T540p!!!

Well the Dell will ultimately be more capable with the boosted graphics card. The ones I just looked at on the website were touch screen, so that may or may not play a factor for you. Also, is the battery integrated only and not swappable? At the end of the day it's just a laptop, either will probably get the job done. I've always bought Thinkpads and have been able to re-use a lot of accessories over the years. The T540p changed all that requiring new power connectors, ultrabays and docks. So if that XPS 15 had a trackpoint I just might have switched! But the Thinkpads are cheaper so there's that also.

The X220 is a really nice machine, I hope you plan on keeping it!

 

I just did this on my T540P I installed a LG IPS screen. The screen must match your existing
resolution, apparently the LED Panel ribbon cable is different. I think it's worth it.The IPS
panel is so much better than the TN panel it shipped with.

 

Same here... more than annoying. Would like to send it back but it's such a PITA to get everything set up again.

 

Ok, after solving several issues that I think are related to Windows 8/8.1 I have found something I'm not sure how to fix. I have an intermittent issue with the speakers having some sort of white noise feedback. When I open a new webpage or some software, I will get some quiet feedback in the speakers for a few to several seconds. This happened in Windows 8 and is still happening now that I have updated to 8.1. The drivers are up to date according to Windows and I have tried moving the computer to different locations in case it is some sort of electrical issue in the environment. Any ideas?

 

Please help! My new T540p just arrived. And I tried to install the OS. Immediately I found a big problem: the mouse keeps moving by itself, and it is really hard to click the target! Nothing has been installed yet. What shall I do?

 

Well, called support two weeks back, and was sent a replacement keyboard, which has two fallen keys right out of box. Then called again, was offered a depot service. When my unit was sent back, the back light is missing. Then called third times, another depot service, just received it this morning.

So far keyboard works fine, no floating, and has backlit.

HTC One Tapatalk

 

I have two questions:

1) Would this RAM be compatible with my T540P: Amazon.com: Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3 1333 MT/s (PC3-10600) CL9 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory Modules CT2KIT102464BF1339: Computers & Accessories ? If not, what should I be looking for?
2) I want to install Windows on an SSD, but I'm not sure where I'm supposed to get the Windows iso from? (legally, of course)

 

I have had my T540p for a few days now and have to admit, I am probably going to return it. I had w500 for four years and liked it....would have stuck with it longer, but it basically stopped functioning for all practical purproses.
1) I find the resolution fuzzy. 1900/1080.
2) The off centered touch pad is already giving me neck pain.
3) The new trackpad in general is massive step back. I can't use it with pointer device.
I guess, for the price and being four years older than my last machine, I expected to at least pleasantly surprise. I am not and will probably return it and get a cheaper one to buy some time.
Hope this helps someone thinking about buying one. Id wait if you could.

 

1. The panel they use for the 1080p Display resolution is not the same panel they used in previous T series or W series, the 1080p in those series was a TN panel using lvds connector, the newest panel is an eDP connection with a terrible quality panel, if you were expecting a nice screen, should have either got the 3k display and scaled it accordingly or planned on using a replacement LCD

 

As I found these threads useful, Ill follow up. I returned the t540p and bought a used w510 and love it. I got the w510 with 128 gb SSD.
Given that this machine was 1/3 the cost of the t540p and, honestly, works better, I am very glad I did not stick with 540p. Ill wait for Lenovo to work out the keyboard and other issues.

 

Could anyone tell me what the quality of the 3k display is like? I'm looking for objective measurements rather than subjective impressions.

 

If you want objective screen data, the NotebookCheck review of the W540 has a lot of very detailed info. The 3K panel in the W540 is the same as the one offered on the T540p.

 

Thanks for that. It seems it's an excellent display.

 

Yes, and subjectively so as well

 

A related question: where can I find the same information for the FHD display? It's quite a bit cheaper...

 

You can infer it's quality by it's price. I know not extremely helpful, but true nonetheless...

 

I'm looking for the same sort of information I was before, as I say. I can't infer whether it's of the quality I'm looking for from its price.

 

My client recently got a bunch of T540p's with the 3K screen, sight unseen. And they are Windows 7, so we have been trying to get 3K and Win7 to play nice and it's.. not pretty. At 100% DPI they are totally unusable, it's just too small. 125% DPI looks jagged and weird, and 150% is not quite right either, some fonts and controls are too big. Win8.1 looks -substantially- better, 125% DPI is peachy keen.

