Lenovo Thinkpad T410 Owner's Lounge

Let's wrap some things up for the T410!

DO NOT UPDATE TO THE NEWEST BIOSes 1.12 or 1.15 until you read this
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=464864




Reviews:
http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3782
http://hothardware.com/Articles/Lenovo-ThinkPad-T410-Review/
http://www.thinkpads.com/2010/03/01/review-lenovo-thinkpad-t410/
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5525&review=lenovo+thinkpad+t410
http://www.notebookcheck.com/Test-Lenovo-Thinkpad-T410-2522-3FG-Notebook.25119.0.html
http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-t410.aspx

Lenovo T410 Service Training guide videos:
http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/T410/index.html

T410 Teardown:
http://www.thinkpads.com/2010/03/07/lenovo-thinkpad-t410-upgrading/

Some impressions:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5773574&postcount=1

Melted speaker caused by charging it over night:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5947126&postcount=199

Pics of the screen:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5794689&postcount=28

Only proof of switchable graphics so far (see attached pic - courtesy of mhs093), gone after update to Power Manager V3.12 :
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5786167&postcount=17

Info NVS3100/5100
http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvs_techspecs.html

Couple of benchmarks:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5784528&postcount=39

Drivers for the T410:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...yind=0&operatingsystemind=49979&validate=true

New BIOS:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-74268

 

Here are my quick first impressions as my first Thinkpad. I'm coming from a 15" Unibody Macbook Pro.

Overall, build quality is very good. There is a significant amount of flex in the display though, especially between the hinges. I love the keyboard and don't notice too much flex there. I also don't have the creaking in the palm rests that some mentioned. The mute and volume buttons feel cheap, but I suppose they will get the job done. The textured track pad is different. I was hesitant about the 9-cell battery size and weight, but since it was the only option for the model with discrete graphics, I ended up with it anyway. It doesn't stick out as far as I expected, and now I'm glad I got it. Overall I'm very happy.

After I booted into Windows for the first time, the fan started to run constantly. I downloaded TPfancontrol, and it shows the cpu idling around 39-40 deg C, but the fan is whirring away at 3600rpm. I'll wait until others receive theirs to see what is going on with this.

The switchable graphics option showed up under my Power Manager version 3.11a, but disappeared after I updated to 3.12.

I'll get some more tests up for the discrete graphics in a bit. Here's a picture of the 9 cell battery. I don't have a T400 to compare it to, but it doesn't seem to stick out as far.

 

How much will go to the computer 9-cell battery?

 

Is the screen on the T410 still off center like the T400?

 

The new Core i5/i7 CPUs runs hotter than the current generation of Core 2 Duo CPUs, basically due to the integration of memory controller and itself being a more complicated architecture.

You can try to set the fan to trigger only at, say, 50C, using TPfancontrol. I have set my X61 fan to start at 48C at a low speed, and then increase the speed for every 3-5C increment.

 

it is troubling that customers have their T410 in hand
but lenovo has still not sent any out to professional reviewers
it makes me worry that they have reasons to not want the T410 reviewed by professionals

 

Nope, it's centered.

 

Too true. So I take it the new t410's are not quite?

 

mhs093,
could you please run the PerformanceTest (PassMark.com)?
thanks in advance!

p.s'
what are your specs?

 

Troubling yes but how about those people who are supposed to be assisting customers with troubleshooting undergoing training for these machines 6 months after customers have had them.

 

Intel Core i7-620M Processor (2.66GHz, 4MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
Windows 7 Professional 64
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/LED Backlight
NVIDIA NVS 3100m Graphics 256MB DDR3 with AMT
4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
9 cell Li-Ion Battery
Bluetooth w/antenna
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300
Integrated Mobile Broadband (Gobi 2000 3G with GPS)



CPU - Integer Math: 1137.8
CPU - Floating Point Math: 1363.0
CPU - Find Prime Numbers: 752.0
CPU - SSE: 8.8
CPU - Compression: 3487.9
CPU - Encryption: 12.5
CPU - Physics: 188.3
CPU - String Sorting: 2283.6
Graphics 2D - Solid Vectors: 5.2
Graphics 2D - Transparent Vectors: 5.1
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors: 125.1
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text: 178.8
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface: 51.7
Graphics 2D - Image Filters: 314.5
2D Graphics - Image Rendering: 577.4
Graphics 3D - Simple: 386.1
Graphics 3D - Medium: 125.9
Graphics 3D - Complex: 35.3
Graphics 3D - DirectX 10: 2.4
Memory - Allocate Small Block: 6051.7
Memory - Read Cached: 2672.9
Memory - Read Uncached: 2363.0
Memory - Write: 1490.8
Memory - Large RAM: 1903.2
Disk - Sequential Read: 51.0
Disk - Sequential Write: 74.8
Disk - Random Seek + RW: 4.1
CPU Mark: 3191.0
2D Graphics Mark: 631.9
Memory Mark: 1212.2
Disk Mark: 469.6
3D Graphics Mark: 307.1
PassMark Rating: 1228.0

