R400 quick overview and build quality experience!

I guess you have no other options than to speak to Jamez again.

 

Short update:

Sent email to James yesterday, he promptly forwarded my email to the team for assistance last night (CET).
Got a call from Lenovo some minutes ago with offer to replace my machine for free.
Heres what they offer me:

ThinkPad L412
Model: 0553-6ZG

Specifications:

Intel Core 2 Duo i5-460 processor (2.53 GHz)
2 GB RAM
320 GB HDD
14." HD LCD display
ATI Radeon HD5145 graphic chipset
Integrated camera
Optical DVDRW drive
9 cell Li-Ion battery
Windows 7 Pro Operating System


What I like compared to my current R400:
Core i5
320Gb HDD
ATI graphics chipset

What I DONT like compared to my R400:
No 1440x900 option on this one, which was main reason I got my current R400, screen real estate!
No internal rollcage - this provides safer feeling about sturdiness compared to plain plastics
No ultrabay - wanted to add secondary HDD to this sucker
Doesnt have full sized classic ThinkPad keyboard - really like how it feels and looks, its really functional
No ThinkLight - its handy, have used it couple of times, still not as good as illuminated keyboard.
Not so many parts appear to be as easy user replaceable as R series, which means that in near future I might be unable to do repairs when warranty expires simply because ebay will not carry parts unlike it does for R series.

Im writing back right now.

 

I suggest you not take that "replacement" machine. What were they thinking?

They should have up-offered a T410 1440x900, et al., to compensate for all the troubles they had caused you.

 

Oh and another thing - no latch mechanism on L series, another big no for me.
I hate the idea of things getting under lid and brushing against lcd and other parts in case it opens up while being carried in bags.

 

They could have also offered the R400 even though it has been discontinued, but I am sure they have stocks lying around.

 

I was told that they cant offer me R400 because its EOL product and they dont distribute them anymore.
I suppose Lenovo doesnt have them in stock anymore and the one I bought was from last batch, hence the loaded system for very low price tag ($520+shipping to Europe 60$) that was on sale in mid-to-end of september.

I sent back an email describing things from my last post (except for the lack of latch mechanism, forgot about that) that dont satisfy me in L412 they have offered me as replacement.
I was polite, firm and once again, polite
Lets see if they have any answer by tomorrow, because starting thursday they will be on Christmas holidays.

 

Well...if they don't have the R400 (for the reasons that you mentioned), then at the least they should offer you the T400. The L series does not really match up with either the R400 or the T400 but then again, I am somewhat biased.

 

I doubt they will offer EOL products as replacement if they dont distribute and thus dont have them in stock anymore.
It may vary by region tho.

 

maybe ask for T410 instead, the L series is not something you should think about, unless you are downgrading due to budget constraints.

 

Or they might offering you an Edge....
I tried Edge 13 and it have a very good keyboard. Ask for a higher specs.

(get ready to get beaten....)

 

There is no way to accept Edge.
And yes, Im Think-ing about T410 as well, because while L series is considered by Lenovo as R series replacement, technically and feature wise it is no way a replacement for my R400.
L412 is really limited in what upgrades you can make to it.
R400 was not! As I already pointed out in my previous posts what exactly is lacking L412 offered compared to my current R400.

Some consider T410i as replacement for R series given its model specs, but I havent seen T410i with specs to match my R400 either

 

Got a response, Im offered T410:

2522-82G

i5-560M(3.20GHz), 3GB RAM, 320GB 7200rpm HD, 14.1in 1440x900 LCD, Intel HD Graphics, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn wireless, WWAN, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 9c Li-Ion, Win7 Pro 64

I suppose I cant pass this up, identical to my R400 except for higher CPU un bit more RAM and HDD

 

Uhm the processor is a 2.66ghz, the 3.2ghz is for turboboost which enables when only 1 core is needed, which is rarely.

Sounds like an upgrade to me. Also the Thinkpad R400 is a Core 2 Duo laptop, isn't it? You posted on a previous post that it was an i5. Anyways the i5 processor beats the core 2 duo by 40%~. The Intel HD graphics will certainly be an upgrade to the Intel X4500.

 

L412 they offered me was i5.
Im not sure about real life difference between Core2Duo and Core series laptops unless stressing CPU to the max.
I posted data from Lenovo IWS page, probably a typo giving turbo boost frequency as main one.

