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    X230(t) Owner's Thread

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Commander Wolf, Jun 5, 2012.

  1. MooseHat

    MooseHat Notebook Enthusiast

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    Are you bothered by the magnetic latch? That's something I wasn't crazy about on my MacBook Pro, but at least on that computer you could open the laptop with one hand. On an ultraportable it's even more important, at least with my usage, as I often carry my laptop around, use it like an eBook reader in one hand, convert it to tablet mode, etc.

     
    MooseHat, Jun 16, 2012
    #201
  2. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    I was initially against latchless designs way back in the day, but after having owned several latchless machines since, I'd definitely say I now find it more convenient than a latched machine if done properly. I've definitely not had any issues with the latchless-ness of my 220s, and I would expect the same from the 230s given that it's basically the same chassis.
     
    Commander Wolf, Jun 16, 2012
    #202
  3. cocaine_all_day

    cocaine_all_day Notebook Enthusiast

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    Not at all. And it was well known that this laptop would have stiffer hinges to accomodate the latchless design. I understand it's a problem for you, but this was something you could have found out before ordering the laptop.
     
    cocaine_all_day, Jun 16, 2012
    #203
  4. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    I actually prefer the lid latch, I used to just put my hand down and close my laptops, now I have to be careful with my latchless laptops (Alienware, X220 tablet). Though the x series latch is kind of a poor design..
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Jun 16, 2012
    #204
  5. sciencefair

    sciencefair Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, I should have added you can do this, but you run the risk of voiding your warranty. Judging by how many reviews state that they had BSODs with that drive, that's something you might want to hold onto :p
     
    sciencefair, Jun 16, 2012
    #205
  6. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have noticed no keyboard flex with my new x230T. Performance is great (i7, 16GB PC1600, Crucial m4 256GB). I like the latchless lid personally but I think it's a matter of taste.

    All the major problems you reported seem to be b/c of a bad unit. Mine lays flat on a flat surface. Nothing is 'hanging off' like your wireless LED. Sucks :(

    The battery is a little fugly, but it does tuck into my body nicely when i hold the tablet like a clipboard
     
    mcdoogs, Jun 16, 2012
    #206
  7. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    Well, well, well, what a nice surprise! I live a good deal away from the UPS depot so I was not suprised when I saw after my x230t arrive there at 10:30 am (long after the trucks leave) that the delivery date moved from Friday, June 15 to Monday, June 18. Imagine my surprise when I arrived home last night to find a box sitting on the kitchen counter. Someone up there likes me :D
     
    gerryf19, Jun 16, 2012
    #207
  8. norsten

    norsten Notebook Geek

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    Hi -what does your windows experience index say?

    Teslacoil quoted having (with 1866 memory)
    Processor: 6.5
    RAM: 7.6
    Graphics: 6.5
    Gaming: 6.5
    HD: 5.9
     
    norsten, Jun 16, 2012
    #208
  9. cocaine_all_day

    cocaine_all_day Notebook Enthusiast

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    Did you get this hard drive? Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

    Newegg says that it's 9.5mm. Did you put the hard drive inside without the hdd caddy/rubber bumpers?
     
    cocaine_all_day, Jun 16, 2012
    #209
  10. cocaine_all_day

    cocaine_all_day Notebook Enthusiast

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    Why would I void the warranty? I'm not modifying the drive.
     
    cocaine_all_day, Jun 16, 2012
    #210
  11. Teslacoil

    Teslacoil Notebook Enthusiast

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    (3320M, 8gb 1866mhz memory, 320 intel SSD)
    Now getting:
    Processor: 7.2
    RAM: 7.6
    Graphics: 6.5
    Gaming: 6.5
    HD: 7.6

    Processor must not have been running at max last time around.
     
