Lenovo ThinkPad T430s User Review

Conclusion

Overall, the T430s is a rock solid business machine capable of handling some more demanding programs, despite its low weight and thinness. The easy upgradability is nice, especially as other manufacturers reduce the number of user-replaceable parts. While the battery life is not stellar, the low weight of the system makes it easy to travel with, even with the AC adapter. The screen continues to be a weak spot, but is sufficient for business uses. We would have perhaps preferred the classic ThinkPad keyboard over the new "Precision" keyboard with chiclet keys, but the keyboard remains an overall strong point. The laptop reviewed here is destined to be further upgraded with an mSATA SSD as the main drive, boosting the overall performance of the machine and freeing the included hard drive for use as file storage. In sum, the T430s is easy to recommend as portable but powerful business machine with a build quality which should allow it to last.

Pros:

• Well built
• Easily upgradeable
• Quality, backlit keyboard (+ ThinkLight) and pointing options
• Capability to have a massive amount of storage with 3 drives installed (mSATA SSD, primary and UltraBay)

Cons:

• Weak screen / variability in manufacturers
• Weak battery life
• Cost premium over T430
• Included bloatware (and clean installing Windows requires jumping through hoops)
• Keyboard switched to chiclet-style

Individual Ratings: *

Software & Support 
Upgrade Capabilities 
Usability 
Design 
Performance 
Features 
Price/Value Rating 
* Ratings averaged to produce final score