X230(t) Owner's Thread

7mm height, although you can just use an mSATA SSD instead.

 

I am having this one: Newegg.com - Corsair P256 CMFSSD-256GBG2D 2.5" 256GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD).
Do you think it will fit without removing the case?

 

I'm pretty sure this is an old Sammy rebrand, 9.5mm, and probably won't fit without modification.

 

I went for this: Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD1 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC 7mm Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

Okay, I'm confused. Does the non-WWAN x230t come with a 16gb or 32gb mSATA SSD already installed? The spec sheet (last page) lists 16gb mSATA SSD, but then in a footnote it lists 32gb mSATA SSD as an alternative for nonWANN models. This leads me to believe it does come with one.

On the other hand, Lenovo sales dept told me it does NOT comes with an mSATA. Tech support was no help because they didn't have any info on the X230t (it's too new).

As you probably saw in previous posts, a preinstalled mSATA SSD is reserved for caching and Intel Rapid Start. Basically the maintenance manual says don't mess with it. I'm concerned because I want install a 128gb mSATA SSD and transfer the factory image to it (via a restore disk).

I'm looking for empirical proof. Can any nonWANN model owners verify if there's a pre-installed mSATA SSD?

 

I can verify on Friday

 

Thanks! I wanted to order a 128gb mSATA SSD for mine, which is coming next week. But, if it already has a mSATA SSD, then I'm going to rethink if I want to replace it and lose the cache function and Intel Rapid Start.

Just got off the phone with Lenovo Tech Support, it seems that some X230(t) models have a mSATA SSD preinstalled, but it is NOT an option for "configured to order" models (that's what the CTO after the part number means.) Tech support said to have the mSATA SSD preinstalled, it would have been option. It doesn't come as default.

 

The annoying thing it's that none of the tabook models had backlit keyboards at last check, so I didn't even bother to check whether you can get them with msata drives or not.


Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

 

I saw one of my friend just remove the case of the SSD and it will fit inside his X220.
I have another Intel Gen 2 SSD inside my desktop. I may consider switch between those SSD.

 

Oh ya, if you want to be ghetto, just wrap some cardboard around the PCB (so it doesn't wiggle around and/or touch anything) and you should be good to go. The physical connector is still standard.

 

Just talked with a rep, they're having problems with the wifi card I ordered so it's going to be delayed until Monday....anyone get their x230 yet?

 

Which wifi card ?

 

I ordered the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN

 

I'm seriously considering the X230T with Windows 8 - but have a load of questions. Many of these would apply to the X220T too, so if anyone's got answers, please post them!

1) Is HD4000 powerful enough to run four displays when docked? This is how I envisage using it: X230T docked, in tablet mode but with screen slightly open (so it's backwards on desk, and windows needs to rotate the screen 180 degrees) - this will be my "metro display", then via the dock (possibly with USB adapter for one of the screens if not enough hdmi/dvi/displayport/vga sockets) to a 24" 1920x1200 with a couple of 17" 1280x1024 screens. By comparison - I currently run a Dell D430 which has far less capable hardware - but can just about cope with Win 7 + Aero on one 24" and one 17" - about half the number of pixels.

2) Can you boot off the mSATA or can it only be used for cache? I'd like to be able dual boot, with one OS on the mSATA and another on a 2.5" SSD.

3) How much does the PSU weigh?

4) Any overheating issues (e.g. hot keyboard) when running with 16GB RAM and the fastest CPU?

5) What's the Lenovo docking experience like? I need to be able to move between two docks (with different numbers of monitors) and running undocked, ideally without rebooting/shutting down (D430 manages this very well).

6) Can you boot Windows off an eSATA drive on the dock?

Thanks for any help!

 

Hey,

I'm thinking along the same lines as you, with more of a focus on 2x external screens plus the internal screen (3 total) and virtualisation with the i7, internal 512GB SSD and external 512GB SSD via USB3.

