I’ll chip in with my experience.
I have used 1vyrain on a few occasions.
I’ve used the cheapest clips available, and Pomona clips. Pomona are
obviously better, but at a cost. If you are flashing many machines they
are a good buy but have a definite shelf life.
I tried AP at one time - wouldn’t recommend.
You can get a cheap kit with CH341A programmer and SOIC-8 clip - widely
available. If you are only working on one machine for a single flash that
will probably do. You should only need to attach the clip once for the
session, and on the x230 the chips are easily accessible.
That said, if you are going to work on your machine, take the
opportunity to strip it down fully, clean it out, and replace the thermal
paste on the CPU.
The manuals from Lenovo are excellent, with full step by step
instructions and many illustrations. Provided you count out the screws
and count them back in you should be fine.
All this carries a risk. If you cant afford to replace the machine if
something goes wrong, and you have any doubts about your ability to
follow simple instructions with care, then don’t do it. Find someone
local who will help you.
Skulls aims to take the (alleged) pain out of coreboot by providing prebuilt
images. I’ve never seen the point myself. The coreboot build process is
straightforward and you can learn a good deal about the options and
configuration. But if you want the easy path, take it.
If you are considering coreboot be prepared for some issues with power
and heating. Also, how will you view new coreboot releases?
As always, a trade off.
I never presume to speak for the Qubes team.
When I comment in the Forum or in the mailing lists I speak for myself.