Lenovo ThinkPad T400 – T500, a quick review
August 5, 2008
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ThinkPad T400 and T500 Specifications and Gallery
The IT world is buzzing with all the new ThinkPad models from Lenovo and the range that is creating the most excitement is the ThinkPad that for many epitomizes the ThinkPad and that’s the T Series.
<– Click To Redeem the latest ThinkPad T400 and T500 Coupon Codes
The new T Series in the form of the ThinkPad T400 and ThinkPad T500 ushers in a new naming convention, which replaces the T60, T61 style system
Gossip abounds right now so we are going to tell you what we know and take a look at the images that we have managed to get hold of.
The new ThinkPad’s will feature 14.1″ and 15.4″ LED-backlight widescreen displays that will help lower power consumption and deliver brighter colors.
The notebooks also come equipped with a range of technology that includes Solid State Drives (SSDs) as an option, an integrated camera which is a first for the T Series, DDR3 memory modules, new DisplayPort technology, and a wider TouchPad for improved ergonomics.
Lenovo Goes Green
Lenovo is going all out to produce ‘green machines’ and the new T Series notebooks are no exception. Both the T400 and the T500 and meet EPEAT Gold qualifications.
• Industry’s first PC with Greenguard Air Quality certification
• Less power consumption with LED-Backlight displays compared to a standard LC D display
• Increased power efficiency with BatteryStretch feature
• Less power consumption with Solid State Storage Drives compared to standard hard drives
• Greater use of recycled plastics
• Mercury free LED Backlight displays
The new T400 and T500 models will be Wireless WAN (WANN) ready and will include a unified WWAN antenna design which provides superior performance and global roaming. All models feature superb connectivity options and support (WWAN and WiMAX which should be available in late ’08. With Ultra Wide Band (UWB), we should see faster data transfer rates than the T61. and Bluetooth capability.
Also featured in the new design will be switchable graphics (integrated and discrete) which is a further power saving feature, GPS capability (on WWAN models), high performing DDR3 memory. Available on the T500 will be DisplayPort – the next generation VESA interface incorporating HD video.
svgallery=t_series
Quick Specs for the ThinkPad T400 and T500
Choice of processors, Intel® Core™2 Duo processor P8400 (2.26GHz, 3MB L 2, 1066MHz FSB, 25 watt) – Intel® Core™2 Duo processor P8600 (2.4GHz, 3MB L 2, 1066MHz FSB, 25 watt) -
Intel® Core™2 Duo processor P9500 (2. 53GHz, 3MB L 2, 1066MHz FSB, 25 watt) – Intel® Core™2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz, 6MB L 2, 1066MHz FSB, 35 watt) – Intel® Core™2 Duo processor T9600 (2.8GHz, 6MB L 2, 1066MHz FSB, 35 watt)
Hard Drive choice will include 80, 160, 250, 320GB / 5400 rpm – 160GB / 7200 rpm – 200GB / 7200 rpm with Full Disk Encryption (FDE) and of course a 64GB Solid State Drive as an option.
To be perfectly honest though we cannot see many people opting for an SSD drive on a a T400 or T500 until capacities increase
Memory – Up to 8GB of PC2-8500 1066MHz DDR3
Optical Drive – Options include DVD-ROM , C D-RW/DVD-ROM , DVD Burner, and Blu-ray
Graphics
Integrated Intel® X4500 with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 w/256MB Switchable Graphics in the T400 or in the T500 you get ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 w/256MB Switchable Graphics. Anybody for hotel night s with a movie? World of Warcraft or maybe even Halo?