 

I think you should take it. It's a newer machine; decently spec'ed; and, if I am not mistaken, it can also be upgraded in terms of RAM, SSD etc. But that is only me.

Edit: I should also mention that it is bloody nice of Lenovo to offer you this as a replacement without a fuss - though in this case I think they were backed in a corner - somewhat!

 

Yeah, I was also surprised that after repeated complaint about issues not being solved by repair I was offered replacement instantly and not another repair.
I suppose it is known issue for their R400 last runs, thats why there was such quick response and no trading involved about future actions.
I already accepted their offer and should receive it within 10 business days.
Given that its now Christmas time and new year is coming too then it might take 2-3 weeks to deliver it, I assume.
Then again, I was dealing with Slovakian expert, while received DOA exchange email from german company, so it might after all be delivered sooner than I expect.
If latop comes from European warehouse.
If it comes from China, then probably first half of Januray
We'll see.

While its not yet resolved 100% Id like to thank everyone who participated in this thread with their opinions and experiences!
Special thanks to lead_org, James from Lenovo, Kristian from Lenovo, lineS_of_flight!

 

The slovakian experts are real experts at relationship marketing. See i am your Oracle of Delphi..... happy computing and happy new year.... your R400 suddenly became a T410.... i think there are a 21st century computer fairy around.

Given that Lenovo have been generous with your replacement offer, maybe you should give a brief summary of what happened in the closing posts of your thread, so people can get the zest of what happened without having to re-read through the whole thread (unless they want to that is).

I am envious of you veer.... good stuff mate.

 

Considering all the problems it's nice to hear a happy ending. I think you got a great deal getting the T410 in place of the R400 considering it is more powerful and slightly thinner.

You also managed to avoid the heavy depreciation costs of owning the R series as T series generally hold their value better due to demand too. So Veer looks like you got a Win-Win situation here, well done!

 

Thanks guys, I just truly hope that T410 wont have any hardware or build issues. R400 was a pain to be on hold all the time with its problems, it didnt seem wise to invest into upgrades for it when I had no idea what will happen to it after service etc.
Hopefully T410 will serve me well.

So yeah, Im happy Im getting T410 that actually besides RAM and HDD pretty mutch matches my R400 spec wise, only differences that its newer model (hence the Core i5 which in Core series probably is the same as T9xxx was in Core2Duo series).
Beside some port changes, better CPU and different design there is nothing new to T410 and nothing it can do better than R400 IMO.

Probably within couple of weeks we will see even newer T420 being released if Lenovo goes to 16:9, so no need to get envyous, its soon to be outdated anyway

Ill post summary in separate post, writing it now...

 

Don't go second guessing what you are going get already! Just sit back and wait for it. I am sure you will have a good experience and now you know that if you don't you have a positive experience (insofar as service is concerned) to fall back on.

So, congrats again on your "new" machine! And, looking forward to your write up on it!

 

The Core i5 560M actually outperforms the highest Core 2 Duo T9xxx according to the CPU charts of Notebook Check. - Link

 

Sure it does, I was talking about branding and this is where T9xxx are the same as i5 or even dual core i7, not performance wise but branding wise where the T9xxx were the bad mofos of mobile computing in Core2Duo era and now its i5/i7 that are ruling mobile computing world.

Nah, Im not second guessing or stressing of possibility of it being faulty, I just really hope given faulty parts my R400 had that replacement should be OK and not disappointing since Ive read plenty of threads about T410 and I doubt that there are any surprises to discover

_______________________________________________________________


Ok, so the long story short!

I bought brand new ThinkPad R400 at the end of september, received it in the beginning of october.

I noticed that it was poorly packaged or mistreated during boxing in factory.
Next thing I noticed was amount of flex, screaks and creaks of plastic parts as well as some unknown residue on LCD that couldnt be removed.
During testing I also found out that left upper part of LCD get ripples if pressure applied to the back of LCD.

After short consultation with other members and posting videos here I got confirmation that there is definitely something wrong with my laptop.

So I called IBM service, went to their service center only to be told not to push on laptop lid and that plastic parts are not being covered by Lenovo policy and that my laptop basically is not faulty and everything is fine with it.

Back home I wrote my negative experience@NBR boards that I had with local IBM Latvia service and was directed to contact member who happen to work for Lenovo.

