T400 Consolidated List of Issues

To be clear, these are not issues apparent on every T400. It is a consolidated list of experiences from many sources, often with only 1-3 of any of the below symptoms at most.


List them here please for everyone. So far I've seen:

Flexible keyboard
Blinding Thinklight
Flex over the expansion card slots
Flex over the Ultrabay
Flex around the Thinkvantage button
Non-working recovery disks, that when made remove the recovery partition
Non-working recovery partition
Non-calibrated LCD panels with bluish hue
Sporadic pop-ups related to defective fingerprint scanner
Dead pixels
Abnormal RAM usage (memory leak?) when using discrete graphics for 3D applications
Stuttering 3D game (WoW) performance
Tilted LCD panel
Loose palm rest
Bulge on top and around display casing
Rattling sound inside when tilting left and right

 

I think a lot of those issues can get cleared up with a replacement keyboard.

The other issues, don't seem to be that big.
1. How often do you really need the ThinkLight?
2. The LCD is an old issue with Samsung panels. Calibration is possible.
3. Fingerprint scanner isn't a total necessity. Just make a stronger password.

 

It's funny how people buy a Thinkpad and expect it to be a super ultimate armor grade laptop. Every laptop has their flaws. Thinkpads have dropped in quality a bit, but they're still decent, you know.

 

You should be more specific....people who don't know about T400 will have a misunderstanding that all of this issues occur on a single laptop....flexible keyboard is an issue.....but some issues don't seems to be common for everyone....please indicate that too plz

 

Updated as indicated

 

thank you....now it looks a lot better

It would be nice if someone who knows how to solve these problems come to post on this thread

 

This isn't a T400 bashing session. It's to inform owners and potential buyers so they can be educated and make educated decisions without having to dig through pages and pages of forum posts.

 

lol mine has like all of those.. I still love it (kinda)

 

How many dead pixels you have? That's the only hard defect which you can ask for a replacement if standard meets. Games or "memory leaks" or "non-working recovery thing" all software, configuration issues.

I didn't even order fingerprint reader thing, because I don't think any manufacture has the software part sorted out (have one on wife's HP, disabled it after 3 annoying days).

After all it's a plastic box and only a few ponds. Expect a M1 Abraham all the time? Hammer is a lot more popular than M1 in Iraq!

Think Light is a great feature for a lot of people when used occasionally. Do you really need to use it often? If you do, use a piece of plastic tape to dim it.

What else? even the keyboard is a over blow hyped issue if the review doesn't have a picture of the back of the keyboard posted. I bet a lot of people only start to press test the keyboard after reading that review.

What else? nothing, enjoy your new thinkpad!

 

Memory leaks and non-working recovery software are defects where I come from. Gotta' be honest both ways.

 

Totally agree, since I am in the software business. defects are defects, but you should list/complain to the software makers, especially they are not pre-installed by Lenovo anyway.

How could you list them as T400 consolidated issues? Gotta' be honst, if you got a virus by surfing a bad site, can you blame it on your ThinkPad??

 

I'm assuming (keyword) the memory leak/stuttering is caused by the driver responsible for switchable graphics and not 3D games in general (or CoD/WoW specifically). The driver and the recovery software are both pre-installed by Lenovo as far as I know.

 

i love that idea and i think that's exactly what this thread is supposed to deliver

 

Games are demanding, it's always a hit or miss playing on business notebooks. Many people spend thousands on cpu/ram/graphic card to build a decent box for games. The recovery software is not written for a single thinkpad, it's written for all. It gotta be working for 99.9% thinkpads/configurations. IF it doesn't work in a specific setup, I'd blame on technical support. No software can handle 100% scenarios. However, technical support is a weak spot for all computer business, because it's a very low pay, yet occasionally could be very demanding job. It's very hard to retain talented people there.

The bottom line is that the list could almost apply to all laptops, regardless of brands, it's not T400 specific. In fact, ThinkPad line has very strong reputation exceeding many other makes.

 

Question -- what is not working about the recovery media? First thing I did was burn a set of media, swapped hard disks to a 250GB/7200rpm drive, then used my freshly burnt media to "recover" onto that fresh disk and it went fine. Some parts weren't as clear as they could be, but it worked just fine.

and as another for what it's worth - I don't know about WoW, but I played through Portal with nary an issue.

As to the Thinklight - while I can tilt the screen far enough back to where it shines in my eyes, that's way past where I normally keep the screen. It works just fine when the screen is square-on to my eyes. Since that's the range where any LCD will give its best image, I'm puzzled why people would tilt them back further. Perhaps some units have it misplaced in the bezel, or are people not looking square-on at their screens? (and if so, why?)

