X230(t) Owner's Thread

hey 'oh a tree', I deleted the partition too. Any chance you can help me out with the recovery disk? Putup somewhere to download? Please help. I desperately need recovery disk!

 

Just a question about the recovery discs - are there different recovery discs for SSD and HDD versions of the system? It would make sense, because certain things might be needed only on SSDs or HDDs or different settings set certain ways - like the airbag protection or whatever it's called would only be needed on HDDs - and whenever I end up replacing the HDD with an SSD on my machine (I'm thinking about doing it in 2-3 years or something), I'm thinking to restoring it to the way it would be if it would have shipped with an SSD.
edit: anything about the touch screen questions I had?

 

same recovery dics... you shoulder upgrade sooner; its a cheap upgrade that'll make a whole lot difference

 

If it's the same recovery disc, then how does it set the stuff - I'm assuming it does a hardware check at start-up?
As to why I'm not getting it now, well, I'm another student who bought this with their own money (I think there was someone like that a while back), and this was already a huge ($1150) purchase for me. I could afford to buy a 128GB SSD, for example, but I need more space than that - I'd need at least something like 300GB+, where the prices start at $200 - too much for me at the moment. On top of that, prices are falling quickly, so I'm hoping in a couple of years that I can get a 1GB SSD for about $2-300. Prices can't keep falling forever, so I'm waiting until they're a little more steady. On top of that, this computer is quite a bit quicker than my previous toshiba with an AMD E-350, so I'm already getting quite a speed boost... I'll get the SSD boost sooner or later. Plus, I'm in germany for a year, I'd rather spend my money on stuff that's better to get here.

 

Does anyone else have an issue with the top row of function keys rubbing against the screen on the x230T?
On mine the function row of keys kind of sticks out at an old angle, this row is not at all flush with the "number" row.
In all other regards I must say I'm delighted with this machine, the screen was a little glossier than expected but it truly is a brilliant little machine!

 

I believe forum member hp79 has the same issue. I myself don't unless I transport my x230t in my crowded bag which sandwiches the laptop pretty tight leading to the screen rubbing up against not the function row of keys but, the top right and left hand corners of the keyboard.

 

Thanks for the reply!
Does your row of function keys sit flush with the bezel on either side of the laptop? If I look at mine from the side, none of the rows of keys are taller than the bezel / edge of the laptop (The bit with the rubber tab that sticks out) except for the function row which is a good 2-3mm taller.

 

My row of function keys doesn't sit flush with the bezel either (and just like yours is more elevated compared to the rest of the keyboard) but, its definitely not 2-3mm elevated. My guess would be is that your keyboard is not seated properly. Why don't you try reseating the keyboard? It's pretty easy and not that time consuming. Take a quick glance at the HMM and remember to be delicate

 

Same here. The top row of the keyboard (F-keys, POS, END...) rubbing against the screen. Luckily I've applied a screen protection, so I hope, that I don't have any marks on the screen.

Same here!

 

Put my X230T up for sale on eBay. Mine has no faults or assembly problems so hopefully will sell.

I just hate not being able to game and the screen size is too small for when portable. If it sells I'm going for a W530.

 

At first I got a 256GB SSD internal, but now that seems too small. I want to go for a 256GB msata SSD. How is the installation? I don't want do ruin my laptop. I have experience with desktops but not with laptops. If I follow the service manual is it easy? And something else I have been wondering. Is the msata disk and a wwan card plugged into the same port since the laptop can't have both or is it just because of space and there actually are to separate ports?

 

Contact lenovo tech support, and just say your recovery disc doesn't work. They will send you the recovery discs that truly revert it back to 100% factory default (this is different from using a recovery disc that you burned yourself), for free.



The keyboard's upper left and right edges hitting the screen bezel thread is here.

I think it's from a overlooked design. Re-seating the keyboard won't help. There's no way this could be assembled incorrectly, and I saw this on 3 of the X230T's I tried. I just put two pieces of 3M automotive protective film cut in 10mm x 8mm over the keyboard edges. Now it doesn't scuff the screen bezels as bad as it used to.



mSATA slot is the same slot as mini-pcie slot for the WWAN. You can only put one or the other. It's pretty easy to open it up and install the mSATA SSD. Just use a lot of wiggle wiggle so nothing snaps off when you are removing the palm rest. Keep in mind that mSATA only operates in SATA2 mode so your new mSATA SSD will be speed capped to SATA2.


When you do a recovery, it detects the hardware and install stuff accordingly. For instance, on a Dell laptop if you have a optical drive connected, it installs Cyberlink DVD software.

 

Hi all, got my X230T last week- waited for my samsung 256SSD to arrive. For data point - my doesnt have 3 legged issue.

