My T400 arrived! First impressions....

Well the long wait is over! My T400 arrived yesterday. I got the "Elite" configuration with the backlit LED screen, and I added 2 extra gb of ram, a 320 gb Seagate, and a pre-lenovo keyboard that I ordered from IBM. I'll write a longer review when I get the chance, complete with pictures. I did a clean install of Vista Business x64 using Stallen's instructions. Anyhow, my first impressions are as follows:

Pros:
Brilliant backlit LED, absolutely amazing screen
Toughpad is solid with good feel to the buttons
Runs cool
Looks like a Thinkpad!
Bloody smokes fast
No problems with the optical drive (some people seem to think they vibrate)
Solid feel
Good hinges
Screen feels solid

Cons:
Battery wobble (why can't they make it fit after all these years?)
The wrist rest is pretty thin, and I had difficulty getting the left side flush after installing the ram (generally cheap plastic on the wrist rest)
Made a buzzing sound until Power Manager was installed (not a Lenovo thing)
The whole thing hums a bit much
Single latch to the right side (seems strange and cheap)
Very cheap wifi on/off switch (like dollar store cheap)
No install disks (I'm sure they could add 50 cents on the price and throw in a vista disk)
Bloatware city on the default install (please!)
Strange location for the function key (takes some getting used to)
Why did they mess with the IBM keyboard? (it's freakin junk)
Poorly organized driver download area on their page (some Vista patches are pre-sp1, but there's no indication of this, etc.)

It's a great notebook for the money, I think. The only other competitor for a PC notebook that I can see is maybe the e6400, but it seems to have a cheap wrist rest too and I personally loath Dell more than I do Lenovo. Where does one even begin? Also, it's way over priced considering what's under the hood. Sonys look interesting, but they're cheaply made and too expensive for the most part. And they're Sony. Who can trust a Sony anymore?

Ok, I don't understand why Lenovo messed with the best keyboard on a notebook computer. I tried a T400 out at a local retailer and the one I tried had a much mushier keyboard than the one they shipped me, but the one they shipped was still junk in comparison to the old ones. If you're used to typing on an HP or some other piece of junk this will be a non-issue for you, since the current T400 keyboard will be leaps and bounds better. But for anyone that's ever used a proper keyboard you may be disappointed. All in an attempt to drop a few grams off the weight? I'd say that they should reconsider that decision.

If you've had a Thinkpad in the past you might be disappointed by the quality that Lenovo is offering up. I had an old 600 and the thing was all metal body. The old TP's were prohibitively expensive though. So, we get a good enough notebook for a decent price. So far I think I'm going to keep this computer, but I have 30 days to decide.

 

What is your basis for these statements - where are factual evidence, maybe due to personal experience years ago and still hold a grudge?

I personally owned a Sony Z590 and the build quality is SUPERB and pcmag editor's choice TOP review proves its amazing durability, screen, and other features.

I agree the new keyboard flexes too much and it was the ONE thing it had ALWAYS going for it in the past so why did they change it (guess to cut corners) but it sucks!

 

Can anyone compare the T400 with the new Dell Precision M2400? It seems the M2400 is much more expensive (at least 3-4$00 more). I am wondering why the big difference for a genearlly comparable unit. Any thoughts?

 

Well if you believe PCMag then I guess you must be right. However, consider a couple of things. PCMag and the rest are mostly doing infomercials. Sorry to break the news to you. They make their money selling the junk they write about. So, their reviews are nice, but hardly objective. I bought an HP DV1000 as my last machine. Computer of the year according to PCMag. Anyhow, the mb died like most other people's did a couple of years later. So, I guess PCMag might not know what the hell they're talking about after all. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. Also, consider the price of the Sony Z590. I can buy 2 T400's for that money. Sony's are some of the better machines out there. But they're hardly worth the money and the less expensive ones are just like the rest: firehazards mostly. Sony doesn't make the most durable box on the market either. I personally think that the new aluminum Mac books are probably one of the better made machines, but then you're dealing with the limitations of having a Mac, which maybe you can live with, I can't. They're pretty reasonably priced especially if you compare them to Sony. Sony, like I said, isn't bad, but are they worth the price? I very much doubt it. For the money, I'd take the 2 T400's thank you very much.