And OMG, like if I push down really hard on the speaker grilles, they move too! Better add Speaker Flex to the major issues list! (Seriously, I think this flex thing is blown WAY out of proportion)

 

How did you make the disks (how many total?)

There are two options: Create Product Rescue and Recovery and Create Rescue Media

 

Not trying to argue with you, but the list is specific to the T400. The issues are just not necessarily unique to the T400.

 

what really are you trying to say???

 

That defects are defects regardless of circumstances and whether or not they are also present in other manufacturers' laptops. And no matter how demanding a game may be, it does not cause a memory leak. Anyway, this is detracting from the purpose of the thread, which is to educate consumers. Anyone notice any other defects or inconsistencies?

 

memory leak in this case is purely about buggy game software, which has nothing to do with thinkpad. BTW "Memory leak" is a fancy term, usually people who say it don't really have a clue about it (consumers don't really know what a memory leak is, even junior developers have hard time to understand it).

It's a pretty big term or task trying to "educate" consumer, especially with some "user errors" and inability to use a pc. Sorry, it's not about you, whenever I got a new pc, I'll wipe out everything, partition the HD, and install OS from scratch. I understand it's a bit above the norm, but the point is that I take control of the OS and above, I don't blame the hardware for the issues that is truly related to OS or games. Gosh, why we are talking about games???

 

Anyone mention turbo memory?

 

This is true. I pressed on the keyboard a few times harder than usual because of the review and feedback from other owners. However, when I actually observed/experienced the issue first hand, it was during some normal typing/when I really wasn’t looking for it. When you go from a very solid keyboard design on a notebook that you use daily—to the T400—it is easy to see where it falters (including the annoying misplaced Fn key).

Cheers.

 

My personal opinion:

Is it really that bad? I'll soon know because a friend has ordered a T400, but frankly I think that a lot of people only remark it because of the review.

I expect this to be equal on all T400's? Yeah, it's quite stupid if it is. I use the ThinkLight almost daily.

Equal with T61. Stick something in it and it's probably gone.

Offcourse that's really irritating since you are always pressing on that unused space on the right side of the keyboard Probably you have a good idea how to make it sturdy and keeping that large big hole (ultrabay) intact?

Well, who needs that button anyway? Same with T61 btw

Why would you want working recovery disks? You shouldn't want the full-of-crap standard installation with Beta drivers.
BTW; that's a software isssue.

See above. Who cares? Delete it already and enjoy the additional storage space.

Well, that's only a minor problem compared to the use of TN panels in laptops. Crap or blue crap. Yeah, the latter is double stupid yeah, but even if they are good calibrated it are bad panels anyway.

Arrange a repair from Lenovo I would suggest or disconnect the whole thing.

Well, every model of every manufacturer has that problem.

Well, that's also a software problem. Are you also gonna blame Vista as a T400 problem?

Who wants to play WoW anyway ?



Compare it to what the guys in the other camps get:

overheated lap.. eh notebooks in the Apple camp
cracked hinges in the Acer camp
trackpoint print on the LCD in the Dell camp

Yes, also ThinkPads have some problems. But I prefer them over the problems that the competition has. It would be nice if it was even more build like a tank, but I think you can only pick two of those three properties (just like when you are looking for a tripod):
-weight
-good price
-sturdy

Please don't consider this as a big flame.

Btw: I have a T61 766416U


If I may suggest some other "issues":

-can't charge two batteries (ultrabay / main) at the same time. It takes forever for that last 10% of the main battery to charge before it's gonna charge the Ultrabay battery. There should be two charging circuits or at least a better powermanager that allows you to charge them both to, say, 80% before it's gonna trickle charge the last few percent.

-no 4:3 model anymore. I still blame myself for not having waited a few more weeks for the T61 4:3. 1440x900 is a very stupid resolution imo. The vertical resolution is too low to read any document comfortably and it doesn't allow my to run Age of Empires II on 1280x1024. Instead you get stuck with 1024x768. I would like to see a T400 with 1400x1050 LCD or even 1600x1200
Also consider that the 6 cell accu sticks out on the T61 14"W while it doesn't on the 4:3, so the whole story of smaller dimensions with WS are also BS since the footprint of a T61 14" W with 6 cell is even bigger than that of a T61 4:3 with 6 cell battery.

