T430 Owner's Thread

I guess that is why you are happy with it but as a long Win 7 user, I pass.

 

You will have an easier time with Windows 9 then.

I am curious though, why don't you like it? Is it just the start button or something else for fundamental?

 

Hopefully, I will like Win 9 and there will be a major change. I have been a Microsoft fan for years until I have been enlightened by OS X and I want Microsoft to know that we will not blame them if they try to adapt the good aspects of it. It is really the most advanced, user-friendly, and extremely simple software in the world along with its aesthetics!

I do not like the missing start button as one thing. I also had luxury to entertain the freezing bug in the preview and unexpected shutdowns. Drivers will also take some time to be supported on it and will probably be unstable in the beginning. The major thing is that it is not any different for me from Win 7, so tell me why would I upgrade from Win 7. They are the same even in 95% or more of the interface, so there is no even fun from having a new look!

 

I actually don't like OSX (lion) on my Macbook Air all that much other than the fantastic gestures. For example, it's extremely hard to find installed programs (Mountain Cat finally added a search bar, I didn't upgrade though, so not sure how good it is) and I had to google to figure out how to rename a file. Apple seems to hate file systems. The mail program sucks. I gave up on the app store when they start to force uncustomizable security questions on everybody. They never had any good free programs anyway. I do like the desktop overview though and the fact you can bring full screen apps back into window mode (although you need a third party tool just to dock the window). Windows 8's split screen is a little bit limited (I'd like a 50-50 split) and IE does not work all that well with it (can't change tabs).

I think I had one crash with Windows 8 in the last three months. Definitely not a problem for me despite the lack of usable drivers from Lenovo. OS X crashes constantly though (well, it's not blue screen, just stuck with a beach ball) when watching Flash (I suspect it's either heat related or out of memory). It's probably Flash's fault, but still.

I don't see any major reason to upgrade to Windows 8 other than the live tiles. The Metro system is different, but not better. On the other hand, I see no reason to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP either. If not for the lack of applications, I think I would be happy with Linux just as well.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about these systems. I may actually try to find a reason to upgrade to Windows 8 once it launches because it is damn cheap (the $14.99) offer and it i nice to have the latest if it would not cause me inconveniences provided that they show us some major features that makes one willing to upgrade or many people will actually pass and I am pretty sure Microsoft already knows that and they will offer at very cheap prices through different channels/mechanisms for that reason. I really hope companies do not rush upgrades just for the sake of providing another upgrade. I wish they could take their time (may be 2 or more years) but come with something that changes the way we work everyday (definitely for the better).

Watch Intel CEO saying that Win 8 is being released before it is ready and read users' comments about their experiences:

http://9to5mac.com/2012/09/25/intel...-os-is-being-released-before-its-fully-ready/

 

No problem. I do hope people keep an open mind and see Windows 8 as something slightly different rather than inferior.

I do think Windows 8 came out before they full resolved the integration between desktop and Metro. However, I think it's necessary since Microsoft has to catch up on the tablet game. I also don't think it's necessarily bad for non-touch users. It just take some getting used to.

The video of the old guy using Windows 8 is ridiculous. The drag to close and hot corners are not obvious, but only requires a minimum amount of learning (alt-f4 still works I think). The hot corners also may not be necessary with better touchpad support. (I am not quite sure how the drag to close thing will work with touch devices though).

 

I have a question that may look naive but anyway, is there a 'legal' way to install OS X on ThinkPads using some third-part software like the VMWare's or the like? I know some people do it in some way but it is not legal and you have to do some workaround but I was hoping that there is someway to install it in another partition on my ThinkPad!

 

I notice that people suddenly become eloquent when presenting their views on Windows, OS X, a particular Linux distro, or even a certain Linux desktop GUI. Man, a lot of human energy and computing power get wasted while many people go hungry. Start button, sheessshhh, gimme a break.

Very entertaining, but quite irrelevant to ThinkPad T430.

 

Oh, I do apologize, Kaso! I forgot that you are the gatekeeper for all forums related to any ThinkPad and others....

