The Simple Blog
The Lenovo Thinkpad x-230 is a computer from about 2008 I think.
They were built during the last efforts of the trend in building machines that would be useful to people. They are full of things users would want. For example, all the screws on the bottom are the same size. The hard drive bay is easily accessed from the side (one screw and it slides in and out) (note: the hard drive is the extra-thin type – 7mm, so you can’t swap hard drives with many regular laptops – check the sizes though). There is a slot to put a SIM card in to use internet from the SIM card. There is a light that can open and shine down on the keyboard (there is also an optional backlit keyboard which since you get these used now some already have). The F keys are raised higher than the regular keys. There are volume buttons (you don’t press Fn+up arrow). They were made for Win7/Win8, but they work well with any OS, including Linux. They have a great boot, that has a screen that says ‘Press F12 to enter boot menu’ which you can press to decide to boot that time from USB or whatever (you don’t have to search for the key to enter BIOS). They are 12.5 inches (although they aren’t very thin or light as modern laptops are) and around 3 pounds. They are easy to take apart. They all have easy to remove and replace keyboards.
Note that these things I just mentioned are NOT all necessarily true of other Thinkpads, even ones that look just like the x-230, like the x-220 or x-240. Some things might be better or worse on these machines, but there are differences. People have said they like the x-220 keyboard (traditional mechanical non-chiclet type). People have noted that the x-240 keyboard CANNOT be easily replaced (hours to do as opposed to minutes on the x-230).
BUYING ONE:
So all are the same in some things. They all have 12.5 inch screen and good construction. They are all powerful and fast. They all have (only) 720p built-in webcams. For ports, they have 1 audio jack (for headphones), 1 VGA (no HDMI but you can get a VGA to HDMI adapter), 2 USB3s and 2 USB2s (one of the USB 2s has a permanent power connection). NOTE that you can also get a tray for these, where you mount the machine onto the tray, and it has way more ports (and I think battery too) including lots of USBs and HDMI – you can buy these ports on eBay.
Annoying things: They all have the power cord plug in the back of the machine and it sticks straight out (not an angled power plug). The trackpad sucks, and it curves over the edge, so when you have your computer on your lap it can be constantly engaged. However, the trackpad can be turned off and you can use just the trackpoint (red knobby thing in the center of the keyboard) and mouse buttons, or you plug in a USB/bluetooth mouse.
Differences and things to look for when buying one:
– Physical quality. Since they’re from 2008, some are a bit worn out, loose screen hinges, scratches and cosmetic damages, etc. Some are as-new though. It depends on the one you buy.
– Screen. These originally I think all or most came with LCD screens. Many you buy now already have been outfitted with higher quality IPS screens. The resolution is better, and viewing the screen from different angles it’s easier to see the screen better.
– Battery. You can buy batteries for them on Amazon or eBay for like $20 I think, new or used, but it’s nice if you can get a machine with a good battery. There are four types of batteries, from 4 cell to 9 (6 is the most common) that are rated from 8 – 24 hours)
– Some have a rotating screen. It’s up to you whether you want this (or would use it). It means you can rotate the screen around and lay it flat overtop of the keyboard and use the machine like a tablet. These screens have touch sensitivity (although probably not at the level you’re used to from phones). However, note that touch sensitive screens use a bit more power (which may or may not be important to you if you use your machine on battery). The swivel hinge is also going to be more prone to wear and damage than a more sturdy door-type double hinge, which is all some people need.
– Processor. All are fast, but the i7s are a bit faster than the i5s. CPU benchmark for the i5’s is over 4000. For the i7s it’s around 4500.
– RAM. Many come with 4GB of RAM, which is enough for pretty much everything, and depending what you use the computer for you might not even notice if you add more RAM because it won’t be used. The machine holds up to 16GB of RAM (2 8GB cards of DDR3 1.600 MHz).
– Hard drive. Some come with HDDs (there were no SSDs in 2008). But many used ones already have SSDs installed, which are faster (although slightly less secure from a privacy standpoint simply because it’s questionable how well data can actually be totally erased from them, unlike HDDs where you can easily completely overwrite data).
IDEAL: Great like-new machine with good battery that still lasts a couple of hours. i7 processor. Already upgraded to SSD harddrive (480GB or more) or maybe you prefer to buy your own SSD so it’s fresh. 16GB RAM. Has the IPS screen. Has the backlit keyboard.
Price for one of these ideal ones would be around $500, give or take. For a regular x-230 with some wear, an i5 with maybe 4GB or RAM, maybe around $250 give or take.
LINK for specs: https://www.lenovo.com/mx/es/laptops/thinkpad/serie-x/X230-Sub-Series/p/22TP2TCX230
For those who would rather camp off the grid…
Combining city vehicle and country camping, these camper vans are really adaptable. I guess all vans are adaptable, depending on what you put in them. The option many people look at is price, which is based a lot on how new of a camper van they buy, as well as features — do you want to go full-on camper or just some couches that fold into beds and maybe a cookstove?
This particular one is an offroad 4X4 new-style Sprinter van. There’s a whole scene of people who live in and customize Sprinters, which have been found to be one of the better designs for off-grid, travel, or camp-style living.