-no eSata. Come on; as far as I know the PM965 has three S-ATA ports. It seems the Ultrabay has just switched to S-ATA; fine. Sata #1 for the internal HDD, Sata #2 for the Ultrabay, Sata #3 in the docking connector? Hmmm, it doesn't look that way since we don't have a Docking Station with Sata ultrabay. So they could have easily implemented a eSata connector I think. A USB 2.0 external drive gets you 30 MB/s, the WD My book Home Edition 1 TB I have runs 75MB/s trough eSata

 

I used the Create Product Recovery Media tool. Three disks. First should/could have been a CD I guess; I inadvertently used a DVD but the system boots from DVD just fine. This media created a fresh image on the new hard disk; including the S: and Q: partitions.

I don't know about Rescue Media - I use Acronis True Image for backups.

 

There's seem to be to much talk about keyboard flex....I believe that new Thinkpad users won't be able to notice the flex until they read the review and start pressing it hard everywhere (especially the keyboard). I have an HP laptop that basically flex on the keyboard at normal typing....There seems to be much more problems with the other brands' model than with the Thinkpads.... overheating problems, cheap parts, or defective GPU

 

Keyboard flex may be an imperfect surrogate here. The real issue is keyboard feel. I replaced my T400's keyboard with the previous model, and there's a big improvement in feel. I look forward to more data points here--more comments from T400 owners who have replaced their keyboards, and more reviews of the T400 by people with extensive ThinkPad experience.

As for the other issues in this thread, my recovery disk creation went fine, I have no dead pixels, and my screen doesn't have any apparent blue tint. The only flex in my case that I've noticed is at the front right edge, where the hard drive holder meets the case, which creaks if I squeeze it. At some point I'll try lubricating the joint to see if it stops the creaking.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the T400.

 

Which part number do you guys show for those with LED backlit panels?

You can look it up here:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...=/partslookup/partsLookup.vm&sitestyle=lenovo

Type is 2764 for CTO (Configure to Order) models and the serial number can also be found on the order status page if yours has shipped already.

I'm showing Mfg part #: 42T0497 for the panel. I wonder if that changes to reflect LG vs Samsung.

 

I also had a problem with the recovery disks.

My 3rd disk would always fail to burn. First two, no problem, but every time it failed to burn the 3rd disk.

Luckily I haven't needed it.

 

lots of good listed points in this thread. Does lenovo go through hardware enhancements? Maybe the next iteration of t400 would have these issues sorted out?

 

Added low speaker volume to the list

 

I'm quite impressed with the sound on my T400, regardless of all it's current problems.

 

I have no issue with this. Then again, this is a business notebook and not a stereo system.

 

Supposed to get my T400 tomorrow, so I'll see what that particular poster meant by low speaker volume. I agree, it's not a multimedia-focused monstrosity like some HPs and Toshibas I've seen.

 

If only one person is complaining about the sound volume, I wouldn’t consider it an issue.

 

Yep, that's why I put a specific qualifier next to it. I'll verify tomorrow and take it down.

 

What? You haven't got your T400 yet? and making up a list? I thought you got a lemon and really pissed. Man, if I were you I'd cancel it in a heart beat and run to Best Buy buy something you can get your hands on first.

 

Nope, just trying to make a list. I like to have all the info upon which I can make rational decisions. I think others feel the same way.

 

If that's the case, I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised when you receive your sparklingly new T400. Good Luck!

 

buddy most of your "issues" are actually non-issues. Please stop hyping everything.

edit: here we go, a quote from the SAME THREAD that you quoted for "low speaker volume".

One guy says "low volume", the other is "super impressed". What say you? Please end this thread now unless you have something concrete to report.

 

I wish my customers were as zealous and forgiving as you.

The reality is, if I ship (as my company is a software development and hardware/software solutions provider) a system and any part of it doesn't work, it's shame on me. My software and systems engineers didn't do their jobs and/or weren't managed properly. I don't blame my OS provider or any of the 3rd party software I choose to integrate. Why? Because I chose them, should've tested them and worked closely to integrate them.

Lenovo isn't just a hardware manufacturer. In fact their FRU and CRU components are 3rd party manufacturers. They are a systems integrator, which includes in-house developed hardware and software as well as 3rd party hardware and software.

A defect is a defect is a defect.

