T440s up on Lenovo website (IPS Screen, 1080p)

How do you find the noise and heat levels? What CPU do you have? If you have a FHD IPS screen, how do you like it? Does it have much glare / reflections? Thanks for the info...

 

Psh, could you please post 3Dmark06,Cinebench(single/multi) and Wprime32 benchmarks? Thanks!

 

What I don't get is, why the docking connector? Who uses those things and why, considering you have USB3 and plenty of display options. Without the dock support, it could easily support 16GB (well, it could support 16GB just providing an 8GB soldered version which would cost all of $25) and be even lighter than it is. My guess is Lenovo kept it due to the corporations who automatically buy docks. Anyway I presume I'm not the only one who's not going to buy based on the unnecessary 25% RAM compromise.

 

I personally wouldn't buy one without the dock. If you do desk + mobile work, having to just sit the laptop back or eject it and have everything ready to go is unbelievably convenient. Its one of the reasons why I've stuck to a T420 in day to day usage.. over macbooks, zenbooks, surface pro etc etc.

 

OK, that's fair enough, though I notice Lenovo makes a USB 3 based dock that would largely obviate the proprietary connector..

 

If I can't wait for the t440s, what do you think about getting the ThinkPad S431 with a i7-3537U Processor? It says it has >6 hrs of battery life (which is sufficient)? Its alot cheaper.

 

USb 3.0 Docks are no replacement. I have the Lenovo USB 3.0 Dock, and there is one reason that makes it unuseable compared to a normal Dock: To make it work, you need a Driver from Displaylink, which has a lot of flaws and performance issues. A normal Dock has no driver and performs a lot better. Only the OneLink Docks are equal in Performance, because they also don´t need a driver. They perform just like normal Docks, but they also use a proprietary connector.

 

I recently found out that the normal dock needs drivers too. Quite an interesting fact.

 

Well, the Series 3 Docks don´t need any drivers. Only the peripherals you connect through the Dock need drivers, the Dock itself ist driver-free.

See: Docks, Port Replicator, Ultrabase - Reference Guide
"Driver Not required (Plug & Play)"

 

I also wouldn't buy a ThinkPad without the dock. It's so nice having external monitors, HDDs, phone/tablet chargers all hooked up on my desk, and when I'm on-the-go it's just a simply click and we're off...most people never realize the productivity potential of these devices...because they (YOU) don't think like the rest of us. If you don't want a docking connector then get the ThinkPad Yoga, Yoga Pro, or X1C.

 

I've used docks before, but they never really grew on me. I prefer just using the built in ports.

 

Well, thats one advantage of Docks: If you use your internal ports all the time, they could be break someday (like the USB ports of the T400/T500 series). A Dock guarantees that the notebooks built in ports won´t break.

 

Yeah same, that's half the reason I'm switching to a Thinkpad (the other half is the trackpoint, hopefully not too gimped now).

 

Chatted with a Lenovo rep today and asked about the T440s. He wouldn't give a release date. But when I asked about how the newer model would compare to my current T420s with 16GB RAM, he said the T440p would be a better fit. Then when I asked for more info about the T440p, he says it will still have the optical drive bay and would be closer to the T420 regular form factor in terms of weight and thickness. I was sorry to hear this because it confirms that Lenovo has eliminated any sort of equivalent upgrade path for the current T4x0s line of notebooks.

It makes sense why they'd be going for a slimmer lighter model in the new T440s, but it seems strange why they opted for the T440 regular to just be a cheaper dumbed down version of the same laptop as opposed to providing an option with a balance between the T440s and T440p that would provide a clear upgrade path for current T4x0s users.