Available Integrated Communication – Gigabit Ethernet -Integrated WWAN (with GPS) – Ultra Wide Band (UWB) (available later in 2008) – Bluetooth 2.1 and WiMAX (available later in 2008)
ThinkPad T400
Lenovo are quoting some great battery life figures and if the 9 cell battery plus additional bay battery option is anything to go by 13 + hours is really ground breaking stuff for a notebook of this size and power
Li-ion Battery Life (Windows Vista®)14
4-cell: starting at 4.3 hrs
6-cell: starting at 6.5 hrs
9-cell: starting at 9.8 hrs
9-cell + bay battery: starting at 13.0 hrs
Dimensions
13.2 x 9.4 x 1.1 – 1.3″ with the 4/6-cell battery
(335.3 x 238 x 27.6 x 31.9mm)
Weight
4-cell battery models starting at 2.13 kg/4.7 lbs
Display
WXGA – 1280×800, 98dpi
WXGA+ – 1440×900, 129dpi
WXGA+ W/LED Backlight – 1680×1050, 129dpi
Ports and Slots
Ports: 3 USB, I EEE 1394a, VGA, Microphone/line-in,
Headphone/line-out
Slots: Standard Express C ard 34/54 mm and optional choice
of either PC C ard, or 7-1 M edia C ard Reader
ThinkPad T500
Li-ion Battery Life
6-cell: starting at 4.3 hrs
9-cell: starting at 6.4 hrs
9-cell + bay battery: starting at 8.5 hrs
Dimensions
14.1 x 10.0 x 1.2 – 1.3″ with a 6-cell battery
(357.5 x 255 x 29.7 x 33.5mm)
Weight
6-cell battery models starting at 2.63 kg/5.8 lbs
Display
WXGA – 1280×800, 98dpi
WSXGA+ resolution – 1680×1050, 129dpi
WXGA w/LED Backlight – 1280×800, 98dpi
Ports and Slots
Ports: 3 USB, I EEE 1394a, VGA, Microphone/line-in,
Headphone/line-out, DisplayPort and optional DVI-D
monitor cable
Slots: Standard Express Card 34/54 mm, 7-1 Media Card
Reader and optional choice of either PC Card or SmartCard
Not totally accurate…
This notebook DOES NOT support DDR3… DDR3 will be featured in the Capella Platform which uses the mobile version of the Nehalem architecture (Q3 2009). The t400 uses the Montevina which supports DDR2 with higher FSB and memory clock.
Erich, you are of course perfectly correct. Thanks for pointing that out! Cheers, Ian
The new Thinkpads *do* in fact support DDR3. Straight from Lenovo’s US website for the T400:
1 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
There is incorrect display spec in the article “WXGA+ W/LED Backlight – 1680×1050, 129dpi”. WXGA+ is 1440×900.
Erich, you are incorrect. The T400/T500/W500 definitely support DDR3 and you can buy them right now with DDR3.
Ha! Man, both the SL300 and the T400 look really great on paper. I am SUPER concerned that LENOVO doesn’t even have consistent information about these laptops in their own website.
The T400 says it comes with a Radeon 3640… yet apparently that would be “too good to be true”. I keep seeing conflicting stuff… some say 3470, some say 3640… I am not buying one of these until I see a verifiable review, from a trusted source. I like the price, and the 3470 is not a deal breaker, but this is beyond sketchy.
This is super annoying. I would like to buy a laptop with an LED laptop (this is my one must-have feature). These laptops are not hard-launched, these are paper launches… and worse than that, they are inconsistent paper launches without so much as a reliable review.
One more thing… DDR3 is not a feature in my book… it’s absurdly expensive and nothing more.
Lenovo is making me wait so long for a decent review, consistent information, and/or a decent ship date that I may as well wait for Apple to release their new MacBooks… not saying I’ll buy one, but I may as well wait a few more days to see how they stack up.
Shame on you Lenovo. Hire a few technical writers for the English version of the website. I wish I could buy an IBM ThinkPad… Lenovo is sketchy to the n-th degree.
Hi Gochichi, when we first received our specs from Lenovo we had it down as the 3470 for the T400 and the 3640 for the T500. Now if you buy the T400 you will see that the T400 has a ATI Mobility Radeon 3640 with 256MB.
I am not sure how you say DDR3 is not a feature? It makes a huge difference in the T400/T500 performance and its not hugely expensive.
Anyway Gochichi, go ahead and buy your T400. You wont be disappointed. If you want to talk about something being absurdly expensive, then go buy a Macbook!
Cheers, Ian – Editor
Ian, you’re perfectly right on that one… if you want something absurdly expensive, go get a Macbook!
Just bought one. It was worth every cent. When I started my mission to buy a notebook I was looking at bestbuy and Futureshop. I never thought I would pay what I did for a laptop. But after carefull research the T500 was so much more modern compared to the stuff at the BB stores. The build is much better. I am so happy with my unit. It does have DDR3.
I do in fact have 2GB of DDR3 1066mhz in my T500. CPU-Z shows it as DDR2 but that’s because it doesn’t read the SPD info properly. I opened it up and visually inspected the ram, its DDR3. I wish the headphone jack was near the back so it wouldn’t be in the way but since I use an Audigy2ZS for a lot of sound applications, it works out fine. Temperature wise it stays extremely cool until I play a game and then the ATI Radeon 3650 gets pretty damn hot underneath but I haven’t had any thermal failures so far.
My other gripe is that the 1280×800 screen is 6-bit and not 8-bit color so it uses dithering to give the illusion of the full 16.7 million colors. With as much as Thinkpads cost, I think it is flat out wrong to at least not disclose this fact on their products page. Also, veritcal viewing angle is very limited, horizontal is fine.
