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    Any new thinkpads for 2013?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Quanger, Dec 27, 2012.

  1. Quanger

    Quanger Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm thinking about upgrading from my aging T500 and was wondering what new models will be released from lenovo this year.

    Currently, the model that suites me best would be the T430s. Any announcements for its replacement?
     
    Quanger, Dec 27, 2012
    #1
  2. PatchySan

    PatchySan Om Noms Kit Kat

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    ThinkPad refreshes are generally within a few weeks after Intel had release their latest processors. "Haswell" processors are the next one in line but they're not likely to be released until Q2 2013 so you may have to wait a bit for the next range of ThinkPad models. I believe Lead_Org is your best bet for detailed information on the upcoming ThinkPad updates however.
     
    PatchySan, Dec 27, 2012
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  3. opac

    opac Newbie

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    opac, Dec 27, 2012
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  4. Quanger

    Quanger Notebook Evangelist

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    Since the t430/t530 was released in june, i guess the haswell refresh will be in july. That's quite a wait. Aside from better graphics by intel, are there any other major improvements to be expected?
     
    Quanger, Dec 27, 2012
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  5. hmmwv

    hmmwv Notebook Consultant

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    What I would like to see is a proper Core i5/i7 Thinkpad Tablet with Windows 8 Pro, that also comes with a keyboard dock that has a build in battery, ExpressCard and Ultrabay, ideally powered by a 10W Haswell Core i5. I'm also willing to give up 2.5" HDD to get a larger battery.
     
    hmmwv, Dec 27, 2012
    #5
  6. Thors.Hammer

    Thors.Hammer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Lenovo usually doesn't show its hand at CES, but a lot of other makers do. You should be able to get a feel for several trends to come in a few weeks.
     
    Thors.Hammer, Dec 28, 2012
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  7. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    L440s T440s T540s X231s just to name a few
     
    lead_org, Dec 28, 2012
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  8. Quanger

    Quanger Notebook Evangelist

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    T440s...sounds great. Keeping my fingers crossed for a standard thunderbolt port and stronger dGPU. And lets not forget a better screen :D
     
    Quanger, Dec 28, 2012
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  9. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    If history is a guide, I wouldn't get too excited.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 28, 2012
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  10. ibmthink

    ibmthink Notebookcheck Deity

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    ibmthink, Dec 28, 2012
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  11. Andrew Baxter

    Andrew Baxter -

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    And I have no doubt that when the new generation is released there will be some people clamoring to get the old (or older) ThinkPads due to some unacceptable feature change. Maybe the screens will be worse, maybe they'll remove a much loved port, or the strict Windows 8 only option will turn some off -- it's always something or another. It's kind of funny to watch the annual anticipation of a new round of ThinkPads followed by reverence for end of life models.

    My advice is not to wait 6 months for something new, there will always be something new sooner or later and the business PC world isn't like SmartPhones where innovation and performance improvements come monthly. It's pretty staid, Microsoft Word and Firefox won't need Intel's Haswell to run faster.

    That said, the ThinkPad Helix release coming next month looks interesting, but it's not going to change your mind about a T430s purchase I wouldn't think. The rest of the mainstream ThinkPad updates won't come until July or August, unless Intel delays, which isn't uncommon.
     
    Andrew Baxter, Dec 28, 2012
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  12. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I'd agree, the Helix is the most interesting ThinkPad to come along since the X300.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 28, 2012
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  13. grisjuan

    grisjuan Notebook Evangelist

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    It does seem like the release is getting closer as we see more details leaking out.

    Do you have anything concrete you can share about when they would actually ship to customers? Or a guess?

    I need to buy something around January and the Helix would be a strong contender if it were available. Thanks!
     
    grisjuan, Dec 28, 2012
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  14. LegendaryKA8

    LegendaryKA8 Nutty ThinkPad Guy

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    The Helix does look interesting, and I'm glad the design teams are continuing to put forth some good ideas.

    OP, exactly what are you wanting out of a replacement notebook? The main reasons I'm toying about moving on from my own T500 are needing something with more CPU/GPU power than it provides(though I've got a bit of saving up to do before I take the plunge). I don't mind the T500's current footprint and weight, so the W520 or W530 are definitely on the list. Kind of on the expensive side compared to the mainstream offerings, but if performance is paramount they(or the next-gen replacement) might be an option.
     
    LegendaryKA8, Dec 29, 2012
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  15. Quanger

    Quanger Notebook Evangelist

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    The helix sounds interesting but i dont think it will fit the bill. Im really looking to replace my t500 with something a bit smaller, lighter and thinner. I'd also like more gpu power and the ability to run an egpu set up in the future.

    The t430s vs t440s (or whatever bonker name lenovo decides) may not be a major upgrade but i can afford to wait.
     
    Quanger, Dec 29, 2012
    #15
  16. vinuneuro

    vinuneuro Notebook Virtuoso

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    Are there any details about the X231s?
     
    vinuneuro, Jan 17, 2013
    #16