Thinkpad T420 Owner's Thread

Its a LTN140AT20401 , think that makes it a Samsung screen but unsure. It is a very bright screen, I'm using 7 brightness right now but anywhere from 7-13. Also I noticed that the refresh rate is set as 50, but you can turn it up to 60 thru the intel setting on control panel. I have mine at 50 right now, but at 60 it looks even better and helps when scrolling really fast!

 

Without: 3-4 hours (no video)
With: 6-9 hours (no video)

I can't imagine using it without, though I did come from an X201T which only got 3 hours maybe at the end.

 

How does this laptop do under humid conditions?

 

Hey everyone! Just ordered my ThinkPad T420 with discrete graphics and a couple of other upgraded features, did not opt for the HD+ screen, since it's not a big deal to me.

Overall I've had a great experience so far. I ordered it 6/13 and even though the estimated ship date was 6/29 it shipped today, 6/16! This laptop will be replacing my 3-year-old T61 which was getting a bit dated, but still an amazing machine.

I was wondering what luck everyone was having lately with shipping? When I got my T61 it literally arrived the next business day from when it was shipped. Just trying to see what to expect.

Looking forward to posting on here more often =)

 

Generally its easy to clean, you may want to look at this thread to take care of the ThinkPad rubber finish.

The LTN designation usually means it's a Samsung screen, thanks for sharing the information. I will add this to the database for the HD screens. You don't mind if I ask to say what FRU part number the screen is? You can find out by inputting your system information in this site which Lenovo will tell you all the components used in your system.

Have you enabled the Num lock key first by using FN+ScrLk then use the numlock keys after?

You should get it within a few days after they have dispatched it, but overall it depends on your location and if there are any holidays which may delay your shipment. Mine took 6 days to arrive after they have dispatched it, but at the time there was Easter Holidays and Bank Holiday otherwise I would have got it a bit more earlier.

I think the T420 should easily cope with humid conditions, my 4 year old T61 coped very well when I took it on holiday in Hong Kong and humidity was on average 85-87% with temperatures usually around 32-35c and it didn't flinch. I expect the T420 to be no different.

 

Sure, I went to the screen and put in the info, what do I click from there don't see anything about parts? I do have a questions for you. The fan is pretty much silent, the only noise the I have hear is the hard drive. I can hear it but its still quiet, no big deal. It is a segate HD. Any recommendations for different HD if one day I decide I want to change it. If it did not have hard drive noise this thing would be pretty much silent. So far I love everything about the t420!

 

Think I found it. Part # is 0A68251

 

The Lenovo ID you can find out by going to the Device Manager, right-click on the Monitor tab (it should be ThinkPad Display 1366x768 for you) and click on Properties. On the Details tab check Hardware IDs and it should give you the Lenovo ID whichs goes something like:

Monitor\LENxxxx

As for the parts FRU lookup it seems the Lenovo site is a bit broken as they gone under renovation. It's a bit frustrating as it was the only way to check the part number without having to rip apart the system.

Personally I find the Western Digital drives (well Scorpio Blue) quiet in my experience, it doesn't grind as much compared to the Seagate drives so I use it as my second drive in the optical bay. Though if you're after absolute silence you may want to consider having a SSD which gives you the benefits of faster performance, durability from no moving parts as well as being quiet running.

I don't think thats the part number for the screen as it doesn't match to the database of HD screens. I think I found a way to get the parts lookup working, first check your warranty status by typing the model type and serial number in, then there should be a link underneath that says "View parts lookup results for this system", click on that and you should be able to get the Parts Lookup working, as an example my screen is listed as this:

93P5692 - 93P5693 - AUO 14.0" HD+ - YES

 

Yes Hearst, that is an option. I can enable the number pad via the Fn+ScrLk keys, but that is analogous to using the CapsLk key instead of the Shift key to type.

To illustrate, the Fn+ScrLk method is not efficient when using applications that require both a number pad and a QWERTY keyboard at the same time. For example, I require the QWERTY keyboard when writing a report in Word, but I require a number pad when I use a window manager (i.e.: WinSplit Revolution) to position my applications. If I can use the Fn key like a Shift key, then I wouldn't have to toggle between Fn+ScLk on/off modes and can still keep typing my report uninterrupted.

I've googled options to map Fn+* keys like HotKeyMan, Lenovo HotKey Features Integration, and AutoHotKey, but I'm not familiar with them.

Perhaps ThinkPad veterans can recommend a proven tool or AHK script to get this "Shift-like" functionality for the number pad?

 

Awesome, thank you! I think I will be getting the t420s tonight!

 

are there instructions on how to put the msata SSD in a t420?

will a mydigitalSSD work on a t420? Ive been hearing msata troubles w/ the x220 i7, im hoping the t420 is ok

 

Hearst,
I did what you said, and it just said, No parts to list. Don't now why. Maybe I will try later.