 

1. Flexes a bit but overall I'm quite alright with it. Key response feels similar or maybe better than my T43p but the flex is maybe mildly more.
2. Mine isn't blinding... never used it much on my T43p or X31 anyway so I'm not sure I'm going to find that to matter anymore in this case.
3. Same as my T43p
4. A little play, seems similar to my T43p.
5. I'm not finding much flex around my ThinkVantage button.
6. I was able to make recovery discs. Removing the recovery partition was a second option which I did once the discs were made.
7. The S partition? haven't used it
8. Different display types (I have the LG panel). I've not seen any precalibrated laptop display that was worth much. Far better to do it yourself.
9. I've read about this but my fingerprint reader has been fine so far.
10. I got lucky on this, no dead pixels here. But that's a gamble and can happen with any display/laptop.
11. Haven't run anything with 3D graphics so I couldn't say. Probably a driver issue if it's true.
12. Don't play games much, and definitely no WOW!
13. Low speaker volume? Really? They seem more than loud enough to me and probably louder than my T43p and possibly X31. For as long as I can remember people have complained about quiet thinkpad speakers, these seem like an improvement to me.

 

What on earth is the difference? I assume rescue media is to rebuild a custom drive image after you've installed stuff and the product rescue and recovery returns to factory condition. I made the product rescue and recovery media (put it on 3 DVDs).

 

One to add (at least for me). On battery power, I get a very quiet but audible buzzing/static from the speakers. This goes away when I plug the AC in. I'd be very interested if others have this problem. I also need to verify that it happens in Windows as well as Linux.

As for the rest, here are a few other issues I've had:

- I created recovery disks, as asked. I even burned the first disk twice, once to a CD and once to a DVD. Both CD's boot up but then the recovery software says 'insert 1st disk', and none of the 3 DVD's I burned (one rescue and 2 product recovery) will be recognised by as the '1st disk'. Since the disks were verified after the burn, I deleted the partition, so now I can't reburn them. Luckily, I run Linux, and it resized the windows partition just fine, so this isn't much of an issue for me.

- My thinklight isn't blinding at all, so I don't have that issue.

- Keyboard slightly flexes over the ESC key, which is mildly annoying because I use 'vi' as my editor of choice.. but it's still better then any laptop I've ever used.

- The case flex around my expresscard slot is a little more annoying since I often grab the notebook by that corner, but the rest of the system is quite solid.

- The few times I tried the fingerprint reader in Windows, it worked fine. It isn't supported under Linux, which is my issue with it. I'm assuming everyone has the same AuthenTec 2810 device as I do?

Since I don't run windows I can't comment on the other software related issues.

Please note I've very happy with my T400 and that these are minor nits.

 

pianomano8, that sound is normal only if you have the speakers turned all the way up. But otherwise you shouldn't hear static. BTW which Linux distro do you run on the T400? I heard the Intel Wifi 5100/5300 is only supported in the 2.6.27 line of kernels.

 

Nope, definitely happens whether the sound is muted or not, and at any level, and with the microphone muted. And it definitely goes away when the AC adapter is plugged in. Seems like it's obvious electrical noise on the speaker line. I'll boot it into windows later and check to see if it happens under windows too. If noone else has this problem, maybe it's worth it to bug lenovo for a replacement/fix. If other people have it though, odds are any replacement I get will have the same issue so it's not worth it.

The linux stuff is offtopic for this thread, but I posted some of my adventures with Linux on the T400 online at http://www.clemensfam.org/john . If people are interested in more 'Linux on T400' stuff, let me know there and keep this thread on topic. There you'll see that I run Ubuntu Intrepid and I got the Thinkpad abg card (atheros based) and not the intel wifi, thinking I was clever.. only to discover that I probably needed 2.6.27+ and the open source ath5k driver to support it anyway, as the latest released madwifi driver doesn't.

 

pianomano8, there is a Linux on T400/500 thread in the Linux forum here. It would be great if you could report your experiences there. I for one need to install Linux on this machine for work, but I have been waiting to read others' reports on compatibility with the new components (specifically the X4500 graphics and the 5100/5300 wifi cards).

The Linux thread is here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=292875

 

You can blame Microsoft for a lot of those things, however they really have little to do with it. Most of the blame falls on shoddy drivers from companies too lazy to get things right.

 

Removed low speaker volume. Not sure what the other guy was saying, perhaps it's an isolated case or unrealistic expectations.

Added:
Tilted LCD panel
Loose palm rest
Bulge on top and around display casing
Rattling sound inside when tilting left and right

I'm pretty disappointed with this build quality. Worse than consumer Dells I've purchased. Wow, software issues galore too. It's always nice when the LCD panel turns completely off on first boot.

 

Please don’t take this as an offense, but you’re really nitpicking/cherry picking here—and you don’t even own one. Take a break on this. No notebook/vendor is perfect. While it does have some issues, and some of these are worse for others, this is one of the best notebooks I’ve owned/used.

 

I have no issues with my T400. I even found the ATI drivers on the Lenovo website for XP.