    Teslacoil, Jun 16, 2012
    #211
  12. pepper_john

    pepper_john Notebook Deity

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    thanks for the update. How about the temps?
     
    pepper_john, Jun 16, 2012
    #212
  13. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have to say, I like windows 8 on this machine more than I liked android on the Samsung galaxy 10.1 or ios on the new iPad. I'm pretty stoked for the real release
     
    mcdoogs, Jun 16, 2012
    #213
  14. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    mcdoogs, Jun 16, 2012
    #214
  15. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'll run it when (if) I load back into windows 7
     
    mcdoogs, Jun 16, 2012
    #215
  16. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    mcdoogs, Jun 16, 2012
    #216
  17. pepper_john

    pepper_john Notebook Deity

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    pepper_john, Jun 16, 2012
    #217
  18. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    How many display ports does the ultrabase series 3 dock have?
     
    mcdoogs, Jun 16, 2012
    #218
  19. norsten

    norsten Notebook Geek

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    What are the boot times like with Win8 (compared to Win7 with EE3) ?

    Are there Win8 beta drivers available for x230t ?
     
    norsten, Jun 17, 2012
    #219
  20. mobads

    mobads Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just got my x230 today with an IPS screen.

    When I turned it on I noticed something strange on the screen.
    It kinda looks like a group of dead pixels but when you look closer it looks like dirt or or maybe something pressing from behind the screen.

    Picture of dead spot

    There is one larger dead spot and it's hard to see in the picture but there is a bunch of light flecks around it.

    Will be contacting Lenovo tomorrow (if they are open) to see if they will replace, if not I'll return it.
    The problem with that is that I will lose the 500GB upgrade...

    This is my first Thinkpad so it's kinda disappointing.
     
    mobads, Jun 17, 2012
    #220
  21. norsten

    norsten Notebook Geek

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    Does anyone know what the ExpressCard version is?

    (its ok I've found it -the Ivy Bridge chipset states that is "PCI Express v3")
     
    norsten, Jun 17, 2012
    #221
  22. sungman

    sungman Notebook Consultant

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    They'll definitely fix it, that's covered in the warranty

    Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express
     
    sungman, Jun 17, 2012
    #222
  23. norsten

    norsten Notebook Geek

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    For those with Win8 on their new x230t laptops...
    1. Whats the touch experience like -is it responsive/fluid ?
    2. Does the fingerprint single swipe switch-on & login feature still work?
    3. Are there any device (driver) issues?
    4. Is the battery still as efficient ?
    5. Is the boot-up time faster

    -also, could someone post a picture showing the 6 cell battery from the back of the laptop.

    Thanks
     
    norsten, Jun 18, 2012
    #223
  24. turqoisegirl08

    turqoisegirl08 Notebook Evangelist

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    You may want to ask about Lenovo keep your hard drive service before you send it in for repairs.
     
    turqoisegirl08, Jun 18, 2012
    #224
  25. mobads

    mobads Notebook Enthusiast

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    I phoned them up and they were pretty nice and are sending a box to send it back with and I guess they will repair and send back.
    Two weeks :(
    I checked locally and they don't seem much faster.

    I don't think they will touch the hard drive.
    I was talking about if I returned my laptop and got a refund then re-ordered it, then I wouldn't be able to get the free hard drive (although the free screen upgrade now is a better deal by $10)
    I've got nothing on the hard drive at the moment so I don't really care if it's wiped.
     
    mobads, Jun 18, 2012
    #225
  26. versusqc

    versusqc Notebook Consultant

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    AFAIK free display upgrade doesn't apply to x230, only T-series
     
    versusqc, Jun 18, 2012
    #226
  27. mobads

    mobads Notebook Enthusiast

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    It looks like it should, just there seems to be a bug in their site making it show up as L230...