Decided to a clean install, since i havent install anything else on it since i got it. Decided the my best way was to make a recover USB flash drive. NOT GOOD- didnt realise you have to make the USB partition active first and obviously i can install again - there was no warning - and i didnt really search the issue until i cant boot from USB.

Call lenovo today - this is must be a common complaint as without prompt they say they are sending the recovery CDs within 48 hours - thought, well i prefer the a USB recovery so i can take it anywhere, but it will have to do for now.

Got an email tonight to say recovery discs are out of production (for australia anyway) and the earliest i can get a replacement is 29th December 2012- !!!

Questions:

1) is there anyway i can make my usb with the recovery files on it bootable without destroying the data - i already try using some utility to make its partition (NFTS) active but it cant boot?

2) what's the easiest way to make a Win 7 home premium bootable usb and all lenovo's bloatware in case something goes south?

thanks in advance -

 

Does this help?

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

 

the link and referred procedures helps BEFORE burning to USB. Redoing that now will erase all the data on the USB and the recovery drive will not burn another one.

thanks but the link wont solved my problem, hopefully help others avoid my problem.

 

how about get another usb, make it bootable, then copy the iso image from the recovery usb to the bootable usb just created?

 

I'll be receiving my X230 tomorrow (yay!) and I'm planning on ordering an mSata drive for it. I was curious though, is 60gb enough for OS and a few programs or is it better to just get a 128gb for $50 more? I read that with regular SSD's, if the drive gets to a certain percentage of the total capacity, it will slow down a lot. Not sure if this is also applicable with mSata drives though.

 

Depends on what programs those are. If it's a couple 10GB games, yeah it's not happening, but even if it's Office and PS, 60GB should be fine if you aren't storing a ton of media.

 

It will be just Office, Chrome, putty (which is small) and a few other productivity tools. If I were to game, can I just install/run it from the regular drive?

 

Doesn't that defeat the purpose of using SSD? I'd go with at least 80GB. Also, smaller drives such as 64GB tend to be slower than 128GB or 256GB counterparts because they use less channels for transferring data. Of course, it's still uber faster than booting from a HDD, but still.
I would (and did) put 128GB mSATA SSD and forget about upgrading that for at least 3 years or until the laptop is retired. I am however considering upgrading the 2.5" 7mm drive too seeing how 2.5" SSD prices keep falling. I'm thinking of the new Samsung 840pro 256GB when the price is right. Having SSD in both mSATA and regular 2.5" drive will speed up backup and restore which I do often because I'm kind of paranoid on keeping my Windows clean.

 

^I dont really play any more. The last game I played was Diablo 3 and I havent touched that for almost 3 weeks now. I'll just install it for those time where I want to play for an hour or two.

But yeah, I'm still debating if I'll just go with a 64gb now or wait until prices come down a bit more so that 128gb are under $100.

 

Staples just had a deal on their 120gb sata 3 kingston SSDs for $75 no rebate. might be still there but last I checked it was yesterday or the day before.

 

Thanks but I'm looking for an mSata drive. I plan on keeping my 500gb in there and just use the mSata for OS and programs.

 

I received recovery disks from lenevo so I can install my ssd but using my samsung external dvd drive (which works), when I start up the system with the disk it does not ask if I would like to boot from dvd, so I am extremely reluctant to physically put in the ssd and re-attempt ... any advice? Also if I interrupt the startup and tell it to boot from the dvd, it doesn't.

 

Decided on getting myself an X230 to replace my old vostro. Which is the best place to buy it currently in the US? Also should i get the factory fitted SSD or install an aftermarket one?

 

The factory fitted SSDs are way overpriced. Get an aftermarket one like a Samsung 830 series. Just keep in mind it has to be a 7mm drive.

 

What would be a good brand? OCZ? Samsun? Something else?

 

Hi guys, I recently ordered a T530 with the FHD screen a few days ago. I already have a main desktop computer that will be used for entertainment among other things. I am wondering if the T530 is an overkill since the desktop is the primary computer.

This has got me interested in the X230 since it is very light and has a good screen. I don't intend to travel much with the laptop but might take it around occasionally. I will use the laptop for reading and writing text and browsing. The small palm rest is something that is mentioned.

The other reason for wanting a laptop is so I can move around the house with it and not be stuck in the same position over long periods of time. So ultra-portability is not really that necessary. Maybe its human nature to second guess our decisions

 

@bluebird

I honestly would not want a bigger screen on a laptop. 12.5 is practical and I find it very easy to type with and love the keyboard; although I mostly use it for taking notes (with the pen) in onenote. I also use it for a lot of browsing and watching some tv.... however I am used to using netbooks. The palmrest is small but I would rather adopt a new way of typing than drag around a bigger and heavier laptop.

You can't cancel your order after it is placed... just return it. And call lenovo - do not order online- ask for discount and you will get it.