So as it stands, I'm not sure what I'll end up doing. I feel like the T440s would provide enough CPU power for my needs, even with a ULT CPU. The i7-4600U should have similar performance to my current i5-2540M. But it'd be difficult to downgrade on the RAM. I was looking forward to actually having a decent screen on my laptop. The great battery life and a slimmer form factor are pluses. But considering it wouldn't be a performance upgrade to my T420s, maybe I'll have to wait for the next generation T450s before Lenovo provides an 8GB soldered RAM option. A Broadwell i7-U may actually give a bump in performance compared to my Ivy Bridge i5-M as well.

 

Why do so many people have to include a tinge of scorn in their responses?

I use Synergy on Linux, when I sit down at my "desk" I have a much more powerful workstation available as an "accessory."

The X1C doesn't have a VGA port, among other things, and I find the design of the Yoga to be ridiculous.

Being an apologist for corporate decisions is another position that baffles me. Corporations can look after themselves, consumers should discuss and act on their perspectives.

 

Just wanted to add one more opinion about the dock before the topic is forgotten.

I had the X1C with the USB 3.0 dock and the performance was not very satisfactory. When using multiple monitors, the images would "tear" or pixelate with any kind of rapid movement. In otherwords, it worked ok for static images like a Word document or e-mail but if you want to watch any videos, forget about it. Also, the Displaylink port would take up a good size of your CPU power to convert video signals to USB. My processor would jump up 25% with any type of screen movement.

I still think it's best to keep native computer signals as pure as possible when it comes to performance. When you start converting HD Video, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio all to USB, you're bound to lose some performance in all the conversions back and forth. Not only that, you have to worry about the Displaylink driver being stable enough to basically run your entire computer.

To me, the dock is the most important feature of the T440s. It's the main reason I'm choosing that unit over an X1C

 

Thanks, I understand the perspective now. I found docks kind of clunky and not saving much time, but I was just a casual user. Perhaps the next-gen T400 series will have Thunderbolt, which supports multiple monitors and high speed peripherals on one connection, which I hope wouldn't be too inconvenient for dock users.

 

(duplicate, please remove)

 

And there is a reason why I still choose the T440s over the MacBook Pro with two thunderbolt connector and a high pixel display. The dock is way more convenient for plugging in your two external monitor, mechanical keyboard, mouse, external hard drives, and power. Also, there isn't a display beside Apple $1,000 monitor that supports multiple monitor on one thunderbolt port in the US. The dock definitely reduce clutters and really turns your laptop into a workstation.

 

I am planning to buy the 1080p version. I don't really like the usability of a touchscreen for a laptop. Will also be getting the extended battery because sometimes I am without a power socket for a full day (10-12 hours).

That way, all I need to bring is the laptop and the two batteries and that (hopefully) should last me the full day!

 

I just fixed my nvidia T61 with a heat gun. I hope this holds until all of the relevant models of the 14" and 12.5" Thinkpads are available so I can decide which one is worthy of replacing my daily driver. I'm not thrilled with all of the changes (keyboard / trackpoint buttons esp.), but I won't use a laptop without a Trackpoint, so it's either get one of these new models or one of the older ones with an inferior screen (I've been holding out for 1080 IPS screens for a long time, Lenovo!). Decisions, decisions!

 

Lenovo UK updated their website for T440. http://shop.lenovo.com/gb/en/laptops/thinkpad/t-series/t440/

T440 may have much longer battery life with standard batteries compared to T440s. 17hours vs 12hours according to the website.

 

HD+ display ain't gonna cut it. BTDT for several years now. I, like many others on this thread, have been waiting for FHD without a 5, 6, 7# boat for some time now.

Will be interesting to see the full specs on the T440p and, better yet (hopefully), the CTO options.

 

"...With up to ultralong battery life and an HD+ IPS display..."

 

Totally agree. I'd pick up the T440s w/ FHD display and 730m GPU, but I'm hoping the T440p packs something more powerful in a package as small as (or smaller than) the T440/T430. I'm sure many of us don't need the sliver-thin X1C (who does?) so something between the T430s and Yoga form factor is perfect...just make it powerful and well-built and it'll sell (prime example is the Yoga build-quality; solid feel + good design + functionality = solid reviews + sales).

