ibmthink wrote:
Yes, no fake. I took the image from an official Lenovo-PDF document, where Lenovo removed the image after a few days.
Yes, I know that. My statement was not posted to doubt you and/or your intentions/sources, but merely as an expression of hope that someone, somewhere will come to their senses and revert the changes made to the keyboard layout...
ajkula66 wrote:Yes, I know that. My statement was not posted to doubt you and/or your intentions/sources, but merely as an expression of hope that someone, somewhere will come to their senses and revert the changes made to the keyboard layout...
I rushed to buy one of last X220 boxes (i5 + IPS) available over here just because of these images. I asked local Lenovo office about an overlap of X220 and X230 availability but they couldn't confirm how long X220 will remain available (most of eshops have no longer listed them).
I expect some kind of apology from Lenovo if the ThinkPad classic keyboard layout will be available for X230. Because it is not fair to not deny speculation about removing one of key feature of ThinkPads.
Whatever the opinions we all might have, one thing is clear. All it takes is to do a google search on this subject and you'll see what I mean. The internet is chuck full of opinions (like mine! 
), however, seldom does one see such overwhelming response to this change, and it is as unified a response as you will see on the internet. I have yet to find a single post regarding how much people hate the classic Thinkpad keyboard.
Other companies would pay a lot of money to have this level of user involvement or reaction to a change in their product, which is exactly why Lenovo would be wise to LISTEN.
At least have an X221 with the classic keyboard and thinklight, and use the same X230 motherboard. Or call it X230c whatever.
Nobody is saying their chiclet isn't the best on the market, but clearly people love the classic keyboard, and it is a unique feature that no other computer has. With the new keyboard there really isn't much about a Thinkpad that edges it out over other brand laptops. With the classic keyboard, it's no contest. (for me at least)
pertierr wrote:Whatever the opinions we all might have, one thing is clear. All it takes is to do a google search on this subject and you'll see what I mean. The internet is chuck full of opinions (like mine!
I certainly don't "hate" the old Thinkpad keyboard; I've used one for the last >10 years. That said, I prefer everything about the new keyboard. I'm currently using an Edge E420 and I received an X220. Based on my experience with the Edge, I'll probably upgrade to an X230 if it's not a ridiculous amount of $$ out of pocket. I say this based on my experience w/the Edge keyboard, along with using some other backlit keyboards briefly.
- I prefer the larger key tops of the chicklet keys, and the spacing between them. This keyboard feels nothing like other chichlet keyboards. I type faster, with fewer mistakes, on this keyboard. They also seem to have a firmer "click" than my X220 keyboard. The overal sensations of typing are better on this keyboard for me.
- I actually prefer the top row not being there. It's easier for me to hit the top (6th) row sightless without over-shooting. It also makes (potentially) for more space at the bottom, for larger palmrests and a larger touchpad. Frankly, I never use any of those keys except the print screen key, which is still included (must moved). So, for me the 6 row keyboard is an improvement.
- I much prefer a backlit keyboard over a light. The backlighting is much more unobtrusive, and more useful for me. The thinklight doesn't really illuminate the top row all that well (though the X220 light is better than my T61 light). The backlight is something I'd leave on low while typing in the dark. The thinklight is something I'd click on when needed. In actual practice, I never used it--I ended up tilting the screen and using that as a light.
So, I wouldn't say that the change to the new keyboard is universally despised. I realize that I'm in the minority among TP users, but these are my thoughts. I guess the real question is whether or not the change will bring more new users than it alienates. Time will tell. I do agree that keeping at least one model with the classic keyboard may have been smart, but I wonder how much of the total sales this would really comprise.
