Need help with choosing a laptop for university. [ Edited ]

[davidenko]

I'm currently in the process of deciding on a laptop for university, and I am really split by the Thinkpad series. 

I am leaning towards an X220T, however with the new X230T I'm quite tempted to buy the newest series. 

What I need it for: 

I am looking for a laptop that is functional for note-taking (both on keyboard and written) as well as being functional for basic graphic work (photoshop), and media/leisure during travel, which is totally doable with the touch screen and Windows 8. 

I have a 5-hour bus ride in between me and my parents, so whenever I'm visiting them it would be nice if I had a good media platform. The size and form factor are awesome, and the slice battery looks wesome for even longer travel periods.

Also the durability/upgradeability is a big reason I'm choosing Thinkpad, as it's the one brand that is always recommended to me by friends/family who work in IT.  

Problems with my over-analytical indecisiveness. 

However the new X230t and the release of all these new Windows 8 tablet/laptops is troubling me. The chiclet keyboard is sort of turning me off, however the new backlit keyboard is awesome. Does anyone have experience with the new chiclet keyboard?

Furthermore, with the new Windows 8 tablet/netbooks I am faced with a further problem. Why spend $1,100-$1,200 on a new X220T/X230T when instead I can buy a T420 for about $600-$700 and simply wait for the new Windows 8 tablets to come out? Asus's new developments at Computex look especially promising, however I need to get something by September. Can anyone give me any advice on these new developments, and what they would do if they were in my position? 

Student Bursaries/Discounts

Also does Lenovo Canada offer any student laptop bursaries/discounts? Just wondering. 

[Bobo03]

I used an x61t for last two years of undergrad.  Wish I would have kept it.  

Headed back to school in August, in the same prediciment as yourself.  

Was set on MBA(waiting to see new release), but I realized how easy note taking was  on my x61.  

[davidenko]

Macbook Air... Meh. My IT/tech support experiences makes me hate Apple with a passion, especially for their video out standards and non-compliance to industry standard. Like if you have to give a presentation from your laptop using a school projector then good luck. I swear every generation followed a different standard so if you didn't have the right adapter you're **bleep** out of luck. Meanwhile VGA is still standard on most (if not all) Thinkpad laptops. Plus upgrading/repair is easy and doesn't void your warranty, and there's a user replaceable battery!  

Anyway enough of my ranting.

I'm still thinking X230T, especially when considering the fact that with Windows 8 it'll be good both for work and pleasure.

[Bobo03]

I agree. I was going for size/weight. I just built up a nice x220t with i7, 8 gig ram, etc. about the same price as the 230 I built. The x230 had three year warrenty(which I am not decided on). I assume you are leaning towards the multitouch screen?

[davidenko]

Yeah Mutli-touch is a must for entertainment during travel. I managed to find a discount (CAXJUNESAVINGS2012, Canada only however) for the X230T so it actually costs significantly less than the X220T. 

Cost analysis 

ThinkPad X230 - 1 Year Depot Warranty 
Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
12.5" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Intel HD 4000 Graphics in Intel Core i5-3210M Processor
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav™ with TrackPoint® and buttonless multi-touchpad
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
No Optical Drive
6 Cell ThinkPad Battery X44+
None
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)
Mobile Broadband upgradable
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty
Line Total - $869.25

ThinkPad X230 Tablet - 1 Year Depot Warranty 
Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
12.5" Multitouch HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav™ with TrackPoint® and buttonless multi-touchpad
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
No Optical Drive
6 Cell ThinkPad Battery X67+
None
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)
Mobile Broadband upgradable
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty
Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3MB L3, 2.60GHz)
Line Total - $1,045.50

[NINE]

Hi davidenko,

Thank you for your post and welcome to the Community. I can't really tell you which one is better and worth it actually as by the end of the day it all depends on your budget and what you're really comfortable with. Currently I have an X220, which suit fine for my office work and personal and for travelling i normally bring the TPT to do my work. Both of them have sufficent battery life. But then again that's me i like to seperate my devices. It make me feel secure to know i have a backup system :-)

The X220 is a great machine, the battery life makes it sooo much better especially when ur on the go most of the time. I had tried one my friend X220T not long ago. I must admit it's really great to use and the whole machine runs very smooth. Though i did feel using the Tablet was a bit uncomfortable though as probably i so using a TPT which is alot more comfotable to work with.

If you have set your eyes on the X230T, I would say that would be a good investment as the machine is one of lenovo top of the line machines. Chicklet keyboards are very comfortable to use. If you do alot of typing this will be a good bet as the the layout has been set to give a great and comfortable typing experience as it is spaced out so your fingers don't get craped up when doing alot of typing.

I know this not as much info but i hope it helps you decide by the end of the day.

Let me know what you decide and should you require further inof do let me know :-)

Regards

[Bobo03]

Think I will get the 230. The increased ram and processor in the 220 would be nice, but I think I might like the 230 keyboard better. Just can't decide on the screen. Gorilla glass would be great, and I already have a media tablet. Decisions decisions.

[nibs Guru]

I highly recommend the 3 year extended warranty with next business day service and accidental damage protection. Yes, it costs more. However, you get piece of mind! University use puts lots of wear and tear on a machine as you constantly open it up, carry it to class, take it back to dorm / apartment, go back to class, use it on the bus, take it camping, etc. All of this increases the chance that you will break a power brick or that the cable will come loose (I go through about one per year), break the screen ($$$$ and generally its not covered under the standard warranty), get white dots / backlight bleed (often not covered by standard warranty), or have hinges that wear out (2-3 years). If you want a machine that will get you through school, buy the warranty.

If you go with a 3yr or greater warranty, go ahead and buy the battery replacement up front too (if they still offer this). It is a major discount, because they normally price it out as if you were purchasing the standard battery, but the replacement covers the main battery purchased with the system. So if you buy a larger battery, you save $. The battery will last you 1-2 years depending on how you use the machine.

Lenovo offers a student discount, and it tends to stack with sales and promotions. http://shop.lenovo.com/us/portals/students is a good place to start. The nice thing about the discount is that it applies to the entire order -- the system itself, as well as  warranties, accessories, etc.