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

The 500gb Samsung EVO has hit $290 before, I expect something around $270 for BF. What really sucks is the dearth of SSDs in the 300 - 400 GB capacity range. 500 GB is a little overkill for me, while 250 is somewhat tight.

 

I agree. A crucial m500 480GB is $320 on Amazon now so I was thinking if it dropped to $250 that would be nice. Or I guess I can get the 256 for $130. I will take that. But 300-400Gb ssds weren't really ever made were they?

 

The docking port is a vital feature on the ThinkPad. This is the reason I chose the ThinkPad instead of a rMBP. You are able to connect external monitors, harddrives Ethernet, and Power into your ThinkPad quickly compared to five minutes of moving cable around and plugging them into your computer. It turns a laptop into a workstation quickly.

Not all people need it but it is very useful for those of us who don't want to waste time playing with cables.

 

Most are powers of 2, but I just checked and on Amazon there's a listing for an Intel 530 360GB but it's not in stock and it's priced at $399 so I guess they didn't make many of them or haven't actually started producing them in large quantities? It's a shame, I'd also prefer to get something at that size, though I think I should be okay with 256GB but it'll be a little tight with dual booting. I figure I can dedicate 100GB to Windows, 50GB to Linux, and 100GB as a shared data partition. I wish Windows was smaller and more flexible, my Linux root partition is actually only about 10GB full on my current laptop (home is about 60gb).

Hmm, I guess worst case if I need more space later there might be more M.2 format drives in the future, and external drives while clunky are a workable solution.

 

You are German, right? The finer points of the translation leave a bit to be desired, but I'm wondering if the 840 Pro was damaged permanently or just didn't work in the T440s? I think I'll put in an order for a 250GB 840 EVO tomorrow probably so that I can install it immediately when I get my T440s. Worst case I'll throw it in my desktop unless it's permanent damage that's the issue?

 

I think it's more than that. Similar things have happened in the past, where international markets would get models with discrete GPU options when the US models wouldn't. Either Lenovo predicts that there won't be enough demand, or they want consumers to go for other models.

 

Belkin and Matrox make Thunderbolt docks which provide similar functionality.

 

Those docks (like the Lenovo OneLink), all operate through the USB 3.0 port. I tried using those docks on my X1 Carbon, and they did not work well at all. Any video stream would "tear" and pixelate during playback. I don't think you'll get great performance on any of these docks as they try to fit Gigabit Ethernet, PCI video, audio, and all related USB communications all through a single USB connection. Not only is the bandwidth not there, it takes time and CPU cycles to convert the signals back and forth. My X1 Carbon used 20% of the CPU for this process. You just can't beat native video and LAN signals for now (which is what the docking port provides).

Not to mention that those USB docks still require you to plug in the USB cable and power cable to while using a docking station, you simply drop in your notebook into the dock and you're ready to go.

 

He said they use Thunderbold, not USB 3.0. AFAIK, Thunderbold carries PCI Express and DisplayPort so it should provide performance similar to ThinkPad docks.

 

Yes, even though the docks have Thunderbolt, you still have to use the USB 3.0 as no ThinkPads (to my knowledge) have the Thunderbolt port. Maybe things will change in the future, but for now the choices we have are either use a docking port connector or USB 3.0.

 

The W540 has a Thunderbolt port, this is the only new machine with one.

Onelink is a proprietary connector, the Onelink docks will perform similar to the normal docks in many ways.

 

Are you sure Onelink is a proprietary connection? Had the Onelink dock on my X1 Carbon and it plugged into the USB port. True, the cable on the OneLink side was not a typical USB cable. Supposedly there is even a chip Displaylink chip dedicated for this task, but even in use it seemed it could not keep up with moderate video use.

I'm not spec expert, but I believe the latest PCI Express max speed is a many times faster than USB 3.0. This is not even speaking of latency and conversion of signals that the USB 3.0 connection would have.

One more thing that was annoying with my OneLink dock was that it would always tip over whenever a cable was moved. Didn't seem well balanced or weighted.

 

AFAIK, The current X1C uses USB dock, not the one link dock. Next model of X1 series would have one link port.

It's kind of strange that T440p does not have one link though.

Plus, how about your X1C's battery longevity? Would Haswell version of X1C be worthy waiting ?

 

Interesting to hear about a dedicated OneLink port coming soon.

I didn't keep the X1C long enough to get a full batter longevity opinion. Had it for about a week or so but in the end, preferred my X301 as it was the same weight and had much better speakers and screen (as far as resolution).

Just got my T440s a few days ago and am now trying to readjust to it coming from the X301. So far the biggest adjustment is the trackpoint but as user Ibmthink said, you should get used to it in time. I also miss the dedicated function keys for they require extra clicks you have to remember. For example, on the X301 to refresh a web page I would simply press F5, now have to remember to press the Function key at the lower left along with the desired Function key in the top row. Not a major deal, just a slight downgrade in ergonomics.