Still, I am pleased with this laptop. Out of everything I’ve used, it’s my favorite setup. Plus, its about the only one I could get without a defective Nvidia graphics card that was anti-glare.
I am considering purchasing a T400 but I don’t understand the LED Backlight issue. I tried building one the Lenovo website and had to pick the LED Backlight as an add-on which increase the cost to about $180.00.
Can you tell me whether if all of the T400s come with the LEB Backlight, as some resellers are saying. Or do I really have to add this to the unit I purchase?
Hi Dale, I am not sure were you are but in the US the ThinkPad T400 comes with several screen options.
The base is 14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
And then it moves up from there
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera [add $30.00]
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight [add $30.00]
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera [add $60.00]
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight [add $80.00]
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera [add $110.00] [Lenovo recommended]
We would recomened that you at least go for the 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight [add $80.00].
We are about to publish a new T500 review and I have included the relevant part re the CCFL versus LED issue.
‘Current screen options offer either CCFL or LED. We chose LED when we configured our ThinkPad T500. LED backlights have better viewing angles, can display a larger color gamut, and are much more power efficient. CCFL panels are as bright as LED contrary to popular opinion, but it takes them 10-15minutes to reach the same brightness as an LED screen. Also, CCFL brightness decrease after 1-2 years, depending on usage.’
The above extract refers to a T500 but the comments still apply to the T400
If you follow the links to Lenovo from this post, not only will you save a stack on your T400, but you should be able to option either screen types listed above.
http://www.thinkpadtoday.com/last-few-hours-additional-discount-of-25-thinkpad-t400-and-t500-stackable-coupon-code.htm
Hope this helps Dale, Please let us know how you go.
Cheers,
Ian
[...] first reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad T500 at it’s release back in August so it’s time for a revisit and also to take a look at [...]
Hey. I live in Singapore bt m currently in jkt . I am planning to purchase the T400 with ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 256MB as mentioned in the site. I am worried that I’m no longer able to play my assassin’s creed. Does this laptop allow me to play high end games ? Also this laptop doesn’t have an output for HDMI (At least in Singapore), So is their any way to connect this laptop to the TV with some sort of adapter while maintaning the HD quality ?
Charagh Jethnani: all laptops have VGA, so if your telly has VGA in, you can still play in HD (althrough analog, still HD). If you want digital signal out of T400, get the advanced docking station, it has DVI out. Or get the T500, it has display port.
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight [add $80.00]
When I checked the lenovo site, it does not provide the above option. WXGA+ is only available for CCFL. Where can I get WXGA+ LED backlight option on the site?
Hi Dexter, I think it may depend on where you are, these are the options for the various screen options we have for both the ThinkPad T400 and ThinkPad T500 with discrete and integrated graphics in the US
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ LED Backlight
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera [add $30.00]
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight [add $30.00]
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera [add $30.00]
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera [add $60.00]
14.1 WXGA TFT High Nit, w/ LED Backlight [add $150.00]
14.1 WXGA TFT High Nit, w/ LED Backlight, Camera [add $180.00]
In the UK for instance there is only one option available at the moment and that is
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera
Lenovo won’t confirm but they do change options on the site depending on stock levels.
Hope this helps in some way.
Ian Orford – Editor – ThinkPadToday.com
the built in camera is a good option? Or shoul i go for the lenovo usb web cam?
Go for the built in camera Danko, its much more convenient
I just purchased the T400 from lenovo with the most expensive screen option (14.1 WXGA TFT High Nit, w/ LED Backlight, Camera [add $180.00]) thinking I would get the high resolution I needed with the other add-ons, but to my sprise when I turned on the system the display was 1200×800. Of course i was pissed amd went to do some more research to realize that I needed the WXGA+ to get the 1440×900 that I needed. What is my best bet to get to my desired screen resolutoin?
Should I return this to Lenovo (will they accept it and change it to the $60 WXGA+ withouth charging me an arm and a leg for the return and switch)?
Should I try to buy the WXGA+ screen online an have a technician replace it? How much will that probably cost and is it something I can replace on my own.
I am pretty frustrated as this is a maxed out $2500 laptop and i am missing a very needed element while overpaying by $120. Please help.
Sam, really sorry to hear of your challenge. The only advice that I would give personally would be to return the T400 and start over. This is what I would do, however. this advice is given ‘without prejudice’ any costs that you incur taking this advice are your own.
