X220s and x230s come with either TN display, which is terrible or IPS display which is good. Both have the same resolution - 1378x768.

There are mods that allow installation of an FHD display.

The TN panel on the X230 is indeed absolute garbage, and mine was the first time I'd seen burn-in on a modern laptop screen.

I did the FHD mod on my X230 a while ago and can say it makes a world of difference. Well worth the effort of disassembling most of the machine and soldering the mod.

The 51nb folks have also made some other amazing mods like the X320/X330, an X220/230 fitted with a 13" panel: https://imgur.com/a/0m3a1

Im thinking about upgrading my second laptop from x200 -> x220. That sounds like a promising change. I still struggle with low contrast screen on x200 sometimes.

You must have the tablet model with the IPS screen.

I'm typing this reply on an X220-4290-CZ2, a bog standard laptop. The 1366x768 screen goes very bright and I find it useable in sunlight on e.g. a train in a seat by the window when you can't move out of the sun. This is at 52 degrees North mind you, might be different further South.

I have an X60 with slackware on that just runs and runs and runs. It is the screen that I find the limiting factor as OA mentioned. I might summon up the confidence to have a go at the LED backlight hack...

There are non-tablet variants with IPS screen. It's also easy to swap the panel so you can buy it separately if you don't find a good offer.

I know the following models are better, I just have way too many thinkpads already.