T430s owners'/would-be owners' thread.

pifpafpouf6666, I just bought a T430s with the exact same configuration as yours last month; if you happen to live near Angers (49) and want to have a look at it, we can meet up!

Regarding battery life, both the i5 and i7 CPUs have the same minimum clock rate and TDP, so it should not make a huge difference. According to Lenovo Power Manager, I'm currently consuming around 15 watts/hour on idle at high brightness level.

 

so it is true that w/ 16GB ram will shorten the battery life?

 

Hi,

Can someone tell me how many discs are needed in total to create the recovery discs for T430s?

 

4 - 1 CD and 3 DVDs. A DVD can be substituted for the CD though.

 

@lamtd: Thanks for your answer and the meeting proposal. I will be in Angers in September ( I am studying there) but right now I am in Germany.

And anyway I have to pass my order before the 31st of August to get a 10% discount with the code "CJAUGUST10FR" .

What are your impressions about the T430s? (Are you an Happy buyer ? )

 

Well, I just did this and ended up having to use 5 discs - 1 CD and 4 DVDs. My T430s has windows 7 professional. So is this right or did I do something wrong?

 

It may not be wrong, but it's a little odd. I have Professional as well. I haven't heard of anyone needing 5 discs. What country are you in? Maybe that has something to do with it.

 

I just placed an order for T430s with all the usual options (i7, HD+, BT, Webcam, 6300 wireless etc...). Plan to add a second SSD - and maybe a third mSATA SSD down the road. I have been using Thinkpad's for over 10 years now.

I had a question on backup and recovery (never did it before as I usually put all my data in the second drive on ultrabay):
Is there really a advantage to recovery disk if you can do a clean OS installation to restore and data is preserved in second drive? A fresh OS install (I always believed) is always cleaner and more stable then a recovery and usually takes the same amount of effort - even after installing all the installed software all over again.

 

Ha ! Le monde est petit !

10% is a good discount, though they seem to have discounts all the time (it alternates between 10% and 100€ discounts about every month).

Regarding the T430s, yes I'm quite happy overall. I don't mind the screen, the only issue I have is related to the keyboard: Enter and Backspace keys sometimes make a loud squeaking noise when pressed, I'm not sure yet whether it's coming from the keyboard or the bezel but it's definitely not acceptable on a 1400€ machine.

When I called tech support, they simply asked to return the laptop to repair center (even though they could technically just send me a new keyboard and that would probably fix the issue), and because I didn't register the mail-in warranty beforehand, I'm now having issues trying to get them to pick it up free of charge.

Still, I wouldn't trade it for any other laptop (mainly because I'm a trackpoint user so my options are pretty limited anyway !)

 

I'm in U.S., California. So is there a way to tell the set of discs I made is good or not?

 

Most of Lenovo applications were "invented" around the times of Windows 98 and Windows NT. Many capable tools are available now (sometimes free of charge), and knowledgeable users -- like yourself -- can do things on their own using such tools. First example: It is much better to do a clean Windows 7 installation, with selective Lenovo applications. This reduces the disk footprint, memory footprint and number of processes at startup significantly, down to almost half. You don't want the recovery partition nor the SWTOOLS folder (this folder is over 4.5GB) sitting around. Second example: system imaging is a much more efficient way of taking a bootable snapshot of the drive -- as it is today, with your applications, settings and documents -- so that the whole system can be restored if something goes wrong.

So, what's the use of factory recovery discs? They are useful only when you want to restore the stock HDD to factory state before you sell your ThinkPad.

Brief answer: Factory recovery discs are useless.

 

Does someone has purchased a warranty ?

Witch one and why ?

 

By default the base warranty is a 3 years depot.



so

" Depot or Courier --> Service Parts and labor repair coverage where shipping (including packaging) or delivery to the
repair center is paid for by Lenovo."

warranty guide: http://www.lenovo.com/services_warranty/us/en/pdf/lenovo-warranty-services.pdf

 

Actually, the base warranty is 3 years carry-in/mail-in service, so shipping to Lenovo is not free of charge.

I did buy the 93€ warranty (3 ans par enlevement + 3 ans de protection ThinkPad), though, but it's very complicated to find out what warranty extensions actually cover.

Moreover, even though I did receive a confirmation e-mail stating that I correctly registered the warranty extension on the IBM website, the warranty status page only mentions the base warranty.

I'll a little annoyed by this, but hopefully it will be sorted out quickly.

