T510 (and T410) left palmrest creak video

Hey folks,

I remember someone asking for a video demonstrating the left-side palmrest creak on a T410 and/or T510, and to the best of my knowledge, nobody has posted one yet. So I tried to capture it earlier today.

Here's the youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIV3y-ho8_w

 

Rep for the video, thanks. I have the exact same creak over the usb ports.

.

 

I have the same thing. It bothered me a lot when I first got the system, now I've gradually gotten used to it. Would still rather there's not something simple engineering flaw like that though.

 

Since the T510 has more surface area than a T410 it wouldn't surprise me you three have that problem. A 15.6 inch notebook isn't small by any means. I wonder if there's a way to fix it yourself. I'm admittedly weary since I just ordered a T410, I hope I wont have the same problem.

 

Good video. The T500's left palm rest has a bit of play (and therefore makes a bit of noise) at the very edge over the big empty spot where the ExpressCard and PCI slots are, but that's expected given the huge empty area. Doesn't seem to creak at all anywhere else, though.

 

Oh, so it's not just mine that's doing that...

It's rather annoying.

 

@Mutnat...Thanks!

I have been complaining about this too. Except that on my R400, it occurs on the righthand edge.

@MidnightSun...I am not sure I agree with your thesis that this is caused by the large empty area for 2 reasons - (1) on the R/T 400, the surface area is much smaller and still it creaks (2) Regardless, such a things should not happen at all.

I am still in a dialogue with Lenovo Warranty to fix this problem in my machine though I am beginning to wonder if it can be fixed at all. What I want them to do is to replace the palmrest to see if the creaking disappears. If it does not then their techs, I hope, will be able to rig up something to fix it. Since I am going to be replacing my KB (order already placed), maybe that will be the chance to see this being fixed.

 

That is an understatement! It is very annoying and I don't know if I can ever get used to it. First time I am experiencing this - has not happened on ANY previous laptop that I have owned.

 

Same. My T61 never did this.

I may need to call up Lenovo and see what my options are. If it's a model-wide thing, I may not be having a ThinkPad after all, since none of their other systems really appeal to me...

 

My T61 also does that in the same spot. Just a Lenovo thing

 

My T61, as previously noted, did not.

 

I'm not referring to the large area of the palmrest, I'm talking about the big empty space underneath the left palmrest, where the ExpressCard and PCMCIA cards go. There's only a thin spring-loaded plastic flap that supports the edge of that otherwise empty space.

That said, other than the very edge (where my palm will not be placed when typing), the rest of the palmrest is rock solid, so I have no issues with it. I'd imagine the T61 is the same, because its chassis is nearly identical to the Tx00's.

 

I got what you meant. In my case (R400), on the righthand edge of the palm rest (I think the HDD rests under that area), the palmrest creaks. Paradoxically, on my machine, the area on the lefthand side (where the USB ports are), is rocksolid.

Anyways, I don't think this should be happening under any circumstances in ANY ThinkPad, which has a reputation for a solid build and high quality.

 

I wouldn't worry so much about it because the thinkpads (T and X series, right?) have a magnesium alloy rollcage. It's just annoying, that I could agree with. My old inspiron (circa 2006) creaked, moaned and groaned every which way and it drove me crazy. My macbook creaked quite a bit as well. The only notebooks I've had that didn't were my U150 and EEE PC 1005HA (presumably because there's much less surface area on those ).

 

Creaked, I can understand!!! Moaned??? LOL!!!! Now, that I may not have minded!!!!

My Acer 5920 did not creak (or moan!) at all. Only the fans made a racket and it was warm (hot?), which thankfully is not the case with my R400. BTW, the R400 has the same structural framework as the T series as Lead_org advised me - so it comes with the magnesium roll cages etc etc. But what you say about the Macbook is surprising. I thought they were touted as being some of the best built (and premium) machines.

 

It was just a play on words, but man my inspiron creaked really bad. The macbook almost just as bad, especially the lid when I'd open it. :\

 

Lol! I was just saying that a 'moaning' laptop would be...well...exciting (especially in the late hours of the night when I am peering into the screen and doing some mind-numbing work!)..!

But that aside, the macbook as you describe it, may be a case of the hinges being tight. Though I don't know if the other parts were just as bad. How did it compare to the video put up? Worse? Better?

My R400 is almost exactly like that portrayed on the video, just on the other side.

 

Maybe if it had some kind of accelerometer, and every time you touched it or moved it, it would play a moan sound from the speakers, lol. :laugh:
I haven't watched the video as I admittedly don't want to use my (limited) mobile broadband bandwidth. :\ It's the only fast internet I have. Until my T410 arrives I'm just using dialup on my roomie's computer. Ever since I ditched my local phone company and went wireless I don't want to go back to wired.
I will say, the body did creak when I picked it up by the corner, but it was mostly the lcd lid that creaked. The inspiron (E1705) creaked no matter where you touched it. It was so flexy, and creaky, like a rickety old stair case.

 

I got the same problem with T410.

 

Same place where the video shows?

 

Wonder if this is just problem with a batch of these or is it a problem that everyone is facing.

 

I have a new t410s, and there is a little play and creak right above where the 1.8 250gb 5400 hard drive sits on the left palm rest. Also, there is a little play on the right side too, between the fingerprint reader and the touch pad.

