T400 RAM, HDMI, Ethernet and battery questions

I'm moving the my questions from the "what laptop to buy?" forum since this seems more tappropriate. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=337296

I have largely settled on the T400 with this config:

Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Operating system12 Genuine Windows Vista Business 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/LED
ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
hard drive cache Intel Turbo Memory 2GB
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
System expansion slots Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Bluetooth Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Wireless card 10 Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)
Mobile Broadband Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
6 cell Li-Ion Battery

I still have a few questions:

Video output: Anyway to get an HDMI output on this machine? Or is it only available thru the docking station?

Does this have a 10/100/1000 Ethernet jack? I need one and it doesn’t say anything about that? Or is this just the docking station also? I don't want to pay $200 or $300 for a dock for an ethernet jack.

RAM.
I'm going with Vista 32-bit business. The question is whether Vista 32-bit ever be able to access 4 gigs of RAM? If so, do I just get 2 GB RAM from Lenovo now and buy another 2 gig for $50 thru Newegg? Or should I just stick with the 3GB from Lenovo? If later, I go from 3 GB RAM to 4 GB, do I just need to replace the 1 GB SODIMM with a 2 GB SODIMM?

Any thoughts on the 6 versus 9-cell battery? I tried to find the weight difference -- It might be .25 lbs, but I am not sure. If I wanted an extra, would you buy an extra from Lenovo or another vendor?

Thanks

 

The T400 offers DisplayPort (HDMI compatible w/ adapter) on the docking station only. Conversely, the T500 offers this connector on the laptop (but it is bigger and heavier).

The T400 (and to my knowledge ALL current ThinkPads) has a Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet jack standard on the notebook.

32 bit Vista will be able to use around 3.5GB of RAM (the exact amound varies based on your video card and a few other factors). The 64 bit version can access 4GB+. This is a limit of 32 bit operating systems and it will not be fixed (Windows Server 32 bit sidesteps this issue with Physical Address Extension [PAE] but it has issues of its own). I would get a 2GB single DIMM from Lenovo, and install an extra 1 or 2GB DIMM yourself when DDR3 prices drop.

The 9 cell battery weighs a few ounces more than the 6 cell. It is also physically larger (sticks out the back and lifts the laptop up). If you are concerned about battery life, you should probably get it.

I generally advise against getting 2 batteries now unless you need LOTS of battery life. This is because Li-Ions have a shelf life, and you should not buy a spare before you need it. Just get a big one now, and buy a spare in 1-2 years when it no longer provides enough life.

If you do want to get two batteries now, you should get different sizes (e.g. a 4 cell and a 9 cell) so you have the option of choosing a small laptop or maximum life on a day to day basis. I have bought IBM/Lenovo batteries from CalCellular in the past and had good luck with them. I think the T400 uses the same battery as the T61 wide, but you should verify this before you buy anything.

That covers about everything. I personally don't think Turbo memory or the Intel Wi-Fi 5300 are worth the money (5100 works great for me). However, you may want to consider the AT&T WWAN module because it lets you pull a SIM from your smartphone to get Internet on your laptop anywhere (just be mindful of your terms and monthly transfer cap). This is much cheaper (it was only $30 when I ordered) to order now than to add it later ($170 last time I checked for the FRU unit).

 

One small correction: I believe the 9-cell battery doesn't actually lift the laptop up, it slants upward, which limits how far the screen can be pushed back.
Here's a link: hxxp://forums.lenovo.com/lnv/board/message?board.id=T_Series_Thinkpads&thread.id=13811
(replace x's in URL with t's - I don't have enough posts to post a hyperlink)

 

Thanks.

I see the battery pictures. That helps.

What does the Turbo memory supposedly do. I read lenovo's explanation and it seemed enticing, but you obviously have a different view.

The Intel Wi-fi 5300 is the only option on the elite. I'd have to build up from the enhanced T400 to get the 5100, I think.

On the AT&T WAN Module, I currently use and plan to continue using verizon. I use my Blackberry as a tethered modem when I need it (I don't travel too much). Not sure this would make sense for me, but I'm willing to be convinced.

Can anyone verify the ethernet port 10/100/1000 on the T400?

Thanks, I've really loved this forum and all the quick and helpful advice.

 

The Ethernet Port is 10/100/1000.

The Intel Wi-Fi 5300 is fine (and because of Lenovo's crazy pricing you may be able to get an elite w/ the 5300 for less than an enhanced w/ the 5100 considering other similar specs).

Turbo memory ( review of technology) is simply an internal flash card mounted into an internal mini-pci express slot. It is used for Readyboost and ReadyDrive. This is designed to offset a limited amount of RAM and in theory enhance performance/battery life. In practice you get the exact same effect from a $6 2GB SD card configured for ReadyBoost. The one sole advantage of Turbo memory is that Windows can count on it always being present and speed up system boot by a couple of seconds. Further, ReadyBoost is most effective on systems with way too little RAM (e.g. Vista Ultimate w/ 512MB), it has little to no effect on systems with 2GB+ of RAM.

If you already have a Verizon contract and are comfortable with tethering your Blackberry then I agree that the AT&T card doesn't make a lot of sense. The one potential advantage (and one of the reasons I got it in mine) is international travel. If you go to Europe (or another continent) you can buy a prepaid WWAN SIM card from a provider in that area (e.g. Vodafone) and pop it in your laptop. This will save you money (compared to using your Blackberry or international roaming from Verizon) and because GSM is the international standard the AT&T WWAN adapter should work anywhere.

 

I have a T400 and generally like it. I had a ton of problems with internet connectivity, until I uninstalled the "ThinkVantage Access Connections" software. Once I got rid of that and just used the Windows Vista software, it worked fine.

Regarding batteries: I got the 6-cell and I consider it a mistake. It is bigger than the 4 cell but doesn't give enough life to rely on battery alone. I bought the nine cell later and love it. Now I wish I had the 4 cell for when I want the machine smaller and don't have to rely on the battery alone. The 6 cell sticks out almost as much as the 9 cell, it's just that the 9 cell angles up.

Hope that helps.

-Brad

 

Thanks for the explanation of the Turbo memory and the AT&T WWAN use internatioally. I don't need Turbo memory and don't travel to Europe much now. Though may be worth future proofing.

Not sure what to do on the battery, though. I'm tempted for 9-cell, but I'm buying this laptop to reduce the weight of my curent HP laptop. That said, I like the idea of being untethered for extended periods.

Thanks again

 

I'd get the 9 cell battery. This should actually reduce your "travel weight" compared to the 6 cell battery. With the 9 cell you can leave your AC adapter at home most of the time. Conversely, if you got the 4/6 cell you would need to take your AC adapter and your total weight would be ≥ the 9 cell.

 

Very good point to consider. Also, a 9-cell battery would likely last longer - through inevitable battery degradation, the on-time you can get out of a battery will decrease. With the 9-cell, on-time will decrease, but remain within a reasonable length of time.

 

The current WWAN card installed is restricted to ATT only, so now EU cards allowed.

get 9 cell, it can last min 5 hrs max 9 hrs! almost the whole day! unless you're using all the time, even when driving.