X230t first impressions? Fail. Build quality issues.

[XThinkpadUser]

The above post was inappropriately merged into this thead by the mod "andyP." I believe this is because of the defects I point out in the X230t.

Regardless, I'd like to bring closure to this thread by saying that I'm returning my X230t. Because of the defects and my long (and now damaged) relationship with Lenovo, they've waived the 15% restocking fee. I would encourage users with similiar issues to require this fee also be waived, should you too choose to return this inferior laptop.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

i just tested a X230t that one of my friend bought in USA, build quality wise it is about the same as the X220t. The keyboard is what i come to expect, since i already got the X230.

Personally, the X201t was my favourite out of the all thinkpad tablet i owned (i got 2 x X61t, X201t, 2 x X220t, a broken X200t). The balance of portability, performance, battery life and build quality is unmatched (X201t was lot better then the X200t that i had).

But i prefer the X220t keyboard better, so much so i got another unit recently in Lenovo Australia's fire sale that is happening over the weekend.

But for all the problem that the X230t have, i think Lenovo did a great job in lowering the price of these machine for the release of the Windows 8. Lot of students can now purchase a full powered touch/pen ready device for the Windows 8 imminent release.

[XThinkpadUser]

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lead_org wrote:

But for all the problem that the X230t have, i think Lenovo did a great job in lowering the price of these machine for the release of the Windows 8. Lot of students can now purchase a full powered touch/pen ready device for the Windows 8 imminent release.

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I can't say I'm as excited for the lower price. At least, not if it comes at the cost of build quality and quality assurance. ThinkPad is supposed to be a top of the line brand, and you pay extra to get a business-class machine. IdeaPad and Essential machines are supposed to be the low-end, HP/Dell competitors. ThinkPad used to stand alone against MacBook Pros in terms of sheer build quality and business-driven design.

How do I receive a ThinkPad that only rests on three feet? With a hollow, plasticy sounding battery, keyboard flex, and a lid that you can't open? It's like buying a BMW and finding out the leather seats are torn. "Oops. Send your BMW back and we'll fix that for you." It should never have happened in the first place.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

haha... sounds like the 7 Series in Australia when it first came out. The electrical system fails when it rains.

The X230t i tested is okay, the keyboard doesn't seem to flex anymore then the X201t that i got.

It could be that you got a lemon.

[Bobo03]

What is the next laptop on your list? I wish I had kept my 201, It felt solid. I don't want an $1800 laptop to feel cheap.

[XThinkpadUser]

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Bobo03 wrote:
What is the next laptop on your list? I wish I had kept my 201, It felt solid. I don't want an $1800 laptop to feel cheap.

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I wish I had a list. The X230t was it. T430 was a backup, but that laptop too has the new keyboard and missing LEDs. It just doesn't make sense for a business laptop.

I love the touchscreen on my X201t as well as the Wacom tablet and form factor. I also can't live without the red little nub on any laptop, and being able to rotate the screen comes in handy more often than you'd think at first.

I might just stick with my X201t.

I wish a laptop manufacturer would step up and make improvements to their laptops, instead of cutting costs and keeping the same low res displays. Besides Apple, I mean.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

Lenovo right now can only compete on price. That is the biggest advantage it has to win out in the consumer and education sector. They are trying to democratising the technology to enable more people from lower income bracket to afford computers.

I think Lenovo is lowering costs by:

1. Cutting into their own profit margin. Thus hoping that even though they are lowering profit earned on each machine they would get a larger profit by moving more machines.

2. Using more shared components and lowering no. of SKU they need to hold in inventory.

3. Using more similar lower cost common components, ie. HD resolution LCD.

4. Avoid tier 1 retail chain and sign up with smaller retail chain.

But if Lenovo can pull it off in a consistent manner the it would be a victory, but if it does so by cutting back quality then it could risk to be seen as Acer.

[XThinkpadUser]

ThinkPad is (was?) a premium brand. A premium brand only works when the delviered product is top quality.

Cheapning the product or using non-premium, non-uniqe parts dilutes the ThinkPad brand. Eventually it won't mean what it once did, and sales will drop.

Their current plan can only be a short term way to convince their investors they're still a growing company, as the slashed costs increased revenue. It's not sustainable.

They should look at Apple if they want to see how to successfully execute a premium brand: innovation, marketing, absolutely top notch design, not being afraid to charge for the premium.

[ttran]

Dude, Why you guys are getting so upset about X230t, it could be well that you got a lemon, your negative comment can have a huge impact on the decision of buying this machine from other buyers. You guys need to take a look at this from a bigger pictures. I will receive my x230t in few days and i will let you know that this will be a kick-ass machine.

-Your X230t stood on 3 legs, common its a rare case, you could be unlucky but i don't think it happen for others

-ugly 6 cell baterry, get the 4 cell dude, no one stop you. You either go for battery time or its looks, it's a trade off

-keyboard, get used to it, wont be big deal, Thinkpad now can be for students too, dont be selfish

-other cosmetic wear, exchange the new one, it can happen with any brands.

I don't think there are computers outhere that you can do a lot of things and still can have the system quiet and cool and last long, please think positive a little. You think mac book pro is better? Are you serious, that thing run hot like a furnace dude...I think i don't like Lenovo customer service, but thinkpad is still legend, you can't get wrong with it!!!

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

And now Apple locks you in with laptops that you cant upgrade.

As much as i hate the look of the X220t and X230t battery looks. I dont think there is a pen/touch enabled windows i Core tablet laptop to rival it.