Lenovo Thinkpad T410 Owner's Lounge

I think 5-in-1 card is included, it doesn't show up on cart page.

I'm buying with Microsoft EPP + 10% coupon I got in the mail.

 

That's a nice configuration, but in my opinion the 1-year warranty is not enough. If you plan to keep the machine more than a year I'd recommend at least a 3-year warranty. Also, does anyone know why Lenovo doesn't list 4- or 5-year warranties on their configuration pages? When I called Lenovo sales I was told that such options are available in certain circumstances.

 

I don't think the card reader is included by default. I would recommend you check just to be on the safer side.

 

These two threads may be of some use and there are likely others as well:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/483635-thinkpad-t410s-open-questions-thread.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/493336-t410s-impressions-gpu-woes.html

 

1) How is this video card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 5700MHD - AMT compared to the Intel HD Graphics card performance-wise? Can the graphics media accelerator play (somewhat) graphic intensive flash games and play 720p/1080p video?
2) Is it better to upgrade to 2 DIMM 4GB memory, or leave it at 2GB 1 DIMM and buy memory off another site (newegg, tigetdirect, etc.)?
3) Which wireless adapter would you thinkpad owners recommend? I'm going to college, so I'll need some reliable wireless connectivity.

 

DisplayError
First of all, love your name
1. The Intel integrated graphics can easliy handle 720p/1080p videos without breaking a sweat. Even playing 4k videos which have a higher resoloution than 1080p the processor (i5-520m which I have) gets up to only about 50%.
As for flash games I can't really say much because I don't play any but almost every expert review I've read says that it can handle almost all older generation games such as world of war craft etc with aplomb.

2. Yes, it is definitely better and financially smart to get the basic 2GB, 1 Dimm memory from lenovo and upgrade the remaining 2GB yourself.

3. I would recommend getting one of the Intel cards. I have owned the basic "thinkpad bgn" and the Intel advanced 6200 and there is a world of difference (at least for me) You get more range, more efficient power consumption and if you plan to run Linux at any point you have better driver support. I would recommend either the 6200 or the 6300

 

I joined the ThinkPad club 5 days ago with my T410, I didn't have to select the card reader, it was included by default.

 

just ordered a t410, 4gb ram 128 gm ssd integrated graphics 6 cell battery.

any idea on what i should expect with this set up?

and would my laptop arrive with all the new bios and drivers or do i still have to update it?

 

You are right, on the T410 the card reader is built in just below the right hand palm rest. I was refering to the T410s which due to its thinner form factor does not have the card reader built into it instead, is an option for the express card slot on the left side of the machine.

 

Expect a great laptop abop!!! Things are going to be fast with a SSD in there. Generally it should come with all the updated drivers plus BIOS but just to be sure once you get the machine run the thinkvantage system update tool.
You might or might not find the touchpad a little quirky to begin with but once you get a hang of it (maybe adjust the settings) you will love it.

EDIT: Oh and for your SSD, I suggest you get the SSDTweaker software and optimize windows 7 so that you can keep your SSD running nice and smooth and maintain its highspeeds over a long period of time.

 

thanks where can i get it from?

 

You can get it here Make sure you goto the last page of that forum and download the latest version. You still have to manually disable defrag after running this program (the program itself propmts you to do it)

 

My T410s (Intel 5700mhd) all of a sudden seems to be unable to play 4k videos on youtube without severe stuttering. While playing such a clip my CPU usage maxes out. This never used to happen prior to sending it in for a depot repair (but, I didn't send my hard drive in). I had done a fresh install and installed all my drivers through thinkvantage systemupdate and 4k video playback was smooth as butter. CPU usage at the most use to hit about 60%
The only other thing I can think of is that I downloaded a windows update "Definition Update for Windows Defender - KB915597 (Definition 1.87.582.0)" today and installed that.

Any clue as to why this maybe my fellow forum members?

P.S Boot up times seem to have mysteriously increased as well by around 7 to 8 seconds. Normally with my SSD the machine boots up and ready to use within 35 seconds. Now that number has gone up to 42 to 43 seconds.

 

Did a clean install and the problem (stuttering 4k video playback) still persists. Bootup time are back to 35 secs though
Tried the Intel driver instead of the lenovo one, still no difference.
Anyone?

 

You guys recommend the 6 cell or the 9 cell battery? Does the 9 cell jut out a lot?

 

Sorry to keep beating a badly injured horse, but have any T410 owners with the "loud fan problem" found any solutions?

I have a T410 with i5-540m and discrete graphics (nvs3100). My IDLE temp is 48 degrees with secondary monitor via displayport. Without the dp, it's about 44degs. Even at these temperatures, the fan speed is at 3580 RPM!!! It is very irritating and difficult for me to focus (I use it for work). It sounds like a tiny tiny jet engine taxi-ing on the runway.

I have been in touch with Lenovo support and am working directly with their engineering team (they're supposed to send a box to me soon). We've gone through all the rigamorale of ensuring up-to-date drivers, etc.

