T440s Owner´s Thread

I just got a second T440s and the trackpad is a bit noisy compared to the other one
almost the same as this : Lenovo ThinkPad T440s Trackpad sound comparision - YouTube
is this normal or a defect?

 

I'd say it's normal, probably varies from manufacturer just like the keyboard. My first t440s was like that, this one is more like the second one in the video.

Are you guys paranoid about the life/health of your ssd? Do you use any settings in particular (magician for evos for example)? I read a lot of recommendations such as disabling windows indexing etc. I tried that but windows started taking too long to find anything. I think it's a bit too much tweaking your OS like that, no?

 

3 of 4 passes completed with no errors detected. I'm rather inclined to believe the RAM isn't the culprit, which is good... but then, not quite sure what the problem is...

Mine's more like the quieter one on the right. You could bring it up with Lenovo support and see what they can do for you.

I've used my T500's SSD for nearly 4 and a half years now with no special tweaking other than the obvious (no defragging, for example) and it hasn't given me any trouble at all. Total writes are still well within the designed lifetime. I wouldn't turn off indexing (it's really only doing a through indexing once, unless you regularly move around a ton of files).

 

Uninstall the Lenovo video driver and install the Intel latest HD4400 Video driver from Intel's site.

Intel HD4400 Graphics driver 15.33.18.64.3496

 

Already did, with the latest Intel HD4600 drivers, RST drivers, and even Bluetooth and WiFi drivers. Memtest86 didn't turn up any errors after 4 passes, so I don't think the RAM is the issue anymore. Just BSODed with a KERNAL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE.

Don't know what options I have anymore except to reformat, and then install only a single driver at a time until problems start cropping up. A long and painful process...

 

is your purchase still within the cooling off period? you could return it for a refund and chance it ordering another in the hope the new unit has no 'defects'

 

Why wouldn't you just restore to the factory image which is stable, fast and reliable?

 

It's also possible that it's a motherboard defect (bad solder points, or a hairline on an IC path).
Unfortunately, it will take more trouble shooting.

As mentioned, at this point it would be best to restore to the factory image and test, since you'll most likely need to contact Lenovo support for a potential hardware repair, or system exchange, and this will be the first thing they will ask you to do.

Then again - if I recall correctly this is a brand new machine, so you also have the option of just returning it and ordering a new system.

 

I just got off the phone with Lenovo support, they told me that Lenovo has no records of all of certain FRU numbers that they send out to their products. For example, Lenovo does NOT have the FRU number of the display of the T440s they sent me. That is rather interesting, as it means you could potentially throw a piece of garbage 1366x768 panel in your computer and still return it, and they have no evidence to prove that you altered the machine in any way.

They do have the FRU numbers for some parts, like the HDD, Battery, and CPU, just not the display.

Doesn't that seem somewhat odd? It is slightly concerning to me that they have no evidence as to what part they sent me. If I receive a panel that isn't 1920x1080 like I ordered they wouldn't have any evidence that I ordered a panel with that specification.

 

I did keep the original hard drive, and in fact I did tests with it today. With the original hard drive and no additional RAM installed, system resumes from sleep with no problems. With the SSD and no additional RAM installed, no problem as well. With either the original HDD or the SSD and the additional RAM stick, however, the BSODs come back.

So, it seems I've found the most-probable culprit: the Crucial 8GB RAM stick that I installed. I find it strange that nothing came up on Memtest86, but that the problem repeatedly came up in normal usage.

Thanks for the input. At this point, if there's no additional symptoms without the additional stick of RAM added, I'm going to assume that was the problem. Of course, it could actually still be some more hidden motherboard issue, but I'm going to hope that's not the case.

I don't think that's correct, as the display specs and all other configurable specs are listed on the label of the box that the Thinkpad ships in.

 

Are you going to try a new RAM stick to see what happens? I am curious because I planned to buy the same Crucial RAM and would like to know if there is a compatibility issue with it. Thanks.

 

I've been running the same 8gb ram unit (I suppose there's only one from crucial) for about a month now, no issue at all. I guess it's a lottery, if you ever get a defective one just get in touch with them they'll ship you a new one, simple as that.

Edit: ram is CT102464BF160B

 

Yep, I'm going to try to find a compatible stick in a B&M store tomorrow, so I can verify that it's not a problem with the motherboard or some other hidden issue. I'd like to verify that it really is a defective RAM stick before going through with Crucial's RMA process.

