For comp engineering student worth it to get the T?

[Supermiguel]

x230 vs x230t

Seems like the price difference is about $200 not that much

But it doesnt weight a bit more...

Besides weight and price

1) reason as a student to get the x230t instead of the x230?
2) reason as a student to get the x230 instead of the x230t?

Also i guess te 230 has an IPS display the 230t does not. Not sure how big of a deal that is... at least for me

[ThinkRob]

Do you have a need for tablet PC functionality?

No? Then don't get the X230t.

Are you unsure if you need tablet functionality? You probably don't.

[Supermiguel]

i dont, but it may be nice to take it to class, and write notes on it.

[Commander Wolf]

I agree, if you don't need the tablet functionality, don't get the tablet. The standard x230 is just an overall nicer laptop.

It's also the vanilla x230 that doesn't have the IPS screen as a standard feature. All tablets have the IPS screen stock.

[hotsauce]

I would say get the tablet. Those who don't are going to regret not having touch when Win8 launches. No reason not to.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[vinuneuro]

There is a BIG size and weight difference between the two, among other issues. Think long and hard about whether you will really benefit from pen input. The touch input is relatively useless imo, it's just too big and heavy, not like using an iPad.

The picture below is a X220 w/ 9-cell on top of a X220 Tablet w/ 6-cell. Imagine the X220 with only a 6-cell and nothing sticking out the back and size difference becomes even more ridiculous.

I had an X200 and X201 Tablet last year and ultimately didn't keep them. Apart from size, the hinge doesn't wear as well. It develops much more play in both axes over time compared to Thinkpad notebook hinges in which it's a negligible issue. The other thing is that a portion of your palms are inevitably off the edge of the palmrest in X-series. Whereas this isn't an issue in the notebooks because it's rounded, the sharp edge in tablets becomes uncomfortable.

For light note taking it will work well. The X220/X230T digitizer accuracy is very good. However in terms of practicality, for the amount of notes you take as a college student nothing beats pen and paper and flipping through pages. The other aspect is that with the narrowing aspect ratios it's become less useful, compare the screen to a standard size paper notebook. I say all this as an engineering student.

In the past getting an X tablet was the only way to get an IPS screen. Now the notebook can be spec'd with it for just $50.



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[MidnightSun]

I wouldn't say the convertible feature is useless, but I wouldn't expect to use it as an efficient note-taking tool for most college purposes. Unless you're very quick with LaTeX, pen and paper is probably still the best way to take notes in mathematics, and a regular laptop would function just fine for CS notes.

Screen-wise, the two are identical if you opt for the IPS screen in the X230.

Do note that the X230t is bulkier and heavier than the X230, and that the X230t tops out at a 6-cell battery, while the X230 can be equipped with a 9-cell battery.

[Commander Wolf]

There is a BIG size and weight difference between the two, among other issues

Lol, my picture. As mentioned, do note that is with a 9-Cell x220 and a 6-Cell x220t. When both units are equipped with 6-Cells, the difference is even more drastic.

[vinuneuro]

Lol, my picture. As mentioned, do note that is with a 9-Cell x220 and a 6-Cell x220t. When both units are equipped with 6-Cells, the difference is even more drastic.

It's a pretty shocking picture. Can't imagine the size difference for what are supposed to be essentially the same product until you see it.

[hotsauce]

Just get an X230t with a 3-cell battery and add a 6-cell at checkout for like $81. I'm using mine now with the 3-cell and it's very light and portable. I actually carry it in my bag with my T400 (9-cell boat anchor). Can hardly tell it's there.

But then again if you want to save a few ounces and forego the touch feature, X230-it all the way. I've used Win8 on my T520 and I consider a touch option essential. That's just me though.