 

I have to agree. This thread is no place for a discussion on the merits of OS X, Linux and Windows. As for installing OS X on a ThinkPad (or PC), I believe there is a thread dedicated to that topic in another forum.

 

No, I am not a ThinkPad fanboy, nor do I want to have anything to do with the "management" of this forum.

I've been using OS X, Windows and various Linux distros -- just like speaking different languages, flip a "CPU bit" and fire away.

 

Hi guys I am looking for a new laptop (my previous one was a late 2009 macbook white,8gb,samsung 830 256gb,nvidia 9400m), and it is going to be a lenovo.
Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between L430 appart the lacking otpion of backlight keyboard and nvidia card?
Other question:

Applying new thermal paste is easy on the T430?
Any known issues?

I made this config:


T430 i5-3320m 2.6GHz - 3.3 GHz 3MB L3
8GB kingston ram 1 slot
Intel HD4000+ Nvidia NVS 5400M
1600x900 matte
PT Keyboard with Backlight
3 year warranty
On the site lapstars.com
Thanks

 

I believe the L430 is an entirely different chassis based on the stock pics. It looks like they took an L530 and just put a smaller screen in it :/

Getting to the T430 CPU is more than just a couple screws, but the T430 definitely isn't the worst offender as far as parts accessibility goes. At least Lenovo provides documentation via HMM.

I would buy your own RAM if you aren't already doing that and drop the Nvidia GPU if you aren't going to use it.

 

Hey guys is anybody using a laptop cooler? Like to put under the laptop when you are on your bed or playing a game. If so which one? Do you like it?

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

I only use it during gaming, the laptop doesn't seem to have any problems cooling on the bed.

 

With integrated graphics you really shouldn't need a pad. I'm using my 430 docked, lid closed, with two external displays and the load temps are in the 70s. I dunno how it is with Nvidia, though all the more reason not to have it

 

Just received my brand new T430 and really like it but I am having a persistent issue. I have built PC systems as well as purchased and configured laptops but this one has me stumped. The problem is that I have attempted several times to install Windows updates but when the system goes to install them it eventually says that there was a failure to do so and the laptop will revert back. Thinking it might be due to updates via wirelessly I have tried it via ethernet connection but with the same results.

I have tried the same by turning off security software and the firewall but the same thing occurs.


Please, any tips here? What noob mistake am I making? Thanks.

 

Which specific update failed to install?

 

It's a known problem with windows updates. You will have to figure out which update failed. Possible reason is:

Windows Updates fail 15AUG2012 - (KB2732500) - Microsoft Answers

 

Hi guys,

I've been searching throught this topic and it helped me quite a lot. I'm thinking in upgrading my current Asus into a Lenovo T430 and would like to ask for some help from the experts. That's the current config I'm looking into:

Intel Core i5-3360M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.50 GHz)
Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel HD Graphics 4000
4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM) (planning to upgrade to 8GB by myself)
Keyboard Backlit - US English
UltraNav with Fingerprint Reader
720p HD Camera with Microphone
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
Express Card Slot & 4-in-1 Card Reader
9 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70++
65W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)

Price: $1100

Questions:
1. Is it worth to change the processor to the i7 to make it a little bit more future proof? Basic use is web, flash browsing and photo editing.
2. What would be better in terms of performance and battery use: 1 mSATA 128gb Crucial M4 (boot) + 1 500gb 7200rpm HDD or 1 SSD 128 Crucial M4 + 1 500gb 7200rpm HDD in the ultrabay?
3. Any advantages on getting the 90W AC adapter for the same price?

Also, from previous posts I've seen people getting similar configurations for a much lower price. Any advice on how to reduce this price? Does Lenovo offer many seasonal discount codes or it's pretty much that standard 10% off that it's currently on their website?

Thanks a lot!

 

1) If those are your only tasks, you can save money and go for the cheapest processor. There's really no need for you to even get the i5.
2) The two configurations will get comparable battery life. My guess is something like 8-9W under light load?
3) The battery will charge a little faster, but you'll be carrying more weight if you take the adapter with you.

As for pricing, the Barnes and Noble discount is pretty right now through Oct 3 or 4.

