Thinkpad T420s Owners' Thread

I tried installing Intel 8.15.10.2509 GPU driver, which should offer big performance benefits, but with no luck, says "obtain drivers from your notebook manufecturer". Lenovo has 8.15.10.2418 on their website. Do you know how to force Intel drivers install?

// edit: solved, running setup.exe does not work, but updating via Device manager and manually selecting INF file does

 

Hello, I have two problems with my t420.

1) The fingerprint scanner turns off in sleep mode, which means I cannot just swipe my finger to wake it up. Where's the option to enable this?

2) My T420 sometimes gets stuck in a bios loop after waking up from sleep. It will boot up, crash two seconds later, and repeats. The only way I've gotten past this problem is by unplugging and replugging my battery. Does anyone know what could be causing this error? I've updated my bios and reset all the settings. Should I contact Lenovo to see if they'll cover this under warranty?

Thanks

 

Go to the settings in the ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software. I have all the options under Power On Security enabled and the FPR works for me most of the time.

Regarding the BIOS loop, did you run the BIOS level diagnostics? Also look in the BIOS event log (I think there's one but haven't looked in the BIOS for a while).

John

 

So i just got my T420s and it has the Samsung screen. HWiNFO32 reports this as a LTN140KT03401. This screen looks better than the one on my T420 did.

I have a feeling I got lucky on the screen draw.

 

I'm glad you are content with the T420s screen

I also have the samsung screen on my laptop. I have no problems with the display and it looks decent. Well except the minimal viewing angles, but I'm satisfied for now...

After at least 3 months of use, I'm glad I chose this over the T420/X220 due to weight to screen size ratio (14" is the sweet spot for me). I carry it with me everyday around campus.

 

Not forgetting the 900 pixels high (although I would still prefer 16:10)

Almost five months on and I've yet to come across anything better. At the moment the main + bay battery configuration is proving very useful since I'm currently needing the capability of running all day on battery.

John

 

The company I work for we have T420, X220 and now the first T420s (mine )
The X220's all have the IPS screen and that horrible CPU whine. The screen is bright and vibrant, but the viewing angles are not much better.
Really as I mostly work on sensitive documents, I have a screen filter and am looking directly at the screen. Aside from that in my office i have 2 x 24" monitors I look at. When out the higher res screen is much better (and it is not an anchor on my shoulder). i just cannot do that 1366x768.

That is good to know John, I ordered mine whit the extra battery so it will be good to know it will last.

 

O right, I forgot about that. So much space, 2 documents on the screen
I can't even imagine working on a 1366x768 in a 14" screen

 

I recall discussion in this or another thread about the battery charging behaviour when running on 2 batteries. I have had plenty of opportunities to watch the discharging and charging behaviour during the past couple of weeks due to mains power problems. What I am seeing is:

(i) First the main battery recharges to 80%, then
(ii) the bay battery is fully charged and finally
(iii) charging of the main battery is completed.
[charging to whatever limits are set in battery maintenance]

This is a fairly logical arrangement that is evidently designed that get both batteries substantially filled up quite quickly because once the charge level reaches about 80% then the charging rate progressively reduces.

So far, my bay battery is showing no adverse effects due to being regularly discharged to zero % (there's no option in the battery management to increase this threshold), but it's only at 29 charge cycles. The main battery currently says 15 charge cycles but I haven't yet figured out what counts as a charge cycle. Small top-ups don't appear to count but maybe they are internally stored as fractions which do accumulate.

John

 

So I just wanted to quickly update this thread with my T420s/X220 situation.

I just got my X220 yesterday -- swapped the T420s for the X220 with a family member (who received it from UPS yesterday) and I must say that if you ever saw the T420s display next to the X220, there'd be no comparison. Even though the T420s has the higher DPI, the X220 is much sharper.

Unless you absolutely cannot work on a smaller screen, there's just no reason to get the T420s. Battery life on the X220 with the 9-cell and proper power management is outstanding! I've been doing surfing and installing some small programs on the X220 now with the backlight set at 7/15 for 6.5hours now and the battery meter says that I have about 4hrs left. After using the T420s for a while, the battery life with just the 6cell was definitely an issue. Sure you could add the bay battery, but that just adds more weight and cost and I couldn't justify spending more money on the T420s as when compared to the X220, the only thing the T420s has going for it are the speakers...

The only issue is that with the 9-cell the weight is shifted, and so at times, the X220 is a bit awkward to pickup. Once you have it in your hand properly though, it's great.

The trackpad is probably the only thing I miss from my short time with the T420s. The X220 Trackpad isn't necessarily bad, as I find it sensitive enough, but the size is definitely limiting. It takes some concious effort to position your palms off the palm rest on the laptop and rest them slightly on the table to get your index finger in the middle of the trackpad to navigate around.

