Quick T400 Review from college student

Received my T400 a couple days ago. Needless to say, I love it. My previous laptop was a Sony Vaio Vgn-N130g, 1.7ghz Dual Core, 1 GB Ram, about 2 yrs old. This is my first Thinkpad.

T400 Specs: P8600 2.4 Ghz, 3 GB Ram, Integrated Graphics, LED Screen (LG), 100GB 7200 RPM, Vista Business 32 Bit, 6 Cell

This is a very solid notebook. There is some flex on the upper left side, but only when pressing on those keys specifically testing for flex. I find no flex under normal stress levels (ie normal typing). The laptop does not feel as indestructible as I had expected, but it is very solid.

Speed is very good compared to my Sony, but I have yet to clean it up so it is still bloated. Quickbooks takes longer to load then I thought but it is a heavier program, still takes less time than on my Sony.

The screen is awesome, my Sony's screen is great, but when the T400 is next to it there is no comparison. The whites are SO bright and clean. I have an LG screen FWIW.

It is still very light with the 6 cell and battery life is good, I like the integrated Lenovo power management tools.

All in all, I love this laptop. I paid ~$1020 and its definitely worth it. I was going to get another Sony for about ~1400 with similar specs, and I know this laptop is superior. I am happy with my purchase. With regard to the hotly debated "keyboard flex" topic, it does exist when you look for it. That is the thing though, you have to look for it to find it. Under normal conditions you won't notice it. However, even when under serious stress my Sony keyboard doesn't flex at all....but it doesn't have a trackpoint, which I love.

 

what made you choose the T400 over the Sony Z? No HDMI/Display port on the T400, right?

We're considering the T400 or T500 for web designer, Z screen 13'1" is a little small, glad to hear you're pleased with the T400 screen, that's an important factor.

How is it for weight, using on your lap, carrying around.

Enjoy your new notebook!

 

I love the weight, my previous Sony was 15.4" and much heavier. It is amazing on my lap, very sturdy. I forgot to mention that. Carrying it around is good, it has a portable kinda feeling to it. The T400 does not have an HDMI port, which is lame as I would like to hook it up to my TV and watch divx movies but oh well I guess...I ended up going with the T400 due to price, I got it when there was a good discount.