 

Commander Wolf is right, there is *no way* you need an i5 for that, let alone an i7. The latter would be massive overkill. Save your money for something else (like a good SSD.)

Speaking of which, I'd go with an M4 as your primary and use the bay drive. My reasoning? When you don't need the extra storage you can remove it to save weight, plus it's easier to swap than the internal.

 

This. Swappability prompts me to have different boot SSDs in separate UltraBay caddy adapters. Whenever I switch to another customer project, I snap in the corresponding SSD. The HDD in the main bay contains non-customer files only.

 

You don't need the 90W adapter it's mostly for people with dedicated graphics.

 

How is this swapping done? I am in the market for a T430 (which I should order by month-end) and I have the same questions as the OP. My initial thought was to go for the 500GB internal drive and the 500 GB bay drive. But then I don't think I need 1TB of HDD on the machine. Perhaps a better way would be to go for the 128 GB SSD and the HDD in the bay. I assume - please correct me if I am wrong - the OS and other programs will reside on the SSD and the data files on the bay drive - though I would probably have some critical files (which I use on a daily basis on the SSD too). Am I thinking this throuhg correctly? Thanks in advance.

 

Which swap are you talking about, the mSATA or the 7mm HDD? The mSATA is buried in the chassis somewhere: I'm too lazy to look at HMM right now, but you at least have to remove the keyboard, and maybe the palmrest. On the other hand, the HDD cover is secured by a single screw, and then the HDD is secured to the caddy by 4 more screws.

 

I don't recommend installing a mSata SSD. If I recall correctly, the mSata slot only has sataII and can't handle sataIII speed. Therefore it's possible you won't get optimal speed with it. Also, the mSata slot space is originally used for the WWAN ericsson card.

I recommend getting a samsung 830. Those are fast SSD and very reliable (low fault rate) and uses their own controllers. The SSD is also 7Mm and will fit most laptops. Also, recently it had a pricedrop. They are way better than the M4.

Add a ultrabay caddy with a normal HDD and you will have a optimal configuration.

SSD samsung 830: primary drive
Ultrabay HDD caddy + HDD: Slave drive
Msata slot: leave it free.

Also I have a question:

My t430 came with a keyboard with grey FN hotkey symbols and a black thinkvantage key. However, I have seen US keyboards with blue hotkey FN symbols and a blue thinkvantage key. Are they shipping out laptops with different keyboards? What's the original color and which is the standard?

 

For the T430, the mSATA uses the WWAN slot (as monkeydancer said) it's at the bottom of the machine, where the second RAM slot is. I would recommend going with the mSATA option. Yes, it's SATA II, so it won't be the optimum speed. But it's still MILES ahead of a regular HDD and this way you get to use the HDD for storage (or put in a second SSD) while still having the option of keeping the optical drive (you never know) or putting in a second HDD there. Plus, using a HDD in the ultra-bay slot allows for much larger storage sizes (1tb) to be used. As someone said earlier in the thread though, you'll have to fiddle with the power consumption settings, especially on battery, if you want a good battery life.

I'm going with the mSATA (Crucial 256gb)+Stock HDD+Optical Drive setup and am loving it.

 

I was referring to the HDD in the optical drive. On another note, I have a R400 which has an optical drive, which I would like to get rid of. I don't use it and I have an external optical drive anyways. What should I be doing? Fill the bay with another HDD? Thanks.

Edit: Also, how to completely disable the optical drive (in the R400) pending replacement (if possible in the R400). In the T430, I will not get the optical drive option in the first place.

Edit 2: I guess removing it is as easy as this - Link. But what to do with the empty slot pending my buying a HDD to fill it with. Or, perhaps I can buy a slice battery to augment the 6-cell that I have on the R400?

 

The media bay in the T430 is hot-swappable, and very easy to replace. Just buy your caddy and HDD, and it's literally plug and play. You can even buy the caddy and HDD directly from Lenovo in place of an ODD if you want (though you will pay a premium).

As for the R400, if you're just replacing the drive for the sake of replacing the drive (which is what it sounds like), just save your money?