 

congrats that is a nice system

 

Looks like a very nice machine. Here's a pretty good review of it http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Precision-M2400-Notebook.12624.0.html . However, seems it runs a bit hot and a bit on the noisy side, also expensive. But Dell is making some better machines these days. The old Inspiron I owned almost permanently put me off of Dell. But I like the use of magnesium cases. Very slick. I think the T400 is better IMO.

 

At least my Vaio doesn't have "dollar store cheap" parts on it.

 

My point exactly! thank you!

Stop putting Sony down in your first impression review - please! you just contradict yourself numerous times with your own admission of how plasticy your Lenovo is!!

Sony makes GREAT products, the Z is #3 on here after a short time of release, and no not just pcmag - I only quoted one - but I have read over 20 reviews of the Z ALL touting the durability, the great screen, the style, and technology of it! (trust me, I bought it! and I dont buy ANYTHING without - reading 20 reviews of it!) lol

 

Well Sony isn't bad. But they're not worth the money. I'd like to see you drop that thing and then tell me how durable it is. Sony's are pretty fragile machines especially compared to Mac, Thinkpads, and some of the more bomb proof Dells. And they're way too expensive for what you're getting there. Go back to the Sony fanboy/girl list!

 

They Sony fanboyz are getting uppidy!

 

to philosopherdog - Re the Dell M2400, I have it as being close to $450 more than my similarly configured T400, ordered the other day. My T400 is $1,489 with all top options, taxes and delivery, except I have 2g ram (1 dimm) and 9400 processor. I cannot see how the Dell M2400 could be worth $450 more.

 

I haven't checked this, but I suppose in fairness you could probably get 10% using a coupon. It does look more expensive. I think the thing that I don't like is the heat and noise. The T400 runs cool and it's quiet by most accounts. I think you made the right choice.

 

Thanks - I always have had Dell. Now with the Dell 700m, which is a great travel machine - under 4lbs. (I travel a lot). I did have a Thinkpad from work about 5 yrs ago, but they were always too expensive to consider buying on my own. I was reluctant to go to Lenovo, but I made the plunge (ordered online 2 days ago).

I tried finding Dell coupons for the M2400, but could not find any. I think still the T400 would be no less than $350 cheaper, even with a Dell coupon. I feel better about my T400 choice now.

Also, I need to use WinXP for business - my company mandates it. I will add a 2G memory stick, but I hear that XP will only recognize up to 3G, yes? Still, 3G should be decent with XP, I think.

Startup HELL - I also have heard about the startup problems, and eagerly await using a Startup manager to remove items from startup. Any other thought as you go along are really appreciated - much obliged.

 

Here's some pictures of the new T400! Ahhh.

 

Ok a couple more.

This picture illustrates why the sideways usb ports might suck for you. big usb keys might not fit, that's why this machine is sitting off the edge of a table. Notice the crystal clear screen.

http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq12/philosopherdog/IMG_3497.jpg

Don't do this at home! This shows the two keyboards. You can see which one got made cheaper. One thing though is that the new keyboard seems to have a plastic protector that the old one lacks. So, if you spill... it does through.

http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq12/philosopherdog/IMG_3500.jpg

Finally, a picture of a logon screen. Vista x64 installed without a hitch and quick too!

http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq12/philosopherdog/IMG_3481.jpg

 

Oops

 

My quandry, T400 for $1,489 or these Specs for a T500 for even slightly cheaper:


T500
Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Windows Vista Business downgrade to Windows XP Professional
Windows Vista Business with Windows XP Professional Downgrade
Display type 15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
System graphics ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB
Total memory8
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
Keyboards Keyboard US English
Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Intel® Turbo Memory hard drive cache Turbo Memory 2GB
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
Card Reader 7 in 1 Media Card Reader
System expansion slots Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Bluetooth Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Wireless Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter
3 year onsite 9x5 Next Business Day
TOTAL PRICE, including taxes: $1,435 (T500)

 

Dell did the same thing with their XPS/Inspiron vs. Vostro keyboards.

