Not only that, Lenovo uses ULV processors in their lighter systems instead of using full mobile processors. X240 has a more cramp KB, no hard mouse buttons, a glitchy clickpad, only two USB ports, No expresscard slot, no hard buttons anymore for volumn, mute/mic. They also went to using a combo of internal/external batteries. This is good and bad, it allow for hot swappable batteries. With 6 cell, the X240 has much better battery life. Also, the X240 is much harder to upgrade, but only 8 GB memory, hard to access HD now, and they use the plastic tabs which are harder to pry off bottom, making it easier to damage if your not careful.
In short, the X240 is a nice ultrabook with insane battery life. But that's just the problem, the X240 is an ultrabook with all of ultrabook weaknesses wheras the X230 is a pocket rocket mobile work station. Probably the closest machine that will fit your needs is the T440P that can be ordered with full mobile processor and 16 GB RAM. You have to order the 1080P FHD to get IPS but its non glare and non touch which is good. Much heavier then X230 at 2.2 KG, well over 4 lbs. Part of this is that it has an optical drive. Reviews on all the newer systems are much lower now then they used to be. And systems are more expensive now. Go figure. Decked out T440P will run you well over 1600 now. In short, Lenovo has no full mobile processor lightweight system. The X230 is the last of its kind from a long history of great lightweight mobile work stations. Many felt the X220 was the best with the classic KB. However, I also have a X230 and feel that is the best one since it has the ivy bridge and intel 4000 graphics. The KB is just fine IMO. But the X240 no longer has dedicated function keys. You need to hit FN first now.. which many do not like one bit. Plus the X240 has a high frequency fan sound when under load.. this is upsetting to many people. That higher pitch sound is also evident in the Yoga, and Carbon. The way I see it, all the new systems are first generation which will have their problems. Better to wait to see what they do to fix the things that people are complaining about, which there are many eg. crappy touchpad, fan noise. But you will wait until next year to see. But I would not hold your breath. Lenovo really seems to be moving everything to ULV ultrabook now.