The real problem is all the apps. Most Windows apps don't know HiDPI, and when Windows tries to apply scaling to these apps they get fuzzy. Even mainstream stuff like Chrome isn't HiDPI compliant (Chrome has options for it but they keep breaking it). So even when the desktop looks great, open Chrome or random-app and ugh, blur. Even with Win8.1, you get enough levels down in menus, and stuff starts being blurry. Of course Win8.1's ModernUI (Metro) is natively HiDPI-aware, so those apps look very good.

The screen is really nice when the apps play along though. The few I have used have very uniform blackness, no noticeable bleed, colors are crisp. I have my gripes with the trackpad and keyboard, but not with the screen.

 

the quality on the display is pretty bad from what i have heard, it isn't the same 1080p display that the previous generation used (which was good, 95% gamut etc) due to the switch to using eDP instead of LVDS, it could be compared to the typical below average displays you find in thinkpads as far as brightness/contrast etc.. something i would personally stray away from, however i believe there is an aftermarket 1080p eDP display that is IPS you can purchase and install yourself, you could purchase that and replace it to save money on the display if you are not interested in spending money on the 3k and scaling it down to 1080p..

 

How have those been doing (under 8.1) if you attach an external monitor? Last I checked, Windows rendered everything for the DPI of the primary screen and then did raster scaling on it for other monitors (different DPIs) - not the best thing if those secondary monitors are 96dpi.

 

I've just set mine to 1920x1080 and not looked back. No need setting for native and messing with DPI, just a ball of frustration doing that. I use dual external monitors with the dock, one set for 1920x1200 and the second at 1920x1080. I have no problems with anything. Run in desktop mode and usually forget there's even the metro start screen anymore unless I bring it up accidentally.

 

Hi

My first post here, but I had to write it...

We use T series from years, since they are on market. T520 was last the best, T530 had bad keyboard with bad design as most try to sell us (eg home, end, pgdn, pgup where they should be as destop has), they had good design till T520, as normal desktop keyboard, quality of keyboard t520 was outstanding as all models before, while t530 was not such good, but T540, wow, this is CRAP I've never seen.

First, when You get numpad, keboard itself is not in center of the screen, second, quality of keyboard where keys entered are blocking is hell, third, touch pad is crap.

Unbelivable, how they could destroy such good series...

Now we have to switch to some another laptops, due co workers say go to hell with them...

 

The price difference between Lenovo and the open market is astounding.

I have a question about compatibility.

The Crucial site lists all of these as compatible: Computer memory upgrades for Lenovo ThinkPad T540p Laptop/Notebook from Crucial.com
Amazon offers the following for slightly less (and I'd prefer Amazon anyways):
Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory CT2KIT102464BF160B
Amazon.com: Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory CT2KIT102464BF160B: Computers & Accessories
Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3 1333 MT/s (PC3-10600) CL9 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory Modules CT2KIT102464BF1339
Amazon.com: Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) DDR3 1333 MT/s (PC3-10600) CL9 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory Modules CT2KIT102464BF1339: Computers & Accessories

How do I go about educating myself on which is better and compatable? All I am certain on right now is the 1.35V is a must.

 

There are a couple ways to go about it. For best performance: First, you want to make sure the memory is running at the fastest speed your system supports (probably 1600). Then, you're looking for the lowest CAS latency of the ones running at that speed. After that, look for reliability ratings (customer ratings) and choose the least expensive one that has the best speed, latency, and reliability.

If you don't need best performance, I'd still recommend getting 1600 Mhz/mega-transfers per second RAM, but after that, just get the least expensive one that is compatible with your system.

 

Hi all. I've found this thread while I was trying to find a solution of my problem with T540p. I've bought a bay for replacement optical drive by HDD (SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd.- TS08)... I've used my HDD which was used as USB drive but in this bay it does not work. I've tried to set up Windows and BIOS, I've updated every drivers and also I've updated BIOS and the drive does not exist for system... it's not visible in BIOS too. When I put the drive out of bay and put it into USB case again, the drive is OK... Does anyone can help me to find the way how to make it work? Thanks to all...

 

You shouldn't need to go through all of those steps. Sounds like the bay/caddy might be bad or not compatible.

 

Anyone knows about specification of expresscard slot in T540P? I can't find it anywhere.

 

Anyone have the 3K IPS screen?

edit: Nevermind, read the last page.

 

I've got exactly the same problem in the t540p with a second bay bought from HDD Caddy - add an extra HDD or SSD into your laptop!. It may as well not be plugged in - there's no vibration from the second HDD and nothing appears in disk management or elsewhere. As you say there's no mention of anything related to the installed drives in the BIOs which is extra frustrating.

