Lenovo Thinkpad T410 Owner's Lounge

Take a look at a vintage UNIX keyboard and you will understand where this comes from I Yes, I used to be a heavy emacs user.

http://www.sunstuff.org/hardware/components/keyboards/sun.type4-keyboard.2.jpg

 

having used a macbook pro for a few weeks while waiting for my T510, I found out one of the few things the macbook pro has on the T series: the touchpad.

Scrolling for example on the T410 and T510 require that your two fingers start at approximately the same height. But the problem is that my index and middle finger are not the same length especially when used at an angle. They need to release driver updates or something that makes our multitouch touchpads truly multitouch so that any two fingers touching the touchpad and not just "level" touches allow for scrolling.

 

If you're on a Thinkpad, why would you be using the touchpad? Trackpoint performs much better than any touchpad/trackpad.

 

The trackpoint is no match to the apple multi-touch pad.
Those that think this likely spent little to no time with the current workings apple has.
This is coming from a x200t users as well, yes i have/own several apple mbp's as well.

 

To follow up, using the previous touchpad driver from synaptics site and no hangs for several days. So the previous driver seems to indeed sort the issue.

 

Bumped again! Now the "estimated" ship date is late next week.

I hope ThinkPads last as long as people say they do, because I'm certainly not looking forward to ordering another one. I haven't even got the laptop yet, and Lenovo is already leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

 

Oh common, at least you are getting nVidida's Optimus Switchble Graphics!
Early adopters did not

 

Sooooooooo my screen cracked

Dunno how, I have a guess but either way not my fault, a floor mate tossed a notebook on my bed and I'm assuming it hit the LCD and cracked it.

I've got about 10 days before my 90 day TPP window is up. Should I do it, and how much should it cost in CAD?

 

Wait a sec...are you saying that the screen of your T410 cracked probably because your friend threw a book on it? Was the machine open at the time? And did the book fall directly on the exposed screen? Please tell me that this is the case and that the T410 was not open!

 

Around 150 usd extra for 3 years tpp

 

Erm, no I'm not. I ordered before Optimus was even an option! I didn't want it anyways

And I haven't got anything yet, anyway. They just bumped my ESD again this morning, I'm now looking at 7 weeks between order and shipping.

That assuming that they don't just bump the ESD by a week or so the day before it's supposed to ship, which they've been doing for the last 3 weeks.

 

thats the case, i stepped out for a sec, he probably tossed the book into my room and it clipped the screen

it was tiny notebook too, 250 loose leaf ring binder things from 5 star

so should i tpp up?

 

Well, yeah, if you live with someone who is that careless with your possessions, I think it would be wise. Besides, you need to get it fixed now, and TPP is the only way without a DIY project.

 

yeah, i'll call lenovo tonight get it done before the 90 days are up, then gotta wait 30 days before i can invoice the repair blah.

I'm just surprised, I mean I know thinkpads aren't bulletproof and all that, but I mean my brothers pos futureshop toshiba woulda held out better against that notebook.

 

You hit anything at just the right spot, angle and force, and it will break. Even a diamond.

 

It may not have been the notebook...

I just measured off where the crack corresponds to the keyboard and it matches up perfectly with the left click pointing stick ( mouse) button

as unlikely as it seems that might be an alternative answer

 

You mean to say, it is the left-click button for the trackpoint? That's strange...it would mean that your keyboard is not set right and that you inadvertently slammed the screen down while shutting the machine. Very unlikely scenario though, I must admit.

Anyways, how did the call go? What did the Service folks say?

 

I'm gonna pickup the 1 year tpp for 89 dollars, wait the 30 days, send it off after i'm done exams and hopefully get it back for when school starts.

 

Can anybody speak to this?

 

I can. It works fine.

I've got an X25-M as my internal drive, the BIOS set to use AHCI, and another SATA drive in my UltraBay. No problems yet.

 

so apparently you can't purchase thinkpad protection if you already have a 2 yr basic warranty?

what the hell? what use is the basic one, if my t410 spontaneously combusts?