 

OK. Thanks for the clarification re the T430. On the R400, I want to replace the optical drive because it keeps making noises. that is to say, it keeps working, which is a bit of a distraction when I am working. So, either I want to shut it off permanently or replace it either with a battery slice or another HDD. If I could just shut it off permanently it would be good because at my current location ordering for any peripherials is a real pain and anyways I am relocating very soon.

 

I just have a weight saver in the Ultrabay when I don't use the DVDRW, it's the same weight saver as the one in T420.

 

finally pulled the trigger on T430


Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA NVS 5400M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory 4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English
Camera 720p HD Camera with Microphone
Hard drive 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Ultrabay DVD Recordable
Express Card Slot & 4-in-1 Card Reader
Battery 6 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70+
Power cord 90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN

 

That's nearly the exact config I am looking at. How close to $900 did you get?

 

slightly below. There is a discount in B&N site until tomorrow (Oct. 3).

Tired of fighting over the X220 with my kids and so need another one.

 

What do you mean by a "weight saver"?

 

It's basically just a piece of plastic in the shape of the optical drive. You can shave a couple ounces off the weight by using one.

 

Right. Thanks. If I buy one for the R400, will it also work with the T430? Also, is there a FRU readily available for this. If not, could you point me to where I can find it? Thanks.

 

I doubt they would be cross compatible, normally you can find the FRU numbers on the Service Parts section but I looked it up for you anyway.

Travel Cover for R400 is FRU: 44C0690
Travel Cover for T430 is FRU: 60Y5512*

*Same as T420.

 

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Edit: I think the FRU for the Travel Cover for the R400 is 44C0692 (12.7mm; for the 7447 CTO - though my machine bears the Product number 7447A26). The one that you listed was for the 9.5mm and for machines whose product numbers are not of the 74xx series. Would this make a difference? What bothers me is the difference in the thickness - 12.7mm versus 9.5mm. Btw, sorry, this is way off topic. Maybe I'll start a new thread on this.

Edit: The new thread is here.

 

I got the standard T420 12.7mm ultrabay cover from eBay and it works perfectly with the T430. Note the T410 one won't work because it has a 9.5mm ultrabay.

On a side note, missed out on a outlet deal of a refurb T430 for $650 last weekend. i5-3320, NVS, HD+, 9-cell, pretty disappointed. Could have gotten that one and sold mine.

 

Hi guys, like I said earlier I am thinking of buying a T430,but just read this topic:
T430 Fan speed - Lenovo Community

And since my last laptop as a silent macbook I am a little afraid.
Do all of you have this "problem"?
From what I have read it is a "problem" that even T420 had (with a 1000 pages thread) and never got fixed.
Guess if it is really that way I'll go to the X230 wich I know is silent.

 

The stock fan profile on the T430 is definitely rubbish. I use abuse TPFC to no end, and it's still a little annoying because there is no granularity in fan speed (it's either 0, 3000, or 5000 - something like that). That being said, I run tpfc 60 on, 50 off, and it's off under all light-medium loads even with my two external displays and a bunch of idle programs open. Obviously depending on what you do, your mileage may vary.

Overall, it's all really not that bad if your leverage TPFC properly; it's only marginally bothered me, and I'm huge on noise.

 

There was some talk on the Lenovo Forums that a BIOS update would address this. Have you had any experience of it?

 

I think TPFC definitely makes a difference, even though the stock fan profile never really bothered me. I remembered the situation was really bad when I still had my x100e and TPFC made that machine usable.

 

I think that's the crux of the complaints now. TPFanControl does not have an impact because the lowest possible fan speed is too high and loud, even when using TPFC.

 

I had the chance to try the latest BIOS and it does nothing to fan profiles. The changelog doesn't say it does either, so I'm totally not surprised.

 

question guys: anybody here have the teardown manuals or where to find teardown manuals for thinkpads?

I'm going to be installing a mSATA ssd into my T430 and my brother's X230 soon and would like to get those manuals handy

 

This is the guide you need for a teardown of the T430 system - T430 Hardware Maintenance Manual. For the X230 it's here.

 

thanks! :thumbsup: