Do you want a tablet for the road that's also able to run
your favorite Windows-based applications? Consider Lenovo's X230T tablet
PC. With a built-in keyboard, this convertible PC enables tablet
convenience without sacrificing notebook-class performance.
If you were to check the closet (or drawer or garage) of an
early adopter currently using a tablet, you'll probably find some sort
of older Intel Atom-based netbook in there, tossed aside like a
disco-era jumpsuit. Tablets have seemingly eliminated netbooks as a
viable market segment. Fortunately, true notebooks continue getting
smaller, packing nearly desktop-class performance into nearly
netbook-sized enclosures.
The newest Ivy Bridge-based models, most specifically, are mounting a
formidable challenge by hitting tablets where they are (currently)
weakest: compatibility with mainstream applications written for
Microsoft Windows.
We commonly pack tablets and notebooks into our luggage when we hit
the road. However, it's a pain in the butt to carry them both around. If
we're forced to choose between them, the tablet always gets
left behind, if only because it lacks the productivity potential of a
business-class notebook. Although they're great for Web browsing and
email, tablets are still insufficient when it comes to doing serious
work.
Despite their limitations, tablets continue to interest us.
Instant-on availability, one-handed operation, touch screen user
interfaces, and comprehensive connectivity make them ideal travel
companions. In contrast, notebooks are nearly impossible to operate
unless you're sitting still. And they're overkill for reading articles
and e-books.
The tablet PC turns out to be a really cool compromise, serving as a
compact notebook and convenient tablet in one device. Tablet PCs have
been around for years, but the lack of a true touch screen-enabled
Windows operating system limited their popularity. As tablets come down
in price (and size), opportunities for tablet PCs to really take off
seem to continue drying up.
Unfortunately, we'll need to wait until Windows 8 launches before
realizing the full potential of next-gen tablet PCs combining notebook
and tablet functionality. The good news is that Lenovo is one of a
handful of vendors still willing to carry the torch, even ahead of
Windows 8. Its newest Ivy Bridge-based X230T is a convertible tablet in
the company's ThinkPad X series, nearly identical to the Sandy
Bridge-based X220T that came before.
The X230T employs a rugged magnesium alloy shell that will please
professionals, though the palm rests and keyboard frame made of matte
black plastic may be more susceptible to damage from rough handling.
Converting the X230T from its notebook configuration to a more
tablet-like setup is easy. Twist the display clockwise (it only moves in
one direction) to turn the screen around, and then close the lid. The
screen orientation automatically switches from landscape to portrait,
and you're ready to go. Lenovo also enables three hotkeys on the screen:
orientation (to switch between landscape and portrait), Ctrl+Alt+Del,
and sleep.
It's easiest to use the X230T in tablet mode with a digitizer pen
that Lenovo bundles. It's stored internally, and easily ejected by
pressing down on its red top from the right side of the chassis. Though
the X230T is touch screen-enabled, the digitizer pen helps enable more
accurate control of the tablet PC-specific features in Windows 7. If
you're not already familiar with how Windows 7 works on a tablet PC,
check out Windows 7: Tablet PC Features.
Our only concern about the X230T's body involves left-handed users.
If you are a southpaw, holding the X230T in tablet mode points the
internal exhaust vent toward your body. Naturally, as the thing heats
up, you end up taking the brunt of the thermal output.
| Specifications | Lenovo ThinkPad X230T |
|---|---|
| CPU | Core i5-3320M (Ivy Bridge), 2.6 GHz, 3 MB Shared L3 Cache, 2C/4T, 35 W TDP, 22 nm |
| Screen | 12.5" IPS LED WXGA (1366x768) |
| Memory | 4 GB DDR3-800 SO-DIMM |
| System Drive | Hitachi 320 GB (HTS723232A7A364) |
| Graphics | Intel HD 4000 Graphics, 650 MHz Base Frequency, 1.2 MHz Max. Dynamic Frequency |
| Operating System | Windows 7 Professional |
| Wireless | 802.11b/g/n |
