T430s owners'/would-be owners' thread.

For anybody who cares, my 16GB Memory Kit arrived today. After the install, my Windows Experience Index for graphics jumped from 5.1 (out of the box with 4GB of memory) to 6.5. Pretty hefty increase from stock.

 

I just registered to say thanks for this information, I've been wondering how the ammount/speed of the ram effects the hd4000. I have just ordered a T430s and I've been hestiant on what RAM to go with 1333, or 1600. Seeing such a drastic boost in performance has just sealed the deal. Unless you can get such a high ranking from just one of those 1600mhz 8GB modules..

 

I should be getting mine on wed. In the meanwhile can anyone comment on the rapid charge option. The other thread is getting me worried. It would be disappointing if it did not have it.

 

Unlikely - the system should take advantage of the dual-channel memory and provide a boost over a single stick.

 

Anyone have any info on the 6 cell battery life - lenovo are claiming 7 hours - I am assuming this means 5 or less!!

 

Maybe some of you who already own a machine can help me deciding which one to buy:

I'm looking for a rather quiet version of the T430s. What version would be the best one to have a quiet environment, the one with a Core i5-3210M 2.50 GHz, Core i5-3320M 2.60 GHz or the Core i7-3520M 2.90 GHz processor?
Or doesn't it really matter as all of these machines are rather quiet under normal workload?

Thank you in advance.

 

My T420s has a Memory score of 7.5 with 2x 4GB of memory (PC3-10600 1333MHz); shouldn't T430s score better because of its faster memory?

 

^^^ What was mentioned was the WEI for graphics (using the integrated HD 4000 that shares system memory), not for memory.

 

I have some bad news about the Intel HD 4000 graphics. I took my T430s into work today, where I have dual 27" HP ZR2740w 2560x1440 IPS screens.

In spite of the claim of the HD 4000 being able to drive three screens simultaneously, that claim comes with some caveats.

I was able to drive three screens at once, but not with each screen running at maximum resolution. If I enabled all three screens, one of the ZR2740w's would drop down to a maximum resolution of 1280x720.

I am hoping this is just a driver issue that will be fixed in time. If not, this is really disappointing, as this is the first system I have purchased without the dGPU, primarily because I typically use three screens while docked.

 

I am looking to use a similar config, though with dell U2410s.
Please can you share your connection types (DVI, DP, VGA) used for each of the monitors and the Dock type (Plus or not).
My understanding was that the non-Plus dock does have some limitations in terms of supported display resolutions, in that only 1 display can run at 2560+ for a 3 display setup. The other two will run at 1920 or 2048.

Thank you.

 

I was sold on the T430S, the X230 being a close second. I really wanted the bigger screen. However, based on the many posts in this forum about the mediocrity of the T430S screen, I think I am out (hopefully, I am not over reacting). I needed a new lap top, not sure if I can wait for the X1. I will be taking a look at the new HP coming tomorrow and may opt for the X230? The T430S also does not have a HDMI out which I really like when traveling, hook up to hotel TV.

 

I do have the Lenovo ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 (433810U), and both of the HP screens are connected via DisplayPort. It was my understanding that this setup should work with all screens running at their maximum resolutions (2560x1440x2 + 1600x900x1), but that is not the case, at least with the current drivers. Again, I'm still hopeful that it's simply a driver issue. If it's a hardware limitation, that will be very disappointing.

 

Can you try what previous guy suggested. can the machine drive 2 displays with lower than 2650x1440 and higher than 1280x720 resolution? e.g. can 2 monitors run at 2048x1152 or 1920x1080 (or however your monitor scales down)

 

To clarify, the machine can run 2 displays at 2560x1440, but when it does that, the internal laptop LCD is off.

I tried running three displays at 1920x1080 x 2 + 1600x900 x 1, and the same problem occurred. One of the HP displays was forced down to 1280x720 (In the Intel control panel, it was the only option available with all three screens active).

This is odd, because this video shows the Intel HD Graphics 4000 driving three screens, with two of them ostensibly running a 1920x1080 resolution (although I suppose the third screen that is running "HD video" could be running 720p (1280x720) video, which is what I've seen is possible on the third screen.

 

thats weird as per video and your results. i guess the drivers for HD4000 are quite young as per your conclusion. are you using the intel's software to set displays or the control panel? did you check if there are settings in BIOS that improves/changes graphics options? I guess all BIOS options will be set to automatic but worth a try if you havent.

 

I tried it both with the Intel control panel and with Windows display options. Same result with both. I didn't see anything in the BIOS that seemed relevant.