I made email with videos showing all things that made me cautious and sent them to Lenovo employee I was told to (JamesZ).
James from Lenovo sent my email to the team that deals with such things. Main problems were rippling LCD, moving right palmrest and moving HDD cover. Other issues turnet out to be not issues but normal construction traits for modern ThinkPads and their plastic parts which to be honest dont bother me anymore as long as there are no structural shortcomings and laptop doesnt fall apart and dont interfere with user experience.

Some week or two after initial visit to service I received call from IBM Latvia telling that they have work plan from Lenovo and that my laptop issues will be checked and repaired, they didnt quite mention in detail which problems exactly will be addressed.
Some minutes after this I got call from Lenovo Slovakia and was informed that my LCD panel will be replaced due to residue on it, LCD flex thing will be solved, palmrest problem and HDD cover problem will be solved.

I didnt have time and it was almost month until I had free time to go to service and get if fixed.
I carried it in and got it back within some 40 minutes, I powered it up and checked LCD rippling - no such thing.
Later that night during inspection I found out that there is still palmrest move, hdd cover move as well as keyboard wasnt seated properly and LCD plastics came loose after testing its rigidity and also bulge above ThinkPad logo on LCD cover which I cant recall being there prior to LCD replacement.
I made again video of palmrest and HDD cover problems and pictures with description about things that seemed wrong to me after laptop coming from service and sent them to the same Lenovo employee that I sent email first time.

Within hours I received an answer that my case has been forwarded to the team that deals with such problems.

Next day I receive call from the same Lenovo Slovakia employee with whom I had good communication month or so before and hes saying that my machine will be replaced free of charge with new laptop and that email with offered replacement machine is being sent to me.

I receive an email and see that they offer L412 with lesser specs/options than my R400 has.

I answer that L412 isnt replacement for the specs and options my R400 has.

Next day I get an email offering T410 with all the specs that I have in my R400. I accept the offer.

I should receive my replacement laptop within approx 10 working days.

There will be another update when I receive it just to let you know that R400 saga is is finally over

 

YES!!! Congratulations.

 

I've been following up on this thread and I am pleased to hear that things worked out for you! I was aghast at the shabby treatment you were receiving

Happy Holidays!

Edit: Did I mention how green w/envy I am?!

 

Thanks, turqoisegirl08 !

Just a quick question:

When I return my laptop for replacement what should be included with it?
Battery, power cord with power adapter and laptop thats as usual. Do I need to include all software CD's that came with it as well?

Overall its been failing me again and again, one day Win7 started to act weird and DVD drive stopped working, after putting back factory XP install and working flawlessly for some couple days last night I noticed weird buzz somewhere between ODD and CPU - display started to reboot annoyingly often, sometimes even 5 times within minute.
Not sure whats the cause, Ive ran system update and should update BIOS today, hope that will fix it till I receive replacement.

I was told by email that my replacement should arrive within 10-14 days, that was on 22.December. And that my order will have more details about it within 2-3 working days and all I have is "In progress, delivery date not known yet" and no progress and thats since 22.dec
Im going to wait for one more week and then contact Lenovo.

 

all that came with the R400 should be returned. Europe air freight is in disarray right now, due to the recent weather problems.

 

Congrats! Glad it worked out.

 

Cool, thanks
I hoped at least some change in status saying something of it at least being shipped out from factory or awaiting for shipping.

 

Very nice Veer! Congrats! Glad things worked out! And, to be honest, envious that you are getting the T410 as a replacement. I am sure you will have fun with the machine!

 

I wouldnt mind if mine had been replaced with R400, but since its not available anymore Im getting T410.
On the other hand - if your R400 fails within warranty period and cant be repaired you could get either pimped out R replacement or even latest and greatest T series !
Id say it all looks good as long as it works the way it should !

 

In a way that possibly reflects well on the build quality of the R400 that I have, I don't think it is going anywhere anytime soon! Plus the fact that I have the 3 yr IWS, which means that I can't do mods to the machine that I would like to - say, for example, get a higher res screen. I would most likely add an SSD by the end of this year (hopefully, the prices would come down somewhat by then). Besides that there is very little I can do without breaking the warranty, which I would not like to do.

 

Finally back in city after vacation and got my T410 delivered today.
Now, the question is, what should I do with it, should I keep it or should I get rid of it without unpacking and get X201 instead ?
Oh, dilemma...
I would enjoy using my R400, it failed me and I was sent out T410.
After using R400 for some while and my girlfriends 12" TravelMate Im starting to think that I want 12" ultraportable as my main machine and not 14" one, even if it means no WXGA+ resolution on equally powerful X series.

