New T500 - Problems / First Impressions

I bought a new T500 to replace my "old" T60 Thinkpad and after a long wait it arrived a couple of weeks ago.

When the computer arrived, the deception: Lenovo did not sent me the correct configuration. I ordered a computer with WSXGA (1680x1050), TurboMemory and fingerprint reader. They sent me a computer with WXGA (1280x800) and no TurboMemory / Fingerprint Reader. I don´t live in the US, so sending the computer back to Lenovo would be costly and I guess it would take too long time. So I decided to keep it. At least they sent me a refund of US$175 to compensate for the error they made.

The machine has the following general hardware spec:

- T500 2242 CTO
- T9400 (Core2Duo 2.53)
- 3GB RAM
- 160GB HD 7200 RPM
- WXGA Screen
- x4500HD graphics (no discrete graphics)

It is pretty fast, much more than my previous thinkpad. This is great. I installed ´Windows 2008 Server´ and it is running Ok (and fast). It accepted the drivers for Vista, as both OSs share the same core. The only driver I could not found on the Lenovo website was the one for the x4500HD graphics card, but it was available on the Intel website. I also had a problem with the Lenovo 'System Update' software. It triggers an error when trying to update the system. The other Thinkvantage applications are running Ok.

I tested the Vista Aero interface and it´s fast, but I reversed back to the ´Windows Classic´ theme (personal preference - don´t like the Aero interface). I also played some HD movies (MKV files) with Windows Media Player Classic and found that the x4500HD graphics can handle the task very well. As I don´t plan to play games on this machine, I can say that the x4500HD is Ok for my current needs.

Overall I found the computer Ok, but unfortunately it looks "cheaper" than my previous one (T60). The keyboard is definitely of worse quality!!! I think they´re trying to cut costs at all costs, and the quality is beeing affected. For example, the power cord is thinner and the power adapter is smaller and fragiler, but these are not "essencial" components like the keyboard. You can argue that a thinner power cord and a smaller power adapter contributes to a lighter travel package, but there´s nothing that justifies what they did to the keyboard.

I used to buy a new notebook every two years. And I was a loyal Thinkpad customer (didn´t even check other brands). Now, due to this last experience, I think I´m going to look at other brands on my next aquisition.

 

Did you get the model with the LED screen?
If so, how's the 1280 resolution? I want to get one of these for the faster graphics card and HDMI port, but the resolution is what's turning me off

 

No, It's not the LED one. And I'm still getting used to the WXGA resolution, but it does not compare to the WSXGA I was using before. If you wanna have a lot of "screen real state", go for the WSXGA.

 

Well, the good thing is that many report that you can use the T60/61 keyboard in the new T500 models. That may improve your situation a bit.