Hopefully I can answer a few:

1) No Cheese sadly The most you can drive is 2 external monitors plus the internal screen (3 total). Check the following post for clarification: Core i7-3720QM: Ivy Bridge Makes Its Mark On Mobility : Understanding Ivy Bridge's Real Target

Regardless if it supports 2external + 1internal of not it won't be the best user experience imo. It will work sure, but its going to be pushing it... I will be purchasing an eGPU solution for my X230T. I've done a fair bit of research and they seem to be one of the most ideal laptops for eGPU action. Check the following thread for details but be prepared to have to do a lot of reading to fully understand what is going on.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html#

Summary of that thread in a couple of lines would be:

Buy the hardware (either DIY or something like ViDock), buy a kick a$$ desktop graphics card (I'm putting a NVidia 670GTX in the ViDock 4 Plus) and then use that via the ExpressCard slot. The IvyBridge ExpressCard slot in the X230T supports 1.2Opt which basically means you can expect to get around 80% of the desktop performance in your tiny 12" laptop, then unplug it and go on the road when you need to without lugging a 17" laptop around

In terms of what you want to do with the multi-monitor, the internal HD4000 can support the 2external and 1internal screen but if you get it and decide that it isn't enough - you can throw a few more $$ at an eGPU solution that will be kick a$$.
This

2) Yes you will be able to do that. However having been there and done that on the assumption you want to run Win8 as main and Win7 as backup, both those OS have ability to boot from .VHD. Its like running a VM but the OS has direct hardware access when it boots so you can even play 3D games (expect to take approx. a 5% performance hit). Its cleaner than dual boot and the entire thing is held in a .VHD file on the hard disk so you can just delete it when you feel like it without messing around with the host disk partitions.... anyway that's what I do but I run a lot of VMs. Give it a quick Bing If you don't need direct hardware access from the other OS, just using HyperV that is now in the Win8 client to host some VMs

3) no idea but it is 65w so it won't be much. I'm on a Sony Z11 atm which has a powersupply that looks around the same size from screenshots and mine weighs a little more than the air around it. I wouldn't think it would be a problem. If someone has exact weights I would also be interested I guess...

4) I'm with you, I'll be ordering the "pimped out" spec as soon as they release it in the UK. i7, 16GB, WWAN, etc, etc. Sadly according to Notebookcheck.com's review of the X230 it is a toasty little thing even on idle: Lenovo ThinkPad X230 2306-2AU Laptop Review - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

You have to remember that this is not the X230T but comparing the reviews from the same site of the X220 and the X220T the temps were largely identical so I think it is fair to say these are what we should expect. However the saving grace is that everyone else who has the X230 including some of the mods on this site seem to think it runs nice and cool and is cooler than the X220.... so maybe/hopefully notebookcheck just got a dud (cue optimism).

5) Sorry can't help you there. Docks are not my thing.

6) Don't know. I would say chances are high if it was directly connected to the system but via the dock not sure... maybe someone else will be more helpful than I am not being here

 

Luckily caught the UPS guy. X230 in hand.

Installed kingston PNP 2x4gb 1866mhz and going through startup stuff. Need to make recovery dvd's and then install my ssd. Just by chance the intel 320 120GB i bought last year was a 7mm so it'll tide me over untill the intel 520 240gb goes on sale.

i5 3320 and 500gb HD i get the following WEI:
Processor: 6.5
RAM: 7.6
Graphics: 6.5
Gaming: 6.5
HD: 5.9

Also fresh from the factory the C drive has 33.7GB used and the factory partition is 10.4GB out of 13.6GB.

Hard drive is alot quieter then the 500gb WD I have on my T400.

If everything goes smooth i'll post some benchmarks later + some Diablo 3.

 

Is this the tablet version?

 

I Just received my X230 and it doesn't seem to have the integrated Camera. I don't see the little circle. Does Lenovo make this kind of mistake? There was no option to choose a webcam since X230 comes with one. What should I do?

 

Did you choose the display with a 3x3 Antenna option? If so this is the answer from Lenovo...

If you need the camera you need to choose the Display with 2x2 Antenna instead.

 

... That was not explained anywhere throughout the whole buying process. Do you think they will let me return without restocking fee for that?

Whats the benefit of a 3x3 antenna?

 

i'm pretty sure the camera is a $20 addon. Base model does not come with a camera. If you chose the 3x3 antenna, you lose the camera option (as the extra wireless antenna goes where the camera is i think), so it disappears from the config list.

from lenovo "help me decide"
"2x2 Antenna – Dual integrated antennas allow for outstanding signal capacity and reliability with wireless networks. For even greater signal strength and reliability, consider a 3x3 antenna model where available.

