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| Thinkpad X230 |
Though I was familiar with ThinkPad since 2013, I hesitated to purchase one due to its design, which I initially thought was clumsy or stiff. Additionally, I was reluctant to buy a notebook with a screen smaller than 14 inches.
For your information, the ThinkPad X230 I’m using is a second-hand model, as it has been around for about 10 years since its launch in 2013.
Now, let’s dive into the notebook itself.
The Specification And Upgrades
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| Thinkpad X230 |
Let's talk about the specifications of this ThinkPad X230. It's powered by an Intel Core i5-3230M Ivy Bridge 3rd generation processor, with a base clock speed of 2.60 GHz that can boost up to 3.20 GHz. I've upgraded the memory to 8GB of dual-channel PC3-12800 1600MHz DDR3 and swapped out the original HDD for a 256GB SSD.
Originally, this notebook came with a 12.5-inch HD (1366x768) anti-glare TFT display. I've since upgraded it to a 12.5-inch HD (1366x768) anti-glare IPS display. The graphics are handled by the Intel HD 4000, which is sufficient for light editing and gaming.
The webcam supports 720p resolution for video conferencing, and the audio is enhanced by Dolby Advanced Audio V2, offering clear and reasonably loud sound, especially through the audio jack.
My unit doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity, but it does feature 2x USB 3.0 ports, 1x USB 2.0 port, a 4-in-1 card reader, Ethernet RJ45, ExpressCard slot, VGA port, Mini DisplayPort, DC-in, 3.5mm audio jack, and a docking station connector underneath the notebook.
I've installed MX Linux as the operating system, and it runs smoothly. I also tried Windows 10, which ran very well and was fully supported on this machine.
The Notebook All This Time
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| Thinkpad X230 |
As I mentioned before, I bought this notebook second-hand, and I was initially hesitant. This notebook was launched in 2013, and I bought it in 2021. That's about 10 years of service. It's a really tough one.
You can rely on this notebook, trust me. The performance is still smooth for today's tasks, like editing RAW images in Lightroom, coding, and running virtual machines with up to 4 hosts simultaneously. Compared to other new notebooks in its price range, this one holds up well, especially considering its magnesium alloy build quality.
I have no complaints about the heat management of this notebook. During normal tasks like browsing, coding, watching videos, or writing, the temperature ranges from 47°C to 55°C. For heavier tasks like editing RAW images in a virtual machine, it goes up to 60°C to 75°C under heavy load. The fan is also quiet enough, making this notebook comfortable to use, even for an older machine.
The old battery that came with this notebook was in bad condition and lasted about 20 minutes before the notebook died. However, I bought a 9-cell battery, and now it lasts about 3 to 5 hours, depending on processor usage. The battery is not genuine since Lenovo doesn't sell it anymore, but it's not bad for a non-original replacement.
I always wonder how a notebook keyboard like this can last about 10 years (until the time of this writing) without any broken keys. The keyboard is very comfortable to type on, feeling soft and responsive. I also appreciate the ThinkLight when working in dark environments because it allows you to see your text on paper clearly. Additionally, the palm rest area stays cool, adding to the overall comfort.
Why You Should Consider The Thinkpad X230
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| Thinkpad X230 |
Although you can only buy this notebook second-hand these days, there are several advantages to using it:
Sturdy Build: The body is made from magnesium alloy, making it sturdy and robust for the price. The hinge is excellent, and the mechanism for opening and closing the lid is reliable.
Easy Upgrades: It's convenient to swap parts on your own, and many of the parts are still available in the market today. Need internal connectivity? This notebook supports 4G. Need more dual-channel RAM? You can upgrade to 16GB, and DDR3 is cheap nowadays. Want to swap the old TFT LCD for an IPS display? That's possible too. You have the freedom to upgrade and customize as you see fit.
TrackPoint Navigation: The TrackPoint on this notebook is very helpful for navigating the OS, allowing your fingers to stay on the keys almost all the time.
Compact Display: The 12.5-inch display is perfect for daily movement, fitting compactly inside a bag.
Indicator Lights: Modern notebooks are becoming more minimalist, often lacking indicator lights for charging or HDD activity. The ThinkPad X230 has indicator lights for battery, sleep, WiFi, HDD, audio, and mic mute, which I find very useful.
Operating System Support: The ThinkPad X230 is still supported by the latest drivers for Windows 10. For Linux users, there are many distributions you can try and install on this notebook.
The Disadvantages Of Using The Thinkpad X230
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Since this notebook is a second-hand machine, there are some disadvantages to using it:
Wear and Tear: Scratches are common, which is normal for second-hand items.
Screen Issues: After upgrading to an IPS display, I noticed some screen bleeding with dark colors and shadowing when the LCD displays bright colors for too long.
Parts Availability: Lenovo has discontinued this product, making it difficult to find genuine parts. For instance, the replacement battery I bought sometimes performs poorly, dying suddenly at 30% charge, which is disappointing when working on important, unsaved projects.
Small Touchpad: The touchpad on this model is too small and not very comfortable for navigating the OS.