    THE NEXT GENERATION OF DO | Lenovo | (CA)

    Edit: Nevermind... the picture they show is the x230 but it's actually a different laptop's description...
     
    mobads, Jun 18, 2012
    #227
  28. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    1. It's really, really fluid with no lagtime whatsoever. My x230T is running an i7, 16GB PC1600 RAM, and 256GB SSD so admittedly it's running on better hardware than most Windows 8 review I've read.
    2. I'm using just the native windows 8 drivers, so the fingerprint reader isn't functional
    3. Just the fingerprint reader and Bluetooth that I've noticed, but I haven't really looked around the net to find drivers for those pieces.
    4.I unplugged at 6:30am, and at 2:30pm I'm at 52% with moderate usage. Surfing and music streaming over wifi, some work in visual studio, plus a lot of windows 8 demos for jealous co-workers.
    5. Boot up time is lightning fast in Windows 7 and 8, hard to say if it's any faster. It would be a matter of 1-2 seconds if anything.
     
    mcdoogs, Jun 18, 2012
    #228
  29. davidicus

    davidicus Notebook Enthusiast

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    hi all--i have an X220t but hate the pen calibration, especially near the screen edges (common problem?). Lenovo tried to repair this a few times, and now is replacing it with an X230t.

    i can't seem to find any reports on whether the X230t has an accurate digitizer. any thoughts?
     
    davidicus, Jun 18, 2012
    #229
  30. norsten

    norsten Notebook Geek

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    awesome -thanks very much for the info :)
     
    norsten, Jun 18, 2012
    #230
  31. norsten

    norsten Notebook Geek

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    May I ask some more questions ...
    1. How many touch points can it see at one time? (I read somewhere it was only 2)
    2. Whats the stylus pen like to use?
    3. Do you have the 6 cell battery? -and is it flush with the back of the laptop ?
     
    norsten, Jun 18, 2012
    #231
  32. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    1. According to Windows 7 & 8 system info screen it only has 2 touch points. I'm a little disappointed by that to be honest. I thought I read pre-release that it would have 5 touch points.
    2. I find the pen to be very easy to write with. I use it a lot more than I thought I would (I use it to take notes in meetings).
    3. I have the 6-cell, and it protrudes out the back quite a bit and down a little bit. It's ugly, but it gives me a lot of unplugged time so I'll put up with it.
     
    mcdoogs, Jun 18, 2012
    #232
  33. norsten

    norsten Notebook Geek

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    Thanks again !

    Is the x230t is leaving a big grin on your face? does it meet your expectations? -beside the screen resolution -do you see any other short comings?

    I'm really looking forward to mine (which I've maxxed out on) and slapping Win8 on it!
     
    norsten, Jun 18, 2012
    #233
  34. mcdoogs

    mcdoogs Notebook Enthusiast

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    I actually don't mind the resolution, especially since it's an otherwise quality IPS screen. It's a great little machine. Of course I'd love it to be even thinner and lighter with a higher res screen and more battery life with a smaller battery....but I'm an adult who can handle not getting everything I want without getting mad about it and posting on the internet :D
     
    mcdoogs, Jun 18, 2012
    #234
  35. Titivillus

    Titivillus Newbie

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    Hi all,

    Quick question: what are surface temps like under moderate load? I am thinking something along the lines of older (but not old) games like the some of the Total War series (Napoleon, etc.), Mass Effect 2, or Oblivion. I know that the latest and greatest will stress the system more, but that isn't my focus--I am a few years behind in gaming terms.

    I like to play some games with the system on my lap, but there are some very conflicting reports on the temps (Notebookcheck has it hitting mid 40s Celsius on the bottom, while others have it lower) and I want to know if I risk burning myself if I have it on my lap! :D
     
    Titivillus, Jun 18, 2012
    #235
  36. davidicus

    davidicus Notebook Enthusiast

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    how accurate is the digitizer?
     
    davidicus, Jun 18, 2012
    #236
  37. Teslacoil

    Teslacoil Notebook Enthusiast

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    after playing Diablo 3 for ~2 hours the bottom left side get very warm, too hot for a lap if the bottom touches you directly, but if you rest the rubber legs on your lap you'll be fine. Alot of hot air piping out of the vent.
     
    Teslacoil, Jun 18, 2012
    #237
  38. AndreR

    AndreR Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is what I wonder the most.
     