From the manufacturer: “Our latest 4×4 Outside Van creation compels you to do more, by allowing full access to conversion treats. Whether it be an extended overland adventure or a day trip to your favorite trail head; This stunning Graphic Grey Metallic 4×4 170 Mercedes Benz Sprinter will allow no compromise. Highlighted features include – Webasto heating and water system, Stage 3 Magnum battery power, duel micro galleys w/drop down sink and induction stove top, OSV stainless shower enclosure, OSV 3 panel bed, custom leather rollover bench, Isotherm refrigerator, Solar charger, paint match awning, OSV rear step bumper, retractable running boards (driver and passenger sides) and high-output LED driving lights.”
For options as far as cost and features, Outside Van offers vans with what it calls “core,” “configurable,” and “custom” conversions, none of which come cheap. A core van conversion generally takes 4-7 weeks to build, costing buyers between $48,000 to $53,000, which doesn’t even include the original price of the van. The more deluxe versions with heat and power, which takes months for them to complete, puts the price at around 80-135K total.
This is awesome. period. Put anything you want on top. Keep everything inside secure.
I saw one of these for the first time a while ago. Since I’ve seen people put raised beds in their pickups in order to get enough width to put ATVs on top, which leaves some space underneath, I notices them, because these could fill the space under a flat bed.
There’s a couple of options here. One is to buy one for your pickup or even other type of vehicle (pictures below). The other is to make one, DIY style (there’s a picture of that, too).
From the manufacturer: “The normal TruckVault product adds a secure storage solution to virtually make and model of vehicle available. With the whole unit concealed beneath its carpeted surface, there’s nothing to catch the attention of wandering eyeballs. Within the unit’s interior, sensitive equipment and firearms are protected within a locked environment that does not promote either condensation or heat damage. Choose between Standard or Magnum heights and configure drawers to meet your needs.”
“TruckVault has a solution for every secure in-vehicle storage need whether it be for a Pick-up, SUV, Sedan, Van or any other vehicle on the road today. In addition to our vast array of stock designs, we also work meticulously with you on your custom needs. Our team of highly skilled Territory Representatives will walk you through every step of the process to ensure you get the product you need to tackle your tasks. We take great pride in our products and the quality they represent. Thanks for taking a look.” Contact a TruckVault sales representative for more information: (800) 967-8107.
When it comes to durability, those synthetics might not cut it. Sparks from a fire, strong winds with twigs whipping around, dropping it down a rock face. Canvas, though. I have canvas bags that are 50 years old I think.
The specs for this single dome canvas swag:
• 200 x 90 x 50cm• Zip off top cover and large sandfly proof mesh top section with entry on both sides
• Zip out canvas at head end.
• Sandfly proof mesh at head end.• Reflective webbing on hoop clips.
• Reflective loops on all four corners for easy peg down.
• Heavy duty 38mm straps with quick release buckles and carry handle.
• Accessories pocket sewn onto base for storage of hopps, pegs & ropes supplied with Swag.
What a great, fast fix.
If you ever break an eye when you’re out fishing, here’s an easy fix.
Think you might start to put fishing pins with your tackle, or maybe put one on your cap (but be careful)?
Here’s another use for them, too, as a sort of tackle box string for fish hook organizing.
A lightweight tent is great, and we’re always trying to find the lightest, most compact solution when we’re hiking or motorbiking, right? This one fits inside a nalgene bottle.
From the manufacturer: “Ultralight Adventurists will appreciate the Specialist™ shelters: the interior space and comfort of a tent with a lower overall weight and more compact size than many bivis.
“They are the lightest fully enclosable shelters in their class. Seam sealed throughout, the Specialists™ offer superior waterproof properties while also maintaining impressive breathability to manage condensation effectively.”
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Size Variation: Duo
Weight 29 oz (total) / 22.3 (oz shelter) 5.1 oz (poles) / 2.3 oz (pegs)/846g (total) / 633g shelter) 146g (poles) / 67g (pegs)
Volume 23 sq ft / 2.14m2 (floor area) – 8.2 sq ft / .76m2 (vestibule area)
Details:
Ultra-light weight
The Solo has one entrance and one vestibule. The Duo has two entrances and two vestibules
Pertex ® Endurance 20D nylon shell fabric that has a 1,000mm waterhead and a 7000MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate)
15D waterproof nylon walls, vestibule & floor has a 1,200mm waterhead
Double stitched and bar tacked at all stress points for strength and endurance
Fully tape seam sealed and reflective guy lines
Includes 2 x 7075 alloy poles and 6 x hard anodized 7075 alloy pegs
Can be pitched with a pair of trekking poles and natural anchors for extra weight savings
Ultra-fine mesh panel doors
Internal storage pocket not offered on many lightweight shelters
Optional lightweight Tyvek® ground sheets
It’s always nice to find another use for something you have around already.
And maybe even better when it’s something you would have thrown away otherwise. It doesn’t even interfere with returning bottles since you don’t need to give them the caps.
So with your soda or other bottles, fishermen can make these easy fishing lures. Not sure which would be better, folded over, which kind of looks like a fish, or flat. Both would probably swivel quite a bit travelling through the water.
Who thinks this is an interesting way to make the most of trash? DIY fishermen, this one is for you.
What a great, fast fix.
If you ever break an eye when you’re out fishing, here’s an easy fix.
Think you might start to put fishing pins with your tackle, or maybe put one on your cap (but be careful)?
Here’s another use for them, too, as a sort of tackle box string for fish hook organizing.
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