The ThinkPad X230 2320-HMU 12.5" Notebook Computer from Lenovo takes the no-nonsense, business-oriented side of Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks and adds a touch of personality for customer-facing roles in small- to medium-sized businesses. The result is a slimmed down 12.5" notebook computer that weighs just 3.31 pounds. This Lenovo notebook is also wrapped in a refined, soft matte coating with an understated black finish.
The 12.5" HD widescreen display features LED lamps, which brighten faster, use less power and provide better image quality than their CCFL counterparts. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is also the standard for HDTVs. The 1366 x 768 native resolution is supported by integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. The anti-glare coating allows you to use this Lenovo notebook in bright rooms or outdoors in the sunlight.
The system is powered by a dual-core Ivy Bridge 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-3210M processor. It also has 4GB of 1600MHz DDR3 RAM, a 500GB 7200rpm hard drive, a 4-in-1 media card reader, 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, an integrated webcam and microphone. There are also built-in stereo speakers.
While Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) is the installed operating system, this Lenovo notebook comes with a DVD that allows you to upgrade to Windows 8. Windows 8 replaces the traditional Start menu with a redesigned Start screen. The Start screen features tiles that update in real-time, which provide faster access to news, weather forecasts, sports scores, social network updates and more. Windows 8 also focuses more on cloud storage as well as apps, which can be downloaded from the Windows Store. Windows 8 provides a unique user experience.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-3210M Dual-Core Ivy Bridge |
| Cache | L3: 3MB |
| System Bus | 5GT/s |
| Memory |
Slots: 2x SO-DIMM 204-Pin Type: PC3-12800 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM Installed: 4GB Capacity: 16GB |
| Graphics Card |
Type: Integrated Installed: Intel HD Graphics 4000 Shared |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | Widescreen |
| Size | 12.5" |
| Backlight | LED |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Finish | Antiglare |
| Native Resolution | 1366 x 768 |
| Storage | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive |
Installed: 500GB 7200rpm Type: SATA |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Ports |
2x USB 3.0 (A) 1x USB 2.0 (A) (powered) |
| Display |
1x Mini DisplayPort 1x VGA |
| Audio |
Integrated Stereo Speakers Integrated Microphone 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack |
| Flash Media Slot |
1x MMC 1x SD 1x SDHC 1x SDXC |
| Communications | |
|---|---|
| Network | 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Mobile Broadband | None |
| Webcam | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) |
| Security | HDD User Password Protection, Power-On Password, Kensington Lock Slot, Fingerprint Reader |
| Keyboard |
Keys: 84 Type: Standard Notebook Keyboard |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad with Multi-Touch Control |
| Battery | 6-Cell Lithium-Ion Providing up to 10.3 Hours per Charge (62Wh) |
| Power Requirements | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 12 x 1 x 8.1" / 30.5 x 2.5 x 20.6 cm |
| Weight | 3.31 lb / 1.50 kg |
Displaying reviews 1-2
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad X230 2320-HMU 12.5" Notebook Computer (Black):
My usage is extensive. I bought this after a lot of research on the net and running around - I had to search many stores before I could get it.
What I like:
1. Matt display screen (becoming a rarity these days)
2. Solid construction
3. Backlit keyboard
The machine is as expected.
Would have been great it had SSD + HDD combo like some other ultrabooks. Then it would have been the perfect combination.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad X230 2320-HMU 12.5" Notebook Computer (Black):
This is a solid, reliable, fast machine with a nice screen and a wonderful keyboard. The battery life is so-so with the six-cell. (I can normally squeeze about four to five hours out of it, just on internet and word processing.)
So it's generally a great machine in every aspect except one: the touchpad. Unfortunately, even after I adjusted the default settings extensively, it can be downright infuriating to use. It doesn't register movements smoothly, the buttons are part of the touchpad so the cursor jumps when you're trying to click them, and the right-click button is extremely moody. It's not unusable. But it's pretty awful -- yes, awful enough that an entire paragraph should be dedicated to it, mainly because it sticks out like a sore thumb in an otherwise excellent product.
To reiterate: otherwise, this computer is pretty much in the sweet spot of both quality and price. I am largely satisfied.
Displaying reviews 1-2