I've come across two potential home-brew solutions.

1. Apply some decent thermal compound. I've done this before with a PC that I built, but am hesitant to be messing with a new in-warranty machine. This should bring down my temps to the low 40's, which means the fan shouldnt be coming on as often.

2. Use TPFanControl. Again. I'm hesitant as I've played around with it and it basically shuts off the fan unless my CPU/GPU temps surpass 60 degrees and beyond. 70-80 degrees was commonplace with this solution. I REALLY do not like this solution as we all know heat kills computers, and I'd like to keep this machine as my main work machine for at least 3-5 years.

I am convinced this is a hardware issue and cannot be solved via software/bios. I am considering returning this machine and switching for a Dell if it keeps up. I've used 4 thinkpads in the past (T41/60/61/x61 and they've all been SILENT, except after prolonged periods of heavy CPU/GPU usage!).

SO, has anyone received a working solution from Lenovo?? Can you please tell me what was done? Many thanks!!

 

I just got one of the T410 with intel graphics. OS is Windows 7 Home Premium preload, for now.

I've been trying to hook it up to a Dell monitor via DP but monitor goes into power saving mode when connected to the laptop. Laptop behaves as if monitor is there--even detects the model and shows 'Dell U2410(DP)' in device manager. Analog VGA connection works fine at 1920x1200.

I've been through most of the desktop options, no display.

Is there anything I'm missing to get this device to output to displayport?
TIA
S.

 

Hello, I have a t410 on order. Just had a question.

In the options, you are asked if you want a "smart card reader" - what exactly is this?

and does it have anytning to do with sd, xd card reading or the sim card reader?

i didnt select the smart card reader option but now am wondering/hoping it wont remove the sim card reader or the multimedia card readers....anyone?

 

Nope, it is a reader to unlock certain functions on the Thinkpads for Corporate use. It is not necessary at all.

 

great - thanks!

 

Just got a t410 the other day. I would like to do a clean install with a copy of Windows 7 that I have. I have read the install guides here and they are very helpful. I see that the guide stallen has made suggests that you install all drivers manually without the system update 4.0.
I would only like to install the bare minimum drivers necessary. I was wondering if somebody has made a convenient list of links to each specific driver. My eyes are getting sore going through the 160 or so drivers available. Other than the various graphics card driver options, and wifi card options, the list of drivers should be the same and apply to all t410 model laptops, right?
Also, just to make sure I'm on the right path, this is the correct chipset driver right?
Lenovo Support & downloads - Intel Chipset Support for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), Vista (32-bit, 64-bit) and XP (32-bit, 64-bit) - ThinkPad

Thanks for you're attention!

 

That is the correct link. Definitely install the chipset drivers early.

Use Windows Update to install all other drivers it can. It is mostly up to date.

Turn off AMT in the BIOS unless you know what it is and work in a corporate environment.

Then load HotKey driver, Active Protection System and Windows 7 Updates from here:

Lenovo Support & downloads - Drivers and software

That should give you a base system with most things running.

 

Anyone else have a lot of creaking and rubbing on either side of the touchpad? Especially down on the front lip, next to the buttons. It will not shut up, and there dont seem to be screws attaching it to anything so there is nothing to tighten. this is one of the creakiest laptops ive ever owned

 

Hey thanks for you're attention. More than likely I will be back with more green questions.

 

Is it worth it to get a T410 with WXGA+? I got a good deal on one from the outlet, with everything else I wanted as far as specs, except for the resolution which is WXGA 1280x800. My current laptop is a 13.3 with the same resolution. You can't miss something you never had right? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I just purchased a t410. I got it with wxga+ because I didn't want to look back and say, I should have upgraded. Also, I think it would help if you ever decided to use an external monitor possibly. I say it's worth it.

 

Yes. The build is not up to scratch. A pity because the machine is otherwise pretty solid in terms of performance and stability.

 

i5-540M
14.1" WXGA+ (1440 x 900)
NVIDIA NVS3100M 256MB
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM
500GB HDD 7200rpm
6 cell
2.0M Pixel Camera
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN

977.60 CAD + tax.

Hopefully when I get it I'll have time to go through this thread and pick out the good things.
Gotta find that format + clean install thread too.

 

Hi, I appreciate all of the discussion here, and have pulled the trigger on a T410/i7 4GB. I'm really hopeful -- but did a lot of customizing.

I ordered on Aug 5 -- and the estimated ship date is Sept 7.

I'm wondering -- is this normal? Or is it Lenovo going CYA? I know there's one or two on this thread who had similar time lags -- who got their thinkpads in a couple of weeks.

Or are Thinkpad sales that good -- or is Lenovo having supply chain issues?

Thanks.

 

Back in the day, people used to wait six months or longer. A month doesn't seem too bad. If you figure this is going to be your notebook for the next three years, it's not too bad. Lenovo estimates are conservative and you'll probably have your notebook before then, but there's no guarantees in life.

 

So I found it... and I think I'm more likely to brick my computer than make it faster LMAO.

 

Just was checking the status of my order.... it bingos to the lenovoorders.com site. As this moment, it shows a GoDaddy page with the following message:

Yup, I did look at the whois for the site, and apparently someone at Lenovo forgot, and just renewed the domain this morning.

 

I received my T410s yesterday and quickly installed an Intel SSD and 8GB of RAM.

First impressions are as follows:

I suspect because it's so light, it feels a little cheap compared to my outgoing T61p. It feels more... plastic.

Over all the machine is fantastic, but I have to say the screen is horrendous. I have been fiddling with the Intel GMA HD setting all night and while things are better than out of the box, it's still not good. I suppose it will be fine for working. I sure hope that a good replacement panel becomes available in the correct size - I'd swap it out in a heart beat.

I tried to check online for FRU info but when I entered my serial #, nothing came up. Are there other ways to check which screen I might have?

 

HWiNFO32 shows the LCD model number.

 

Thanks, realwarder.

Monitor Name: LTN141BT08001
Serial Number: Unknown
Date Of Manufacture: Week: 0, Year: 2008

Wow. Seems like one of Samsung's masterpieces.

 

Screws?

Just got the word that my T410 has shipped! Am reading over the manual, and see that the screws are one time use?

And it's $20 for a set of these screws?

Am I reading this right? Are there alternatives?

 

hello there

I am newbie here.

I just got my t410 from my office.
but the OS downgrade into windows xp sp 3.

I feel it's no power in windows xp.
it's running slowly. Ex. If i opened excel, and in the sheets there is some triangle with any colors. It's loading for this.

what should i do to get more performance with windows xp sp 3

my spec:
core i5 520M
4GB ram (3GB in xp sp 3 32bit)
NVS 3100M 256mb
320GB

Thanks

 

Which screws? I've replaced the hard drive and memory without requiring new screws. They are reusable.

Make sure you use the right sized screwdriver. That is most important else you can damage the heads. That rule is valid for all screws on any device though.

 

Per p 79 of the Thinkpad T410 maintenance manual (PDF) ref download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/63y0535.pdf

So you're saying that's wrong, or perhaps too cautious?

 

Too cautious. Memory and HDD require undoing 2 screws, 1 for each, and you really don't need to replace them for a simple change.

Sounds like a good way to make money though

 

New screws have blue Loctite on it, which avoids, that the get loose too easily.

 

Can you post "How To" replace hard drive? I need to replace HDD on my T410s.

Also is there clean install guide for Win 7 Ultimate?
Thanks

 

To replace the hard drive on a T410s you need to remove the battery first.
The hard drive is located under the left palmrest.
Inside the battery bay there should be one screw which holds the HDD bay cover in place.
Unscrew that screw, remove the cover and pop the HDD out. (No screws involved)

I installed windows 7 ultimate on my T410s and it was simple as ever.
1. Prior to getting started I downloaded the driver for my wireless card and "thinkvatnage system update" from the lenovo driver website and put it on my flash drive.
2. Then I booted off the 7 ultimate CD and followed the prompts.
3. I deleted all the partitions and completely formatted the drive.
4. I said no to windows update since I wanted to install all my drivers via thinvantage system update.
5. Once the installation is over and you get to the homescreen you may notice that everything is at a lower resoloution. Its normal.
6. Plug in the flash drive and install the wireless card driver
7. Next install thinvantage system update and run it. This will download all the lenovo customized T410s drivers.

If you don't want to install the lenovo drivers, say "yes" to windows update during the installation (step 4 from above.) That will make windows update search for all the original drivers for the different components of your system.

 

Thanks Milliranga,

So think advantage system update will install all the drivers including fingerprint s/w, HDD protection, camera etc. or only important one like video, audio etc. Is this correct link?
Lenovo Support & downloads - ThinkVantage System Update 4.0


This is neat instead of downloading each driver individually. why Sony can't make utility like this for their Z series

Thanks

 

hey guys i got my t410 today, was very excited, it seems to work fine and i Love the key board on this thing. One thing i was a bit concerned about was the SSD model i got. I was under the impression that i should be getting a samsung one but i got a toshiba thns128gg4baaa-n. Any feedback on this model, should i be worried that i got stuck with a low spec model or will this toshiba be just fine compared to the samsung?

 

anyone have an answer

 

The Toshiba drive is very fast. Just as fast as the Samsung one, maybe even faster!

 

Guys,

Any recommendations for SSD/HDD for T410s? which brand, model I should go for? I need size specs. information as well.

Thanks

 

Hi, I'm actually quite keen on getting a T410, but preferably with Linux pre-installed. I've seen some models on Los Alamos computers, but as a previous poster indicated, the prices seem slightly high. Anyone have suggestions about good resellers they have used? Thanks.

 

I'm using the Intel 160GB G2 SSD and I'm happy with it in my T410s.

The T410s uses 1.8" drives rather than the standard 2.5" size. As a result there are fewer options and cost is a little higher.