X230(t) Owner's Thread

I haven't had any significant trouble running Windows 8.1 in my X320T, with which I am quite happy. The X230T was delivered with Windows 7 Pro. After having problems with the Windows 7 shadow copying service losing restore points, I performed a complete installation of Windows 8 (not an upgrade from Windows 7) and then upgraded later to 8.1. Both have worked well for me. I prefer the Touch Point to the Touch Pad, but find the Touch Pad works well enough to leave it turned on. On previous laptops I had with both devices (from Dell & HP) I had to turn off the touch pad to avoid triggering it accidentally while typing, thereby moving the cursor unintentionally.

 

No decrease in battery life? Any specific tips aside from a completely clean install?

 

Soon after I get this I'll hopefully replace the HDD with an SSD. One idea would be to then use the HDD as an external backup drive. Do I need to buy any sort of special enclosure?

 

Any SATA enclosure should work.

I don't think they have enclosures specifically for 7mm drives, but maybe consider looking for 9.5mm something that holds the drive with enough screws such that it can't move around.

 

I believe the screws go in the same spot, regardless of whether it's a 7mm or 9.5mm drive. I wouldn't think you'd get much movement either way.

 

Ya, I'm talking about a scenario like this old enclosure I had where the drive slid into a slot and was only secured by the two front screws to a faceplate... the thickness of the drive prevented the back end of moving up and down, and that wouldn't be sufficient had the drive been 7mm. And this wasn't some noname brand, this was a Coolermaster something or another.

 

I didn't notice any problems with battery life, but I am rarely far from an outlet. I don't use the most economical power settings, because I often close the lid while something is running in the background, and I don't want it to go to sleep. IIRC, I get about 2 hours with the slim battery pack (#67) that I had to order separately, and about 4-6 hours with the fat one which is now standard (depending on what I am doing).

 

Yeah same here. I'm running Windows 8.1 (UEFI without CSM) on a x230 with 2 SSD's (m-2 crucial and Samsung 840 pro both 256GB) and get around 12 - 14 hours of battery life with the 9-cell battery. On Debian 7 the battery lasts for a solid 10-12 hours depending on the use. Obviously gaming on windows has a dramatic impact on battery life

 

I'm a bit confused about the processor. All listings say that it's 2.6ghz, but some mention it can bring itself up to 3.3, while others do not. Is that only on certain models? Or are people just failing to list this extra feature?

 

That's the turbo boost. Not sure exactly which processor you're looking at, but the one I have is the i7. The standard clock speed is 2.9GHz, and with turbo boost it can go up to 3.4GHz when both cores are being used, and up to 3.6GHz when only one core is being used. It sounds like the standard clock speed of the one you're looking at is 2.6GHz, with turbo boost bringing it up to 3.3GHz - I would imagine that to be on only one core, maybe somewhere at around 3.1 for both cores. The best thing is to just take the processor model number, in my case i7-3520M, and put that into google. Somewhere there will probably be a site with the exact details, I just looked mine up right now at cpu-world.com .

 

Nice, looked it up, the version I ordered does indeed have turbo boost:

http://ark.intel.com/m/products/64896/intel-core-i5-3320m-processor-3m-cache-up-to-3_30-ghz

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Can this laptop support a 144hz monitor?

Edit - found out that HD4000 can't support 144hz.

 

update:

Ordered a Thinkpad X230T for a good price. Loved it... except the touchpad, which is literally unusable. I'm returning it. Wish I had seen this: There has got to be something wrong with my X230 t... - Lenovo Community

 

Strange. I know some folks have had touchpad issues, but mine worked find out of the box (at least as far as the pointer--it did have a "clicky" issue that bothered me, which I fixed).

I did do a clean install though as soon as I got the machine, so I wonder if it's related to a driver? I've had 2 different touchpads on my X230, and two different X220's and I had no issues using the touchpad on any of them. It's accurate enough to point to a "." on the screen, no problem. So, I wonder if there's a driver that needs updates or a setting that needs adjusted? I mostly use the trackpoint, but the movement of the pointer seems identical between the two on my machine.

 

People in that thread I linked to never really pinned it down to a driver problem... I honestly think it's just about one's pickiness with a trackpad. I'm coming from a mac, and I just found it unusable.