 

Press FN + Esc, and the functions of the F-keys will be switched. I also prefer the F-keys as the primary funtctions.

The X1 Carbon does not have Onelink. Only USB 3.0 Docks are available for the X1 Carbon, but these are not the new OneLink docks, even if the look very similar.

The OneLink connector is a new port, thats indeed proprietary. The successor of the X1 Carbon should come with one.

The T440p has a classical mechanical dockingport, which is even better in my opinion.

 

Is there a link to the function key assignments? I never knew you could press F5/Fn F5 to refresh a page. I always went to the top of my browser to refresh. lol I am so late.

 

The F5=refresh and F3=search are implemented by the browser. It has just become a convention between different browsers. Search for keyboard shortcuts of the browser you use, for example Firefox:
Keyboard shortcuts - Perform common Firefox tasks quickly | Firefox Help

 

Unfortunately, they cost as much as the ThinkPad dock and don't even provide power to the laptop. I had to choose between a T440s + Dock or just a rMBP based on price/features.

 

I have the dock for the T410. Anyone know if this is the same for T440s? Thanks!

 

It is not. Both the dock and the power connector are different.

Also coming from a T410s here.

 

ok. thanks. Not the end of the world but wondered.

 

I do agree on that dock is an better option, but as I am planning on getting a lighter laptop, possibly X1 carbon successor, I would like to have my laptops sharing the same kind of docking solution. It seems that usb dock is not that ideal in speed and displaying.

 

although not directly accessible, the T440s is now up on the
Lenovo Canada site:

ThinkPad T440s Laptop | Lenovo (CA)

Edit: and now live on lenovo canada

 

Another review, this one very negative: Review of Lenovo T440s, Late 2013

 

Eh, I think that's kind of outlandish. I have ~30 Thinkpads here at our office, and the FHD screen on the T440s is by far the best of the bunch. It has good contrast ratio, very good viewing angles, plenty of brightness, colors are reasonably accurate, etc. It's the only one of those screens that doesn't feel like a big step down from using a really great screen like an iPad or rMBP. It also has a pleasingly minimalist bezel (makes even my wife's MBA look kind of ridiculous in this comparison).

I really like the touchpad. I am a big trackpoint fan, but part of that has been the reality that Lenovo has had crappy touchpads for years. This one is comfortable, works reliably, and I don't find it getting in my way. The integrated trackpoint buttons take some getting used to but even they work ok for me now.

 

The complaints are spot on with what reviewers are writing on the T440s/p threads.

 

It seems there is only one non subjective complaint from which would be the IPS. The one regarding the trackpoint is about preference and since this is not the first model/only Lenovo product with this new Trackpoint/Trackpad. I know having used the T431s the trackpoint will be hard/near impossible to get used to but technically there is nothing wrong with it. I knew about it before purchasing (have not received) Screen screen screen. Fix the screen Lenovo.

 

Did anyone see the picture he referenced? I didn't see one on my PC.

 

Same here. I didn't see anything.

 

That review claims that the T440s is bad for essentially only two reasons: the screen and the clickpad. The screen has had great reviews from others, so that's merely his subjective opinion. The clickpad, on the other hand, has garnered a lot of complaints. Personally, I, never having owned an old Thinkpad, don't really care for physical buttons. I've used a T410/T420 briefly, and I found that using a USB mouse is still far superior to the Trackpoint.

 

Again, the lack of reviews in a problem - hard to know what's a fluke and what's really a problem. I imagine if there were endless reviews about bad screens it might get Lenovo's attention.

 

Yeah, I would be interested in knowing what the people complaining about the screen are comparing them to? I would say that I am far more concerned about screen quality than the vast majority of even power users, use an iPad Air at home, have an iMac at home, two high-end screens at my docking station at work, etc. I think this screen looks pretty darn good. Is there some backlight bleed? Yeah, I see it at boot up. That's the only time. I haven't seen any reviews where the screen was objectively measured the way Anandtech does, for example. I think the screen is very good for today, and fantastically good compared to where we were with Lenovo just a couple of years ago (putting absolutely garbage screens even on their flagship laptops).

It's hard to fathom why Lenovo hasn't been more aggressive in getting these computers reviewed? It really feels like they don't want them to be compared to what else is out there. That's not a sustainable position in today's market.

 

Funny, I said the same thing just reversed. While we we are hoping for a good screen and will assume most will have not backlight bleed one cannot say backlight bleed is subjective. You either have it or you don't.

If I were to compare clickpads on your T440s to mine, or to a T431s and it did not work tHat would be objective. If I did not like how it worked because it is new to me or I just don't like it then it is subjective.

CLickpad is subjective. Screen will be objective (with exception the AMOUNT of backlight bleed one can put up with is subjective). But stating that is is present is objective based on a test or seeing it.

 

Sure, but one's perception of the badness of the backlight bleed is still subjective. I have not seen anyone else complain about the bleed to the extent of that guy.

The reviewer as claims the build quality of the screen is bad. No other review has mentioned anything about poor build quality, as expected of a Thinkpad.

