t420 vs t420s vs x220

I'm looking for a laptop and I'm having a hard time deciding which one to get: the t420, t420s, or x220.

I see the major pros and cons: screen size, graphics card, battery life, and weight.

If I want to get the best out of the three laptop using i5 core cpu and maximize ram, WHICH ONE IS WORTH THE MONEY based on performance?

 

If the screen resolution isn't bothering you, you should get the x220 with the IPS panel.

 

t420 starts around 4.9 pounds
t420s starts around 4.3? pounds
x220 starts at 2.9 pounds

you pay for the weight advantages... all of them are roughly the same in build quality/abuse-friendly

you can get a T420 i5 for around $750. T420s i5 around $900. X220 i5 around $800

 

They're all using the same innards. Performance should be remarkably similar. I guess it would depend on how much portability you need.

 

Just keep in mind the screen on the T series will blow you mind (in a bad way, report of graininess and viewing angle), the screen on the IPS screen option on the X series will also blow you mind (in a good way, in term of color, contrast and viewing angle).

 

Well to add to my first post, in terms of weight, I would opt for either the t420s or x220. The starting weight for t420 looks quite high to begin with. With that said, how much more weight can t420s or x220 gain with additional batteries or other hardware added?

 

I might have missed it but has anyone actually seen the IPS screen on the X220 yet? It seems like people are just assuming it's going to be amazing... but the fact that it's only a $50 upgrade cost makes me think it's going to be a low quality e-IPS screen.

 

There are quite a few legit reviews on the grid. See Lenovo ThinkPad X220 review -- Engadget for one of them since they comment on the screen.

 

Ahhh ok. Thanks for the link!

 

Even the low quality e-IPS is heaven compare to what Lenovo usually put on their X series and T4xx series.

 

All boils down to, do you care about portability?

If no, then the T420 is going to be the cheapest with the i5 and RAM.

T420s is for people who want the power and available GPU for a T420 but thinner profile. It is obviously going to be more expensive for the s model and finding parts down the road will be more difficult.

x220 is the smallest footprint thus the highest price, but optional IPS (is it really optional? lol) makes it worth it. If you want ultra portability + available 23 hour battery life and don't mind the smaller screen, you can't go wrong with the x220.

 

Ah, thanks to a post of yours on the Dell forum regarding the T420, I ordered a Lenovo, actually a X220 . And returned my faulty Vostro 3350. Cost me about £220 more but I wasn't impressed at all with the quality of the Vostro. It just didn't feel like a £600+ machine.

I was initially interested in the T420 but during the 2 days I spent with the Vostro, I realised that it was a bit too heavy, at 4.50lb/2.04kg with 4-cell battery, for regular traveling. This pushed me towards the X220. The better screen sealed the deal because that was the other thing I really disliked about the Dell. Time will tell whether I like the X220 but if feels like a better deal, judging by the photos and reviews.

 

As was stated by another poster, there's no significant performance difference between them, as they use the same components. Rather, I think you've identified the main factors, perhaps with the addition of display quality.

The way I see it, if you must have a high-quality display, the X220 with the IPS panel is the only option. Conversely, if you must have a discrete GPU, you'll have to go with one of the T's. Given those constraints, I think the formula looks something like this:
- If you prioritize big screeen/high resolution and long battery life, go for the T420
- If you prioritize big screen/high resolution and low weight, go for the T420s
- If you prioritize long battery life and low weight, go for the X220

In other words, you can pick any two from the three main deciding factors. Also, be prepared to pay a bit more for the T420s, whereas the two others are more or less in the same ballpark.

 

In term of price, t420 is close to x220, while t420s is about $200 more expensive.

 

What? There are many places where you can get a decent T420 shipped for like 700-800. Sure if you get Quadro, and all the bells and whistles yes it can easily jump to 1200-1400 dollars.