Thanks for the info, that's great to hear. I have the exact same product number (there were actually two different PNs for the same-specced RAM, for whatever reason), so I may just have gotten a defective one.

 

We use the same part number in 4 T440s's here with no issues.

 

Me too, I have had this RAM in my T440s for about a month. Always using sleep. No issues.
I do have RapidStart disabled. No idea if that makes any difference to waking from sleep...

 

I'd really love to have a glance at an AUO B140HAN01.2 screen on the T440s. Does anybody with one work around London Liverpool Street? Please PM me if I can come take look. Thanks!

 

Has anyone else who has opened their T440s to add RAM, SSD etc, been *amazed* at how easy it is to strip a thread in the plastic holes that receive the screws that hold the base cover on? They seem to be very very easy to overtighten - be careful!

 

Yeah, tell me about it. One is gone on mine, I hope I won't need to open the base cover again for a couple of years now.

 

I just checked this with the memory I ordered from Crucial using their Memory Advisor tool. I have a different chip coming. Interestingly enough, the chip you note above doesn't show up in their tool for the T440s.

 

So for you who installed the additional 8GB of RAM in your system, does it work in dual channel? I assume that it has to match the CL.

 

Hey guys,

Just got my T440s a few hours ago from the Lenovo outlet and it is in near mint condition, with just one flaw. I will comment more tonight and tomorrow. For now I am trying to install drivers and whatnot on the SSD. I always love giving back to this community that helps me out so much when I buy a new PC. If you guys have any video requests for this laptop or any questions in general do not hesitate to ask me.

Initial impressions: Keyboard is the best I have ever used. Design is the best I have ever seen. I have the LG display, but more on that later (people seriously overreacted...). Getting the back panel off was a nightmare. I hope I never have to do that again.

 

Okay, let me start off by saying that I got the LG, FHD non-touch panel instead of the AUO panel on my thinkpad. Seriously, you all scared the living hell out of me. I expected a display that looked like a 800x600 CRT display from the early 90's based on what some people were saying...

The display is honestly not too bad. After calibration, colors are pretty nice and accurate. You can definitely tell this is an IPS display when looking at it head on. The viewing angles are unfortunately not the best considering this is an IPS display. However, you can still see everything even at a 175 degree angle, and there is no distortion. It just looks... well, I guess darker than it should look. Compared to the FHD display on my Samsung Series 7 ultra, it is inferior when looking at it from an angle. However, looking at the panels head on, they look the same. Oh right, the Series 7 ultra has the best IPS panel I have ever seen on a laptop. The LG looks the same to me when looking head on. Honestly, I don't really care that the viewing angles aren't phenomenal.

So stop scaring people (especially Thinkpad forums, those guys were real whiners when it came to the LG display). It isn't so bad. Some people were claiming it looked worse than TN panels on cheap laptops. There is no way in hell that is true. I have seen the TN panel on the X1 carbon as well as the T430 and this LG panel completely destroys those two in terms of looks.

The trackpad is pretty nice. It isn't as good as the Series 7 Ultra (but that has the best trackpad ever made if you ask me, even better than the Mac trackpads). I tried using the trackpoint (not really my thing) and I can definitely say, if you are a trackpoint user THE T440S IS NOT A SUITABLE LAPTOP FOR YOU. It is very uncomfortable using the buttons when using the trackpoint. However, if you use the trackpad like I do, then you should be fine.

The keyboard is phenomenal. Best I have ever used. I've typed on my dad's T430s keyboard as well as his T420s keyboard and this is far superior in comparison.

Getting the back panel off... My god, it is a nightmare! It takes forever, even if you have a spudger. I am so happy I didn't bend any brackets.

What else is there...

Oh right, the System Update software is pretty nice. I like how it downloads everything for you automatically.

The one annoying thing was trying to reinstall Windows 8 on this PC, onto my SSD. I tried using a Retail Windows 8 64 bit ISO flashed onto a USB, but it didn't work. It said my key was incorrect. It took forever trying to find a Windows 8 64 bit OEM key, that finally worked. I resorted to torrenting a legitimate copy of it (I verified the SHA checksum or whatever it was called) so that went smoothly. Make sure you verify that checksum thing. When I was doing some research it turns out people can edit the ISO and whatnot.

