I'd argue the X230 (basically an X220 refresh) is slightly better. * One generation newer CPU (3rd gen, Ivy Bridge, die shrink) * Additional USB 3.0 port * O

I'd argue the X230 (basically an X220 refresh) is slightly better. * One generation newer CPU (3rd gen, Ivy Bridge, die shrink) * Additional USB 3.0 port * Optional backlit keyboard Both are solid laptops. I bought my X230 in 2016 for about $400USD and with how much I've used it, it has paid for itself. Nearly 8 years of solid service. I "upgraded" mine slightly: * USB-C pigtail adapter with tiny 65W GaN charger * USB 3.0 ExpressCard for total of 4 USB 3.0 ports * Passive microSD adapter that lives in the SD slot * mSATA SSD for simple dual booting One can also Coreboot the machine to support newer Intel AC wireless adapters, but I don't do anything that would benefit from it.