The backing on the Vostro is almost solid, whereas the XPS/Inspiron one is very flexible with more holes.

I replaced my XPS keyboard with the black vostro one and it is much more responsive and crisp.

 

I don't have a problem with the keyboard on my T400. I would have probably gotten a sony if it wasn't for their martian keyboards.

 

philosopherdog, which replacement keyboard part number did you get? I heard the T60 ones were the most solid, but they don't make them any more, so I got one of the T61 ones.

Also, the strong hum you notice MAY be from the 320gb hard drive... I don't know which one you got, but I got a Hitachi 7k320, and it really added a ton to the hum, so I put back the Hitachi 7k200 (160gb) that the machine had come with and the hum isn't very noticable anymore (can't feel any, tho' you can still hear it a bit in a quiet room).

- Tim

 

http://b2b.sony.com/vaio/durability/durability_videos.html?vid=1

Videos showing drop tests, shock tests, pressure tests and spill tests... of the VAIO Z. look's pretty durable to me. According to wikipedia: "The properties of carbon fiber such as high tensile strength, low weight, and low thermal expansion make it very popular in aerospace, civil engineering, military, and motorsports, along with other competition sports."

sounds pretty durable to me. I agree that sony's laptops are expensive.. however, I believe the price justifies for a nicer design, nicer finish, and a gorgeous screen along with portability. It's a very powerful and beautiful machine in it's class.

 

What sort of a test was that? It looked like they're dropping it on a cushion for God's sake! I hardly think that demonstrates the VIAO Z is durable. I'll grant that they have good screens and they look nice. They're for PC users with Macbook envy! Check out these two vids using thinkpads http://video.google.com/videosearch...nCA302&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv#q=thinkpad test&emb=0 and here's how the Russians test Thinkpads... try to do that with one of those little lady purse VIAO's and then come back and we'll talk... http://video.google.com/videosearch...z=1B3GGGL_enCA302&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv#q=thinkpad test&emb=0

 

Ok guys here's the point. I and the others who have defended Sony's name are not "fan boys." In fact, I love my old IBM Thinkpad, and Dell Latitude. I believe Lenovo still makes quality laptops that are very durable. However, i do not agree with you when you say that Sony's laptops are expensive and not durable. I chose a Sony for my new laptop because it was cheaper than the Lenovo and in my opinion better looking. Notice i said MY opinion. Sony's definitely are durable with their magnesium and carbon fiber casing. So don't say they are not. Just focus on the review of the laptop you have experience with, not on bashing others you don't have a clue about.

 

Philosopherdog—thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and post some pictures.

On the topic of Sony, my previous notebook was a top of the line Sony SZ with carbon fiber and all that jazz so I’m in a good position to comment. Yes, the Sony was pretty/sleek. Yes, it was light. Yes, it was well built and the keyboard had no flex. Yes, the LCD screen is razor-thin and bright and I could go on. However, it also had its drawbacks. The razor-thin LCD bends easily—my ThinkPad doesn’t. Sony gets confused when the word x64 is mentioned for it’s top of the line SZ/Z product line—Lenovo readily supports x64. Much of the hardware in the Sony is proprietary and the ThinkPad, for a notebook, has far less of this and, as such, is far better supported by open source. The Sony was loud and got hot—my ThinkPad is the epitome of quietness and runs quite cool and I could go on and on here as well.

At the end of the day, if I was competing in an IT fashion contest, I’d kick *** with the Sony (or Apple), but if I want a workhorse of a machine, that’s x64, quiet and no frills, I’ve nearly found my dream with the ThinkPad.

Cheers.

 

just out of curiosity BinkNR, how much did you pay for those t400 specs? did u upgrade the hdd urself?