Sometimes I feel like lenovo's lead designers are poking at thin air with all these complicated models like the sub-par Edge lineup, Helix, Yoga (besides the new Pro), ThinkPad version of the Yoga, X series tablet, touchscreens? , etc.... just make a solid, professional, dockable laptop for F$#&s sake. Hopefully the CTO T440p models don't disappoint or I might just try to get a MBP...at least that's worth scrutinizing.

 

I've never ordered a TP quickly after release before; what's the lag between release and CTO availability? I apologize in advance--I think this was said a while back, but I couldn't find the post again.

 

Nice. I plan on buying the non-touch screen version since I plan on using Windows 7. I figure in 4-5 years touchscreen will be standard so I should survive.

But the battery issue confuses me. Are there 2 or 3 battery options?
I know that the new T and X series are coming with the dual battery technology However, do we have to have two batteries in there? Are two 3-cell batteries standard? On the Lenovo European sites (UK & IL) where the T440s is listed it says **Up to 6 hours with standard 3-cell battery." But I thought two-3 cells were standard?
I want to know what the battery life is with two 3-cell batteries. Ideally all I need is 10 hours. However, if the two-3 cells are only give me 8 hours I would opt for the bigger battery that allegedly gives 17 hours and hope for 14 hours. I'd just rather not have extra weight and physical space if not necessary for my needs.

And lastly does anyone have an image of the T440s showing the two-3-cells? what fits into the space when you only have one battery?

 

Others may be able to cite specifics for some year(s), but off the top of my head about two months seems to sound about right. Interesting thing is there's a LOT of Haswell units coming out here shortly and, from a build perspective, Asus may be having some pretty sweet machines too.

We'll see.

 

I agree that there is something seriously wrong with Lenovo's battery estimates/descriptions.

My guess is that either the default is 3+3 batteries (one sealed, one removable flushed at the back,)
OR
(pure guess, unlikely) If you only want a 3-cell battery. You get the removable battery in the back (flushed with the laptop) and area for the sealed battery is empty.

The default picture of the T440s that you're used to is the 3+3-cell (or just the 3-cell removable). The 3+6-cell has the 6-cell removable battery in the back sticking out the bottom - elevating the laptop.

 

I was actually somewhat confused about that as well. It looks like there is a 3 cell internally and then you can purchase it with either a 3 cell in the primary bay which is flush or a 6 cell which sticks out?

I never really like the types of battery that make the laptop thicker but did like the extended out the back look. What do you guys think about that though?

This may be off topic but does anyone know if the processor and ram of the t440s or x240 will be soldered to the motherboard? I definately would like the option to upgrade to a quad core haswell!

 

Thats right. The T440s (and X240/T440) has three-batteries:
- 23.5Wh Li-Po 3-cell Battery internal (Standard on all T440(s)/X240 models)
- 23.5Wh Li-Ion 3-cell Battery external Power-Bridge
- 72Wh Li-Ion 6-cell Battery external Power-Bridge

The 17h estimate should refer to the 3cell + 6cell combo in Idle. The 6h estimate found on some European sites should refer to the 3cell + 3cell while doing Office-Work or Browsing the web.

Basically, I wouldn´t trust the estimates stated on their websites. I only trust the estimates which are written in the PSREF, because they seem to be accurate with the newer models.

 

anyone confirm - looking at pictures it seems like they got rid of the ultrabay for the t440? ultrabay is one reason i love lenovos...

