Evolutionary Improvement Over T23
Written: Jan 19 '03
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Pros: Incredibly full featured, can't put much more in it
Cons: Expensive, heavy-ish
The Bottom Line: If you've been waiting to get a T series, now is the time. If you have an awesome T23, you can wait if you must.
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| syc's Full Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T30 2366 (2366G1U) PC Notebook |
The latest and greatest Thinkpad, the T30, is undoubtedly a incremental improvement over its predecessor, the T23. Whereas the T20 series brought some big leaps over the 600 series, I'd say that the T30 improves in some subtle ways. There are now so many Thinkpad configurations that things can get a bit confusing, and real differences often occur at the configuration level as opposed to the model level.
My previous computer, the Thinkpad T23, was a PIII 1133MHz with 512 MB RAM, 16 MB video RAM, and a 40 GB hard drive (the review is somewhere here on epinions). This new computer, which I've had for about 6 months, is a P4 1.8 GHz, 784 MB RAM, 32 MB video RAM, and a 40 GB hard drive! The specs are truly impressive, but since the previous model was already pretty beefy, and my software needs haven't really changed from the past model, the specs don't make that much of a visible impact; however, the overall feel is smoother, and I find myself turning on more frivolous Windows XP features like shadowing, keeping the contents of windows while moving, etc.
The other changes? Still quite a few:
1) The shell has changed a little as well, and feels more sturdy...in exchange for a little more bulk/weight. It seems like a reasonable compromise since my T23 had a crack in its case from admittedly rough usage (and constant) usage. The screen hinge looks more solid althouh I've never had problems with any other Thinkpad screen hinge.
2) Built-in wireless network card. This is also available on the T23, but I didn't have that option previously. While the T23 cleaned up most of my cables, I am now truly dongle and cable free (other than power).
3) DVD/CDRW ultrabay drive. Again, this is available on the T23, but something new to my configuration. I don't frequently burn CDs on my notebook but it's nice to have the option.
4) Interpolation at 1024x768 (the screen is actually 1400x1050) and lower resolution is quite smooth. They have really improved the algorithm for this. Earlier Thinkpads looked blocky when the screen stretching was turned on, but the T30 series looks fine at lower resolutions.
5) Ultranav pointing device which includes both a Trackpoint and a touch pad. I normally despise touch pads thinking that I get little accuracy and their sensitivity makes the cursor too jumpy for my tastes, but IBM has included a driver that gives you some very clever capabilities, which I have found very useful. You can set up tap zones or page scrolling using portions of the touch pad. It sounds clumsy but works extremely well in practice. I find myself using the Trackpoint for normal use or on anything that requires accuracy, but using e touch pad for scrolling (with my thumb no less), and surfing (it gives my poor pointing finger some relief).
6) Bluetooth. While there still isn't a whole lot of compelling Bluetooth devices, it's nice to have the feature to get in early. I'm sure momentum will pick up once Microsoft builds support into the OS.
7) Back and forward buttons (right by the arrow buttons). It works with browsing and is surprisingly useful.
8) 32 MB video card. I already mentioned this, but think it's a big enough difference to specifically mention. It's a nice video card that snappy and versatile. The options are nice and support a lot of the 3D technologies.
Other niceties:
1) All of the things that made the T23 great are still in the T30. The decent keyboard (I still miss the clickety click of the 600 series), the awesome screen (resolution of 1400x1050 and brightness), the power, and decent battery life.
2) All of your current ultrabay devices (i.e. CD-ROM, DVD, battery, etc.) are compatible. Nice for those who have accumulated a bunch of stuff from past models.
3) Games work better than ever. With 32 MB video RAM and smooth screen stretching, most games that require "gaming" machines run fine (maybe not as optimized as a desktop monster machine, but more than adequate for my use). My favorites that run perfectly? Warcraft III and Dungeon Siege. Shh, don't tell my boss...
I'm seriously starting to run out of things to complain about as IBM continues to evolve these notebooks. At the refined point they are at, I'd be surprised to see a revolutionary jump and expect these incremental, evolutionary improvements. My "complaints" really consist of a wish list of ideas that, honestly, many people may not even agree with. But here they are:
1) Lighter. I swear that the weight either creeps up or hangs tight. It'd be nice to shave off some weight.
2) Longer battery life. Who can argue with this? I'd like to see one of the newer battery technologies, and expect that IBM will eventually jump on them.
3) Better drivers. I don't know if this is the speed of adopting new components or Microsoft's constant changes.
4) Changing the Trackpoint scrolling to act as normal scrolling device. It currently requires its own drivers and can act a bit strange in some areas. It'd be nice if it could send the same signals as Microsoft's own scroller.
5) This is a bit extreme (and may be better suited for a Tablet PC), but I'd love to see the ability to fold the screen so I can use it for reading. This would require some way to protect the keyboard while exposing some key "reading buttons" such as Page Up and Page Down, but it would be sweet, and I'm sure well within the capabilities of IBM engineers.
In summary, if you have been waiting to get an IBM Thinkpad T series, this is the time. If you have a maxed out T23 already, you may be able to hold off for another generation. It's an incredible machine and a logical evolution to the T23.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2500
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 14 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40
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Epinions.com ID:
syc
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Member: Sean Chou
Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Half-heartedly recovering gadget geek.
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