 

My T400 arrived the otherday -> was replacing an ageing Toshiba Tecra S1 (5 years of good service). Was quite impressed with the T400 -> keyboard and screen (LED) were great. I think I can't really comment what Thinkpads used to be like, but I did hit a showstopper and it's been declared DOA and on the way back to China.

I noticed right out of the box that the right hand front of the laptop flexes enormously (like the chassis is bent) -> see the video below (3Meg).

It took 2-3 calls per day to customer service to try to get a resolution and after 6 days I finally got a phone call back (as no-one seemed to have any idea how to approach it).

I'm still debating whether to go around a second time, but customer service has left a bad taste in my mouth. Has anyone else see the degree of flex on the front right palm rest on their T400? I simply can't believe you could make something so poorly (just hoping mine was a one off).

You can see the degree of flex in the youtube video -> just add the /v/HrerGDrMYlE after the dubdubdub youtube.com -> I can't post the real link till I make 15 posts.



Andy

 

Here's the link - Flexchassis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrerGDrMYlE

 

With tax, an extra adapter and three-year warranty brought the total to about 1400 USD. I purchased the HD aftermarket as I wanted a specific make and model.

 

Actually PC Magazine also rated the T4000 very highly and gave it the same editor's choice award.. Many other reviewers/sites gave very high ratings to the Sony Z and T4000 computers, so it's pretty much a consensus opinion among professional reviewers. BTW, a Z can now be had for < 1,5000$ so the price is pretty comparable. p.s. I've owned 3 thinkpads, and think they're also pretty nice (especially when they were made by IBM).

 

A Sony Z configured similarly to my T400 would set me back about 2500 USD—so I don’t consider these two comparable. However, I don’t think these two models compete in the same space and I’d consider the Sony to be more akin to ThinkPad’s X Series, which is also fairly expensive.

 

No I don't think that's a defect. That flex isn't in the palm rest. I think that's because the ultrabay is a wide open hole on that side. I don't think it's a problem. The left side is more rigid because there's no ultrabay on that side. Mine does the same thing.

 

Actually, I was going to say the same thing as this. Definitely tighten down the screws marked with the keyboard/palmrest symbol. Do it carefully with a small screwdriver. Once I did this the plastics were solid, but before that there was some flex. Definitely some flex around the pcmcia port, but I could probably put some paper around the little plastic insert to snug it in there a bit better.

 

To all those defending the Sony Z... chill. They're good machines. I'm mostly just teasing Sony Z people. After spending $3000 in Canada for something approaching the T400 I have sitting here I can understand why you're rushing to the defense of the Z. But to not be able to see any downsides to a machine is fanboy behavior. They're good machines, but I can buy 2 T400's for the price, and fashion doesn't matter to me in a computer. But I'd agree that the Z is more comparable to the X series which is a lot more expensive. Anyhow, I wanted to post some impressions of my T400; so, if you want to talk about the T400 please share your impressions for the benefit of others contemplating buying it. After tightening down the screws around the wrist rest and installing the Thinkvantage, which cured the CPU wine, I'm impressed, but notice I replaced my keyboard with a new IBM. I'm impressed by how solid Vista x64 is on this machine. Very nice. Personally if I did it again, I'd probably get a 4 cell, since I could live with less battery juice for a flush batter. It's not a perfect notebook, but I don't see anything in this price point (or within $500 of the price) that has the quality, power, screen, battery life, cooling features, etc. I've had good luck with Lenovo. They always answer their phone straight away, no phone circus. I appreciate that. Time will tell whether this machine is a good one. Sometimes it takes a few years for problems to emerge. The last HP I had died along with many other people's because of a defective MB. The good thing with the thinkpad is that you can definitely find parts for them.

 

Happens to be that I found this thread after a day of notebook searching. Spent some time in a computer super store; i was soooo let down on the lenovo line; cheap plastic, like cheap cars. Yes great keyboard, but the x300 has a different keyboard, there is obvious weakness in the casing, and the case is constructed of pieces, whereas competitors are using single piece casing.
The Sony Z is many times more impressive; the keyboard is more comfy than other sonys, the size rocks. Downs are that there is no dedicated page up/down home/end keys; it is a Fn arrow function. And there is no trackstick, which I love.
I am honestly torn at what to buy. The reason why Thinkpads have become so cheap is because they have become cheap. I was planning on buying one, but no way now. Even the HP dv4t was better, and I always hated HP's.
Dont know 'about the Dell, but it is looking better. I think these are all too heavy.