Once again, I am completely blow away by the difference between the X220 display and the T420s. The X220 IPS may not be the best as I think there's a slight yellow tint, but it's damn clear and sharp.

In closing, to any potential T420s buyers, you ABSOLUTELY need to see the T420s in person and judge the screen for yourself. If you can't see the T420s then my advice would be to buy the X220 and if you cannot live with the smaller screen, then think about swapping for the T420s. If you've ever used an IPS display before, then I don't see how anyone can live with the T420s. Sorry.

Good luck to everyone else with the T420s, hope you guys are happy with it and it last for a very long time. Cheers!

 

I decided to try the same thing. I hate the idea of the resolution sacrifice, but I can't live with the T420s screen. I hope to be as pleased as you.

 

My T420s (with standard graphics) came with the 90W AC adapter. Does the extra 25W give me any real advantages over the (smaller/lighter) 65W adapter?
I've got a 160GB SSD, but it's doesn't looks like there's any substantial difference between SSD and HDD power requirements.

 

I got a "Wacta Black 14" 14.1" Neoprene Laptop Notebook Sleeve Case" from Amazon, it's perfectly sized for a T420s.

 

I've read it can somehow detect which AC adapter is connected and if it sees the 65W adapter it will throttle back performance and/or optimus usage. Can't find where this info is off the top of my head though.

 

Yes, there's no significant difference between HDD and SSD power drain. They are normally in the 1W to 3W range. A 90W PSU might give you slightly faster battery charging in the unlikely condition that you are running the CPU / GPU at full power (the package is rated at 35W).

The version with optimus / dedicated GPU will look for a 90W PSU but I have seen no evidence of power-related throttling with the Intel graphics version (but can get limited cutting back of the CPU speed when the core temperature gets to 95C).

BTW, Power Manager reports my 65W PSU as being 90W. But i don't think this affects the peformance.

John

 

The T420s works fine with 1600Mhz HyperX, but the top module actually does not properly stay seated. Due to the HyperX heatsink structure, the modules actually are a wee bit thicker than regular modules, so by trying to properly seat the top module you have to start excerting some amount of pressure to the mainboard, risk I personally would not be willing to take

 

Is this actually running at 1600MHz in the machine?

 

Yes. Also the 1866 will run at that speed in the machine. However if you look at performance charts, the difference is near zilch.

EDIT: Also, yes the HyperX is a bit too thick, but they do go in without pushing on the motherboard. You have to pull the clips out a bit to snap around the memory.

 

I also am switching to the X220. Just sold my T420s to work and ordered the X220 fully loaded with 4 yr onsite/TPP warranty for less than my T420s. The battery life on the X220 is just imensely better - and yes I have the bay battery in my T420s.

 

I have also just put some 1600MHz HyperX modules in my T420s. This is what CPU-z reports.



The modules have even faster timings but are running at 1600MHz (800MHz x 2). Why do the 1600MHz modules include faster timings? Perhaps the 1866MHz modules also only run at 1600MHz.

John

 

Mind you, comparing battery life of the T420s and the X220 is comparing apples with pears. The T420s 6 cell is *not* equal to an X220 6 cell. The T420s 6+3cell therefore will *not* be equal to any X220 9 cell.

Capacity:
T420s 6 cell: 3900mAh / 44wh
T420s 3 cell: 2900mAh / 32wh

X220 6 cell: 6000mAh / 63 wh

This all boils down to size. Size does matter. You want a slim thin laptop? You will have to accept a design trade-off in that case. The T420s is kept slim and thin. The impact of the T420s design is the difference in battery capacity.

Personally I prefer the T420s to the X220 (I have both). The T420s slips into my travel gear a lot easier than the X220. In the end, I found myself to be more mobile and less hampered with the überslim frame of the T420s. T420s brings more screen real estate in a thinner and lighter package. I am more than willing to trade-in a bit of battery life for that.

T420s w/6 cell: 1.67kg, 0.83"–1.02" thick
X220 w/6 cell: 1.8kg, 1.1"-1.23" thick

 

It's not exactly a bit of battery life, it's a LOT of batter life that you trade in.

The X220 with the 6cell should weigh the same or just a hair more than the T420s but, like you said, the batter life between the two is like comparing apples & pears.

I had the T420s before I swapped for the X220 and so I can see what you mean when you say that the T40s is a bit more mobile though. I do find my new X220 slightly bulky from time to time (especially with the 9-cell). But give the fact that I now have an excellent IPS panel and the suburb battery life, I can live with the smaller screen.