 

"Display outputs constitute the last domain. You can do three digital outputs on a desktop platform (provided a motherboard vendor enables them), but two have to be DisplayPort connections—one at up to 2560x1600 and one at up to 1920x1200. The third screen can be HDMI (up to 1080p), DVI, VGA, or DisplayPort at up to 1920x1200."
HD Graphics 4000: The Plus In Intel’s Tick+ : Intel Core i7-3770K Review: A Small Step Up For Ivy Bridge

 

Which HP is coming tomorrow that you are referring to?

 

This doesn't really track with my experience. I have been able to get two displays running at 2560x1440.

If I go to three displays, my second DisplayPort screen is limited to 1280x720, not 1920x1200 as this source indicates should be possible.

 

NVIDIA Optimus - ThinkPad Multiple Monitor Configurations

Perhaps u could try DP+DP+VGA on dock, like with optimus cards.

 

I'm considering Asus Zenbook UX32VD now...My T430s arrives today -- we will see.

Asus Zenbook UX32VD - Rundgang, Eindrücke und kein Displayport - YouTube

Update:

I bought it anyways as a backup plan

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00863L2MS/ref=ox_ya_os_product

 

UX32VD is very intriguing with full HD, and discrete gfx, but I don't like the ULV processor. It also costs over $500 more than the T430s I ordered.

 

how are the owners finding temperature on t430s. since the graphics are integrated i don't expect to heat up as much as ones with discrete graphics. but intel ramped up integrated graphics in HD4000 so i was wondering if it made things hotter
EDIT: I am talking about normal usage, no gaming. and not talking benchmarks either but does it get uncomfortably hot to keep on lap? what about palmrests? in usage scenarios such as watching 1080p youtube or sites with lots javascripting.

 

this is were i am at today ordered 6/6 T430s
Scheduled Delivery:
Friday, 06/22/2012


Shanghai, China 06/19/2012 8:47 P.M. Export Scan
06/19/2012 8:47 P.M. Origin Scan China
06/18/2012 12:51 A.M. Order Processed: Ready for UPS
it seems every time i called my status changed

 

I'm going to get my machine tomorrow. Will unbox on Thursday and give some impressions.

 

did your dates line up once it was shipped ?

 

Based on my limited experience, compared to the T410s with discreet nVidia graphics, the T430s with HD4000 integrated graphics runs much cooler with everyday usage. I used an IR thermometer next to the fan exhaust port and saw roughly a 9 deg (F) difference with them sitting idle.

 

For anyone who is looking to wipe out the system and install a fresh copy of Windows 7, be sure to back up the SWTOOLS folder (found in the root of C) and put it on a flash drive, which contains important drivers you'll need to get your system up and running properly.

I found that in addition to the obvious missing drivers that need to be replaced, some core hardware drivers were using Microsoft default drivers. So in the Device Manager, there was no "error", but by using the default drivers it was actually affecting performance.

I noticed this when my Samsung 830 SSD was only showing up as about a 5.1 in the performance index. I knew this wasn't right, so I updated the SATA controller driver by pointing it to the SWTOOLS folder, and sure enough there was an Intel driver that once installed boosted performance significantly.

Though there may not be as much of a performance bump with other drivers that needed updating (Thinkpad display, Realtek sound card, Ultranav pointing device, etc.) I'd recommend you go through each device in the Device Manager and try to "Update Driver Software".

 

My initial estimated ship date was 6/19. The machine shipped local time on 6/14, and was registered with the UPS system on 6/15. Right now, it's just left the UPS hub in Louisville, Kentucky, on its way to Massachusetts.

 

Mine just arrived. I have to say everything except the display is stellar on this thing. The keyboard is the best keyboard I've ever used, excellent size/weight.

I do not notice any "screen door" effect on the display. The only problem with the display is the faded/washed out colors and terrible viewing angles.

I'm torn. I want to keep it but I'm not sure if I can settle...I'm coming from a Macbook AIR which has an amazing display.

 

do you have the it4000 or the deceit gpu

 

One potential fix is to get another screen from ebay. Somebody bought a FHD for T520 for less than $100, much better than the $250 Lenovo is asking. Not sure whether there is any replace display for T430s though.

 

I have the Intel HD 4000

 

This will be fun, my T430s got just cleared by customs (45 minutes ago), and in 21 hours it has to be delivered from Louisville, Kentucky to Southern California or UPS didn't fulfill their guaranteed delivery commitment.

