New ThinkPad models, ThinkPad T410, ThinkPad T510, SL410/510, X210 for January 2010?
September 9, 2009
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The launch of a new ThinkPad model always generates a great deal of excitement and the forthcoming ThinkPad T410, ThinkPad T510 and ThinkPad X210 and X210 Tablet models are already sending ThinkPad fans into a frenzy of anticipation.
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Throw in the fact the ThinkPad SL Series will be refreshed not once but twice over the next 6 months and it looks like exciting times for the iconic brand.
ThinkPad SL410 and SL510 first off the blocks.
The ThinkPad SL Series starts of the ThinkPad model update for Lenovo with the SL410 and SL510 being released in late September early October. Our sources tell us that this is likely to be the refreshed Montevina platform which will get a considerable performance increase in the 2nd quarter of 2009 with the 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo T9900, and the 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo P8800. Quite where these will fit in to the SL Series range will be interesting to see.
We could see the ThinkPad SL410 and SL510 having a real price/performance advantage over the T Series for a few months.
Next up for the ThinkPad SL Series will be the full blown Calpella update in January when the game changing new Intel platform arrives, and the ThinkPad SL420 and ThinkPad SL520 will debut.
All change with Calpella
Calpella, Intel’s much anticipated new notebook platform will discard the existing northbridge and southbridge chipset arrangement and hand over many of the northbridge components to the CPU package. A single chipset codenamed Ibex Peak-M will manage all of the other features on the motherboard
The Calpella focuses on energy savings, enhanced performance and superior battery life, the new platform is going to delight notebook designers and hardware manufacturers. Nathan Brookwood, Principal Semiconductor Analyst at Insight 64 comments, “If I were a hardware vendor, I’d be eagerly awaiting the Calpella. It’s a very different platform than anything they’ve done to date. When Calpella shows up, everything inside that laptop will be brand new.”
Current Intel laptops consist of a CPU and a Northbridge chip holding the memory controller and graphic chip but the Calpella platform moves the memory controller onto the CPU itself. Just like the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550, the memory controller and CPU now benefit from a performance enhancement and better access because of the Calpella based systems. The graphic chip, however, still remains a separate component.
Calpella is set to be as much of a eye-opener for notebooks as Nehalem will be for desktops. At a later date Intel will offer an integrated graphics chip onto the die as well, providing, apart from the memory, a full system on a chip solution.
In a nutshell, Calpella should save cost, power, and show considerable performance gains, ushering in slimmer, lighter and even more powerful ThinkPad’s
The death of the R Series?
Well it certainly looks like it. The R Series in its R400 and R500 guise has always been offered as a ‘budget’ T Series, in reality though, whilst the ThinkPad R Series is a really good notebook, it hasn’t actually changed much since the old R60, in other words its thick and heavy, so its looks like its curtains for the R Series.
To be honest we couldn’t really understand were the R Series fit in after the introduction of the SL Series which draws a much more definite line between it the top of the range T Series. The R400/R500 was originally conceived as the SMB notebook or the ThinkPad for the Soloprenuer, but that market is now firmly covered by the SL and it looks like the new ThinkPad SL420 and SL520 will be superb notebooks for the price with the performance gains the Calpella brings.
What, no updated ThinkPad X301?
The superb, super light and ultrathin ThinkPad X301 does not make an appearance on the leaked ThinkPad roadmap up to March 2010, because simply put, there is nothing right now on the horizon that will significantly increase the performance to justify a complete redesign of the ThinkPad MacBook Air killer.
We will have to wait until later in 2010 for the new CULV processors to arrive or maybe we will see an Intel mobile Core i7 or i5 in the ThinkPad X310 when it arrives? Now that would be fun!
Roll on 2010!
So hopefully if the rumours are true we will see the new updated Montevina equipped ThinkPad SL410 and SL510 appear this fall, 2009, with a Calpella refresh coming in the early new year when we will see the ThinkPad SL420 and the ThinkPad SL520.
January 2010 will also likely see us graced with the Calpella ThinkPad T Series, in the ThinkPad T410, the ThinkPad T510 and the updated ThinkPad T410s.
We have a similar time frame for the ThinkPad X Series range when the first few weeks of 2010 should see the release of the ThinkPad X210, the X210s, and the X210 Tablet. The lower volume ThinkPad W Series, W510 and W710 should be with us before the end of Q1 2010.
These are exciting times for the ThinkPad brand. With Lenovo’s commitment and the American ThinkPad design teams continually striving for excellence in innovation and performance, we are looking forward to reviewing the new 2010 ThinkPad models.
Of course, most eyes will be focused on the Flagship ThinkPad T410, T410s and the new ThinkPad T510 so watch this space and we will keep you informed as more news breaks.
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The main question for me is: Does it make sense to put Calpella chips in ALL the new models. For example, do we really need a 55 W – burning processor in an ultraportable that should focus on battery life?