 

There is relatively wide spread of machines being referred to here - the T410, T510, and, in my case, the R400 (I have seen two machines, including mine, which have this problem on the rightside edge). But then again, I saw a friend's T400 and there was no problem like this with that machine.

So, I am not sure this is a 'batch' problem, per se.

 

Wooow, thanks for this post. I had no idea lenovo had dropped the ball on quality so hard. By comparison, my 3 year old dell vostro has no palm rest creak, no creak ANYWHERE, no keyboard flex, no screen flex of any kind (aluminum screen backing -- no plastic)... it's pretty bad when dell can best lenovo.
Definitely not buying a T410 now.

 

That's your choice, but Dell's background ain't very confidence-inspiring. And, anyways, this thread is not to debate comparisons between ThinkPads and other machines. In case you missed the point, this thread is to identify and discuss a very specific problem that some ThinkPad owners are experiencing. Note that to even say 'problem' is to be using too strong a term.

 

Yes, exactly.

 

My T500 makes the same "creak" in the same area.

But it is not indicative of the overall robustness of the machine.

It does not in any way effect the machines performance.

IMHO....everyone is being WAY too picky here....battery rattle, keyboard flex, Samsung vs. LG screen issues, poor packaging, no recovery disks, numerous buldges and now creaks.

What's next?

I did notice that some my palm rest stickers are "crooked" and not evenly spaced!!! I can't believe Lenovo would ship a Thinkpad like this...I'm ashamed to take it in public......pictures to follow.

Sarcasism noted

Come on folks....life to short to sweat the small stuff......enjoy your Thinkpads!!!

JMHO
drake

 

It's funny that this thread came up.
I've had my T61 for over 2 years now, and after watching this video, I noticed that my T61 DOES in fact have a palmrest creak lol
Mine does it about 1 inch to the left of the track pad. I however (for some reason) don't find it annoying. However, now that I know it's there I may change my mind in a week or so lol

 

With reference to the statement in bold: Correct. However, it does, in part, reflect on and detract from the build quality of the machine.

 

Lenovo better tighten up the quality control here instead of lowering the price all the time for customers of certain countries.

 

For example?

 

like canada! thanks for the grip of benjis, canucks.

 

Lol...oh yeah, I forgot! I was planning a trip to Canada simply to buy a couple of ThinkPads! (and, of course, to justify the trip, see parts of the country too!)

Here in India, ThinkPads are very expensive! But they (or at least some of them) creak too!

 

Canadians still pay at least 200 more than Americans. Tell me they can't improve finish and assembly with that much of a margin.

 

I thought the Chinese, Euros and Aussies have the highest prices.

 

@ cn_habs: Dunno about the Chinese, European or Aussie prices, but compared to the prices I see on the US and Canadian sites, the Indian prices seem very high and the service centers here are not very responsive either. From what I hear, service (including that of warranty) is much better in the US and quite likely in the UK.

Edit:

So, has anyone actually succeeded in fixing the creaking problem as shown in the video - either by themselves or have had Lenovo fix it for them? If yes, how was it done?

Thanks

 

So, has anyone actually succeeded in fixing the creaking problem as shown in the video - either by themselves or have had Lenovo fix it for them? If yes, how was it done?

Thanks

 

I tried out a method that seems to work. Ignoring it Playing loud music or wearing headphones seems to work the best.

 

Yeah...ok...rather unimaginative! More seriously now, anyone?

 

On my way to catch up these many comments. For your info, though, I do have my palmrest replaced for other reason. I installed the new one myself and the creaking sound is still there. So I think that'd add to your considerations.

 

Have you checked the cables (one might be stuck between chassis base and palm rest)? I once broke off a plastic nose from a previous notebook (leaving a small gap) and it sounded exactly the same - definitely unbearable if you work in silent environments. *creak* *creak* *creak* Aaaah!

 

Wow I had no idea this thread would spark up so much discussion!

 

Hmmm...doesn't sound too good! Sad commentary on the QC (and design) of the newer ThinkPads, I think.

@ qualityseeker: Yeah, tell me about it! I work (always) in dead silent conditions and the creaking is driving me crazy. Of course, Lenovo warranty and support don't appreciate this...at least not yet!

 

I'll be calling Lenovo sometime this week in regards to this issue, since it's getting worse and more annoying.

Since it's within 21 days of invoice, I'm going to see if I can get them to return it and waive restocking, since I wanted the computer, until I ran into this and seeing it's not just my system that's doing it.

 

I don't know how you guys are getting yours to creak. Are you putting all your weight on it or what? Mine usually has an initial creak when I've not used it for a while but while using it and my left hand resting on that area, I don't get any creaking at all. I have to really try hard to get it to creak beyond the initial creak.

 

@kiwikat...maybe your machine is one that does not creak?

 

Consider yourself lucky! You can see in the video all i had to do was press down gently with one finger. There's just a bit of play in the top piece of plastic I guess and it's enough to cause the creak.

 

Sorry if this is a bit redundant but this is my t61 doing the same thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMrtElmTxII The whole corner piece seems loose and I can even lift part of it up. But as I said before I'm not really bothered by it, but I can see why people would be. Maybe if I stick some gun in it, it'll stop.

 

Maybe it just a loose tab or something. I hope they solve the problem before I buy in a couple of months.

 

this is considered normal for all T61 14.1 inch widescreen version, this is also why the PCMCIA blank was installed in the slot.