 power adapter, and that worked fine on X230T too.

2. First time I was charging the battery, I also used the laptop to install updates and stuff, and maybe after every reboot the battery cycle count increased. I only charged the battery from 40% to 100% once, but the cycle count shows 3 right now. Anyone know why this happened? I thought 3 times of 30% charging makes up about 1 cycle.

3. Sitting on three leg problem is definitely there. Typing on a flat desk with lid open at about 100 degrees, I can tap my right palm on that thinkpad logo, and it makes noise. On the right side under palm rest, the small middle part of the rubber is still touching the desk but the outer side is floating, so I can't slide a sheet of paper, but it can be compressed to make noise.

4. Very low heat and I can't even hear the fan. Excellent work on exhaust. Of course.. what would they do with all the bulk space? haha

5. Bootup and loading stuff is very slow (500GB 5400rpm hitachi) because I'm used to SSD (intel x25-m 80GB, intel 310 80GB, samsung 470 256GB, pyro se 60GB). I'm absolutely going to upgrade once I decide to keep it.

6. DDR3L - I have Samsung DDR3L 1600 rated ram, 2 x 4GB (I paid $40 about 4 months ago on sale). In cpuz, it shows ram currently running 798.9 MHz (1600 speed) at 11/11/11/28/1T. I don't know the current voltage, but according to SPD section, all 4 of the JEDEC #4, #5, #6, #7 SPD table shows 1.28V. So it may be actually running in low voltage (1.28V) mode at 1600 speed. Good for energy saving. My Toshiba Portege R835 (i5 sandybridge) could only do 1600 speed at 1.5V since sandybridge doesn't support low voltage ram.

7. Light bleed from the bottom edges, a little bit on the right edge too. Distracting when background is black and brightness is blasted up, but not a major problem for me.

8. Screen rotation is slow and takes some pushes (button fault?) to make it rotate when in tablet mode.

9. wifi indicator and hdd indicator below the screen bezel looks too much spaced out. Design sucks, it actually looks like there should be one more indicator light in between.

10. I don't have a fingerprint reader since I never use it and it heats up using power. On X230T, there is a dummy cover on a fingerprint reader location. . Looks VERY cheap. They used to make separate parts for these, now I guess they are trying to save every penny. If I knew, maybe I would have spent $20 more for it just for the atheistic.

11. Opening and closing the lid is very stiff. Could be good or bad, I'll have to see long term. Good thing that I bought three year warranty.

12. Keyboard is okay, but I don't understand why they put Printscreen between right side Alt and Ctrl key. Also PgUp and PgDn is annoying, but I guess I can get used to that. I really like the backlight!

13. Express slot cover looks loose/cheaply built. Probably to lower cost.

14. I also have a little loose rubber hinge on the left side of the keyboard. Right side rubber is stiff.

15. I don't like the dummy WAN antenna plastic sticking out on the top right of the lid, but that was like that since X220T. Probably to save cost too. Wifi antennas are not in there, right?

16. It's true that you don't know if the battery is being charged or not unless you power it on, and look in Windows. No indicator light for plugged in/charging.

17. Battery life looks promising on tablet mode, but in power manager, most times it shows it is using 10-14W on idle. That would mean I can get about 6 hours if I am really careful. Shows 14W while I'm writing this. Brightness 10 of 15.
--edit: After a clean install on intel ssd, it shows 9W on idle. If I hold my breath, it'll go low as 8W. As soon as I move my cursor, it goes to 10W-11W. I'm using Window's Balanced mode.

18. Distance from screen and pen is about 2-3mm, which is very far. They really need to do something about getting the screen closer to the pen. The pen accuracy seems a little improved from X220T, but not as good as Samsung Series 7 Slate. X61T I had was perfect, but that may felt more precise due to low pixel density (1024x768).



I'll try my spare intel 80GB SSD in place of the hdd, then see how everything feels. Then if it is a keeper, I'm most likely going to get a 128GB Crucial M4 msata, and keep the 500GB 5400rpm HDD in the hdd bay. (This is the reason I went with 5400 rpm)

 

I punched in the part number (0A36316) into Google and got a couple hits. If you're not in the US, I'm not sure how many are relevant.

Concerning (1): In my brief time with the x230t, I used it with an old adapter, and it was fine. Not sure why yours wouldn't work.

Concerning (14): This one is very interesting: on the left side the bumper is actually secured to a little metal thing which gives it some spring. On the right side, the bumper is attached directly to the plastic trim. I have no idea why they did this.

Concerning (17): This is high, though I wouldn't worry about it until you do a clean install on an SSD.

All of the other points are (sadly) as they were on the x220t. I'm crossing my fingers for an improvement next gen...

EDIT: About that x230 4-Cell, can anyone confirm whether it's 29WHr or 44WHr? Lenovo's page for the battery spec says both:

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product-and-parts/detail.page?&DocID=PD024287

 

The fan on my X230 is continuously running though I am in an idle state and I am having the least possible specs. This was not my experience with T430 or T530 with quad core and dGPU. Though it is not so noisy but it is audible. Is that something common in X230?

Also, I am connected to an external display now at work and I suddenly started to experience delays between typing and words appearing on the screen along with than continuously running as if there is a job running though I am just typing.

 

My X61T adapter works fine with it. Yours should work.

 

The current delays seem to be associated with the 500GB Hard Disk Drive that is 7200rpm . . that is the HD I configured and my x230t has been on order since 6/25. I'm told it may ship today or tomorrow. If you go on line to order today they do not offer the 7200rpm drive.