 

Crucial m4 SSDs and Samsung 830 SSDs are pretty good from what I hear. Just make sure they're 7mm

 

I have an upcoming X230, how do I modify it so I can fit 9.5mm drives?

 

Can anyone post the original wallpaper that came with their computer? I clean installed Windows 7 and would like to have the original wallpaper. I cant seem to find any good 1366x768 lenovo wallpaper.

EDIT: Nevermind. Found it on the recovery partition of my drive.

Thanks!

 

In case anyone else needs this wallpaper. You can find it HERE

 

did anyone use a mobile broadband for the X230?

 

I'll be going overseas shortly and will be testing it there if that is your need... I'm sure someone has to use their normal service provider also though.

 

Thanks. I was actually wondering if anyone has installed the GOBI LTE or other mobile broadband card in the aftermarket. Anyone has experience to share?

 

Could someone explain to me why Power Usage for batteries is one more notch higher than when Im on AC power? I dont unserstand why that is.

 

Will power consumption suffer if I add an mSata drive? I'm thinking of getting an mSata drive to use together with my spindle drive, but I'm not sure how much power consumption it will add.

 

Ok been over 90% of the thread and could not find an answer, does the x230 support DDR3 1866 and has anyone put sticks in their box yet? Does it improve graphics performance at all? Thanks in advance!

 

check this guys post

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/668524-x230-t-owners-thread-21.html#post8617856

 

Thank you soo much!!!

 

Hi - I wanted to know if the 9 cell X220 battery, PN 0A36283, fit the X230i?

Anyone know for sure.

Thanks!

 

It'll probably fit, but won't work. The Ivy Bridge ThinkPads and beyond have chipped batteries to support the rapid charge feature. This means Sandy Bridge batteries won't work in Ivy Bridge ThinkPads and vice versa.

 

Actually, in my brief time with the x230t, I found that the x230t battery worked on my x220t, but not vice versa. Dunno if that's always the case, but that was at least what I saw.

 

i got a new 6 cell slice.

do you guys recommend keeping the slice? I can sell it for like $45 after cost to someone who's made me a offer

 

Guess I am now part of this thread.Ordered mine today:

Lenovo Thinkpad X230
model: 2325CN3


Processor:: Intel Core i5-3320m 2.6GHz-3.3GHz (Turbo Mode), 3MB L3
Memory: 2x8GB PC3-12800 DDR3 1600MHz Kingston
Hard Drive: 500GB SATA 7mm 7200U (I have a Samsung 830 256Gb SSD,the 500GB HDD will go to an usb enclosure)
Display : 12.5 "TFT color display (matte) Premium HD LED (1366x768) (300 nits, 500:1 contrast ratio, IPS, wide view (170 ° viewing)) with integrated Camera (HD 720p) and Face Tracking
Network / Communications: Intel 6205 a / g / n wireless (2x2)
Software: No operating system
Keyboard: Backlight Keyboard PT
Battery: 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery (44 +) with up to 10.3 hours battery life (manufacturer)
Warranty: 4year warranty
others extra AC adapter (65w) + another 6 cell battery (for 5 dollars I couldn't pass)^
Will buy a sleeve on ebay.

My housemate has one of those (bought on lapstars.de too) and it is a very nice laptop!

 

Really a personal preference... if you have use for it by all means keep it. If not, sell it. I think you should be able to get more than $45, though... these things are crazy expensive at MSRP.

 

Very nice indeed.

 

Thanks to everyone who posted in these 105 pages (so far). Your opinions and experiences, both positive and negative, helped me to decide on the X230T.

Estimated ship date is 10/24, and I'm hoping to have it before the end of the month. But, not holding my breath as we all know Lenovo's shipping times can be tricky.

 

Finally dropped the ball after researching and reading reviews for a couple weeks. I'm wanting to start doing contract work on the side and need a good portable laptop to take with me. I have a powerful desktop, but don't really use it as much, so the notebook should do me really well.

B&N has a good deal running right now, coupon OCTX230

Fully loaded config for $800 before tax

1
2306CTO ThinkPad X230 - 1 Year Depot Warranty

$1,820.00
$1,144.00

$1,820.00
$1,144.00




Processor

Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)

Operating system Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Operating system language Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English

Display type 12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna

System graphics Intel HD 4000 Graphics in Intel Core i5-3320M Processor

Total memory 4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM)

Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English

Fingerprint reader UltrNav with FingerPrint Reader

Camera 720p HD Camera

Hard drive 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Battery 6 Cell ThinkPad Battery X44+

Power cord 65W AC Adapter - US (2pin)

Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN

Integrated mobile broadband Mobile Broadband upgradable

Language pack Publication - US English

Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $48.05
[OCTX230]: -$343.20
Total: $848.85

Excited to drop an SSD/Memory and pickup the slice + docking station!