If you have any questions please let me know. I check the forums multiple times a day!

 

Ok. Now you are making removing the base sound like others reaction to the LG screen issue. I hope it isn't as bad as you make it sound; I should be trying the process in a few weeks. If I'm lucky I will not have RAM or SSD issues requiring me to open it multiple times.

 

It's funny how you were talking about BSOD and I said I never had one in this machine etc. I just got one at boot, 0xc0000034 "Your pc needs to be repaired". I immediately thought the ssd was gone, I managed to boot using usb and run a Bootrec /rebuildbcd, that fixed it.

No idea what triggered that though (installed an old version of soulseek?!), I hope I don't start getting these crap now...

 

Haha, thanks for this. I purposely sought out a touch model because it was guaranteed to be an AUO. The posts terrified me as well. No regrets though, I don't mind the few ounce difference and actually like having the touch option. Glad it worked out for you (so far at least, because it WILL ghost eventually!!!1). Only kidding with that last part!

 

You should have followed the torque instruction in the hardware maintenance manual. Nearly all the screws listed are suppose to be torqued .181 N-m or 25 in-oz. That is a very light torque.

 

Ok, the colors are not so bad for a IPS screen but the viewing angles are VERY VERY BAD.
I really don't advise people to get the T440s until the LG screen is available.

"Stop scaring people"? Who want a screen like that?

Lenovo Thinkpad T440s - LG IPS screen - YouTube
Lenovo Thinkpad T440s - LG IPS screen (vs Sony VAIO IPS screen) - YouTube

Really?

 

In other words, RTFM! Thanks for your sympathetic wording, dude ;-)
Actually I had a look in the manual just now and am feeling (slightly) less stupid: It doesn't mention torques for the base cover screws... (not that I looked anyway before I stripped one of the threads on mine). Anyone else in this situation, I recommend the superglue (krazy glue in the US, I believe) solution!

 

I agree. I had the LG panel for over 2 months and I could never get used to the spotlight effect. I guess if someone only uses it on a desk and always maintains the straight on angle, then it could work for him, but that's not how I work. I shared my experiences and before/after pictures of my AUO replacement. I had no intention of "scaring people". I think customers should be informed that there are 2 different screens with very different viewing characteristics, something that Lenovo never once mentioned.

 

I have just upgraded my T440s with an LiteOn Keyboard: This is MUCH better! The keys are not as slippery and does not get "smudgy" like the Chicony keyboard, the have a much better feel (a bit harder) and also the hole keyboard just feels better built-

 

How did you get the LiteOn Keyboard?

 

I bought it from a reseller here in Germany, from here: 04X0113 04X0151 ThinkPad Keyboard Deutsch mit Bac - ok1.de - Shop für Lehre und Forschung The LiteOn FRU (German QWERTZ) is 04X0151, it is different in other languages.

Another aspect: The keyboard-backlight does blend much less with the new keyboard. It is also more white than blue.

 

Yikes. 89 Euro. I just check the IBM part store and it cost $164 (0X0139) to buy. I guess it is the cost of the keyboard, LEDs, and TrackPoint.

It is funny how the CHY keyboard (0X0101) cost $831.

 

You could buy it on ebay, its a bit cheaper there: New ThinkPad T431S T440S US Backlit Keyboard 0C43944 04x0139 EU Seller Fast SHIP | eBay

 

Okay sure, the viewing angles are not the same as what an IPS panel should be. However, they are still far superior to a TN panel. People made it seem like they would rather have a 1366x768 netbook panel installed than this LG display.

Also, the viewing angles are fine from the top, left, and right on my unit. It's just when looking from the bottom that things get a little dark, but all text is still legible.

My display has no banding effect that I have noticed.

Never once since I've had this laptop have I thought that I need to return it or change the display due to the LG panel. It isn't the best IPS panel in the world, but it isn't horrible.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

I was thinking about that as well but couldn't find a good source for the LiteOn keyboard here in Germany. Any pointers?

 

@yak,
here: 04X0113 04X0151 ThinkPad Keyboard Deutsch mit Bac - ok1.de - Shop für Lehre und Forschung Just call them and ask them about the LiteOn Keyboard, or write them a mail - some days ago I ordered one LiteOn keyboard and the said they only had Chicony-keyboards and the LiteOn keyboard would not be in stock for 4 weeks, but yesterday they mailed me that they got a LiteOn keyboard, which I could order. Well, today I have it.