 

Discounts Available: If you speak with a customer rep you will find that discounts change daily. Apparently they are best on a Monday and worse as the week goes by. I got 20%, checked back twice, was offered 5% and 10%.

My machine too is in Kentucky, waiting on Thursday.

 

Hi all,

So I was fortunate enough to receive my brand spanking new T430s today, but I had a quick question.

Is there any reason this memory module (ADATA 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)) would not work in a T430s?

I'm no tech expert, but I tried to install the modules but they wouldn't work. Replacing the module that came with the T430s worked fine, but every time I tried the ADATA modules, nada.

fwiw, I have the i5-3320M processor.

 

I don't see why that ram wouldn't work, have you tried just one module at a time?

 

@ Kardon

Tested Lenovo's ram in both slots, no problem.

Tested one of the two 4gb ram modules, didn't work in EITHER slot.

Then tested the second of the two 4gb ram modules, works fine.

Strange, does this kind of thing happen with ram modules? Since I bought them together, I figured they'd either work or fail together.
Anyone have any experience in getting a refund/replacement for this kind of thing?

 

Sounds like it is just a bad stick. you should have no problems exchanging for a new set.

 

Sadly I'm returning the T430s due to the display. I'm very upset because the keyboard on this thing is amazing. The trackpad is a bit small honestly. If they just put a normal display on it - it would be a winner.

 

That bad, eh? Don't they charge 15% restock fee?

 

Was this an enough reason for them not to charge you restocking fees?

 

There is hope:

 

Im interested to know as well. I have been using a MB since 2008 and am used to their screens. other then that the T430s is great!

quick question. If I decide to keep the t430s, I am going to try to clean install windows 7. Would I install all the extra lenovo software from the image that came with the laptop?

 

I guess you were trying to answer a different question. We were asking if they are going to charge you restocking fees for the return or was your dissatisfaction with the display a good reason to get it waived?!

 

You can clean-install Windows 7 from an .ISO image (with the COA key) after having saved the C:\SWTOOLS folder on a USB flash drive. Then, open Device Drivers, go down the list of devices and point to that saved folder, telling Windows to search the subdirectories within it to install the correct drivers.

Aside from the device drivers, you can choose which Lenovo software (on the support website) to install.

It is a good idea to make a set of Recovery discs first.

Read the Hearst Guide.

 

You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Install all of the hardware drivers, ThinkVantage System Update, ThinkVantage Communications Utility, Power Manager, and UltraNav Driver, and you should be good. If you have a fingerprint reader, the ThinkVantage Fingerprint software is also a worthy install, as it provided functionality beyond the built-in biometric support in Windows.

 

I just got off the phone with them. I explained that the screen quality was terrible and I could not work with it. At first they wanted to charge me the fee. He supposedly talked to his manager at first, but I hardly believe that since I was only on hold for 20 seconds. He explained that since you just don't "like" the laptop the fee stands. He said if it were a mistake on the website then they could waive the fee.

I went on to saying:

"The website says I was getting a Premium HD+ Screen...This was far from that...therefore the website has misleading information..."

There was some resistance...He said, if you rebook the order then we can waive it. I told him that I will only retook if I can find a notebook with a suitable screen -- and I will do that on my own time...

He finally gave in and issued me a full refund with shipping included.

 

That's good information, at least we know there is an option if we really don't like the screen. How long do you have to decide to return before you are stuck with the machine.

 

Return Policy

Lenovo will accept the return or exchange of a Product in its original package for a full refund in cases of Lenovo error (*see gift card policy below). Returns allowed for any other reason will be subject to a restocking fee equal to 15% of the purchase amount (*see gift card policy below). All returns must be initiated within 21 days of the invoice date. Lenovo does not provide refunds or credits for portions of a packaged offering provided at a single price or for preloaded software Products installed by Lenovo. To initiate a return, contact 1-866-428-4465 to obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization). Any authorized return must include the Product and all accessories in the original packaging, along with all documentation (including invoice, RMA and original shipping label), and must be received at the Lenovo National Return Center within 10 days of obtaining the RMA. Returns that do not follow these steps may be refused by Lenovo, and customer assumes risk of loss and damage for packages returned without an RMA.

If you acquired a software Product separate from a hardware Product, and paid a license fee, you may return the software Product in its original, sealed package within 21 days of the date of invoice and obtain a refund or credit, if you do not agree to the license terms provided with the software Product.

http://shop.lenovo.com/ISS_Static/ww/ag/merchandising/us/popups/returnpolicy.html