System information: This Computer
CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Number of CPU: 1
Cores per CPU: 2
CPU Type: Intel Core i7 M 620 @ 2.67GHz
CPU Speed: 3314.1 MHz
Cache size: 256KB
O/S: Windows 7 (64-bit)
Total RAM: 3955.7 MB.
Available RAM: 2819.5 MB.
Video settings: 1440x900x32
Video driver:
DESCRIPTION: NVIDIA NVS 3100M
MANUFACTURER: NVIDIA
BIOS: Version 70.18.42.0.5
DATE: 12-3-2009

 

That is so disappointing. One of the reasons I want to buy this laptop is the fact that the T400 was very quiet.

Copy paste from www.notebookcheck.net
"The notebook (T400) is very quiet with an average of 30 dB(A) and merely the running noise of the hard disk is audible without load (idle) and with usual office applications. Unfortunately, an agitating high frequency peep tone becomes partly audible – but not in the energy savings profile, though.

The notebook gets slightly louder with a maximum of 31.8 dB(A) under load, whereas the noise development stays within a frame."

 

comparing the discrete graphic computer vs. the integrated one, i see no REAL difference (delta of mere 50 pts.). more to it, in some of the tests the intel integrated one get higher scores.... a bit dissappointing.

 

On the discrete T410, is it possible to switch back to integrated GMA HD mode via BIOS?

 

The problem is the Core i5/i7 CPUs. They are hot.

 

But shouldn't the step from 45nm to 32nm cause the cpu to be cooler?

 

according to spec i5/i7 has absolutely the same TDP = 35W as previous generation (Core 2 Duo). Moreover new chipset spends 8Watt less than previous one. So it should be cooler !

 

so even if they used the old thermal design it should be able to remove the heat.

It seems like Lenovo released their product without properly testing or developing the firmware/software to go with it.

Hopefully this is just a software issue

 

I’d REALLY like to hear more about this from other owners. The T400 is VERY quiet—I only hear the fan under very high load.

Switchable graphics is a joke—I wish the graphics manufacturer’s would fix this/build graphics chips that don’t require this since, as you can see, this is nothing more than a Windows hack (and obviously difficult to do).

It would appear the 9-cell on the T410 sticks out like the 6-cell on the T400.

 

WOOT!
Just received mine...
Pics will follow!

 

I hope for those who bought the new laptops that it is a software issue. My t400 is cool and quite no matter how much I stress it even with the ATI enabled.

 

Congrats!

You could still be the first to write a detailed review!

 

Anyone with an i5-520m or i5-540m version care to comment about fan/noise levels?

 

Hi All,

Just got mine today also. I just have some general comments before i go off to bed.

Fit and finish seem nice. Screen is beautiful...if I'm sitting right in front of it and the angle is right.

Windows 7 experience is 5.0.

The fan is on but seems gentle.

The touchpad seems to have a lot of useful options...my favorite right now is a three finger app start. I've configured it to start Wordpad.

Fingerprint enrollment was a snap.

My last notebook was an IBM T43

If you have questions I'll try and answer them.

More later. - Peter

Here are my T410 specs:

45M4819 SBB I.C.I7P.POP3 2.XXGHZ,XMBL2
45M3091 VBB GENUWIN7PROFES.32
45M4936 SBB GNWN7P32 US ENGLISH
45M4798 SBB 14.1WXGA+TFT,W/LEDBACKLIG.
45M4792 SBB NV.NVS SW.GR.256MB-AMT,TPM
45M4813 SBB 56KV.92DESIGNEDMODEM
42X6309 VBB 4GBPC3-8500 1067MHZ2DIMM
45M4839 SBB KEYBOARDUS ENGLISH
45M4802 SBB U.N.T.POI.+T.PADW/FINGER.R
45M4834 SBB CAMERA SUBCARD
45M4828 SBB 500GB HARD DISK DRIVE 7200RPM
45M4820 SBB DVDREC8XMAXD.L.U.SLIMS.ATA
45M4816 SBB 9CELLLI-ION BATTERY
9T6442 SBB COUNTRY PACK NORTH AMERICA
45M3043 SBB BLUETOOTH W/ANTENNA
45M4804 SBB IN.CENT.ULTIMATE-N 6300
45M4809 SBB IN.MOB.BROAD.(3G)-QUALCOM
75Y0098 SBB OPEN SM CRD VERIZON:USA
45M4874 SBB LANG.PACK US ENGLISH

 

Your personal review when you have the time?