 

Philosphdog -- what is the CPU or HD whine? I ordered my T400 Nov. 16. I'll be using Win XP (company mandated), 9400 CPU, 160g 7200 HD. I am curious about "Thinkvantage". I read on another forum a post re HD and/or CPU noise or whine. Your solution was software, settings? Thanks

 

Also, I agree about the flush-to-the-case, 4 cell battery. I travel with the T400. Long flights overseas have A/C power, if I wanted to watch a movie - work on plane? - NO! Most carriers have excellent AVOD now anyway. There is A/C power in hotel. Hence, there really is no need for the 6 cell. Actually, anyone interested in a brand new 6 cell when mT400 arrives? I am definitely getting a 4 cell - lighter and fits my Roadwired case for travel. I am serious about unloading the 6 cell when it arrives in about a week.
Thnaks again.

 

If you decide you want to increase battery life, I'd also recommend the ultrabay battery to accompany the 4-cell battery. I have one on my Thinkpad and it usually adds 1-2 hrs of battery life. I think it's the only way to have a lighter, more portable 14" computer like the older 4:3 aspect Thinkpads.

 

Did anyone see this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8sOO-8LP4E . I thought it was pretty unfair. Glue around the monitor? Also, he's got a 9 cell and complains the machine weighs in at 5 lbs compared to his 13 inch. Also, I don't have a sticker along the top of the bezel nor is the plastic around the display cheap. I would agree that there's some flex around the wrist rest by the pcmcia slot. Also, I've got the backlit display and it's viewable from many angles. I agree that these TP's are not what the old ones were. What are the other options? I've never been impressed with Dell or HP, but am I overlooking some new amazing machine they have out?

 

I largely concur with you. Then again, who is this reviewer? The older ThinkPads were better made, we all concur with this, but they were also far more expensive. In fact, IBM sold this division because they couldn’t compete/make a decent profit with their higher-end products in comparison to the other “crap” being sold by other manufacturers. In order to better compete/make a better profit/be able to sustain the company, ThinkPads now are not as well made as they were before—but I still feel I have an excellent product for the price I paid and, IMHO, that’s all that really matters.

 

This guy was bound to upset some people, but I don't think that anything he pointed out was unfair. The sad fact is that the newer Thinkpads are not anywhere near the old Thinkpads as far as build quality goes. All he's doing is pointing out the differences. The reasons why Lenovo changed things are really irrelevant. The reality is that they did change things. Does that mean Thinkpads are crap now? Well, that's really up to each individual's opinion. I'm sure that they've lost some customers for sure. Personally, I still think they're better than most of the other notebooks out on the market, but I don't think there is anything unfair about pointing out that the quality has slipped, which is all the guy in the clip was trying to say (unless I missed something).

 

I don't actually agree that "that's all he was doing in the clip". He said a number of things that seem bizarre to me and quite misleading. I've never seen a notebook that had a glued screen, for instance, ***. There's no decal at the top of the bezel, not on mine. He's just making stuff up actually. The plastic around the screen is not thin, etc. Also, to expect a 14 inch notebook with a 9 cell sticking out of it to weigh under 5.5 lbs is hardly reasonable. No notebook on the market does that; this is the limitations of current batteries and processors. It can't be done. The new 13 inch Mac, which is thin and light weighs 4.5 lbs for a 13 inch with no 9 cell. Also, the 9 cell goes for more than 6 hours. I can get that out of my 6 cell. He's not even using any of the built in power save features like switchable graphics. So, lots of misinformation there. I do agree that the keyboard is not great, but still better than an HP, Gateway, or most Dells I'm sure of that. The only other thing that's not great is the plastic could have a bit more careful molding with less flex in a couple of places, but what Dell or HP or lower end Sony isn't going to have the same sort of issues? I think that you get what you pay for. These aren't $3000 notebook computers. Corners are being cut. No doubt about it. But for the money I think it's the best I've seen. The Macs look great but you can't even run MS Word on the thing because Word is always an afterthought for the Mac, unless you want to boot Windows on a Mac. The Sony SR 360 looks nice too but lots of little thing will no doubt bug you too, for starters it's a 13 inch, but it's light, looks well made, has switchable graphics, etc and comes in around $2000 in Canada once the dust settles, if you don't get Blueray. It's thin on ports, and I'm sure they keyboard is mediocre, but I haven't tried one out. They look nice. What else is there?