Anyway, regarding warranties, as I said I bought the TPP + courrier extension, which IMO is the best deal. I had the onsite service for my previous ThinkPad, and I would have purchased it again if it wasn't so expensive (and also slightly inconvenient, since it means you have to be available for the onsite tech during the day).

As a side note, IBM customer support was really top-notch a couple of years ago, but I'm not so sure about Lenovo's (I believe it's an offshore service now, and unfortunately it shows).

 

I don't know about elsewhere, but in the US technical support not offshore at all. It is outsourced (Lenovo doesn't do it themselves), but it's outsourced to IBM; telephone support is provided from Atlanta, Georgia.

Sales support, on the other hand, is an entirely different group, and I believe they may be off-shore.

 

Yes, I was only talking about France. I've read that support was done in Romania now (which technically isn't really offshore since it's on the same continent, but you get the point), and it seems consistent with my experience.

I have nothing against outsourcing per se, but the issue of bad phone lines + strong accent of offshore services makes it somewhat difficult to communicate, especially when the problem is a bit complicated to explain.

EDIT: As a side note, I've just checked the warranty checker page and my warranty status has finally been updated:

 

this is the thread, which unfortunately seems to have gone dead: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/682490-x1-display-t430.html

the safest option would be to buy from lenovo, but does anyone know if they sell FRUs direct to end-users?

 

Hello.

Does anyone know how to enable/disable in OS NUM Lock on T430s (2352)? Which key combination?
Read the manual, look for the answer in the network - but so far without result.

Thanks.

 

I don't think it is possible with new keyboard. They did not put labels for numbers and even if it was possible to turn it on it would be awkward to type.

It looks like these are the only valid non-labeled Fn key combinations:

Fn+B: Has the same function as the Break key.
Fn+P: Has the same function as the Pause key.
Fn+S: Has the same function as the SysRq key.
Fn+K: Has the same function as the ScrLK key.​

 

My recovery disk burning required 5 disks as well; 1 boot and 4 data. I then replaced the hard drive and reinstalled Windows so I know they work .

Does anybody know where I might find accessories to install in the "T430s Exp Cs" expansion slot? This is the 1" wide one just behind the HDD on the left side. Having turned down all of the expansion bay options at the time of purchase, I can't find anywhere to buy something after the fact!

Cheers,
Kernal

 

Looking at this page:
Overview - ThinkPad T430s
The t430s should be available also with quad core processors, but none of them is available in the shop or in preconfigured systems......
Also looking at this document:
http://download.lenovo.com/parts/ThinkPad/T430s_FRU_BOM.pdf
are listed all FRUs for quad core processors.
Does some of you know when they will be available?

 

That is an error from Lenovo. There will not be any quad-core configs for the T430s. As you can see, the PLANARS only list the dual core options. Someone simply re-used another document and forgot to take out the other CPU's. The thin frame of the T430s is not able to provide sufficient cooling for quad-core CPU's anyway. Quad-core configurations are limited to T530 and W530 machines.

 

Is the T430s able to run Autodesk Maya 2012 or Source Filmmaker well? It would really jelp!

 

Still struggling to decide between one of these and a macbook pro 13.

Does anyone have any figures for whats possible with the nvidia graphics card added? Also I've seen varying reports of battery life, I assume the nvidia card would further kill this beyond the 4hrs 8mins reported in the notebookreview review?

My main usage would be office applications and a little light photoshop work. Would also be plugged into an external monitor a fair amount of the time.

Can't find any other laptops about this size and weight other than the MBP13

 

Does the T430s with the i7 come with the nvidia graphics? or is the HD4000 the only option?

 

I am struggling with same question at the moment. I need a replacement for my wife's aging ThinkPad T400. I don't think she'll be happy with a MBA. I had originally thought the X1 Carbon would be perfect, but I am now going to wait and see what the early adopters think of the machine.

Then there's the wave of machines coming in OCT and NOV to think about.

 

I might be wrong but I think that only the HD4000 is available for the t430s with I7 processor.


I just ordered a t430s with the following configuration (It's in french but you should understand most of it) :

ThinkPad T430s - Express - 3 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty

• Processeur: Processeur Intel Core i7-3520M (4M Cache, 2.90 GHz)
• Windows 7 Home Premium Authentique 64 Français
• Ecran LED 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) rétro-éclairé, Anti reflets, Module 3G prêt
• Intel HD Graphics 4000
• 4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM)
• ThinkPad Precision rétro éclairé - Français
• Lecteur d'empreintes digitales
• Caméra HD 720 p
• 320 GB, 7200 tpm
• Port pour Express Card & lecteur multicartes 4 en 1 & lecteur multicartes intelligent
• 6 cellules Li-Ion - 81+
• 3 cellules Ultrabay - 43
• 90W AC Europe
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
• warranty 3 ans par enlŠvement + 3 ans de protection ThinkPad
• Housse ThinkPad 14"

And I also get the samsung 830 SSD of 256 GB and the Corsair CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10 2 x 8 GB ram kit.