They are the sponsor of the german ThinkPad-Forum, I really can recommend them.

 

Thanks, I sent them an email.

---
They said they have only one left! Bought immediately.

 

Well, looks like my T440s is going back. I have a very stupid hardware issue. I have a 6 cell battery and two 3 cell batteries. The 6 cell battery works flawlessly. Both 3 cell batteries give me the error 'Battery 2: There is an error'. All batteries are genuine straight from Lenovo.

Doesn't make any sense. How does the 6 cell work but 3 cell doesn't???

Tried updating BIOS. Didn't work.

Confirmed it isn't a software issue, tried in Ubuntu and Windows.

I've never ordered a laptop and had it work on the first time. Usually takes me 2 tries.

Anyone seen this issue? If not looks like I have to reorder.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

Contacted Lenovo support, they said they will make an exception for my outlet return since the issue I am having is simply unheard of. Apparently they usually charge a 15% restocking fee on outlet returns, even if there is an issue with the unit.

I'll probably just order another T440s. I'm not sure why it always takes me 2-3 tried to get a somewhat decent unit!

 

(Sorry for my bad english.)

Hi everyone,

(First I want to thank all the users who post here, it was a great thread to buy a T440s.)

So, I own 3 batteries : one 6-cells 72 Wh (really 74,7 Wh Sanyo) and two 3-cells (1 Sanyo 21,7 Wh and 1 LG 23,7 Wh). No issues at all.

Some thoughts :
- 1600x900 AUO panel, i am not complaining about it
- very good laptop
- no battery indicator (what a crazy idea, even a Eeepc do have this feature, and the i of "Thinkpad" is a LED, so damn why NOT make it on/off/or flash when laptop is off and battery is fully charged ??)
- all is ok running Ubuntu 14.04 beta except middle button scrolling with trackpoint, slow wifi 7260 and special keys associated to F9->F12, so I am very happy with it (after some touchpad tweak)

 

Hi all,
Does anyone of you use something like a screen protector on the touchpad? Although it feels nice, but after some hours of use it feels grubby and dirty and by moving my finger a little bit heftier over the touchpad I have some dirt on the pad.
Apart of that: Does anyone of you use a screen protector for the non-touch version of the T440s? After opening the laptop the trackpoint is sometimes visible on the screen. I don't want to have a imprint of the trackpoint permanently, so I screen protector might help. Until now I use a cloth, which I put between keyboard and display, but this is not that cool ....

 

No, I believe a screen protector would screw the colors / viewing angles etc. I keep a microfiber cloth in the case which I use any time I leave spots in the screen.
What I may buy in the future is a stylus so I don't have to use my fingers, still looking for a good brand.

 

I had a screen protector on my x230t and it didn't screw the colors, so it could also be okay on the T440s (I have the non-touch version, so I don't need a stylus). Until now I also use the microfiber cloth solution, but as already said, it it isn't fun to use it.

 

Completely irrelevant to the quote, but how did you handle the BIOS issue? The thing about Intel Rapid Start Technology. I have yet to encounter the issue where I can't boot past POST screen, I'm on Bios 2.10 with Linux and an SSD installed. Do I have to update the BIOS and then reformat?

Do you also have this problem? https://github.com/leoluk/thinkpad-stuff/wiki/Haswell-ThinkPad-problems#backlight-bleeding

 

Anyone have a problem where their fingerprint reader will just up and stop working at random times? I use my fingerprint reader to unlock Win8.1 all the time and every now and then it will just stop responding. The light won't come on, no amount of swiping over it will get it to start working again. I usually end up rebooting to get it working again when it becomes super inconvenient, or I revert back to password unlocking.

All drivers and BIOS up to date; that's the first thing I thought of as well

I don't know if they've done any hardware updates, but this was a first run preordered T440s.

 

Sometimes my fingerprint reader does turn off on the lock screen when the computer has been idle for a while, but it usually wakes up right away if I touch either the keyboard or trackpad. Maybe try going to Device Manager > Biometric Devices, double-clicking the fingerprint reader, and under Power Management, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

 

Oh that's actually a great idea. I'm going to give that a try. Thanks.