 

This is what is probably what "give a man an inch he wants a yard" means!

You now have a brand new and hopefully well built machine and now you are thinking about a different class of machines!!!! I wish I had your problem!

 

Well, I was soo going to sell this baby to get X201 or X220 later this summer !

Im so glad I didnt and just ripped the packing material off and booted it, some neat surprises hidde, like, Gobi2000 WWAN installed !
Looks is so damn sexy, much better than my R400, mind you !
Feel is much better and it doesnt creak or squeak when being handled!
Feels sturdier and tad bit lighter with 9 cell battery than my R400 with 9 cell.
Now, just while typing this noticed famous "CPU whine" and fan ramping up to what it hears max, I guess unlike R400 this one will need TPfancontrol treatment, at least Ill learn something new
Running from battery atm.

Overall - impresed with the build quality, looks and how bright the screen is compared to R400+more natural looking, it seems that R400 has some sort of greenish tones to it.

Any questions regarding T410 or R400 or one vs another feel free to ask, I might post some pictures if someones interested by tomorrow evening CET

PS. This ones got European keyboard with large enter key which I missed on my R400!
Funny thing - T410 was shipped with power cord that has GIANT UK plug lol.

 

@ veer...say a bit more about the CPU whine...very audible? Under what conditions does it come on or become heghtened?

And, don't say the T410 "looks" better than the R400...it does not - at least my R400 looks better than a T410 and feels sturdier than the T410 (at least that's what my eyes tell me and will continue to tell me till I own this R400... )

Your R400 must have been a really bad one wasn't it? Creaking palm rests, other problems, not so good screen etc...

 

You know, thinking back over my experience with Lenovo/ IBM warranty and service when I had problems with my new R400, it now seems odd that whenever the engineers came over to my place to either check things out and/ or to try replacing things (like the palmrest), they always agreed with me that there was a problem with my particular unit. They also agreed with me that the problem should be fixed by Lenovo/ IBM and what's more they were more than willing to mention it in their service reports.

It's another matter that their managers needed a whole lot more of convincing!

 

Well, so far it started to run both on battery and on AC power after some minutes playing with it when I first powered it up.
Temperatures stay below 40 degrees while browsing internet and fan blows full force, tried to change power plan, settings in BIOS and that helped for couple of minutes to take it to lower speeds but after some minutes it ramped up back to max sounding like hairdryer.
I have not updated drivers on it, I hope it will solve issues, if not, TPFancotrol it is

And yes, fan is really annoying, while I NEVER heard fan on my R400 unless putting ear next to airvent just to hear air blowing and only HDD was audible the fan on T410 is really loud Only real downside of this notebook, hopefully fixable


And yes, this thing looks much better in real life than in pictures IMO

 

Maybe the fan issue is related to the slightly slimmer design of the T410 - though a friend's T410 does not seem to have this fan noise issue as far as remember. I wonder what else could be the problem?

Btw, how is the keyboard?

 

Keyboard is fine, I might readjust to some key placement changes due to going from US keyboard to European keyboard layout with larger Enter key and thus some keys are placed differently.
Overall it feels with bit shorter travel than R400, bit more silent, feels nice and bit more responsive than the one I have in my R400. Large ESC and DEL keybs are welcome additions.

I was rather surprised that after only one attempt at repairing palmrest issue I was called the next day and told that the laptop will be replaced free of charge.
Rep that I spoke with didnt even mention about bringing it in for another repair, first words were about issuing replacement.
I think Lenovo knows about this problem that R400 has, apparently it might be some defective batch of laptops.

 

Most likely yes because in my case they replaced it with a brand new machine and whose build quality is fantastic. I requested the change in the keyboard because I wanted an NMB board and this was done without a question being asked.

 

Btw, what do you think would be the best screen (1440x900) possible for the R400? And, do you think Lenovo/IBM would have it for sale? If I replace the screen, I would most likely have the IBM folks do it for me.

 

fan in T410 can be annoying at max settings (around 4300 rpm).
Using any fan controlling software we can easily make it almost silent

Mine when on battry use fan speed 1 which is 2000rom

When docked it goes up do speed 2 which is 3600rpm and still not that much unpleasent or very noisy.

Highest speed is noisy but who is stressing laptop all the time to get to that stage?