 

The mSATA troubles so far seem isolated to the X-220; even then, it is inconsistent.

I have heard of no such issues with the T420. I may be receiving a MyDigitalSSD drive for evaluation shortly; if so, I'll keep everyone informed.

 

How do I tell what graphics option is installed? I ordered it with the nvidia setup, but all I see in the device manager is Intel HD Graphics. When I open the nVidia control panel it says no nVidia hardware detected. What gives? Is this some sort of power management issue?

Or has Lenovo screwed up my order? That took damn near a month to get here...

Or does it take several reboots to have it recognize the adapter.... yes.

Nevermind...

 

Got my T420 with i7 few days ago, and did a fresh install on a Corsair Force 3 SSD. I disabled stuff I dont need from the bios, including the Intel AMT.

However, there is still on item in the device manager without a driver. Windows list it as "PCI Simple Communications Controller"
Location : PCI bus 0, device 22, function 0

Anyone know where can I find a table to indicate what item is this? or does anyone know it off hand?

I'm temporarily disabling it via the device manager, but the fact that it's still there is still bugging me.

 

That sounds like the Intel Management Engine Interface in which you can install manually via the Device Manager from here.

 

Yup, that solved it. Thanks.

I thought I disabled the Intel AMT already in the bios? Dont think it's a feature I require.

Might just go back to leaving it in "disabled" state, unless there's any good reason not to?

 

Alright I got my T420 today. After playing around with it for several hours, here's my review:

First Impressions
This thing felt very sturdy. Nothing lose or shaky. The keyboard felt pretty nice. I type on a mechanical keyboard already, so it wasn't anything special to me personally. One flaw on my keyboard was that the left side of my spacebar was a little higher than where it should be. It's not significant, but I am a little OCD and it bothers me... I do have 2 other things that caught my attention. One, when you open the lid, you can see the screen bend a little if you push it from too far from the center. Two, when you hold the laptop like you would with a book in one hand, there's a little gap between the screen and the keyboard and I just get this sense of fragileness. This is my first laptop so I don't know what is standard and what's not.

The Screen
I think the screen is wonderful. I don't know if my 22'' LCD dell monitor is just that bad, but its better than my monitor in everyway. The only bad part of it might be the vertical viewing angles, but how often does that matter? I don't know if someone has called the screen gritty, but I had to be like 2 inches away from the screen to just barely see the gap between the dots. I opted for the 1600x900. For those worried that the words might be too small, its fine. The letters weren't as small as I thought.

Installation
So I opted to get the DOS version because I knew I would do a clean install anyway. When I first booted the laptop, just to make sure everything runs right, I was stuck at the boot menu. I was a little worried at first but I booted gparted live and found that the Harddisk was actually completely clean. There was absolutely nothing on it. Sorry guys, you don't actually get DOS. (haha) Doing a clean install was kind of a pain because of all the extra drivers and such you have to get just to get all the functions of the laptop working.

Performance
I since I only got it and installed windows for the most of it, I haven't been able to do much benchmarking. I did run the WEI and got:

Code:

Specs:
i5-2520m
8gigs RAM
500gig 7200 HDD
Intel HD 3000

Processor:   7.1
Memory:      7.4
Graphics:    5.9
Gaming:      6.3
HDD:         5.9

Problems
While I was installing my drivers, it appeared that my bluetooth module was not detected for some reason. I still have not found an answer but I don't care for it too much. The keyboard doesn't seem to like to stay clean. Oh well. I am having some troubles dual booting with Linux because I opted for the GPT+UEFI, but other than that, everything works as it should.

 

See if Fn+F5 turns on the BT module when linux is up and running.

 

im going to oder one by the end of june. Is there any good Coupon at that time?

 

Is it safe to turn on UEFI when i have multiple OS (windows 7 and ubuntu) installed already?

 

If both of your OS' are already installed under the Legacy BIOS method then switching to UEFI will probably fail to boot either of them, I would recommend leaving as it is.

 

Just ordered my T420i, very excited of course. Estimated ship date of the 29th which seems like a while but I suppose I'll just have to sit back and enjoy summer or something . I just read this entire thread and I feel as if most of you deserve medals for the kind of support you give one another. You'll have to settle for a virtual pat on the back, but honestly, thanks so much.

 

I installed Windows 7 under UEFI BIOS and recently purchased additional RAM. I tried booting memtest86+ from an image of Arch Linux with the BIOS set to legacy mode; I see the blue memtest86+ background for a split second then the machine reboots. Strangely, during that split second I see the CPU listed as Core i7 whereas I have a Core i5.

I have also tried the official memtest86+ USB tool, again with the BIOS set to legacy mode, with no luck at all. Has anyone else managed to get memtest to work on a T420, if so, how?

