ThinkPad T431s / X230s Leaked

[ibmthink]

In a Chinese forum, the User Guide of the new T431s / X230s was leaked, see:
T431s: http://servicekb.lenovo.com.cn/KnowledgeResources/2013-01-15/092998/ThinkPad%20431s用户指南V1.0.pdf
X230s: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...41248874,d.Yms

Some pictures:



So, new Hinges, the new TrackPad, thinner and lighter. It also loos very much like the T430u. Its a mixture between T430u and X1 Carbon (because of the hinges). The X230s is a mixture of X230 and X1 Carbon 8without docking port, but very, very thin with 17mm) What do you think?

[power7]

Good bye, trackpoint buttons. Interestingly, the docking station connection is still there.

Keyboard layout has apparently faced another degradation step: F1-F12 keys need to be pressed with Fn, luckily there is still FnLock (which is off by default) switched by Fn+Esc. Dedicated volume/mute buttons? Not anymore.

I wonder how many steps we have until it's something like http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/...5/P1030434.jpg .

[red grenadine]

Wow. They are completely ruining the brand. It took them a couple years but they are completely and utterly ruining it.

That keyboard is an abomination

[Crimsoned]

As long as the function and strength remains the same, I see no problems with the changing of hinges.

Apart from that, I will reserve judgement until I get one in my hands.

[Kaso]

As long as the function ... remains the same, I see no problems with the changing of hinges.

I get down on my knees and pray that the hinges will retain their function.

[Crimsoned]

I get down on my knees and pray that the hinges will retain their function.

We'll see.
I've used thin Thinkpad hinges before on the T60/T61 it worked perfectly fine, and very strong.

[Kaso]

We'll see.

See what? If the things have a different function, they shouldn't be called "hinges." Nothing to do with strong, weak, stiff or loose.

[Q-Ball7]

As long as the function and strength remains the same, I see no problems with the changing of hinges.

The problem with those hinges is that you can't open the machine as far (you can get to about 135 degrees before the lid's bottom pushes the whole laptop up, and past that, the laptop rests on its lid instead of its base).

So the functionality of the parts is reduced, therefore I see problems with the changing of hinges.

[lead_org]

looks okay. But ram upgrade on this new machine requires the removal of the entire base case. Also, there seems to be only one ram slot in this new T431s.

[MikesDell]

No track-point buttons ?? Are they serious ? I wouldn't buy one just because of that. That kinda ruins the idea OF the track-point. What good is it if you can't click anything ? Or, if you DO click something, you have to stretch your thumb all the way down by the base of the touchpad ? Ridiculous.