Apple MacBook Air 13" (2012) Vs. ThinkPad X230 Comparison

[Andrew Baxter]

I happened to have the ThinkPad X230 and my wife's new MacBook Air 13" (2012 model) on hand at the same time last week. Now the X230 isn't mine, it's property of Lenovo and going back this week. I couldn't resist doing a video comparison. It's not as in depth as the written X220 Vs. MacBook Air comparison Zaz did last year, nor are there enough differences to redo his write up as 90% still applies. Still, thought some folks here might like to see this. Link below to the video (sorry, can't embed)

Apple MacBook Air 13 Vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X230 Comparison - YouTube



If work blocks YouTube or you hate video you can read some (though not all) of the related transcript here.

Bottom line, both are great and I'm too chicken to declare a winner. I think these are, although similar in many ways, different enough machines that it's easy to figure out which works best for your needs and fits your tastes. The touchpad on the MacBook is so much better than the X230, but I'm not willing to give up a trackpoint and it's really the one thing that prevents me from switching. Wish I were, as then I'd try switching to Apple for a year to see how it goes.

If anyone has questions on the comparison or specifics on either machine I'm happy to answer. Not looking to start a war here either...

[srsriharsha]

Nice comparison, the MBA display really stands out with a bigger display and higher resolution, sleeker and light. On the other hand thinkpad has more ports, thicker n heavier and the biggest advantage of being upgradable at a cheaper price.

[JaneL]

I saw your link on Twitter yesterday and watched it. I thought you did a good, even-handed job of comparing the two.

[Thors.Hammer]

Winner: Apple MacBook Air

There, I declared one for you.

[SoundsGood]

Winner: Apple MacBook Air

There, I declared one for you.

Ha!

[Kaso]

"... just really looks like a kinda boxy, clonky thing ..." (05:30)

[Thors.Hammer]

"... just really looks like a kinda boxy, clonky thing ..." (05:30)

The pictures are fascinating. The MBA sitting next to or on top of the X230 is a hoot. The design approaches couldn't be more different.

The question I always have in my mind about the X230 or X220 for that matter is, "Who is the target market for this machine?". You can answer that for the MBA right away.

We have a lot of consultants using the X220. Is that who the market is?

[del_psi]

Now if it was the X230t versus the MacBook Air , the X230t would win due to having more functionality and having an IPS panel with optional gorilla glass.

Also you have to include pricing. The X230 is cheaper than a MacBook Air when you use coupons.

I've seen some people get a brand new X230 for $700 shipped and then they add a 128 GB SSD for $100 more.

[Pseudorandom]

The target market for the X230 is IT Departments that have users that would benefit from an ultraportable machine. It's an arguably easier answer than who the target market for the MBA is.

Winner: Apple MacBook Air

There, I declared one for you.

Now we can all complain how the wrong winner was declared!

[pepper_john]

how about the cpu clock speed on the mac?