 

IIRC you can only add TPP within 90 days of your date of purchase. After that you can only upgrade the warranty.

 

I have about five T410's right now where the user says that they simply close the lid, and when they open it the next time, the screen is cracked. All the cracks are in the upper-left corner, too.
Lenovo is telling me "user error", but I usually see 1-2 cracked screens a year, and now I have 5 cracked screens in less than 3 months.

 

are all 5 users opening the laptop using their left hands? Do you have photos of these damages?

i have seen 2 cases of it so far (approximately 1.5 inchs from the top).

 

I doubt all are left-handed. I am wondering about what the other user said:

 

Can you provide some pictures of these cracks?

 

Yes, a picture or two will be very useful here.

 

My brand new T410s arrived a couple weeks ago and...
The screen is atrocious!

1. The vertical viewing angle is so narrow that either the top of
the screen is too dark or the bottom is washed out (too gray).
2. It's also very blue, which I was able to correct a little bit.
3. It either has too much contrast (or not enough). I'm
continuously adjusting the brightness depending on what I'm
viewing.
4. The screen is fatigueing to look at, as if the refresh rate is
too low. I thought that was only an issue with CRTs.
5. As someone else characterized it, when the screen is "black" a
large crescent shape (upside down "U") is observable. This video
of a Dell E6410 screen (left) illustrates the issue:
YouTube - Dell E6410 vs E6500 Screens

I really wanted to love this thing but the poor LCD quality is a
non-starter. Hard to believe but this is the worst laptop screen
I've ever encountered. I thought technology evolved, not devolved!

 

Hi, i ve been looking for a laptop for a while

at first i was about to settle for acer as4820tg

but then i came to learn about thinkpad line and then realized that i would really want a t410

I havent had a new laptop for 5 years and I would like this one to be my main computer that i use at home

however, i would like to carry this to school every day and do programming and other stuff

is 5+pound a little heavy to carry around?
and also, should i just get 6 cell or 9 cell, ive been thinking about this alot and couldnt really decide

if i buy this im just going to get one with i5, 4gb, w/ discrete graphics

one more thing

i see that there is free 4gb upgrade memory going on and found a coupon for 15% off for t410 that expires on friday

would right now be the best time to buy t410? i dont think deals like this would come often

thank you!

ps. i see this screen problems lately,, is this big of a problem aroundt410?

ps2. how about comparing 12 inch x201 vs 14.1 inch t410? im just worried about how think t410 would be

 

Is there any built in webcam software that comes with either w7 or the laptop itself? I want to be able to use the cam to take pictures but im not sure how. Should I just download a free webcam software online or am I missing something?

Thanks again

 

That's something that only you can answer. For some, the answer is no. For others, yes.

How often do you need to work unplugged, and for how long? Are you often near a power outlet? Will you be carrying the charger with you?

This sort of questions comes up on every computer hardware forum at one time or another. The answer is always the same:

Do you need a new computer now? Yes? Then yes, now is the time to buy. No? Then wait -- the technology will only get more powerful and more affordable as time passes.

 

Alright folks, time to help a rookie (to this forum) out. I've been through several laptops, so if you can make reference to them in regards to quality, speed, or anything else of use, feel free.

I have owned the following:
Apple Macbook (White)
Apple Macbook Pro
Dell XPS M1210
Lenovo T60
Lenovo T61
Lenovo x301

Here's some of my main concerns with the T410, and before I pull the trigger, I thought I'd get some advice from previous owners/Lenovo users.

The main purpose of this computer is going to be word processing, watching videos, surfing the internet, and some light gaming (WoW, CSS, LoL, DoTA, HoN) So please keep that in mind.

First, how is the build quality compared to the Lenovos I have owned before? Does it have the typical bulletproof tank feel, or is it a different build? I know the T60/61 had a magnesium frame, is this the case for the T410?

