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    T400/T500 owners!!

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by chun9430, Aug 5, 2008.

  1. chen

    chen Notebook Deity

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    What? You are getting before us in Singapore?
     
  2. abc1987

    abc1987 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The general market in Singapore is getting it at around late August, I think students get it earlier, because our school has already started and we need our laptops lol.
     
  3. stringbeans85

    stringbeans85 Notebook Guru

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    Hey abc1987!

    Are you a student at NUS?
     
  4. abc1987

    abc1987 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yup. (10character)
     
  5. Jakob91

    Jakob91 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I found this coupon on line:

    10% off T series notebooks
    Lenovo Coupon Expiration : 2008-08-17
    Lenovo Coupon Code : USPSAVEMORENOW
    http://www.anycoupons.com/lenovo.html

    Somebody said something about 15% student discount? I think if i can get the discounts i wanna go for it! But the review will only be out after the coupon expired!

    Do you guys think i should get a specific warranty( i kind reached my budget). Could I get warranty later too?

    I guess this would be my configuration:

    ThinkPad T400 - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
    Edit 2764CTO $2,279.00 1 $2,279.00
    Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9600 (2.8GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2) 1
    Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 1
    Operating system language: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium US English 1
    Display type: 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera 1
    System graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 3640 with 256MB 1
    Total memory: 3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) 1
    Keyboard: Keyboard US English 1
    Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader 1
    Hard drive: 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
    Intel® Turbo Memory hard drive cache: Intel Turbo Memory 2GB 1
    Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA) 1
    System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 7-1 Media Card Reader 1
    Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN 1
    Wireless card: Intel WiFi Link 5300 (3x3 AGN) 1
    Wireless WAN: Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network upgradable 1
    Battery: 4 cell Li-Ion Battery 1
    Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter 1
    Language pack: Language Pack US English 1
    Accessories and options:
    Mogo Wireless Bluetooth Mouse with Bluetooth Adapter 30R6997 $47.99 1 $47.99
    Canon PIXMA iP2600 - printer - color - ink-jet 2435B002 $48.84 1 $48.84
     
  6. TechGuy26

    TechGuy26 Newbie

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    Can anyone make that code (USPSAVEMORENOW) work for the T500? It seems to give me problems.
     
  7. Injek

    Injek Notebook Consultant

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    It might also be because many laptop brands ( if not all ) have their notebooks made in OR assembled in China. This might be why Sg is getting it before USA since it is closer to China.

    That's my theory , I don't know how far it's true.
     
  8. keltix

    keltix Notebook Deity

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    USPSAVEMORENOW does not work with t500 or t400, but it does with t61
     
  9. iphetamine

    iphetamine Notebook Evangelist

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    haha, sorry can't resist, i like your sig! :p
     
  10. Redbarron

    Redbarron Notebook Guru

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    It is only for the old systems they are clearing out. No coupons for the T400/T500. I've been searching -
     
  11. chen

    chen Notebook Deity

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    It seems the only coupon that works was the USXSAVE15NOW or something that was usable for the first 200 usages on Aug 5th
     
  12. abc1987

    abc1987 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Got my T400 today! :D

    I love it!
     
  13. derekrb

    derekrb Notebook Enthusiast

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    As in....it actually arrived? Or as in you ordered it? Cause if it arrived...pictures/review/thoughts/likes/dislikes information please!
     
  14. abc1987

    abc1987 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It arrived, or rather, I collected it from my school.

    It looks just like any thinkpad! Now there's a red dot in the "i" in the word "Thinkpad" now though. If you want I could use my lousy 2 megapixel phone camera to take a picture of it but it might not do enough justice to it. I don't have a camera...

    Not as heavy as I thought, 2.4kg is actually manageable. No dead pixels for me or my friends at all.

    Keyboard feels as good as before. Screen is bright and clear. Pretty good speed.

    my processor is supposedly T9400, in dxdiag and system info it says T9400 but in device manager it says P8600. weird.

    The graphics card is currently "Mobile Intel(R) 45 Express Chipset Family" and manufacturer is "ATI Technologies Inc." Is this integrated or discrete? Not sure how to switch between discrete and integrated.

    When I first charged my battery there was a little sound coming from the adapter for about 30mins but it stopped after that. This is the only complaint I have so far, and its really minor lol.

    Conclusion: This laptop is worthy of the Thinkpad brand, and I'm really glad I chose it.

    EDIT: I posted some pictures here.
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=285671&page=20
     
  15. novi84

    novi84 Notebook Geek

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    The hands-on-review at NBR wasn't that convincing. What is that keyboard flex all about? Can someone else confirm that? And why does the 6-cell battery stick out?? What's up with that? Why can't they do as Sony, and actually design stuff in a normal way?

    The final review better be really good. I'm leaning towards a IdeaPad U330 or Sony Vaio Z now, and I might end up with the latter because of the docking solutions. I had faith in T400!
     
  16. abc1987

    abc1987 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh the 6 cell battery sticks out about an inch or so, but it doesnt really matter. In fact I think it makes the t400 look better and its easier to carry too.
     
  17. novi84

    novi84 Notebook Geek

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    Uhm, I'm sorry, but that's "I've-got-a-new-laptop-and-I'm-so-excited"-BS ;)

    It does NOT make it look better (does an external antenna on a cell phone make it look better?). I can't deny the easier-to-carry aspect, although it does sound super weird. Why is it easier to carry? And whyyyy, Lenovo, is the battery a little flimsy? Why doesn't it fit tight?
     
  18. abc1987

    abc1987 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It was just my personal opinion on it. xD

    The battery doesnt fit tight? =o Its tight on mine.
     
  19. Jakob91

    Jakob91 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I dont really know which battery to choose for the T400 - maybe i could get some recommendation - I read the review and it said 7h battery life, well that would be perfect but then the battery would stick out. Now on the pictures it does not look that bad with the battery out but than do i really need that much battery power? While I am at home i definitely dont but sometimes when i go on flights (A couple of times overseas and periodically across the country) i would enjoy doing my work and watch movies.

    I hope i get an answer soon because i wanna buy my T400!!

    Also I asked before about this but didnt get an answer - I was thinking to get the INtel Turbo Memory and was wondering if it conflicts with my RAM (if i would get 3-4GB RAM) and the 32BIT Vista. I

    also heard that i could get a CD for $10 and get the 64 BIt Version (I would like to get home Premium) but i havent found anything on the microsoft page that would go close to $10

    Thank you very much for your help!
     
  20. chun9430

    chun9430 Notebook Evangelist

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    2.4kg? did you put that on a scale?
     
  21. chen

    chen Notebook Deity

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    I'm glad to hear that the keyboard feels the same.....thanks for the news.....how would u rate ur laptop out of 100?

    For Intel Turbo Memory.....don't get it....it's not worth it.....it's only good when you have low RAM memory or slow HDD....better get more RAM....and the Intel Turbo Memory won't have much effect.....for the 64-bit version....I select the VISTA Business 64 (64-bit) because my Lenovo Hidden Partition will come installed with it too.
     
  22. halohalohalo

    halohalohalo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi guys, I ordered my t400 on the launch date (8/5). Like many of you, I got the 8/26 estimated shipping date. I bought it using the spp program. My question is, if I call them to check my order status, will they ask me questions to verify that I'm a share holder? I just want to get a more accurate shipping date. Btw, I order my t400 with 4 cell batt and bluetooth. Any known delay regarding these parts? And also, my bank of America shows no activity that relates to Lenovo. Should I be worried?
     
  23. abc1987

    abc1987 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well Kevin has said that the keyboard is different. However, I can't feel the difference, maybe average/newer users like me won't feel it.

    Using speedfan as a gauge. Its about 40 degrees celsius idling, 43 to 48 after 5 hours of usage. Havent tried with games because I havent installed any.

    To switch graphics cards, go to the black plug at the taskbar and click it and then there will be a "Switchable Graphics" option at the bottom. Energy saving for integrated High performance for ATI discrete.

    Battery lasts about 3.5 hours with power saving, wireless on, microsoft powerpoint typing and surfing net. I would say an 80 out of 100.
     
  24. JMrenraV

    JMrenraV Notebook Enthusiast

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    Pulled the trigger!

    Yes I had configured and ordered a T61 a couple weeks ago and canceled because I really liked the T400 better, but it was out of my price range.

    So today, here is what we have...

    P8600 2.4Ghz 3mb Cache, 25w Proc
    2GB DDR3 1066Mhz Ram
    80GB Hard Drive (Will Upgrade w/ Slickdeals)
    14.1'' WXGA+ LED Backlit Display w/ Camera
    Fingerprint Reader
    Bluetooth
    DVD-Recordable Drive
    AT&T Broadband Card (For $20 GoPhone trick)
    9 Cell Battery
    Expresscard & 7in1 Media Card Reader

    Total was $1000.85 Before Taxes!
     
  25. janko10

    janko10 Notebook Consultant

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    What's the broadband trick? I googled it, didn't come up with anything.

    Also I got about $1065 when I price out your specs. Did you use the CPP site?
     
  26. JMrenraV

    JMrenraV Notebook Enthusiast

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  27. trucks

    trucks Notebook Geek

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    well the t500 price just came down today and im strongly considering it. anyone know what kind of ports these have, cant find it online anywhere. thank you kindly.
     
  28. janko10

    janko10 Notebook Consultant

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  29. uncola

    uncola Notebook Consultant

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  30. uncola

    uncola Notebook Consultant

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    the t500 looks great, but I'd wait for LED backlighting to become available.. otherwise the price right now looks nice
     
  31. JMrenraV

    JMrenraV Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah I don't really play games much, I may end up feeling bad about not spending the extra $60 for the graphics, but i've also herd it's 3470 and not 3650 ati graphics? I can't confirm so I didn't want to take that chance.

    Also, The Intel should be able to play 1080p which is really the only thing i'm concerned with.
     
  32. trucks

    trucks Notebook Geek

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    what exactly is the LED backlight? I see the 400 has it but what advantage does it provide? And any idea when it becomes available on the 500? I need this for school which starts in 2 weeks but I can wait.
     
  33. Generator

    Generator Notebook Consultant

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    An LED backlights uses LED's rather than CCFL (florescent tubes) to light up your display. The advantages of LED are that it provides more even backlighting, is brighter, and also uses less power.

    Its rumoured to be coming to the T500's towards the middle to end of September. If you need it in two weeks and haven't ordered yet, you will probably be SOL regardless, since it won't get to you in time.
     
  34. fuanacho

    fuanacho Notebook Consultant

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    One question> I had my old T40 dock station, (I don't know if call it mini dock), and I wanna know if it would fit in a T400?

    Also, (ok, I have 2 questions), if it doesn't fit, it is worth to pay for a new one?
     
  35. trucks

    trucks Notebook Geek

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    I figured by ordering now I wouldn't get it in time, but there is some flexibility in how long I can wait.

    But if I wait for the T500 then this one discount code I have will expire and I don't get the 200 bucks or so off. Tough decision.
     
  36. janko10

    janko10 Notebook Consultant

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    Use the CPP code. Google it.
     
  37. doctorwhite

    doctorwhite Notebook Enthusiast

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    I think the longer you wait the cheaper the t500 will become. I also want LED Backlight on the T500 but I am second guessing myself because maybe the T400 is more portable...
     
  38. janko10

    janko10 Notebook Consultant

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    I was kinda where you were. I liked the 15" screen size but when I really drilled it down, portabilty won out for the 14" (plus the LED is available now). I almost went with the U330 but then I felt that was sacrificing too much.

    T400 seemed like the sweetspot for me.
     
  39. ali88

    ali88 Notebook Consultant

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    the way i figure it is that you have to make some sacrifices when it comes to getting the perfect laptop.

    i was highly considering waiting for the led backlight on the T500 i ordered last week. but then i figured its just a laptop why would i need it brighter than a regular laptop?? plus, the screens used by lenovo are already brighter compared to a lot of the competition.

    so instead of waiting for the led and probably spending another 200 to 400 on it. i decided to buy a nice 19 inch lcd hi-def samsung tv with an hdmi input. and it only cost like 300. so now i have a tv and an external monitor for when i need that bright screen for movies, etc.
     
  40. chun9430

    chun9430 Notebook Evangelist

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    It shouldn't be 200-400$ more expensive. The LED option for the T400 was only 60$ more expensive. There is no way it'll be even close to 200!
     
  41. chen

    chen Notebook Deity

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    +1 to that.....where you get that info man (200-300$)....that's HP dv4t I think
     
  42. ali88

    ali88 Notebook Consultant

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    to tell you the truth i am basing it on the hp thing. but it will definitely be over $60.
     
  43. hprelude

    hprelude Notebook Enthusiast

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    ok this is my first post after lurking around the forums for a week.. i am now a proud owner of a t400 :) (this is my first laptop, and ofcourse, first ibm/lenovo). btw, thanks for all your helpful comments/posts!

    specs on what i ordered today.. (estimated ship date: sept. 4)

    ThinkPad T400 2764

    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
    Genuine Windows Vista Business 64
    Microsoft Windows XP Professional US English RDVD
    14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera
    ATI Mobility Radeon 3640 with 256MB
    4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
    UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
    320GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
    DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
    Express Card Slot & 7-1 Media Card Reader
    Integrated Bluetooth PAN
    Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN)
    Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network upgradable
    4 cell Li-Ion Battery
    Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter
    Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 - English US & CN
    2764: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller
    3 Year On Site Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection
    Lenovo Laser Mouse
    Lenovo USB 2.0 Essential Memory Key - 4GB (w/ Olympic Logo)

    Total: $1675.61
     
  44. BinkNR

    BinkNR Knock off all that evil

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    Perhaps I should unlurk as well and say I just bought the same notebook Hprelude did, but with the 250GB HD and 6 cell battery. I think this might be my 20th notebook ;) .

    Cheers.
     
  45. MaX PL

    MaX PL Notebook Deity

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    hprelude, how do you get 4 gigs of memory on there when the max option that I see is 3 gigs?

    also, not to hate, but you should have gotten a bigger battery and not gotten that 320gig HDD. is that much space really necessary in a laptop? but yeh, 4 cell battery is worthless imo.
     
  46. acerbits

    acerbits Notebook Consultant

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    just ordered a t500 my self =], cant w8 for it to arrive.
     
  47. force26

    force26 Newbie

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    The 4GB memory option only become available when you select a 64-bit OS.
     
  48. Kalamadea

    Kalamadea Newbie

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    Can anybody speak to the quality of the LED-backlight screen (on the T400)? Is it bright enough to work outside with?
     
  49. hprelude

    hprelude Notebook Enthusiast

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    Nice.. I also wanted to get the 6cell battery but i saw pictures of it by a reviewer (kevin on this forum) and the battery sticks out of the back.. i'm kinda picky about that stuff :)
     
  50. sfrohman90

    sfrohman90 Notebook Geek

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    check out this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=288338

    It has pictures and everything of the T400 LED screen brightness and quality. it is WAY bright enough to run outside in my opinion no problem...
     
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