Jeff, thats a good point, lets see what the Lenovo solution is. Right now the X Series is the class leader in portability and battery life, and we are sure thats a lead they wont want to loose
Oh no, my favourite R series are going to disappear from the future product releases. SL400 and SL500 can hardily be considered a Thinkpad, without the regular magensium rollcages and stainless steel hinges.
Will X210 use the same ultrabase of X200?
Actually, I’m satisfied with X200 but the new platform attracts me to buy the model with new technology.
Cheers!
Thats a very difficult question to answer with certainty right now Isaac, although the norm is normally to make the ultrabase backward compatible.
But they do have steel hinges, they are just black instead of s bare metal finish, as for the roll cage, it was one way of cutting costs on the SL build, make no mistake this is still a ThinkPad and a fine one at that!
I have read the following on Notebookreview Forum (p=5262845).:
alex1515: “The x200 dock will not fit the X210.
The Series 3 docking port (like on the t400s) will become the new standard.”
A lenovo blog seems to support that.
It seems that the Mini-Dock 3 will replace that.
Since I am aiming for a x210 early 2010 this announcement is making me uneasy.
Mini Dock does not feature room for a DVD Drive like the Ultrabase and the X200 series is known so far to relinquish an internal DVD Drive.
Additionally the Mini Dock doesn’t seem to be as portable with a standard notebook bag.
The last straw would be an external DVD Drive, but that would be bothersome in a travelling environment.
We have it on good authority that there will be an Ultrabase for the X210 Series, they couldn’t release a new X210 model without the flexibility that the UltraBase offers Stefan, it just wouldn’t be an X Series without it.
Wtih a new processor and update of T series, why should we buy now?
Or should we wait?
Any ideas on pricing?
Thanks,
Joe
No idea on pricing yet Joe, but lets face it this is going to be a very competitive space so we can’t see prices being any different than they currently are. And why should you buy now? well, the current T Series platform is now very stable and mature, and there are going to be some amazing bargains appearing over the next couple of months. Watch out for specials on the ThinkPad T400 and ThinkPad T500 during the Lenovo 2010 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales
Thanks Ian,
I’m in no hurry and can wait until either date.
Do you know what the major differences will be in 4/510 models versus the 4/500? Do you think we can expect the 410′s monitor bezel to resemble the ones we’ve seen in the t400s and now SL410 models?
I agree with the article about the R-Series. While I am an R61 owner and I sell Thinkpads to many of my clients… I don’t see much of a need for R anymore.
The SL is still better built than any consumer HPaq notebook, the screen and keyboard quality is up there as with any Thinkpad. Remember, the R (Reduced) was already a lower end model.
But if you look on Lenovo’s website – the price difference between the two with similar configs (options are somewhat different) and that they look almost identical. Why bother dealing with another SKU for the same product?
To a certain degree, I don’t think their should be an SL series since there are the IdeaPads which have some very attractive models and same price range. Someone may buy an SL an expecting the toughness of a typical R/T notebook, but on the website, the SL is always promoted as an “affordable” ThinkPad so maybe its okay.
The Idea Pad U450 is very nice, I like it better than the SL410, except it doesn’t have the non-glossy LCD display! ugh! And Lenovo offers little to no customization in ordering an IdeaPad. Lets not talk about the Value-Line. These go for $400~500 retail and they are uglier than the old 3000 series (not sure where that name comes from) and uglier and cheaper looking than Acer… not sure why they bother, other than going for the sales.
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Okay, I priced out an R500 vs a 500.
Both have the same stats:
Core 2 Duo processor P8700 @ 2.53GHz / 4GB DDR3 / 160GB HD
15.4″ Standard CCFL screen with X4500HD graphics
No bluetooth or G3 card, but both with Intel WiFi 5100 AGN.
The prices:
R500 = $894
T500 = $904 (A T400s would be $1700+ of course)
SL510 = $865 (but with a 250GB HD, battery upgraded to 6-cell to match R/T)
Thats it, $10 difference.
The T has the extra options of 3G with GPS, WiMax/WiFi card, More CPU, graphics and memory options.
That’s it!
Even looking at the SL510… its only $40 cheaper than a T500 with exact same stats. Again, the T system includes more options that Lenovo decides to offer for their T, but not the R or SL. Odd, the R has optional Blu-Ray burner, T doesn’t have that option.
Superb commentary Belard as usual!
Any confirmation on whether the T410 will be VOIP-enabled, have both the integrated and discrete graphics card options, and have an HDMI port?
Any new information on exact release dates?
Hi Swish, we can almost be 100% sure that the T410 will be VIOP enabled, whether it will have integrated and discrete graphics card options, and an HDMI port we cannot confirm at this time. We do have the exact release date which we will be releasing later this week!
Belard wrote: “Odd, the R has optional Blu-Ray burner, T doesn’t have that option.”