 

Thanks. How can I a laptop have 6 hour battery life with two 3-cell batteries? I don't think that is right. I am always going to assume that battery life is under what is stated but by only so much. For the 6 hour estimate, I am going to assume it is 4 hours. But that has to be one battery. To think that could be on two-3 cells it not possible. And the 17 hour battery life I am going to assume 14. I used a T420 at work that had that 9 cell battery life and it got 9-10:30 hours with consistent, web and Excel and youtube usage. I think it was said to get 13. That was good enough for me. That is why I am most curious about the estimates with two 3-cell. Don't know if I can just assume that estimated battery life would be 12 hours since the 3 cell is 6. That would peg realistic battery life at 9hours. Which would be good enough for me. I am ordering my laptop as soon as it comes out so won't be able to wait on reviews. That is why I was hoping to get a 6 cell battery life estimate.

 

As ibmthink said, there will be three batteries:
- 23.5Wh Li-Po 3-cell Battery internal (Standard on all T440(s)/X240 models)
- 23.5Wh Li-Ion 3-cell Battery external Power-Bridge
- 72Wh Li-Ion 6-cell Battery external Power-Bridge

I think it is more realistic to think that one 3 cell battery will only give you around 3 hours because the 3 cell is only rated at 23.5Wh. Pretty puny I think.

If you want nine hours, I think you should get a 6 cell like me. 3 cell internal + 6 cell removable should give you around 9 hours and a little more hopefully!

 

Even more. If the two 3cell Batteries combined will give you 6 hrs, than the 3cell + 6cell combo should give you 12 hrs, since this nearly doubles the battery capacity. (3cell + 3cell = 47Wh, 3cell + 6cell = 95Wh)

 

Unfortunately no more ultrabay

 

Well, I use 18 cells (9 extended + 9 slice) on my T410.
Okay it draws more power but still, 9 cells maximum is not good.

 

Road warrior! Hopefully they will make a slice that fits to the dock connector like last time for you!

 

The funny thing is, I'm no road warrior but I like being lazy in my sofa listening to music with the laptop on my legs. :thumbsup:

 

You can't compare cells across batteries, compare the watt hours, as that's the actual measure of capacity.

 

That's true. Design capacity is 93,24 *2 so 186,4 Wh. That's obviously not the case anymore: 527 cycles and 80.10 Wh on battery 1 and 808 cycles and 64,48 Wh on battery 2. So 144,58 Wh capacity left at the moment.

Of course it weights like a brick with this setup.

 

Thank that is what I am noticing. Good to know what Wh stands for? If Lenovo says 17 hours with the 3 cell and 9 cell while it may be high, I don't think they could be off by 5 hours so I would hope to expect more than 12. Basically, I WANT to have two- 3 cells for weigh and aesthetics. However, if I must buy the extended battery for my desire minimum of 9-10 hours. I would rather get it on initial purchase than buy it after and have one 3 cell just laying around. I figured in 3 years when I am out of school when the battery is dying I could always get a 3 cell. We will see. Someone on here from Europe I believe is expecting their model to ship this week right?

 

This is making me doubt whether an Ultrabook is a good idea as my main system...
AnandTech Portal | Analyzing the Price of Mobility: Desktops vs. Laptops

(For those too lazy to follow the link, an i7-4200U has less performance than a desktop i3-3220.)

I'm coming from an old T410s and don't want something larger and heavier (T440p.)

 

What do you need desktop performance for?

Its the same question its always been - you game; buy a desktop - you work; buy a notebook/ultrabook. Unless you're doing CAD you won't even NOTICE the difference between an i3 & i7. Mainstream business use, spreadsheets, browsing etc don't need it. Even 95% of coding tasks don't need it, unless you're doing some hardcore multithreaded number crunching. A SSD will make a more noticeable difference to your system performance than a CPU

 

I read the article. Note that a desktop i3-3220 is nothing like the underpowered mobile i3's that always got a bad rap. Combo that processor with an SSD and the system will be snappy...either way you shouldn't buy an ultrabook for it's CPU power. I'm more worried about the GPU options...it seems many laptop manufacturers are content relying on Haswell's iGPU for better battery life. That combined with Nvidia's lack of innovation in the laptop mobile market creates a hard decision...buy Thinkpad haswell for the better batterylife and display or buy a cheaper Ivy-bridge at a much lower price...