I hope everything will suits me

I could do a review after the 15th of september

 

That's the exact config I was considering. What did that cost you?

 

Exactly. I was about to suggest that you get a T430s for your wife.

 

I just ordered one with the NVidia card. It is reportedly only marginally better than the Intel 4000, but I figure if it helps me in the slightest with small jobs using Autodesk Inventor, Feature CAM, Adobe MC CS5 (wishing for 6), and etc. then why not. The unit is not noticeably more expensive with the option and from what I understand the discrete card can be disabled in the bios to minimize any battery hit when not in use. At any rate, my config is below:

Description
ThinkPad T430s - 1 Year Topseller Express Depot Warranty Edit
Processor: Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz) Edit
Operating system: Windows 7 Professional (64 bit) Edit
Operating system
language:
Windows 7 Professional 64 - English
Windows XP Mode: Windows 7 XP Mode - English Edit
Display type: 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready Edit
System graphics:
NVIDIA Optimus Graphics (NVS 5200M, 1GB), Intel® Core™ i7-3520M Processor
(4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)
Edit
Total memory: 4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM) Edit
Keyboard: Keyboard Backlit - US English Edit
Pointing device: UltraNav multi-touch touchpad & TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader Edit
Camera: 720p HD Camera Mic Edit
Hard drive: 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm Edit
Ultrabay: DVD Recordable Edit
System expansion
slots:
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader & Smart Card Reader
Edit
Battery: 6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+ Edit
Power cord: 90W AC Adapter - US (2pin) Edit
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna Edit
Integrated WiFi
wireless LAN
adapters:
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
Edit
Integrated mobile
broadband:
Mobile Broadband upgradable
Edit
Language pack: Publication - US English
Accessories and options:
3YR Onsite Next Business Day + Accidental Damage Protection + Priority Technical Support Edit
ThinkPad 14W Sleeve Case Edit

 

Yeh I feel a need to keep the optical drive as I have a nice large dvd collection. I am also definitely buying in two weeks time so Oct is no good to me. Think I might be edging towards the mac. Shame it costs so much more.

 

• For the (T430s and a 10% discount)+ sleeve + courier warranty = 1420€ (1780$)
• Samsung 830 256 GB SSD 184€ (230$)
• Corsair Ram kit for 117€ (147$)

I ordered both on amazon.fr

The 4GB ram upgrade on lenovo website cost about 43€ (54$) so it's worth buying the Corsair ram kit.
Total cost : 1721 € ( 2158$ )

It's a lot of money but If I keep it at least 5 years I'll be ok.

 

please help me decide on wether to get mSata and what type of Warranty services 3 years...what people generally buy as the wording on the lenovo are deceiving

 

The Lenovo configuration option:

​

is practically useless. If you want an mSATA SSD in the WWAN/mSATA PCIe slot, you'd better purchase one yourself -- at least 64GB (like this one) -- and install Windows 7 and applications on it, and keep the stock HDD for data storage.

 

Is the Labor Day promotion a good value for the T430s?

 

I recently purchased and installed a Crucial 256gb mSata SSD and installed it into the mSata and made it an OS boot drive. I am a bit disappointed in the boot up and, especially so, in the shut down time. It takes about 15 secs to boot up and 20-22 secs to shut down. I only have MS Office and Adobe Lightroom installed on my T430s and all programs are closed before shut down. Someone earlier in this thread reported a shut down of about 4 secs, granted that SSD was swapped with the original HD slot, which is SATA3 vs the mSATA slot which is SATA2. Should I expect a faster shut down time?
thanks for any suggestions.

 

Nop, the only way to get faster boots & shutdowns are with SSD in main and caddy slots by sata III.

 

That's too much money in my opinion for that machine. Here's the config and price I was looking at Wednesday night. The backlit keyboard and other options are in the config (like smartcard reader, bluetooth, etc.) Basically this is a loaded T430s with the minimum config on the RAM and storage. I already have RAM and SSD's.

 

"That's too much money in my opinion for that machine" I agree with you but I did not find anything else that fit my requirements.

And I did not feel like buying a Mac (higher price for lower performance) or an Ultrabook that you cannot upgrade on your own. . .