Second, how is the speed on the i5 version? I plan on buying with the 5400 RPM, pulling it out, throwing in an SSD and then replacing with the 5400 when I sell. I'm nostalgic like that . Also, I will be getting 4GB RAM to start, and most likely updating to 8GB in the future. Does it boot/shutdown reasonably? Is the processor worth upgrading to an i7? 200 dollars is a lot, especially since the specs are fairly similar.

Third, how are the graphics on it? 512mb should be enough to handle the games I'll be throwing at it. Will it output 1080 to an external monitor? How is the DVD drive? Loud? Quiet? Will 4GB RAM be enough to run the games I mentioned above? Or should I go with 8 from the start?

Finally, is it worth upgrading the wireless card to the Centrino a/g/n ultimate card? (Or whatever the top one offered is) I plan on being in hotels a lot, and possibly roaming for wireless signals. 60 bucks might be worth the upgrade.

Any other tips tricks or advice would be greatly appreciated. I enjoy doing my research, and enjoy building and rebuilding machines to get the quality and outcome I desire. I am trying to keep the build as close to 1300 as possible, but have some flexibility if need be. I put one together for around 1300 after the e-coupon and discounts. And I guess I should ask, what sort of warranty/protection plan do most people recommend? I am fairly competent in my computer skills, and have no problem doing replacement on my own for most parts (SSD/RAM/Ultrabay)

 

Try Fn+F6 key. If that doesnt work you should download Thinkvantage Communication Utility :
Lenovo Support - ThinkVantage Communications Utility for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), XP - ThinkPad

 

T410 have magnesium roll cage at the bottom only, combined with carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Top case/lid material is high elasticity polycarbonate plastic. There is no top roll cage like the previous generation. Matt Kohut at Lenovoblogs have confirmed this and it seems he still have confidence of its strength. Generally it still have better construction and more solid than my previous R400. I have no flex on the keyboard... and the screws are tight ;P

I dont think you need i7 anyway. For most demanding task i think i5 is adequate. And for your requirements (which games is not your main concern), i5 is more than enough.

From your specification, the most expensive is SSD. But SSD can have a huge impact on startup and shutdown times. And based on my experience on my new T410i (5400 rpm harddisk), the start up and shutdown is faster than my previous instalation (R400 with Vista). My point is, SSD can have a huge impact on speed, but also cost. The most system bottleneck of speed is hard drive. Maybe you can try Seagate Momentus XT, 500 GB 7200 rpm disk with 4GB cache. It has good reviews on the net, offering almost the same speed as SSD with half price.

I can only comment on DVD drive. The DVD drive can be quite loud but you can change its setting on BIOS.

I travel quite a lot, and with Intel b/g/n wireless that i have is more than adequate. I NEVER have any drop signal or whatsoever. And usually hotels have better wireless instalation anyway (most area are covered), i dont think this will become problem.

 

@ThinkRob,

I am very sorry for those vague questions...
especially, about the weight, I wasnt really sure how to address that question as I only owned netbooks and desktops.
as t410 is about 5 pounds, I am trying to feel how my friend's MBP 13" feels like

well I think i set my mind to purchase t410, as one of my friend did yesterday!

however i wished they had better student discount on it.
it seems like there is a 15 percent off coupon for this and that is much better than the student discount :/

ps. is there any other deal or coupon for t410 atm? besides the 15 % off?

 

The MacBook line starts at about 5.1 lbs. IIRC.

If you have legitimate access to the IBM SPP, IBM EPP, Lenovo EPP, or Lenovo CPP programs (such as through a friend or a family member), they will almost certainly have better pricing. If you don't, however, don't ask for help getting access here, as that's against the rules of said programs (and of the forum.)

Failing that, if you have a VISA card, you might want to check out http://www.lenovo.com/visa and see if the prices there are any better than the ones you can get through your university.

Good luck.

 

Here are some: Flickr: bfreitas6140's Photostream

 

Your users wouldn't happen to be grizzly bears by any chance, would they?