    AndreR, Jun 19, 2012
    #238
  39. sveinemann

    sveinemann Notebook Enthusiast

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    Do you have the i7 version? How playable is Diablo 3?
     
    sveinemann, Jun 19, 2012
    #239
  40. Teslacoil

    Teslacoil Notebook Enthusiast

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    Teslacoil, Jun 19, 2012
    #240
  41. Titivillus

    Titivillus Newbie

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    Cheers, Tesla.

    Any other thoughts/experiences?
     
    Titivillus, Jun 19, 2012
    #241
  42. cocaine_all_day

    cocaine_all_day Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anyone tried to use a 9mm hard drive in the X230t yet without the rails?

    Any trouble sliding it in?
     
    cocaine_all_day, Jun 19, 2012
    #242
  43. moogleassassin

    moogleassassin Notebook Consultant

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    yeah, I'm also interested in this, I've got a 500GB SSD that is 9mm and ideally don't want to have to buy another 500GB 7.5mm drive ;)
     
    moogleassassin, Jun 19, 2012
    #243
  44. sungman

    sungman Notebook Consultant

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    Just got my thinkpad x230 through the UPS and I'm loving it. Now I just have to install my msata drive and ram.
     
    sungman, Jun 19, 2012
    #244
  45. sveinemann

    sveinemann Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can you post some speed test of the msata drive? I think they are much slower than a traditional drive. So I'm not sure what I'm gonna go for. Best value would be to keep the 320gb drive and include 120gb msata boot disk. But the read and write speeds are half of that of a normal ssd drive.
     
    sveinemann, Jun 20, 2012
    #245
  46. trainman261

    trainman261 Notebook Guru

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    Just ordered my x230t last night and got about 28% off with the mastercard deal (although I didn't pay with a mastercard - I used amazon checkout...). Really excited. As to framerates - I am a bit new to this area (I usually don't go by framerates, but my games are either smooth or laggy :D ) - is there really a noticeable difference between 30 and 50 (or higher) FPS, or is it only used to show off the power of a system? I'm mostly planning on playing old games and some train simulation, so it should be able to handle most of the stuff just fine. (he does WHAT :eek: ? I know what most of you are thinking... :p )
     
    trainman261, Jun 20, 2012
    #246
  47. Colonel O'Neill

    Colonel O'Neill Notebook Deity

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    30 vs 50 FPS is only really pertinent in a first-person shooter. Reviews please :D
     
    Colonel O'Neill, Jun 20, 2012
    #247
  48. AofI

    AofI Notebook Geek

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    You guys in the US seem to be getting a better deal but here's what I ordered.

    One question, what is everyone recommending in the way of a SSD for these, I'm told it has a 7mm height restriction?

    Quantity Part number Description Item price Line total
    1
    3434CTO ThinkPad X230 Tablet - 1 Year Depot Warranty $2,613.00
    $1,688.00
    $2,613.00
    $1,688.00
    Processor Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
    Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
    Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English
    Display type 12.5" Multitouch HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
    System graphics Intel® HD Graphics 4000
    Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
    Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English
    Pointing device UltraNav™ with TrackPoint® and buttonless multi-touchpad
    Fingerprint reader Fingerprint Reader
    Camera 720p HD Camera
    Hard drive 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
    Battery 3 Cell Battery X67
    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
    Microsoft productivity software preload Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 - NA English

    41U5008 ThinkPad Bluetooth Laser Mouse $39.99 $39.99

    Shipping & Handling: $0.00
    Tax: $69.52
    [CAPECOUPONSCA]: -$337.60
    Total: $1,459.91
     
    AofI, Jun 20, 2012
    #248
  49. AofI

    AofI Notebook Geek

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    In addition to the ssd question, I'm looking to pair up the 4 gig stick of ram. Can anyone who has received this system take a look and see what brand of ram they are shipping with?
    Thanks!
     
    AofI, Jun 20, 2012
    #249
  50. Jack Watts

    Jack Watts Notebook Consultant

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    Well, the one sent to Notebook check for review used the following:
    Samsung M471B5273DH0-CK0

    So, that's what I ordered for mine.
     
    Jack Watts, Jun 20, 2012
    #250
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