 

I agree with thaansa3. Quality has undeniably slipped with Lenovo, but so have the prices. IBM's standards were too high to compete with crap, since the majority of laptop users don't appreciate quality when it's there. Why buy an ultra nice Thinkpad for +$2000 when I can get an HP for -$1000? People can't tell the difference, and Thinkpads are supposedly fugly and boring. Personally, I'm okay with this.

If there was a quality:value bar with IBM, maybe it'd look like this:
quality---|------------------------value

With Lenovo, maybe it's like this:
quality----------|-----------------value

Which is perfectly fine, since Thinkpads are still in a league of their own.



Oh yeah, when I get my X200, I'll do a comparison to the 600X I'm currently using. Ugh, I can't wait to finally upgrade...

 

Well, you have your opinion (and are certainly entitled) and I have mine. I try to remain objective, no matter what I'm looking at. This case is no different. I don't know what his incentive would be to "make things up" or whatever. You seem to be taking all of this to heart; almost as if you hand-made the Thinkpad that he's reviewing. You even bring Macs into the conversation, and nobody was even talking about Macs. In the interest of not aggravating anyone, I'll stop here. Lenovo has definitely done enough to tarnish the Thinkpad name a little. We'll see if they continue to do so in the future.

 

Do you have a T400 over there? I have one here, and it's not just my opinion that that video had many falsehoods in it. I'm only interested in fairness. If you have some concrete objection to what I said in my previous post let's here it. Do you have some objection to some matter of fact? I wrote a pretty critical review that started this post, but it was fair and pretty balanced. That video was not, and I said why in my previous post. If you disagree, let's here why specifically.

IBM made great machines that most of us couldn't afford. Lenovo is making good machines we can afford; they're not IBM great, but they're better than most of the junk out there. It is obviously relevant to compare TP's to other available computers for the money, like Mac. Quality is after all, at least in part, relative to what else is available and the price. So let's not talk out our butts here.

 

That my friend says it all. ThinkPads are not the gold standard they once were, but I think they're still better than most of the most of the competition. The other issue is people pay half or less than what they used to, yet still expect the same level of quality, service and support. It seems an unreasonable proposition.

 

Dude, I don't care about your long-winded reasoning and Fox-newsish rants about being fair and balanced. That was kinda the point of my last post, though I didn't spell it out. Like I said, you're certainly entitled to all of your opinions. You can go on to write another dissertation about how false the video is if you'd like, but you're wasting your time if you're doing it for me. No doubt, a lot of people on here will agree with it because they may be just as sensitive as you are about the subject, but I just don't care as much, unfortunately. In fact, all I said was what you said in red (just not verbatim). Whatever though.

Enjoy your T400. It obviously makes your world go 'round. Maybe one day the whole world will see how superior the Thinkpads are and you won't be subjected to anymore unfair reviews on youtube or any other website. We'll all be using Thinkpads.

 

Sorry Thaansa, I am not hearing the specific point to which you are objecting with respect to the observations about the video. The video review does seem to discuss some items that are genuinely suspect.

 

Lenovo is made in China.

 

I assume that your comment "Lenovo is made in China." is meant to describe the diminished level of build quality that you feel can be expected.

Chyrslers, Fords and Chevrolets are made in Detroit (and other places around the USA).