 

Extent yes. But problem yes. One person on the forum is getting his fixed now. Other people see it only at startup (which is fine for me). Other see it on all black screens. But it it is there. Once again objective not subjective. Unless of course your (any individual) screen is fine. Which I am hoping mine is.

 

Almost all screens exhibit backlight bleed to some extent, including the Retina screens on the MBPs, so simply stating that it is present is not very useful. What matters is its relative strength and how much it interferes with the image quality. My experience has been that people's pickiness about backlight bleed can vary wildly. My t440s is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow; if there is enough concern, I can take photograph the backlight bleed.

 

The prices are insane at the moment. I've made this spec at 1799$:

• Intel Core i5-4300U Processor (3MB Cache, up to 2.90GHz)
• Windows 8 64
• Windows 8 64 English
• T440s 14.0 FHD WWAN
• Intel HD Graphics 4400
• 8G 4G Base + 4G (1 SoDIMM)
• Keyboard Backlit - US English
• Fingerprint Reader, dock
• 720p HD Camera
• 256 GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA3 eDrive Capable
• ThinkPad Battery 3 cell Li-Polymer (23.2Whr)
• ThinkPad Battery 3 cell Li-Polymer (23.2Whr)
• 45W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
• Intel Dual Band Wireless 7260AC with Bluetooth 4.0
• Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
• Publication - US English
• 1 Year Depot or Carry-in
• Digital Download Softwares

Talked with support and managed to take it down to 1583$... What do you think?

It still boggles my mind, that the base model cost just 1100$ one week ago and now the base model with 500 GB HDD is set at 1800$ (actually the model with 128 GB SSD comes 400$ _cheaper_).

What the hell is going on?

 

That is the thing. The 500GB hard drive is no longer the base model the 256 SSD is. That is why it is LESS than the 500GB model. People can't get stuck on the spinning hard drive.Why would anyone we get the hard drive when it is slower, and more expensive? Whether it is a mistake or for some odd reason intentional, it is what it is.

 

I suspect that the more expensive "base model" is now a "20AR" system, while the less expensive are "20AQ" models. However I don't really know what distinguishes those model designations..

 

I'm not sure that the guy from the negative review does actually have a T440s. It reads like those made up articles to get people to talk about it. And there is no picture.

 

wow - we got it in Australia before Canada!! We are becoming and important country yeh! My T440s is now shipping tomorrow... still in manufacturing ... I just imagine it right now.. on the assembly line waiting to get to its new owner.

 

I would think they are trying to moderate demand because they are experiencing trouble getting enough supply of the product at the moment. Jack up the price and less people buy it, simple.

 

Where are you seeing these estimated shipping dates?

All I see on the digital river page is this:
Order Date: 13/11/2013
Order Status: Order in Process

 

I actually don't think that's so bad, if you want a 256GB SSD. It's not as good as it was a few weeks ago, but where they are really killing people now is if you want to build one without a SSD to save money or with the intention of adding your own. With these configurations, I'm not sure we would have bought this model.

 

I really hate saying that, but at this point I'm really starting to lean towards rMBP 13", which has a better hardware (non-ULV Haswell with great screen) and seems to be a much better value. Odd, isn't it?

This whole Ultabook madness has gone obscene with crazy pricing and a lot of performance/functionality compromises... And those touchscreens everywhere..

 

I think Apple's laptops have been a great value for years when you consider the entire package not just the CPU/RAM/SSD specs, and that gap only seems to be getting larger as they scale up and are given early access to new Intel technologies.

Not only is the rMBP built considerably better than the T440s, as you say, it has a far better screen, better CPU, and it STILL gets at least 50% better battery life!

They won't work in our organization, but for personal use, I can't imagine why you'd not buy the rMBP over one of these.

 

@madwolfa,
the CPU in the 2013 MBP 13" is also ULV, just with a slightly higher CPU performance and a more powerfull GPU.

The last years 13" Retina MBP had standard-voltage CPUs.

IMHO the MBPs have the worst internal design of all Notebooks, because it is just bad and lazy design to glue everything in or solder everything to the motherboard. It is far more difficult to make Notebooks with a good build quality, and to make them maintainable and accessable for the user. In this respect, ThinkPads are much superior to Macbooks.

 

And this is, in part, why we buy Thinkpads. We need Windows computers that are reliable for 3-5 years in the field, and we then tend to put them to use in the office for another 3-5 years. I appreciate that about the Thinkpad design.

For the average consumer though, the Macbooks just work, and work reliably, have far better than average service for consumer-level products, and have resale values that only sways the financial advantage further towards Apple.

 

Hmm, indeed.

Unfortunately even Lenovo is going this route.

 

Not really. There are no ThinkPads with the battery soldered or glued to the chassis, no ThinkPads with Pentalobe screws. Also, most ThinkPads still have replaceable RAM (the X1 Carbon and T440s with partly soldered RAM as exceptions), all ThinkPads have HDDS and SSDs that follow standard etc.