Yep: That’s because, unlike the T, the R is thick enough that its modular bay can accept an optical drive or hard drive that’s 12mm thick. That’s the chief reason I chose an R61 over a T61: I’ve loaded my R61 with the thicker IBM optical drive that can play any CD or DVD.
Hi,
is it sensible to buy the sl410 now, or should I wait for the new platform to arrive?
Hi Ign, we have the ThinkPad SL420 and the ThinkPad SL520, with the Calpella Platform scheduled for release in June 2010. Now, things may change before then, but thats the date we have at the moment
I want to buy a laptop but im not in a rush and I don’t want to spend more than $850. Should I buy a discounted T400 or wait for a T410? Like what will the price range be in terms of $$ ?
I would appreciate your opinions,
thanks in advance
Hi George, great question and one thats on everybody’s mind right now. We cannot see the new ThinkPad T410 being anymore expensive than the current models, although initially they will certainly not be discounted.
There is no doubt that the T400 will be heavily discounted over the coming weeks, in fact we are already seeing that now. The T400 is a superb machine and a very stable platform. Its a matter of personal choice George, do you want to be cutting edge or buy something that is a bargain and still still be a superb performer?
Hope that helps?
Hi Ian:
Do you know if the new Thinkpad t410 will be compatible with windows xp?
Thanks in advance:)
Hi Frank, at this stage I do believe so, but then we wouldn’t recommend downgrading to XP from Win 7becuase you will then loose the advantage of Lenovo Windows 7 Enhanced Experience which really does make a difference to boot and shut down times.
I was ready to buy an x200 when I say this article I decided to wait few days or a month and get the new x series. I had x-40 and I have an x-61 and love them.
I have read and read the difference between the x-200 and x-200s whcih now they will be x201 and x201.
Q Ian, if price is not an issue and battery life will be OK with both which one should I get?
Will the T4010/T4010s/T5010 support Linux (Ubuntu-Linux or other distros) as well as the previous models do? If they do I will buy a new machine, because that’s a perfect match.
That’s a shame such fine machines are not offered with the choice of OS and compatible drivers. I totally despise Windoze for their unnecessary blot, closed code and hard coded presets. As for a tactile screen, it might be fine on a ATM machine or some display for retard. I use my hands on the keyboard, thank you very much.
Regarding the price of a ThinkPad, I would rather pay more to have an increase quality build, better LDC screen, etc. than paying cheap and getting cheaper. But once again, it’s against the trend.
I am also glad reading the numerous comment about the latest factor size 16:4. I know it’s a lost cause, nevertheless 16:4 is the perfect example of what marketing buffoons archive to produce and sell to the mass.
Anyway, I am impatient to read the review of these new models and I thank you for this informative article.
ah so the date you have is june 2010 for the SL420? what happened to Jan? I am very close to purchasing the sl40, you reckon the wait will be worth it?
I wouldn’t wait Lee, I would go ahead and buy the THinkPad T410!
Hi VonS, sorry for the late reply, been over at CES! We agree that the new ThinkPads should be offered with Linux support, even though we are not Linux users ourselves. Can’t give you answers to the issue of wether they will support Linux or not at this stage, everything is to new, I am sure the community will make a start soon.
And the 16:4 issue is nothing to do with marketing buffoons, it is very clearly a manufacturing issue and is well documented on the Lenovo Blog
http://lenovoblogs.com/
Terry, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Over at CES then been catching up all week! If price is NOT an issue for you Terry, then I would wait for the X210, which will be due middle of February. The performance difference is marked between the two chipsets, the new Calpella platform being far superior. Having said that, the current X200 represents great $$$/Performance value right now at discount prices.
Hi, I am wondering that whether the optical drive, for model T510/T410; still can be taken out as before or it is integrated?
Wondering that myself Gerard, I have had one in my hands and that is something that I just didn’t look at! It actually looks from the photo’s that it is not an UltraBay Drive but I will confirm that.
I’m going to get an X200s, but I’m wondering if I should wait a while to see if they will be coming out with the new processors.
Am I in for a long wait, or is this something that can be expected within a reasonable amount of time?
I guess on a side note, is there any expectation that any of the X series will be featuring the newer processors anytime soon?
Much appreciated, Cyrus
The new X Series are on the Lenovo Site now Cyrus and they are well worth the wait!
Will the SL520 have same interfaces as SL510? I am especially speaking about eSata+USB and HDMI.
Please , send me a quotation for LENOVO THINK PAD SL410 .
Let me know how I can order one .
Send me a range of other LENOVOS THINK PAD ( REFURBISHED ) to look at what I can acquire .
EDWIN ODAWO .
Edwin, go to the Lenovo site, browse to the SL410, and customize online, it will build the quotation for you as you go.
The Lenovo Outlet is here Edwin http://outlet.lenovo.com/
lenov T410 seems deosn’t have the HDMi port, so what is the alternative to connect to an HD tv