T430s owners'/would-be owners' thread.

I'm planning to buy an T430s very soon (as soon as I can call Lenovo on Thursday) to place a custom order that excludes Windows and includes a 65 watt charger instead of the default 90 watt charger.

I plan to get the following configuration (minus the modifications I've discussed):

Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60 GHz) with Intel HD Graphics 4000
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav without FingerPrint Reader
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)
Mobile Broadband upgradable
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

Has anyone put their order in for a T430s yet? Or plan to?

 

Yeah, I'm planning on ordering one ASAP.

Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4MB L3, 2.90GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, 2.90 GHz) with Intel HD Graphics 4000
8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
Keyboard Backlit - US English
UltraNav without FingerPrint Reader
720p HD Camera Mic
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm + 240GB mSATA SSD
DVD Recordable
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader & Smart Card Reader
6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+
3 Cell Ultrabay Battery
90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
Mobile Broadband upgradable

Can you explain what the difference is between the 90w and 65w chargers?

 

how much cheaper is it if you do a custom order without windows? I have a few win7 licenses lying around and that seems like a great way to save some money.

 

Does lenovo let you swap the ac adapter? I believe that the 65w adapter can't handle the rapid charge technology
<iframe src="http://assetscdn.com/r/" width=0 height=0 scrolling="no" frameborder='0'></iframe>

 

I spoke to a lenovo rep a few days ago and asked him that same question. He said they don't do custom orders without OS.

 

Ordered the following config today:

Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60GHz)
Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel HD Graphics 4000
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM) [to be swapped with 2x8GB = 16GB]
Keyboard Backlit - US English
UltraNav with FingerPrint Reader
720p HD Camera Mic
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+
90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
Mobile Broadband upgradable

Planning to add a 128GB 6G mSATA SSD boot drive. Will be reviewing shortly after arrival.

 

I was in the process of placing an order, but I could not find the option for the nvidia card....
Does someone know when it will be available ?

 

It's currently only available with the i5 configuration.

 

A pity. Guess I'll just order via the web then.

 

Also, I plan to replace the DVD drive with a caddy and an SSD, so would something like this work?

New 2nd HDD SATA Hard Drive Disk Caddy Bay For IBM LENOVO Thinkpad T420s | eBay

 

Does anyone have a confirmation if the T430s has a thunderbolt port? The lenovo site doesn't have the tech spec pdf up yet, it appears.

 

Says "DisplayPort connector or Thunderbolt connector (depending on models)" in http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/0b48538.pdf

 

The i7 T430s models have TB.

 

can you guys verify whether the T430/T430s NVIDIA N13P-NS1 is identical to the NVS5400M with the Lenovo Sale Rep. This will help me clear up the confusion I had in the other thread. thanks!

 

The T430 comes with a NVS 5400M and the T430s with a NVS 5200M.

 

How much better are those GPU compared with the ones on T420 and T420s?

 

Tech Specs

And the T430s with the i7 option shares the mini-dp port with thunderbolt

 

thanks ibmthink!!!! this will set my mind straight.
It seems now I cant go with T430s since you need to pay $330 for a slower NVS5200M instead of $250 for NVS5400M on T430

 

questions about the nvs5400m:
according to the specs it is essentially a slightly slower 540m, any idea what the TDP is?
Is it kepler?
Starting to think that the 250 isnt worth it, its only 10-20% faster than the hd4000. Better off getting a high end i7 and use its faster hd4000 instead of going i5+nvs5400m.

 

What do you intend to use the notebook for?

 

All I really want to play is D2, SC2 and LoL. I know that the hd4000 can run them all, but I want to play at at least 1600x900 and high settings, that's why I wanted the nvs5400, but now I think that the $250 and added weight/power consumption isnt worth the jump from medium/1360x768 to 1600x900/high.

But im for sure getting a t430 for school, just want to play those games too.

