This refurbished Core i5-powered ThinkPad features a 12.5-inch touch screen that's hinged so it can pull tablet duty.
The Lenovo Twist S230u goes from laptop to tablet with a simple twist of the screen.
(Credit: Lenovo)
For those of you who might be new to the Cheapskate blog, allow me to refer you to the Cheapskate FAQ, which answers a lot of common questions -- like "why I sent you an e-mail for a deal that was already sold out." (Spoiler: It wasn't sold out when I sent it. :)
I mention that example because today's deal may also sell out quickly. (At this writing, Lenovo shows 498 units still in stock.) For a limited time, and while supplies last, Lenovo has the ThinkPad Twist S230u convertible laptop for $463.50 shipped. (Sales tax may apply in some areas.) That's after applying coupon code OUTLET15 at checkout.
This same configuration had an MSRP of $899 when CNET reviewed it back in November.
In case the name didn't give it away, the Twist can go from laptop to tablet with a twist (and subsequent fold) of its center-hinged IPS touch screen. That screen tops out at 1,366 x 768, which CNET dinged for being on the low side, but I find that sufficient for a 12.5-inch display.
There's no SSD in this Ultrabook-style Windows 8 system, but it does have an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and Bluetooth. Plus, despite it being a refurb, it comes with a full one-year warranty. Right on, Lenovo.
At 3.4 pounds, it's a little on the heavy side for a tablet, but at least it's a slim 0.8 inches thick. Even if you don't end up cradling it, you can "tent" it for easy touch-powered usage on kitchen counters, end tables, and the like.
I definitely recommend reading CNET's review, which points out a few niggling issues with the Twist (like a wonky accelerometer). You can also check out a hundred-plus mostly positive Amazon user reviews.
My take: Usability quirks aside, this is an amazing deal -- one of the best I've seen on a convertible.
Bonus deal: Like so many of its modern brethren, the Twist lacks an optical drive. Fine by me: I rarely need one -- until I need one. On those occasions, like when I want to burn a DVD, it's helpful to have an external drive on hand. Like this one: Newegg has the LG GP50NB40 Super-Multi external DVD burner for $24.99 shipped. A $5 mail-in rebate (PDF) brings your total down to $19.99. This slim, portable drive appears to be entirely USB-powered.
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