 

I've had my Outlet T440s FHD touchscreen for several days now and have been very pleased. Here are my initial impressions:

The laptop is solidly built, looks sleek and professional, and is a great portable size. It was a refurb but to me looks brand new. I'm coming from T530 so I've had big and bulky up until now. The portability is a big plus.

The laptop can be docked to 3 monitors all displaying 1920x1080 resolution (laptop monitor must be off for this to work). You do need to have the Ultra dock (brand new dock type that is not backwards compatible with prior models) in order to do this and one monitor has to use a VGA port. I've noticed that sometimes one monitor does turn off randomly for about 5 seconds and then comes back on. I suspect it's a driver issue and according to the release notes of latest Intel driver, may have already been fixed. Just waiting on Lenovo to release it to test. Either way, it doesn't happen often enough to cause too much grief.

There was some concern about moving to a low voltage i5-4200U processor but given I work in Office and cloud applications all day, it turns out I didn't need any of that extra horsepower. It's more than capable of handling a general office or executive workload.

The keyboard is fantastic. Definitely better than the ones I've used from Dell and Apple. It's similar to the T530 but think it's slightly better.

The trackpad/pointing stick is not as good as prior models and their discrete buttons. When using the pointing stick, I've have to look down occasionally to check the position of my thumbs on the trackpad and have noticed I misclick much more frequently than before. However, I've found it usable after a bit of getting used to. To me it's not as bad as a lot of reviews make it out to be but s a step in the wrong direction. By the way, you MUST have the touchpad drivers installed or the thing is completely unusable. I wonder if some of the reviews may had rebuilt their computers and didn't bother with reinstalling the Synaptics driver. The trackpad itself being a big button really reminds me a lot of the old Blackberry Storm phone I used to have. Never was a fan of that phone. They both share the same sentiment from me: usable but not quite the way it should be. I'll be keeping an wireless mouse with me at all times.

I have an AUO display. I had to lookup device type in Everest as the BIOS didn't list it that I could see. I did update the BIOS to the latest version before checking so they may have removed displaying the information after all the complaints out there on it. The screen is beautiful.

1920x1080 resolution was the reason I'd been forced to buy 15" laptops up until now. My workload requires the extra real estate. Now it is a lot of resolution to pack into a smaller 14" display but to me it's not too small. And I think that the increase in portability and battery life more than offsets having an extra 1" screen.

I went back and forth for a while on getting a touchscreen or a standard screen. For a non-tablet, I wasn't sure I saw the point. But now that it's here, I'm very glad I got it and do find myself using it. Particularly with Windows 8. The start screen and any start screen apps are much more interactive and usable if you go touch. I suspect that over time this may become more valuable. The extra weight was a factor since I really wanted to make it as light as possible, but for me I'm glad I chose usability over weight.

It came with a 256GB Samsung 840 SSD which is well reviewed at Anandtech so there is no reason to replace it. Was pleased about this.

Finally, Lenovo's curved down front edge really kept me with the brand. Dell and Apple have competitive models I was strongly considering, but I've used similar models from both and they tend to cut into your wrists with their sharp edges. The Lenovo rounded edge really makes it much more comfortable. It's not quite as rounded of an edge as prior models with is unfortunate, but still a lot better than the competition.

And you can't beat the price if you catch a sale on the Lenovo Outlet. So far, I'm very happy with this choice in laptop.

 

Dear All,
This is my first post here. I have just bought brand new T440s FHD non-touch (AUO ) with i5 Intel and 250 GB SSD. This computer looks great and very solid.
I notice one "problem" with my display; I have found that when the display is black or dark (f.ie. during booting proces) I can see, let say, very soft light on the bottom left side of the display. (at the area of 5 cm). I can see it only when the screen is black or very dark. Normally it's unseeable Or it could be the characteristics of IPS AUO display? Probably some LED is not hide properly under the bezel or sth like this and create very small amount of light outside.

I think it is connected with the display bezel. If I gently touch the bezel (or outside cover of the display) this soft light changed the shape..

I look at my old TN Dell display and there black is dark and I get used to it, but if I have FHD AUO display all black and I can see tiny brighter area, it makes me confused and makes me feel sth is wrong.



Could it be some defect of my display?