 

There is a large gap between the full voltage Haswell i7s and the ULV ones. The i7-4500U is slightly less than half as fast as the lower-specced i7 Quad to basically offering about 35% as some of the higher end Quads, at least according to those benchmarks. The i3-3220 you mentioned is still considered a very potent CPU, even for gaming and other intensive tasks. Since the i7-4500U can hang with the i3-3220, it means it is a very capable processor as well for the majority of users. In fact, thanks to these benchmarks, I am impressed by the 4500U.

Unless you specifically need a faster CPU than a desktop Ivy Bridge i3, the new Haswell ULVs are perfectly fine. Thank you for the link. Now I won't try to avoid ULVs as I was in the past

 

You're right, it's about 35% of the performance of the high-end Ivy/Haswell quads, so you are essentially getting 35-50% of the performance you could have had if Lenovo didn't go ultra-light with the T4xx series this time around. Now, you may think the performance you are getting is still adequate. And in a way it is...for now. But knowing that you're essentially getting a machine less powerful than a year old T430, is a bit frustrating, wouldn't you agree? Dunno how many will find a consolation in the fact that the machine is now 1 cm thinner and somewhat lighter. I honestly don't notice the difference on a day to day basis but maybe it's just me....

 

Yes, you are right in many ways. However, the 440s is around 3.5 lbs. in some configurations if I'm not mistaken while the T430 is about 4.5 lbs. or so, more with the 9 cell battery. That is a 1 lbs. difference. Also, the battery life may likely improve by a couple of hours. So, in some ways, there is an improvement.

As a person who doesn't require the fastest processors, for me, the ULVs will be OK (although I am still hesitant to get one for some reason). Also, when you consider that CPUs from 3 or 4 years ago still handle most tasks from most people very well, the new ULVs should be just fine. I am with you in that I would have liked a slimmer T4x0 series with quad-core CPUs, though I don't really have any reason to get such a CPU.

For users who specifically need/want the best processors, they can look elsewhere. Lenovo does offer Thinkpads of this variety. In the end, there is a sacrifice to be made. Slimmer design/OK cpu/good battery life or thicker design/great CPU/OK battery life - there might be some laptops that offer the best of all three but it's hard to find them. At least that's what I've seen so far.

After using a 15.6" laptop for about 9 months now, I think weight is less important in terms of mobility than the general size. That's why I will likely get a 14" laptop when I need to buy one again. The thickness is fine with me as long as it's not too thick but the overall mass is something that is more noticeable. But the trend seems to be going towards slimmer/lighter/fancier - most likely due to consumer wants. The average person would gladly take a razer thin laptop despite the fact that the performance has taken a hit. This is probably what Lenovo is aiming at as well. Performance-oriented consumers' needs are very different from the general population so the choices available will be sparse. There are dozens and dozens of slick looking laptops with average components and this is what most people buy and are fine with. They don't really want more because they don't require it or don't care to know more.

We can choose something that meets most of our needs/wants since it can't meet all of them. (Sorry for the long post).

 

All valid points. It's just that there are no haswell equipped business laptops in the 12-14" category with quad core cpu. 15" is too big (form factor) for me. 13" would be perfect but I haven't seen any from Lenovo/HP/Dell for a long time. So, will probably skip Haswell and keep reinforcing what I have...

 

Well you could spend 2000 for a sony laptop with a quad but even then it seems painful to use that much on a mobile device that could get damaged in business conditions . I mean if you think about it lenovo did answer alot of prayers by adding FHD finally to their thinkpads 14" and under. Such a high resolution effects battery life hence to compensate they had to use a underpowered cpu. They probably have quotas to meet in regards to battery life and this was one way of trying to satisfy customers while meeting that battery life goal.

So has it been determined if the t440 non s series will have a soldered cpu? If not I wouldnt mind swapping it out myself with a better option