Worried about my Macbook Pro 17, considering Thinkpad x220 as replacement. Speed, thoughts?

So, I'm no stranger to hackintosh. I built my desktop machine and have been using it for almost 3 years.

That said, my MBP 17" (2011) 2.2ghz i7 is getting up there. I've already replaced the motherboard (the apple warranty/video card thing), I have an SSD boot and 1tb storage drive. She's been a great machine.

My questions are for the people running an x220 (or x230), I know that you can get everything working apparently on the x220. I'm going to miss my 17" screen, but can adjust. I plan on getting a docking station for the X220.

Do I need the x230 for usb3? Is there any other issues to know about. I didn't see as much support for the x230 as there is for the x220.

I'm just basically asking, tell me your pros and cons and anything I might be missing. I know I'll have to get the wifi card replaced, but to be able to get a i7 faster processor for about $250, sounds like a good idea.

Lastly, I do video editing and after effects work on my laptop currently. But for heavy lifting, I use my desktop machine.

Sorry so long winded. Thanks in advance!