Difference between X230 and X230i?

I see that some sellers ( not Lenovo) are offering both X230 and X230i models. Does anyone know the difference between the two? I can't seem to find any mention of the X230i on Lenovo's website.

 

The "i" moniker says there's an i3 CPU inside. So, there were T420i, T520i, X220i, etc. But I suppose Lenovo retires this silly moniker this year as the tabook (June 2012 - Version 419) does not list any "i" models.

 

X230i is base "X230" means no upgrade on the CPU is available which would be an i3.

 

Actually, they are showing the T430i (pg 56/161) and T530i (pg 95/161), but not the X230i.

In any case, I'm surprised to see that the i3 is paired with the last-generation Intel HD 3000 graphics....definitely makes the upgrade to an i5 worth the few extra bucks!

 

Perhaps for some it does, but unless you're doing something where it's warranted, someone might prefer the savings as the i3 is plenty for daily usage. My guess would the X230i are pre-configured X230 with the i3, which means no IPS.

 

X230i AFAIK the only thing you can't change is the CPU, everything else should be upgradable unless you buy the preconfigured model out right and don't customize it.

 

Perhaps, but it looks like the CTO models with the i3 are still X230 with no i designation.

 

the "i" just means "introductory". anything less than a high-end i5/i7 gets the "i" monicker. as an example, a family member has an X220i with a celeron 847 ULV and that's definitely not an i3.

personally, i'd like to see the "i" name dropped as it only causes confusion.

 

I would agree that the "i" variant should be phased out.

The CTO configurator doesn't mention the "i," but the laptop itself should have "X230i" on the screen bezel instead of "X230" if you don't configure it with i5/i7 CPU.

 

Basically i designation means it is the budget range of that machine model. So the spec of the machine is kept low to keep the purchase cost low for the customer.

The i moniker machine is only sold in some countries (i.e. retailers), in some countries the same X220i model is just sold as the normal X220 but with the same spec as the X220i.

 

Yeah, I see no reason why Lenovo would want to "cheapen" the feel of the same laptop configured with an i3 or lesser CPU when you're still getting a machine of the same quality.

There's been all sorts of questions about whether the X220i is of the same build as the X220 (it's identical), and whether it has the same chassis/usability features. Eliminating the i suffix just makes more sense.

 

None of the 'i' models actually have the 'i' suffix on the model number that appears on the display bezel....right? I know I've seen/used a T410i and it just looked like any other T410, stickers/emblems and all.

It's definitely far more subtle than the R-series 'e' models that they sold for years. The final interation was the R61e (c. late 2007). It was a 15" R61 with no touchpad, limited number of ports and/or card slots, basic display, and most models had a single-core Celeron. The missing touchpad was the blatantly obvious difference and it made it look so cheap vs. the regular R61. The 'e' obviously stood for 'economy'.

It reminded me of my first new car-a '90 Honda Civic DX hatchback. When it rolled off the truck, the entire dashboard was nothing but plastic blanks covering the holes where certain features went on the more expensive models. The radio, A/C, clock, armrest, and even the passenger side rear-view mirror on the door and the ashtray- all were options that had to be added by the dealer! What was even scarier was that there was a model below mine- vinyl seats, one less gear and weaker engine...scary times, but I digress....

 

My X220i has the i suffix on the end, but I think Lenovo dropped that not long afterwards.

 

Seems to be a confusing mixed bag on this--some "i" models are strangely physically identical (I have seen a T420 with a Core i3, yet it was not marked as a T420i), while others do have the "i" suffix added on the display bezel (I've seen a X220i).

 

From all the sellers I've browsed, the X230i models tend to come with i3, but I also saw a few models with i5. All of the x230 models come with i5. x230i models do not have IPS.

A slight aside from the thread. Should I wait a few months until the X230 is no longer a brand new model or just pull the trigger and get a MacBook Air? I'm rather indifferent to the Apple OS, but I'm concerned about the lack of ports and only 128GB space (can't afford the 256GB model).

 

I would go with the X230 over the MacBook Air anyday! I have a real problem with Apple not allowing user upgrades or replacements. If the battery dies, you are forced to take it to them and pay them to replace it. If you want a larger hard drive, tough- the system is sealed and you can't upgrade it even though you 'own' it! The same goes for RAM, no user upgrades.

The X230 is also a far more durable design than the MacBook Air. The ThinkPad Roll Cage is almost indestructible and it protects the entire system including the display. I'd love to hurl a MacBook Air and ThinkPad X230 down a flight of stairs and compare the outcome...NOTE TO NBR- that would make an awesome story for the site...hint, hint!!!

Go with the X230, but order it with the standard 320GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM. You can get an awesome 256GB SSD for less than what Lenovo charges for the 128GB SSD. You can also add aniother 4GB of RAM (for 8GB total) for around $25 from Newegg.com; but Lenovo charges $160 for it!!!

 

An X220i can also ship with an i5. You get an i5-2410m instead of an i5-2520m however. I'm not sure how you call those high end CPU's. ProV or something.

I've seen quite a few i's, but generally you can say their specs are a bit lower with the aim of reducing the Price. All X220i/30i have TN's though.

 

correct on the first point but not on the second.   in the U.S. you can absolutely order an X220i with IPS.   preconfigured models only have IPS in the standard flavor.

again, the "i" is far too confusing.

 

Yes, I have already heard about that. I'm really not sure here, so correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I remember the moment you select the IPS for the X220i it becomes an X220.

I couldn't agree more on the i-Business. It causes way more problems than it helps.

 

the 'i' only relates to the processor.   my father's X220i has IPS and an i3-2350m and the clear plate definitely says "X220i".   my mother's celeron 847 ULV X220i with IPS also says "X220i".   i believe ZaZ also has an "X220i" with IPS and an i3, making three solid examples.

my X220 i5-2537m is marked as a standard X220 since the CPU has all of intel's features despite being ULV.

fun stuff.

 

Resurrecting this thread - sorry about that.

After buying, then returning an X240 (the trackpad is that bad) I just bought a used X230i tabet for $390. Good deal I think. I have Windows on my Macbook Pro, but I miss a real Windows machine and need USB 2 for Android stuff (don't ask).

Quick question: don't all the tablet models (regardless if it's the entry "i" model) have an IPS screen? I know the X230i (non-tablet) has a TN screen, but I believe all tablets have IPS.

Is this correct?

 

Tablets should have the IPS LCD, regardless of the CPU.

 

I believe X230i you could configure with an IPS screen, but you must opt for it and if you get the IPS screen you can only get a 2x2 antenna wireless card.

And all Lenovo X tablets have always been IPS panels, it would be pointless putting a TN panel in a convertible tablet.. (I've owned every X series tablet except for X201t and X230t).

 

Cool, thanks. IPS it is! I guess I'm over specs. Just need a solid trackpoint and physical buttons, so I'm happy.

Please take note, Lenovo. The single slab trackpoint is horrid.

 

The newest ThinkPads should all have clickpads, and they were pretty horrible. Commander Wolf said driver updates fixed the issues with his X220t and X220, but I didn't keep my X220t to actually verify it.

 

I've read Lenovo is working on the new trackpad to make it less clicky and newer ThinkPads are less so, but I'd agree physical buttons are the way to go.