Its not good when we make mistakes that cost us money! Here is an extract from Lenovo’s return policy,
Lenovo will accept the return or exchange of a product in its original, sealed package for a full refund in cases of Lenovo error. Returns allowed for any other reason will be subject to a restocking fee equal to 15% of the purchase amount. All returns must be initiated within 21 days of the invoice date. Lenovo does not provide refunds or credits for portions of a packaged offering provided at a single price or for preloaded programs installed by Lenovo. For service and warranty issues, contact warranty support at 1 800 426 7378. For inquiries relating to third party (non Lenovo) products, contact the third party directly.
To initiate a return, contact 1-866-428-4465 to obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization). Any authorized return must include the product and all accessories in the unopened original packaging, along with all documentation (including invoice, RMA and original shipping label), and must be received at the Lenovo National Return Center within 10 days of obtaining the RMA. Incomplete returns will not be accepted for any reason. Returns that do not follow these steps may be refused by Lenovo, and customer assumes risk of loss and damage for packages returned without an RMA. Please allow 8-10 business days after the item is returned for the processing of your credit.
Hope this helps Sam, I think it will be the lowest cost route for you, have a good holiday weekend! Cheers, Ian
Just got a T400 with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD and I have a New ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB as well as the ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB with Intel Advanced Management Technology both are new cards and in the box. Can I replace the Intel card with either one of these cards and not have a problem?
I just got my T500 after a long waiting. However, after I opened the package excitedly and turned on the machine. You know what happened? It dosen’t work! The message is “fan error”. I called the customer service after long exhaust waiting, they answered me either sending back to repair or return with 15% restocking charge and shipping fee. I feel not fair and I don’t want to repair a brand new computer! They said some senior will call me tomorrow, but I feel no body gonna call me after I read some comments. What should I do?
Sorry for all, I figured out the problem. I unplugged the battery, then it works! So, I think the problem is the cpu fan is new, it needs strong power to get it smoothly and it dosen’t work with battery on. Right now, it works fine even with battery. I have to say, it is a great computer, but Lenovo also needs to remind customer if this is aways a case.
Not ducking the issue Alan but if we answer that we leave ourselves wide open, suggest you go tot he Lenovo Blogs and ask, or call Tech Support
http://lenovoblogs.com/
Just wondering whether T400 or T410 has the 16:9 aspect ratio display.
I like Thinkpads expect their SQUARE display panel.
Other laptops are based on 16:9 aspect ratio so their are RECTANGLE, which is what I am looking for in ThinkPad’s 14.1″.
I recently was given, by my office (government office), a new Lenovo T500. In my job I have a docking stn. in my office. Throughout the day I often have to shut my laptop down and move it elsewhere in the building, use it, and then come back to my office, put it on my docking station – and perhaps do the same thing in the afternoon. After using it for the past week (my first week using it) I noticed that three times, in four days, when putting it on the docking
station, that the lights wouldn’t light up on the top, and therefore of course it
won’t start. After taking the battery out and putting
it back, it works fine. However, last night I had to take the battery out three
times in a row before it would finally work.
Our office group of seven have received the T500s at the same time. Four are
currently using them regularly, and all four are having the same problem. What can you say that would help us?
Our IT department says other groups in our building are not having issues -
but admits that we have to move our computers off and on the docking station a lot.
One person in our group had the same problem when she was not using it
on a docking station.
Hope this makes sense and that you could help us.
By the way, we have enjoyed using the Lenovo T60 for the past 3 years, with
no issues. We are using the same docking station as before on our T500 now.
Thanks
Lynne
@Lynne
I used to use a couple of docking stations – one at home, one at work – when I had a T43. Moving to a T61 I decided just to buy an extra power unit so I don’t have to carry it around; I find it much easier not having a docking station.
I’m planning to do the same with a t400 or t500 – whichever comes through ebay at a sensible price!
can we connect tv with t400?
You would have to check what inputs you have on your TV nadeem, if you have a VGA input then you can connect your ThinkPad T400 using a VGE cable from your VGA out on the T400 to your TV. Hope that helps, cheers, Ian Orford
i am afraid it only take Yellow , White and Red but not vga….
Thanks ian for your information
Hi Nadeem, the Yellow White and Red is called RCA Composite Video and you can get VGA to RCA converter cables! They run at about $5. Are you in the US? If you are check these guys out or go to eBay, plenty of stuff on there and search for RCA to VGA converter, Cheers, Ian
Thanks Ian, you are very informative for me i have not yet tried this converter and will surely do on this weekend as i have to go to market for the same.
Although one of my friend have told me that VGA to RCA converter will not work in the scenario again because T400 VGA card donot video out.
I m from Pakistan and not good in all these stuff can you please cofirm the same.
Regards,
Hi Nadeem, providing your ThinkPad T400 has a VGA port which it does, it should output via RCA. You can only try. Just make sure you don’t pay to much for the VGA to RCA converter! Cheers, Ian