BTW, that wasn't very considerate of Lenovo to let you configure 4 GB with a 32-bit OS.

 

how is 410's screen compared to MBP 15" unibody ? are colors washed away ? and no contrast ?

what is the LCD - you can get the detailed spec from everest

 

I am also interested in this, as it appears that the core i7 uses quite a bit more power (and thus gives off more heat). It might be true that the core i5 versions are a bit cooler and thus don't need the fan. Wishful thinking maybe? I am torn between the T410 and the Sager NP7652, and from review it sounds like both tend to run their fans louder than one might desire.

 

I uploaded some pics of the WXGA+ Screen.

 

Nice viewing angles!

how about a serious review (eg battery eater tests, performance tests)?

Thanks though!

 

As everybody here I would answer questions, but I don't have the experience and time to write a review.

 

that's k, didn't think of some NBR SHOULD DO... hmm hmm...

just how is the machine noise & heat like, how's the battery holding up etc.

 

How is the cpu usage, battery performance and noise/fan level while playing full DH movies?

 

No T410s owner's lounge ...?
That's the one I have my eyes on - thin, light n' powerful
------------------------
The venerable T30 - now broken.

 

OK,
just surfing the fan is still continuously running.
But the exhausted air is not even warm.
The cover of the RAMs on the bottom is warmer than the area of the exhaust.

And even better: my DirecTV DVR 15 feet away makes more noise, than the T410 on my lap.

 

To those wondering about the fan on a T410 with an i5, I understand from this article (link posted by Measure) that the i7 uses 50-60% more power at idle than the i5. Here's hoping the i5 needs no fan for basic working. I already ordered mine...!

 

From Everest: (WXGA+ screen)

Monitor ID: LEN4036
Manufacturer: B141PW04 V0

It appears to be the same screen as another user posted in the unboxing thread. Well, it's no comparison to the MBP screen...I have a feeling it could be better if calibrated, but the contrast isn't as good, viewing angles aren't as good, and it is dimmer. That's also comparing glossy vs. matte.

 

That's a very interesting discovery. Are there any other tests that confirm this?

 

could one of you check to see if your new t410 locks the processor speed on battery?

you can use cpuid and pick you favorite procesor intensive app run it on AC then run it again on battery .. some of the new i5 laptops from hp and sony lock there processors to the lfm speed in cpuid it will show current speed of the processor.

also you may need to switch power profiles for battery to do this.

thanks,
john.

 

Huh.. I think my laptop said it was drawing like 13-14W with low system use? I didn't tweak the PM that much, either. I have the 620M. Maybe the guy's power settings are off.

I'll run some more tests hopefully on Friday night when i get the chance.

 

Even that you have done no tweaks, may we know how you set it? I guess that'd be helpful.

 

In this range, does the fan come on? Thanks, pejx.

 

To anyone with an i7 - can you please run a geekbench?

http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/

Thanks

 

Does anyone know what the battery life is like for the T410? I'm thinking of getting one with discrete graphics. Gonna be doing a little photoshopping and all. Thanks in advance!

 

2 1/2 - 3 hours with a 6-cell battery.

 

There have been a lot of ecoupons floating around in the past while, making for some great deals on lenovo laptops. Can we expect these to keep coming when the t410s is up for sale again? Or are the deals just lenovo trying to clear out old stock?

I can get a t410 for around $900 taxes included at the moment, which is very tempting.. but t410s looks to be an incredible machine, and perhaps worth the wait!

 

It seems that all the standard voltage i7/i5/i3s share exactly the same thermal characteristics (35W TDP, 16W in C1E Idle state, 7.5W in C3 Idle state and 3.8W in C6 Idle state) (see http://download.intel.com/design/processor/datashts/322812.pdf, page 55/56). It's hard to believe that the i7 620M would be idling at 10W higher than others. I'm waiting to see more tests/reviews on this front.

 

Shouldnt the T410 be able to operate for 11 hours with one 9-cell battery??

http://www.dvhardware.net/article40090.html

"Lenovo offers a new nine cell slice battery on the T410, T510 and W510 laptops for up to 22 hours of battery life."

 

http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox...ox+(Inside+the+Box)&utm_content=Google+Reader

The 9 cell battery used with the "bottom bump" battery allows for 22 hours of battery life.

 

I dont get it.
9 + 9 = 22 hours , but 9 alone = 5-6 hours?

Edit: I see they have lowered their claim for the 9+9 to 19 hours, so one 9 cell should be around 9 hours, if the slice and standard 9 cell are of similar Wh.

 

Lenovo has this concerning battery life:

With intel HD graphics:

With the nvidia NVS3100M 256MB: