T400's variety

I understand that the T400 comes with 3 different keyboards and as of April 1, the new (good) keyboard layout (no flex). Also, I hear that there are different kinds of panels that are with the T400. What are they and which ones are better?

Also, what else in variety can the T400 come with?

As for the panels, how does the T400 LCD compare to the 15.4 inch Macbook pro? It's just that I am about to order a T400 and can't check one out since there are no retails here in Vancouver (Canada).



*Where are Thinkpads made in? and how is their quality control compared to other brands like Apple, HP, Dell, Sony (Vaio) etc.

 

thinkpads aren't known for their LCDs. It is okay at best. What people pay for is there superb build quality, the keyboard, the trackpoint, the battery life and even maybe the thinkvantage software.

 

3 choices of panel:
14.1" WXGA TFT
14.1" WXGA+ TFT
14.1" WXGA TFT HN w/LED BL

"Also, what else in variety can the T400 come with?"
Heu...what do you mean by "variety"

"As for the panels, how does the T400 LCD compare to the 15.4 inch Macbook pro?"
Macbook pro has a better LCD, that's for sure. However, don't forget that the new Macbook pro has only glossy panels.

"Where are Thinkpads made in? and how is their quality control compared to other brands like Apple, HP, Dell, Sony (Vaio) etc."
The same place as every laptop: China.
About the quality control, I don't think it's better or worse than other brands. However, if you are talking about the sturdiness of the laptop, then the T400 is one of the best around the corner.

 

I have been struggling as well with this variety.

For keyboard there were two part numbers; 42T3937 was the keyboard that flexed, 42T3143 was the T61 keyboard that lenovo started using as an interim solution to the flexing problem. Apparently they changed the frame of the laptop to reduce flexing so I'm not sure if that also means they changed back to the flexy keyboard or still have the T61 in there for newer orders.

For the display, I haven't got to the bottom of this yet either but the two displays that were being used were a samsung LED display 42T0503 or 42T0504, and an LG LED display 42T0497 or 42T0498. I've read about four complaints about the samsung and one complaint about the LG. The blog world seems to have convinced them selves the LG is better. The latest T400s going out the door apparently use neither of those displays and instead have one made by AUO.

So these open questions remain:
1) Are LG T400 display better on average than Samsung display?
2) Is the AUO display better on average than both?
3) Is the old chassis with T61 keyboard less flexy than the new chassis with whatever keyboard they got in there?

If LCD quality is your #1 then go with mac pro as the mac pro displays are way better than even the regular macbook displays. I am going for low price and windows so T400 looks to fit the bill for me.

 

How is either of those displays compared to the HP DV3 LED screen? I've beeing using the DV3 for about a week now and I am liking the brightness and quality of pictures. If it's anything close to this, I will be happy.

 

Everyone is saying that the WXGA+ isn't available with HN (high nit). However, I am building a machine on Lenovo Canada right now, and I see a WXGA+ LED with HN LCD option which is $150 more than the original screen. Did they quietly release the + with HN?

 

Interesting. Lenovo.com (usa) is still showing WXGA+ only with CCFL.

p.s. there's not nearly enough users here for you to get a comparison between this screen and an arbitrary other model of computer.

 

Oh my bad, I checked the Canadian site again and the HN is only for the WXGA. So the WXGA+ isn't even available with LED? it's only CCFL? Here are the options for Canada Lenovo

1. WXGA TFT
2. WXGA+ TFT
3. WXGA TFT HN/w LED BL

 

Dang, you got our hopes up. Word on the street is that lenovo is having supply issues with the WXGA+ LED screens (either they are in low supply or too many problems) so LED is NOT available in WXGA+ anymore from lenovo.com

 

The answer to the where question is soon to become mexico if you live in the U.S.