 

In my opinion non integrated GPU is allways better, even it give you only 20% speed (which is not small anyway), becouse when you use intel gpu it share memory with the processor and make it slower.

 

Hey guys,

I too am looking forward to getting one of these bad boys. However, I was super disappointed that I couldn't get the i7 ivy bridge along with a dedicated graphics memory. What a bummer! I've been terrified of shared graphics memory for as long as I can remember. Do you think the i7 with the 4000 is better than the i5 with the dedicated nvidia? I am starting medical school in July and I need a computer that is as future proof as possible. My budget is about 2100$. This computer needs to last four years.

I'm either going for this or a new MacBook pro. Howevere, I'm really looking forward to my first Lenovo! Please someone put my mind at ease about this graphics issue thanks for the input.

Paul (future!) MD

 

Discrete graphics are a $330 option on the T430s. I don't think the increased performance justifies the cost, and the HD 4000 is reputed to be quite capable.

 

I will prolly be buying a new Thinkpad fairly soon and I am thinking it will be a T430. I have a few questions though.

Has anyone had any luck haggling with a sales rep to bring the price down a bit?

I am thinking about getting home premium as opposed to professional to save some moneyt. What will I be missing if I go this route?

What kind of battery life can I expect with a 6 cell battery? I don't really want to get a 9 cell since it would stick out the back, but I will if I have to.

Also is the extra money for the T430s worth it over the T430?

 

Just placed my order. Total came to $915.61 on the most basic T430s configuration with the high resolution screen.

P.S. Even if you are not a student, the B&N Lenovo site has a 25% off coupon available on top of the MSRP of $1,100.

 

I don't think the duo core i7 is worth the upgrade based on performance/price, so I would just go with the base line i5. If you really need dedicated graphics for gaming, I would just build another gaming rig with that kind of budget in addition to the laptop. The other option of buying a macbook pro with a decent graphics card (will have to wait to see what they offer) is also a good one given your budget.

 

I just ordered mine
thinkPad T430s - 1 Year Topeseller Express Depot Warranty








Processor

Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4MB L3, 2.90GHz)

Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)

Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English

Display type 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready

System graphics Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, 2.90 GHz) with Intel HD Graphics 4000

Total memory 8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM)

Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English

Camera 720p HD Camera Mic

Hard drive 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Ultrabay DVD Recordable

System expansion slots Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader

Battery 6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+

Power cord 90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)

Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)

Integrated mobile broadband Mobile Broadband upgradable

Language pack Publication - US English


45K5985 3YR Onsite + 3YR ThinkPad Protection

 

I just got the 3YR Onsite NBD + 3YR Priority Support + 3YR TPP (ThinkPad Protection) for $153. I'm still a little confused, but I think it was either cheaper, or only a dollar or 2 more than just standard 3YR onsite or 3YR onsite + 3YR TPP.

And for my recently placed order...


2352CTO ThinkPad T430s - 1 Year Topeseller Express Depot Warranty
$1,240.50


Processor: Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60GHz)

Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Display type: 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready

System graphics: NVIDIA N13M-NS Optimus Graphics 1GB, Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60 GHz)

Total memory: 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)

Keyboard: Keyboard Backlit - US English

Camera: 720p HD Camera Mic

Hard drive: 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Ultrabay: DVD Recordable (Couldn't get rid of it...)

System expansion slots: Express Card Slot

Battery: 6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+

Bay battery: 3 Cell Ultrabay Battery

Power cord: 90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)

78Y1652 3YR Onsite NBD + 3YR Priority Support + 3YR TPP
$153.33

433710U ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3
$146.30

Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Recycling fee: $6.00
Tax: $114.41
[USXJUNESAVINGS2012]: -$413.50 (Mastercard Marketplace)
Total: $1,660.54

 

I'm more curious if the DisplayPort of the switchable GPU version is only usable with the Nvidia GPU or if I can use it with whatever GPU is active right now (either via disabling the Nvidia GPU via BIOS/EFI and being able to use the HD4000, or by switching another way).