It could be a flaky caddy, but it's definitely something to do with a lack of power (or lack of demand perhaps) for the bay. If I hotswap the caddy after I've ensured power is reaching the DVD (by ejecting the drive for instance) then Windows 7 recognises the extra HDD. It's not much use though as it disappears upon reboot or after sleep (or probably after a period of inactivity but I haven't tested that).

I'm going to buy another caddy and see if I have any more luck with that. Please let me know if you have made any progress.

 

I'm trying to find an aftermarket replacement screen for my t540p (model 20BECTO1WW according to lenovo/belarc). I'm wondering if anyone can point me to the right screen given I have the 1920x1080 TN display. I'd like an ips or equivalent.

 

Currently i'm interested to lenovo t540p.
Anyone can help me?
Currently i'm confused about hdd change to ssd.
I found recommendation like 840pro ssd, intel 530 series and crucial m550 or m.2 ngff.
Basically what I want is work well and the best (ofcourse compatible with t540p)
and I read on some thread, m.2 ngff basically just useless which is just used as cache. (What does mean?)
and last, is there any thing to look for when upgrade ram?
I think I will just upgrade that bymyself, but not really know is there necessary to pick up any brand.
Any Help will be appreciated.

 

The best thing to do is to not over complicate it. There are a lot of great SSD drives available, the ones you mention are all fine. I wouldn't worry about the m.2 slot, just consider that extra for now.

When you buy the laptop, just note the memory configuration, are you buy 1 4gb or 1 8gb or 2x4gb (8gb total), that way you know if you have an extra slot to buy your own ram and put it in. Just use a site like crucial to see what memory is compatible. Odds are you wouldn't notice any performance differences between one type of memory and another.

So my advice is to just keep it simple and get a lot of use out of it. It's a great laptop.

If you take the opposite approach, and want to get into every little nitty gritty performance optimization and use the m.2 etc. I would suggest reading the thread from the beginning. Tons of great info in here and a lot to learn.

 

ook, thanks.
just asking, is that differenc on price when upgrade ram byself than from manufacturer? planning to upgrade to 16 gb ram.

 

IIt's almost always less money when you do the upgrade.

 

I bought mine with a base of 4gb which was the cheapest and then added 1x8gb chip for a total of 12gb. Shouldn't ever need more than that for what I do. I usually add what I can after the fact. I upgraded the SSD, added memory and added a WWAN card. Next time though I'll let them add the WWAN card, those antenna connectors on the M.2 cards are really, really tiny. Took me probably an hour and I really only saved a few dollars. When you take into account the warranty aspect, sometimes it's worth a few dollars more just to have it all covered under the same warranty. Pros and cons, it's all about pros and cons...

 

I was issued with a T540p at work; core-i7, 512GB SSD, 1080p screen, 8GB ram. I think it's the standard-sized battery.

Performance is excellent, battery life good, screen fair, keyboard is OK.


I don't like...
- the keyboard ctrl-fn positions, can be swapped in bios
- the crappy touchpad and lack of mouse buttons
- the power connector that's too close in size/proportions to a USB plug
- the lack of indicator lights - nothing for wifi, hard drive, caps lock etc

 

Would like to know that as well as I just purchased a T540p recently.

 

I have purchased a T540p but totally dismayed with its battery, which comes only up to 80 minutes, at the maximum. Does any one have the same problem?

 

Wow, you must have some strange problem. I have one with core-i7, 8GB RAM, 512G SSD, and can get four or five hours from it of screen-on time, browsing, email etc; with a full battery I reckon I could probably watch a long DVD movie and still have battery left over. It charges quickly too. Most of the time hen browsing the web, the fan is running so slowly it's barely perceptable. This is running linux, but on the occasions I've booted up Windows the battery life seems ok,

I think therefore either you've got a bad battery, or, you've got power saving turned off in the UEFI configuration (formerly "bios"/cmos settings), or you've got a rogue application chewing up the CPU.

 

Does the T540p have any overheating issues with the i5-4300m processor? Will it be able to stay in Turbo mode with adequate cooling? Thanks.

 

does anyone know if this screen on ebay is a compatible upgrade for the T540p FHD screen? I just got a T540p and wanted to upgrade the screen to the 3k IPS one. Are there any better/cheaper screen replacements?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Orig-IB...064-04X5541-/141542412760?hash=item20f495d1d8

I couldnt find a T540p owner's thread so I hope its alright if I bump this one.