And I don't about the USA but in france the state tax is 19.6% so 230€ (289$) on the t430s and the same tax apply to the ssd and ram .

 

It's a good price, but does it really worth all the bells and whistles? I got the basic system (with 1600x900) + Camera & Card reader for $750CAD after tax (was less than $750, but now it's more. ) For that price, you might as well get a X1 or Asus UX31A.

Do not get the MBA. It's a beautiful machine, but overheat like crazy. Internet surfing can cause the CPU to go to 90c. Yes, it's Flash's fault, but still. Playing Diablo 2 (not 3, 2) in virtual box with everything else close for 5 minutes, the back of the machine is too hot to touch, whereas T430s can handle Medieval Total War 2 with everything maxed.

 

What bells and whistles? I really don't give a care about the webcam, bluetooth, and a few other options but they are $20 here or $40 there and don't add up to much. The smartcard reader is required if I want to connect to a corp or military network. Thus, some of those bells and whistles are either required now, or will be required for future resale value.

The NVIDIA Optimus chipset is $20 cheaper than the Intel HD 4000 alone so that's a no brainer.

The CPU isn't even the top tier i5. Sure, I coudl go with something lower and save a few bucks, but I already did that by not going with the i7.

The backlit keyboard and $40 charge is required. Otherwise I might as well have kept a T420s.

Regarding the MBA heat comment, I don't have that issue because I don't buy laptops to game with and I am not watching Youtube nature videos.

 

Why not keep the T420s and wait for a better screen then. The T430s is not noticeably faster than my sandy bridge MBA other than games. Install Windows 8 on the T420s, you will see a much more noticeable boost. I also find it a toss between the T430s's Thinklight and MBA's backlit keyboard.

And if overheating is not a problem and you are not keen on upgrading, then I think the Asus U31A would be a better choice with SSD + IPS.

 

I've had been using my T430s for about five weeks now and I thought I'd share some of my impressions, so far...

LIKES
-Love the thin 0.83" design
-Barely weighs 4lbs- very noticeable vs. the 6lbs Dell Latitude that it replaces
-Stays fairly cool and fan doesn't run excessively (and it's quiet)

DISLIKES
-The latch for the lid doesn't operate easily or smoothly
-The lock and release mechanism on for the Ultrabay is a pain

I still haven't decided whether I like the new keyboard design or the old one better.

I love the keyboard backlighting, but I wish there were more than just the two brightness settings. Dell's Control Point software has numerous configuration options for the keyboard backlighting and I miss having that control.

 

I took a closer look at my W510 display and its viewing angles etc. I tend to look head on and rarely share on screen work without having multiple monitors connected. I opted for the T430s over some of the other units on the market because it hold uniformity in a lot of ways with my current ThinkPad in terms of AC adapters, docking and etc. I am really holding out hope that the X1C screen or similar will be retrofit-able option in the future, but if that doesn't happen the T430s' upsides are sufficient to keep me happy for a long while. I admit that my next purchase may be an ultrabook, hopefully a more mature X1 series that is more open to upgrades and the like...

 

Remember to turn off Intel's automatic contrast management, or you'll get a crappy picture quality. It's not going to fix the black levels or viewing angles, but it makes the screen a lot more bearable to watch.

 

This is the first I've heard of that...thanks! How do I do that???

I'm assuming it's somewhere in the graphics settings, but where exactly?

Thanks!!!

 

Graphic Properties > Media > Image Enhancement > Adaptive Contrast Enhancement

 

I am not familiar with how these things are organized but I did want to get this complaint online.

I ordered a T430 on 8/17/2012. The estimated ship date was 8/26. On 8/29 I sent an email for an update as my order status still said a ship date of 8/26 and delivery around the 29th. The status page then changed to 8/29 ship and 9/9 delivery. On 8/31 I sent an email complaining about the delays and was told there was a delay in the "supply chain"; the est. ship date was changed to 9/2 with delivery 9/9. That is where it is today, even though it is 9/3 and it still has not shipped.

The moral of this tale is: give yourself plenty of time if you want one of these. I have ordered many computers over the years - no lenovos before- but never had this issue. I am trying to get a new business up and running but apparently lenovo doesn't care. BEWARE!

 

I also posted a monitor profile you can use which may remove color casts and help with constrast, etc: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/685419-t430s-monitor-profile-info.html

 

There is a thread here that is tracking shipping delays. Laptops have not been shipped for people who ordered first week of August. ThinkPad T series shipping thread - 2012 edition - Page 35 - Lenovo Community