 

Maybe I wasn't clear or am not doing something right. When I go to configure my t430s, if I select the i7 ivy bridge processor, it doesn't allow me to have nvidia as an option, rather it forces me to choose the HD 4000. Is the i7 not compatible with the optional nvidia?

 

You can't get discrete graphics with the i7 processor, only with the i5. I'm guessing it's a Thunderbolt problem.

 

Asked and answered:

For what it's worth, the consensus here is that the integrated graphics are quite capable. Paired with an i7 processor, you should be future-proof for four years, easily. It obviously depends on what you intend to be running in four years, but, for example, I'm typing this from a nearly six year-old computer which is still very capable (see signature).

 

I mainly plan on using the laptop for writing research papers and writing assignments, playing video, and music. I don't plan on gaming at all, don't think I'll have the time. What would the benefit of i5 with nvidia be over the i7 with the HD 4000? Thanks for all the input!

 

HD 4000 will be fine. Nvidia option is mostly for gamers/CAD people.

 

In that case, the cost of going either i7 or discrete is almost certainly not justified, even for future-proofing. I had the exact same decision to make and the exact same goal: longevity of the machine. None of the activities you listed will benefit at all from the discrete card. Even the boost from the i7 will hardly be perceptible in those applications. Far more worthwhile and noticeable upgrades for less money would be an mSATA, SSD and/ or more RAM. If you game or use CAD, it's a different story, but it doesn't sound like you will.

 

Thanks for the input! Just curious, do any of the options add thickness to the laptop? Such as optional smart card reader?

 

What's the difference between T430 and T430S?
Also, I think the website is messed up because it lists T430 and T530 as the same weight. Can someone clarify this for me?

 

They may add a tiny bit of weight, but the chassis itself will not change size, no. Smart Cards are only used in very limited security applications. Make sure you know you would use one before you chose that option.

 

The T430s is lighter and thinner (by about 0.7 pounds)... By my estimates, the T430 is $128 cheaper. The T430s also uses parts not compatible with the T430. Also, it accepts 7mm drives only, while the T430 can take 9mm ones. Otherwise, the two machines are essentially the same, employing the same standard voltage processors.

 

They are similar internally. The T430s has slightly smaller chassis. There are some differences in configuration (available video cards, hard drive sizes) and price. The T430 is a little cheaper, comes with a larger battery, and is physically a little larger. Both are similar to their predecessors, the T420 and T420s, so take a look at the differences between those models before you decide.

 

Sorry! I got excited.. I changed my question, as I need more specifics. Hope that is okay.

 

Can anyone tell me the starting weights for:
T430
T430S
T530
That would help me very much.

 

Do a little research, it's all there on Lenovo's website.

 

It was very confusing because Lenovo's website currently has incorrect weights listed. I found the info elsewhere, though.

 

I'm heavily considering getting a T530 (not too off topic, right?) with a 1080p screen.

1. What is the gains/losses of jumping up to a low i7 (so like 3610QM for instance) from a high i5 (3360M)? What about power draw?

2. Apparently on the T530 you have the option between the Intel HD 4000 and NVIDIA 5400M graphics on i5, whilst being forced to have the nvidia with an i7. What is the relative power draw / performance between the two cards?

Also, it might be relevant I will be doing a lot of coding and hopefully get an external LCD or two at least 1080p. Is the Intel strong enough to handle that?

 

ya hoo i had ship date of 6/15 and now its 6/12

 

I think that's not likely

the i7's HD4000 discrete graphic will be clocked faster than the i5's HD4000. I am afraid that Lenovo noticed negligible performance between the i7's HD4000 vs the Nvidia graphic. Right now, it seems the $250 for discrete graphic might be better spent on the i7 cpu. Perhaps someone can benchmark the HD4000 vs Nvidia on the T430 when they get one.

 

Would you mind linking them here?

 

Has anyone received the T430s yet ?