Question though: are you able to move the pointer in less than 3-4 pixel increments?

 

Yes. I just pulled up a 1366x768 pixel test sheet, and I have no problem moving the pointer 1 or 2 pixels. Like I said, it's the same resolution as the trackpoint. Someone posted a youtube video of a problematic trackpad, and mine is definitely not like that. There is certainly nothing that would impact its usability in any way on my machine (except for its small size).

I guess a reason that I suspect it may be a drive issue is that on all of my machines I installed SSD's w/clean installs, and I've never had the issue (I installed the Synaptics drivers on the install, and kept the Lenovo stuff to a minimum). Of course, there could be a bunch of bad touchpads as well--but I don't think it's something that's not fixable based on my own experience. Of course, if you don't want to deal with it, I certainly get that, too. It should work out of the box, and when you read about instances of it 3 years ago and it's still an issue, well--that's pretty lame.

 

Where can I get the rubber feet for the X230t? Need one for the extended battery foot and one for the front underside of the computer.

Checked eBay no dice.

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Can't you just buy generic rubber feet?
I don't think Lenovo ever solved the three leg problem which was caused by using the extended battery.

Use the regular 3 cell battery and you shouldn't have to worry about getting extra rubber feet.
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Serie...nstead-of-four-Wobbling-base-This/td-p/828335

 

Thanks for the advice, but it's a company issued computer and I am not buying my own battery for it.

I'll just live with it I guess. It slides all over my granite countertop when I type on it. Highly annoying, but not so much that I'd drop $100+ on a battery for something that I don't own.

Not looking to fix any wobble since it's missing the two right side (front and back) feet. It's just the sliding issue that's aggravating.

 

Could someone inform me about the specification of an x230?
product type is 2325-iw9 and as i see from lenovo's site has:
i5-3320M(3.3GHz), 4GB RAM, 320GB 7200rpm HD, 12.5in 1366x768 LCD, Intel HD Graphics, Intel 802.11agn wireless, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 9c Li-Ion, Win7 Pro 64

Is the screen panel ips? Does it have 3g modem (wwlan)?

As i have noticed nowdays lenovo does not write all the specification, for example in many laptops with dvdrw this is not mentioned wwlan too (Ok x230 does not come with but a t430 comes and they don't write it in description).

 

I'm not exactly sure, it sounds like it doesn't have the IPS panel (since it just says 1366x768 LCD without any indication of an IPS display - I'm assuming you copied this from somewhere), and that it doesn't have a 3g or 4g modem (usually it only says something about it when it's on board - although you can always add it on later). Do you have a link or something? That would make it easier to figure out what it has.

 

Finally i got an answer from Lenovo Technical Support Team of IBM Uk that it has a 3G modem but it has the TN panel.
Just for the record, Lenovo Greece needs to be upgraded as not only they cannot help too much (however service when you go them a laptop is accurate and fast) but they have a mess in their telephone center for Thinkpad series laptop

 

Has any body issues with the Intel centrino ultimate AGN 6300 wireless card. I get very often unidentified network, no internet warnings but computer is connected to wireless just perfectly. I tried different drivers but all have more or less the same issues. It's not the router because I tried at least 3 different ones. It happens mainly on the 5GHz channel.

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I'm no expert, but it sounds to me like the channels are overcrouded, especially if you say that one frequency is worse than the other (although it's usually the 2.5GHz frequency that's crouded). Did you check what other networks there are in your area? Did you try changing the "actual" channel (the ones that are 20MHz apart, usually labelled something like 1 to about 10 - I don't remember exactly how many there are - in the router's settings)?

 

Hello everyone, I recently returned a Sony Vaio flip which was defective and came across the X230t as a possible replacement. However, it is a little dated and out-of-stock on Lenovo's website. Can anyone tell me when the upgrade to the X230 can be expected from Lenovo? Thank you.

 

There is no real upgrade to the X230t.

The closest thing is the ThinkPad Yoga.

See this thread

 

"Serviceable parts" means the replacement you'll get is refurbished, right?

 

I don't think that necessarily means that. Where are you getting this from?

 

Lenovo will use new parts, until they run out, then they start using refurbished parts where possible.

 

The "parts lookup" page on lenovo website

I'm getting the unit this week. Where can i get a good ICC profile (AUO)?

 

I've found a color profile but it's for the x230i which got a poorer TN. Will try it ASAP. It's on NBC x230i review's page.

 

can anyone who has owned an x230 long term speak about the lid flexibility being an issue with the screen or any other general damage? i am interested in picking one of these up, but i want to avoid getting many white spots with the IPS display because of the weak lid, i mostly carry my laptops in a padded messenger bag with folders and notebooks.

 

I had the x220t for about two and a half years... it should have a similar, if not identical lid, and I never got any bright spots. In fact, I'd say the lid is sturdier than the one on the vanilla x220/x230, and that bright spots due to excessive pressure really shouldn't be an issue.

 

I'm assuming you want the x230 and not the x230t ...
What I can say is that I do have two bright spots on my x230t. I've had it for over 1.5 years. The main bright spot is only seen from a certain view angle - not one that is usually seen, although considering that it's an IPS panel, sometimes the bright spot does come into view, just rarely, and it usually doesn't bother me. The other bright spot is so tiny I have to go hunting for it anyway, and in fact I can't find it right now (it could have been temporary). On the other hand, there were times I stuck my computer in my bag with all sorts of other stuff, and there could have been a good amount of pressure resting against it, which could be why I have those white spots.

 

I've tried the color profile and it's bad, not ok for the TN x230. May i know which version of TPFanControl you use? The last version doesn't work on the x230, i tried the one that was "specially made for w520" i used long ago and it works well.. However only CPU appear on this one. If you got better, i take..!

Two other things : It seems the Intel HD Graphics got a turbo feature like the CPU but when does it wakes..? I've watched over it while games & heavy video were running but it never went over 100%.. How do i turn it on?

Last : On the original Windows install, when using the "invisible" shortcuts (like fn+k=scrollock), some text would appear telling me wether i turned it on or off. It's not the hotkey feature apparently, so what is it..? Thanks!

 

I've just downloaded the latest version. I experimented with it, then decided not to use it. But it definitely did control the fan, if that's the issue. The reason I ended up not using it was because of some "dangerous" fan setting, and I didn't understand the warning - I just didn't want to take the risk. Considering I have a still have a HDD in mine, I don't notice the fan noise too much, when I upgrade to an SSD, I might notice it more.

It depends on the power setting, and I think it scales the overclocking in the same way it does with the CPU - if it doesn't need overclocking, it won't overclock. If you're talking about the power monitor in the Lenovo Power Utility, that measurement seems a bit odd, anyway, because, if I remember correctly, the non-turbo boost clock of the GPU is something like 650 GHz, and the turbo boost clock is 1250 GHz. I haven't monitored it that closely, though, since my GPU meter widget doesn't seem to support Intel HD Graphics.

Not an answer, but does anyone have any idea where to find a list of these "invisible" shortcuts? I've looked all over the place (although it's been a while ago), and I couldn't find anything.

 

1/ I don't notice fan noise either but TPFanControl is always handy at some point. Yes of course any version can control the fan, but if it shows 520C° instead of 40C° i call that a big issue..!!

2/ Well, no it's not like that, the CPU when you're on Max Turbo is ALWAYS using it, the GPU has said doesn't seem to ever use it, even though i launched quite demanding games.

3/ I have 4, i don't know if there're more but here it is : Break (FN + B), SysRq (FN + S), ScrLK (FN + K), Pause (FN + P) // Now please help me find the thing i mentionned!

EDIT: Looks like i've found it : http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=235755 I've a found the old "Lenovo Scroll Lock Utility" that does it and avoid installing the bt crap app.

 

Wow, OK, I didn't know there were some versions with that problem. I have v0.62 installed, and I've just checked it, and the readings match the CPU meter on my desktop and the values I get from HWinfo - right now around 55C, so it definitely works for me.

I've just set my computer into the maximum performance power plan, which sets the CPU into max turbo, and the CPU clocks up much more aggressively, but it definitely doesn't seem to be locking it at a turbo boost frequency - every now and then it clocks back down to 1197 MHz (because I'm not running much at the moment).

 

Actually it was cause of the UseTWR setting.. Setting it to 0, only CPU is seen and correctly. Question : Which antivirus do you use? I used Antivir for years but as time pass, its quality's degrading : important options disappeared... I tried many other some months ago but remember they were all way too "heavy" (too many options/useless things, CPU used too much, etc..)...

PS: Is there an app/a way to change/create some shortcuts without the Fn key?

 

I use Microsoft Security Essentials... maybe I shouldn't have said it, now I just have to wait until someone bashes me for it
Although it is very light when it comes to processor use etc. while running in the background

You can just make a normal shortcut, and assign a keyboard shortcut to that shortcut. I don't know if that would work with .bat files, but there's always the option of the Bat to Exe Converter. I've used the program for other purposes, and it works pretty well.

 

I was talking about things like stop/play music, etc..

 

I don't know what music player you're using, but if you're using Windows Media Player, there's this extension that lets you, among other things, set global hotkeys. If you're talking about replacing the Fn button shortcuts, then bat files let you do quite a bit (you can definitely replace the lock and sleep shortcuts, technically also the brightness with this utility and a bat file with the keyboard shortcut method I mentioned in the previous post). Some of the Fn keyboard shortcuts also refer directly to EXEs on the computer, for example "C:\Program Files (x86)\Lenovo\Access Connections\AcFnF5.exe" for the wireless toggles on my X230T.

 

I may have missed something but i do not see where you talk about the actual process.. The biggest thing i want to change is turning the page up/down button back to next/previous page.

Other than that, i asked Lenovo to send me the installation disc and they told me i have to order them online, only gotta pay shipping which is.. about 20€!! Crazy! They always accepted before (sent some for other units), does it depends on warranty (ThinkPlus)?

EDIT: Found this for the Fn Keys : http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Windows...indows-7-Thinkpad-General-Caution/ta-p/498091 - It's not all clear yet (i dunno which are 0A, 0B, etc..) but looks interesting!

ADD: I see that some people tried to mount x220 keyboard on their x230, it fits but 7th row keys aren't working mostly; seems they were planning on changing the bios (was in 2012..) but can't find the results, anybody here may tell me about this?

 

Oh, OK, that is what you wanted (I thought you were talking about keyboard shortcuts). Then, I have no idea, maybe google will find something.

AWESOME! Thanks!

 

Actually i found "Sharpkeys" and "KeyTweaks" (both are doing same thing) and currently testing them. They replace single keys. We've yet to find an app that will let us do our own Fn+Something.. That would allow us to make thousands of shortcuts (fn+a, fn+ctrl+a, etc..)!!

Question about Intel HD : In the options, it there's an option to maintain resolution scale (like when you're in a game using a 4/3 resolution), normally we should be able to turn it off however it never uncheck here. Is a way to change it..?

EDIT: Forget mentionned apps and get AutoKey! Can't handle autokey but for the rest you make any shortcut out of any key!

 

Just realised i didn't install USB 3.0 drivers.. So i let system update do it, reboot and then some of my ext USB 3.0 are not recognized while they're on other running TP..?!

So i go to the drivers page and see there're two version listed, installed older version (Revision #01 i guess) and it seems fine now... What's changed in last ones?

PS: Messed up a bit with the TPHOTKEY registry, can you confirm the 03 DWORD string name is "LockedMode"?

 

I dunno for you, but my battery wasn't filling the space where it goes totally and therefore it had some room. Enough to make me worry, making noise everytime i lift up the laptop... The replacement i just got does not seem to have this issue, at least very little compare to the other one (only on one side) so i'm guessing it was the battery fault.. You think its shape could've changed due to overheating? But normally it'd get bigger if so, not smaller..! Let me know your thoughts, thanks.

 

I'm pretty sure the temperatures at the battery surface are not even close to being able to melt or deform the plastic... even if your system is running hot.

 

Then how do you explain this?

 

I'm with Commander Wolf on this one. It's probably wasn't made quite correctly. It would be extremely unlikely for temperatures to get that high. Plastic doesn't expand that much, and it would contract once it has cooled down again. Not to mention, the computer is also made out of metal (magnesium?). If something really got hot enough for the plastic to melt, for one, you probably would have smelled it when it happened, and it would be obvious if you looked at the old battery that something had been melted.