 

No, they are students but as I said we used to see maybe one broken screen per year (with Dell's) and we have had 4-5 broken screens from the Sept-October time period alone. Pretty much they all say the same thing: they closed the laptop (sometimes while it was on a desk) and when they opened it next, the screen was cracked (again, it never left the desk).

 

Students... hmmm... are you sure they're not leaving out the part where they dropped a book (or a keg) on it while it was closed? If they're anything like some of the folks I went to school with, they might be forgetting that bit...

I kid, I kid. Seriously though, that is strange.

 

How hard do you have to press the volume/mute/mic button? I have to give a firm press. A light press won't register. My previous T61 with a different volume button design was significantly more sensitive.

 

Does anyone know if it is possible to output the video signal from my T410 to an RCA TV? The problem is, I don't have an HDMI TV and my monitors is much smaller than my TV.

I know there are DisplayPort adapters to HDMI or VGA, but I need something that will convert the signal to support either S-video or RCA cables.

Thanks for any input!

 

Hi

I had an accident today. A friend accidentally stepped on the power cord of the notebook. Some 20 seconds later i noticed this crackling sound. Apparently the power cord had come just enough loose from the adapter that there were spark between them. Now the pins on adapter are burnt black and connecting the cord to adapter while adapter is connected to mains sometimes causes loud cracks. And the adapter seems to run a bit hotter than before or maybe im just imagining this. Everything seems to be working good otherwise. Is all this normal? Or should i try to get it replaced?

 

Well, if it was me, I'd replace it although, if you don't have the accident protection, you'll need to just buy one.

 

Besides Intel SSDs, Do we know what model of OCZ or Kingston SSDs work with T410? I read that some models from OCZ and Kingston won't be recognized by T410. Anyone with actual usage experience of OCZ and Kingston SSD with T410 to share their knowledge is greatly appreciated.

 

Hi all,

I just placed the order for my first Thinkpad, and it should be arriving mid December. I am admittedly a n00b that has done some reading, but just wanted to check that I'm thinking the right way.

I want to clear off all the crap that comes with it, so I understand I need to do a clean-install but that apparently we aren't given recovery discs. To burn copies of these discs from the partition, do I need to already have an external optical drive or will it work off the laptop DVD writer? (DVDREC8XMAXD.L.U.SLIMS.ATA)<--- that's the dvd reader I ordered, but I'm not sure if that can burn DVDs. I just remember getting the default one.

1) Currently, I don't have anything that can burn CDs/DVDs, so does that mean I need an external optical drive? I'm asking because I'm wondering if I should just order one now before the laptop arrives so I can be good to go.

2) I want to install only the essential drivers, so should I just install the operating system and then choose the other drivers manually? I looked at Lenovo's list of recovery drivers, and I really couldn't figure out which ones were essential and which ones were extraneous.

3) After I burn copies of all the recovery material, how I do I delete the partition so that I can have that space back. Someone mentioned it was 10 gigs, which is huge (I got the 160 SSD, so I'll be needing those 10 gigs).

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

 

jml235,

I think you'll find there's very little crapware. A clean install probably isn't needed for you so don't buy into that.

Create the factory re-install disks before you do ANYTHING else.

 

jml235, the first time I did a clean install I followed this guide with a new Windows 7 disk I had and it went pretty smooth.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/144783-clean-install-guide-works-32-bit-64-bit.html

Second time I did a clean install I was lazy and used system update and only picked out essential drivers mostly. It lets you pick and choose which drivers you want. I decided to use the power manager program second time around because I think it is really decent. I agree with halobox for the most part though about the bloatware not being too bad.

 

Are the factory re-install disks you recommend creating the same as creating recovery disks as described in Step 1 here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/144783-clean-install-guide-works-32-bit-64-bit.html ?

Thanks

 

@eoneel and halobox:
Thanks for the quick responses and great link! Even if it doesn't make a huge difference, I may give the clean install a shot just to try to get comfortable with the process. I probably won't have this much motivation in the future to do as thorough a job as when I first get the machine.