 

I ran memtest86+ fine, but that was the first thing I did after installing my RAM. My harddisk was completely empty then.

Can you boot into windows fine? If you can run Windows for a prolonged period of time, your RAM is probably OK.

 

Finally received T420 few days ago. But I have one problem here.

When my father was watching a movie, he accidently shaked my laptop and the movie clip stopped.

This problem reproduces when I shake the laptop up and down lightly. The frame freezes for about few seconds and comes back.

Is this hardware fault?

 

I believe this is from the built in Active Protection System. It temporarily stops your hard drive when motion is detected to prevent damage to the hard drive. You can lower the sensitivity in the ThinkVantage Toolbox.

 

Do it with other laptop and u will see.

BTW anyone know any good coupon at the end of June?

 

Strangesweet:

The hard drive is parking the head to avoid damage. It's part of the active protection system. This can be disabled through the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox. Press your blue button at the top. Wait for everything to load, and select System Health. Click on Hard Drive Status. This will bring up a list that includes a link for the Active Protection System. Click it, then go to Configure. It will allow you to determine how hard the shake has to be for the disk to park the head.

Remember, these are initially designed for business types that are bumping these around all over the place, and they need to protect against falls and hard hits. For a home user, it can be nice, but I find it mostly a nuisance, so I completely disable the feature unless I'm doing a lot of traveling.

 

Thank you for the reply. It seems like my X200 doesn't produce this problem though. X200 has APS..

Seems like settings are exactly same for both mine and my dad's laptop.

 

No, it's the machine looking out for itself. It's momentarily stopping the hard drive when you do something that would DAMAGE it. This is a great feature. Otherwise you'd have to deal with replacing the hard drive because you caused the head to crash.

Yes, it's adjustable, but honestly you're better off leaving it set up.

 

Whether or not there's an interruption also depends on how much the player has buffered into RAM and whether or not it's able to keep playing with the hard drive parked.

 

I want to but a quieter drive in mine. Anyone know if a Hitachi Travelstar 500 GB 7200 RP drive is any good. Thanks

 

Their among the best.

Renee

 

Seems a new BIOS update (Version 1.29) is available for the ThinkPad T420 which was released yesterday (18th June 2011):

The update is available in BIOS Utility Update format or Bootable ISO.

 

My CPU is stuck at 32% (will only stay at the 8x multiplier) no matter what I do with the Power Management settings. Any clue on what I should do? (Uninstalled and installed power management twice already)

 

Have you rebooted? Are you connected to the AC? If so, have you tried pulling it out and putting it back in?

I've got a question of my own: Is taking the battery out if you know you're only going to use the AC worth doing so?

 

I ended up updating the BIOS to fix the problem. Everything runs snappy again

 

After owning the 420 for a little while now, I can say I love it except for one thing...

The DVD tray opens up when I pick up the laptop on it's side and accidentally hit the button.

I prefer the way the T61 tray release button was not sticking out so much.

 

You could always just get an ultrabay. There are $19 one's available on ebay.
Ultrabay SATA 2nd Hdd Lenovo ThinkPad T420 12.7mm DV16 | eBay

 

Estabro, I agree. It's minor, but mildly annoying, and it happens to me too. I liked the setup on my T400.

Man, Lenovo is going fast and furious with the BIOS updates; I just applied 1.28 the other day.

I hope they'll continue to refine the UEFI BIOS further; AFAIK, the fingerprint reader issue has not been resolved yet.

 

That annoyed me too, so I converted my T420 to a slot-loading drive. Problem solved.

 

I activate the dvd drive just about 4-5 times a day on accident. But still love this laptop regardless.

 

Expect the CPU to be locked to the minimum speed if you remove the battery. This is a standard lenove feature that has caught out a lot of people.

If you know that you are going to be running on AC only then you can go to the Battery Maintenance utility in Lenovo Power Manager and define your own charging rule such as commencing charging at 40% and stop charging at 80%. That will help avoid unnecessary battery wear.

John

 

How did you do that?

Thanks

 

How much will a second HDD decrease battery life?

 

See here: forum.thinkpads.com • View topic - Slot-loading UltraBay on a T420? Yup.

 

Lenovo still doesnt have an official ultrabay for the t420?

 

They are out...Just google search for them and they are available on amazon,ebay,etc. I linked a pretty good deal for one earlier in this thread.

Also, my device manager is still detecting one unknown device and I have no idea what it is. Stuff I know is installed:
- bluetooth
- ethernet
- wireless
- card reader
- touchpad
- camera
- intel AMT
- audio

what am I missing?

Another question, about the power manager. If you set a custom threshold, does it still work when the laptop is off?

 

Using the device manager, most of the time you can get the properties on an unknown device. In there will be more detailed information about it. Usually the Details tab will have a list with a lot of info. The Hardware Ids listing is typically the most informative.