3x3 Antenna – Delivers a significant boost to signal strength and reliability when compared to a 2x2 model. On X series model systems, selecting a 3x3 antenna will eliminate the option of a webcam due to space constraints."

 

It's labelled on the the Display selection when you make your order but to be fair it is quite small...



You could try and ring up to see if you can return it without a fee since you haven't had it for that long. Given that you probably want to reorder one with the camera option hopefully they can be a bit sympathetic of your situation and waive the restocking fee.

 

are those graphics scores with the 1866mhz ram? If you had a chance/could be bothered, i'd love to see a score comparison between 4gb 1600mhz ram and 4gb 1866mhz ram (8gb vs 8gb would be nice, but i doubt you have a spare 4gb 1600mhz sodimm lying around other than the one that came with the computer).

 

I thought x230 only support up to 1600Mhz ram speed.
Also, I think the ram that comes with x230 is CL11 while u can purchase CL9 1600Mhz ram.

 

System specs:
X230: i5 3320M 2.6 Ghz, 2-4GB 1866mhz, 120GB 320 intel SSD, 6205 wireless, IPS, no backlit KB, no camera, Win 7 Pro 64bit, 4 cell.

Removed some of programs prior to testing: Google Chrome, MS Office,Norton 2012,SugarSync, Evernote, some cloud software and maybe 1-2 others.
Ran windows update. (no levono updates available yet..) installed MS security essentials and did not adjust any settings. Turbo Boost+ disabled by default.

Benchmarks:
3Dmark06: 6909 Results
3Dmark Vantage: P4054 Results
3Dmark11 Performance: P723 Results
PCMark 7: 5289 Results

Diablo 3:
Playing through nightmare Act for 1hr
1366x768 fullscreen. Default settings set by game:Textures high, shadow med, physics high, cluster medium, checkboxes were not selected.
With ingame FPS enabled: averageing 35fps. Generally 40+ with no action. lowest around 30 with lots of mobs. No complaints here so far. Didn't try the Oasis caves but i know that even makes my PC slowdown.

I'll try to do 4GB 1600 /1866 comparison in the next day or 2.

The 6 row is more of a pain then the chicklet style so far.

 

If you get a chance, would you mind checking what speed the ram is running at using CPUz? Thx thx

 

Memory speed was also shown in some of the benchmark links above.

CPUz memory

 

Crap--stupid customs. Was scheduled for delivery today, but just checked the status and it missed the truck and is rescheduled for Monday. I saw my box dinking around in customs for a day earlier in the week and knew this was going to happen.....DANG!

 

I just ordered the following; i7, 4GB ram, standard HDD, webcam, fingerscanner, 6 cell bat, best wifi, bluetooth and a 3 year factory waranty upgrade. I will upgrade to 16GB ram and 320 Series 160GB SSD when I get it. If I ever get it haha. Ordered from HIDevolution.com. Called "Ted" as recommended and googled the company extensively, they seem legit. But you never no.

 

Got my shipment notice. I can't wait.

 

Looks like the rep was wrong, my order started shipping yesterday . According to UPS, it'll get here by Tuesday!

 

My x230 should be arriving next week, and I'm planning to swap out the HDD with a spare SDD I have. How do I copy over the hidden partition and windows install? Do I have to use imaging software like Norton Ghost, and would this even work if the two drives are different sizes? I see some people mention recovery DVDs - can you use these to recreate the hidden partition and can you make a recovery USB, since the X230 doesn't have an optical drive?

 

I think imaging to SSD is a bad idea unless i've heard wrong. I simply bought a cheap ASUS external slim USB DVDR drive for $30, made 1 boot and 3 recovery DVD's, swapped HD's and let the factory recovery do it's thing.

 

What is the difference between the boot and the recovery DVDs?

 

does anyone know if the corsair force GT 240GB SSD will work on this? I ordered it and am now aware that there are different 2.5" form factors????

Newegg does not give any details, other than 2.5"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233208&Tpk=corsair gt 240gb

 

The boot DVD loads a fresh rescue/recovery program (same effect as pressing the thinkvantage button). 3 other DVD's contain the factory recovery data.

 

The boot disc is just the first recovery DVD, and the only one that will actually boot the computer. The other discs contain backup information.

 

OK, thanks. Now, does anyone know if it is possible to make both the recovery and boot disks with USB drives? This thread on the Lenovo Forums makes me think it is possible, but the instructions are rather incomplete:

Making a usb stick with the Lenovo recovery partit... - Lenovo Community

Has anyone else done this?

 

Is it easy to combine a bluetooth keyboard with the pc in tablet mode? Perfect for notes when a lot of drawing combined with typing longer paragraphs. I just hope it doesn't deactivate keyboard input when in tablet mode.

 

it should be very easy to do this, and i'm pretty sure keyboard input is still active since all the computer is doing is rotating the screen when you put it into tablet mode.

 

I just googled that model number, sites are listing that drive at a 9.5mm height, so it will not work. The X220/230 will only accomodate 7mm high drives.

 

i'm installing windows on my new x230t on this 7mm SSD:

Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD1 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC 7mm Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

Read this review before you buy the x230t

X230t first impressions? Fail. Build quality issues.

 

mostly talks about how he missed x201t. the biggest complaint is about the look of the battery.

 

obviously the led cover being loose is a big issue, as is the fact that the computer appeared not to rest flat on a flat surface (assuming that user's flat surface is actually flat).

most of the other stuff is things a user would know before buying (keyboard layout change, protruding 6-cell battery, 768p screen, no latch, rotates only one way). Sounds like a buyer not doing their research and not being satisfied with the results.


my suggestion to someone who doesnt like the battery would be to get the 3-cell for normal use and the slice for extended use.

 

I can actually relate to the 3 legged issue. My T410s was the same way when I got it. Plus the felt liner on the optical drive was half torn. Had to send it back and get it replaced.

I am really hoping my X230t won't come half baked. On the off chance it does I will still keep it as long as everything can be fixed. Nothing or nobody is perfect. Perspective is important.

 

Hey danishh,

I'm the author of that post. Re: the battery, I didn't know about it because Lenovo.com has zero photos of it. I didn't even know it was around for the x220t, a model I skipped. I researched the laptop on Lenovo.com, waited for release, and ordered it the first day. It wasn't until YouTube videos were subsequently posted that I learned about the battery. Buyer beware? Maybe. But even deliberately searching I've seen few reviewers ever mention the battery, so I thought I'd stress how big of a deal it is for me.

My X201t was literally sitting right next to the X230t, so I can confirm that my desk is, in fact, a flat surface.

Yes, I knew about the worse resolution screen before I bought it. Doesn't mean I like it more than the X201's resolution, though. And the X60t's resolution was better still! 1400x1050, 4:3. Nearly 1080p on a six year old laptop. We're in the dark ages here, but that's a separate issue.

Some things you have to try in person, and, again, I heard no reviewers talk about it. The hollow sound of the battery when you grab it. The fact that trying to open the lid with one hand literally rotates your computer up into the air, and that you have to jerk your laptop around to get the screen to open up. The mild keyboard flex. The missing Caps Lock indicator. The menu key being replaced by (of all things) Print Screen.

You don't realize how much you miss these things until you're faced with the reality of a computer that lacks them. But I've bought six Lenovo laptops since 2000, so can you really blame me for trusting that they'd get all these little details right? Instead, the build quality has slipped and the laptop suffers for it.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. I made a thread in Lenovo's forums about my experiences unboxing my new X230t and discovering these issues, and a moderator censored it by burying it in an unrelated thread of mine. What he initially claimed was an organizational reason he later admitted was because he didn't like my opinions and my username.

The whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe I didn't hear about these issues because mods like that were burying posts that discussed them.

 

That sucks, but after some googling, others are saying that using the 9mm drives is fine as long as you remove the rubber drive caddy.

I'll report back.

 

I think most of the problems you mention are specific to your unit. Perhaps it was damaged in shipping.

My X230T does not have any of the keyboard flex, loose fitting parts or standing on 3 legs issues you specify.

I will agree that the battery is ugly, but that's a minor design issue that doesnt really matter to me all that much.

The keyboard feels better to me and I don't mind the new layout. Perhaps because I am a windows user, and you have different needs running Linux. I also welcome the absent caps-lock indicator. The less LEDs around the screen, the less distraction. Windows displays caps-lock on screen which is adequate for me.

It seemed you already returned the unit, but I did want to point out that most of your problems seem to be from a faulty unit.