 

And that's where we differ in requirements. 1366x768 simply does not cut it for me. 1600x900 is an absolute minimum given the size and complexity of my Excel cost models with pivot tables etc .... Having the luxury of owning an identically specced T420s and X220 (i7-2620m, 8Gb RAM, 250Gb SSD SATA3) I find myself reaching for my T420s approximatly 85% of the time.

At the end of the day, T420s with its 6+3 cell at least gets me through an avarage working day, or in just about any scenario from wall outlet to wall outlet. Only during long intercontinental flights to Oz or Japan or Oz does the X220 have a distinct advantage (and even then .... ;-)

 

Ah, I spend all my time coding or typing in consoles. 1366x768 works pretty well for me. But if I was working with what you describe, I agree the 1600x900 is a lot better.

I spend a lot of my time traveling, and the T420s does last but there are many times when I'd prefer to not worry about an AC adapter.

I have both at work (X220 for Linux/network work, T420s for website/admin work) and I use both regularly. For my personal laptop though, I find if I want a larger display I just plug it into my TV anyways. That's the laptop I'm switching from the T420s to the X220 w/IPS. I'll be keeping both at work.

 

At least we both have the luxury of owning/having both

 

I am curious if Lenovo has increased the quality of the 1600x900 screen recently? Has anyone received a 1600x900 in the last couple of weeks that can indicate whether the screen still has the same shortcomings as previously addressed in this thread?

 

Same shortcomings.

I received mine about 2.5weeks ago and swapped it for the X220 as I just couldn't deal with the screen. I've been using a friends T420s on and off and after using the machine for a while, the colour saturation issues aren't as predominant as they were when you first received the machine.

It also helps greatly to tweak the colours/saturation using the Intel Graphics properties and toning down the gamma for each RGB bands.

So while I've gotten used to the colour of the T420s screen, I still cannot get used to the grainy screen door effect of the LCD. It's especially noticeable with higher brightness levels. I also get bothered by the graininess if I've using the machine for a long time.

If you can get past the screen and the shorted battery life, then it's a great machine. Heh.

 

This may sound silly, but how would you compare the T420S screen to a T43 screen (which I still use)?

I've always thought the T43 screen was at least "okay", but I don't use it for games and multimedia, although I have watched movies and you-tube videos of course.

I'm just not sure if the T420S is a "horrible screen" or horrible compared to all the gloss coated consumer models out there.

 

Also.. is anyone out there HAPPY with the T420S screen?

 

I'm sure there are. The Samsung ones aren't bad, from what I hear.

 

I have a T420, which I believe has the same screen. Its no IPS obviously, but I'm fine with it.

 

Just ordered my T420s today. It will replace a T61 whose 100GB 7200 rpm HDD is starting to "whine". I got the 160GB SSD so hopefully I made the right decision.

Question after browsing this thread, how does one know if they are getting the LG, Samsung, or other panel? We have Samsung LCD/LED TVs and monitors in the house and are happy with them. The one thing I didn't like about the T61 screen was that it had a bluish cast to it when compared to the monitor on my desk at home.

 

T420S is SO disappointing. It's a shame to get less than 4hrs of battery life for a 14'' notebook which price is above 500€, and which is not even fitted with demanding graphic card/CPU.

I'm definitely going to buy the E320. Same specs, but much more battery life.

 

This is an ultraslim profile we're talking about here. Some compromise must be made in volume, and the battery is smaller than other 6-cells.

 

Many other slim laptops manage to get more than 4hrs, namely asus u36sd, Acer 3830tg or even the e320 (which is as slim as the e420s).

And they are cheaper.

 

The only Dell IPS screen I know of at 24 inches is the Dell U2410. I have one and stare at it for work all the time. Was surprised to read about a "dirty look" to the screen. Have never picked up on that here.

Interestingly, I'm typing this from an MBA 13 that I'm still not sure about (9 days in to a 14 day return period) and I'm really just second guessing my decision as it was between the MBA 13 and the T420S.

I'll tell you what though, the MBA screen gives the IPS a run for it's money IMHO.

As for the T420S. My current "take" on this machine is that it's overall "good" but has a lot of quality control issues.

I guess Lenvo just doesn't give a damn? Plenty of corporate accounts? Or is this forum inundated with nit-pikers (like me)? Or a combination of both?

 

The roll cage also limits the placement of the battery, since other laptop don't have structure reinforce with magnesium alloy they could have more space to work with on the inside of the laptop. As for the Acer and the Edge they do not have roll cage, thus not as rugged as the traditional Thinkpads.

 

Apple's computer have the best screen in the industry, that is no secret. The fact that they are consistence with all their laptop is amazing.

The fit and finish of the Thinkpad are not as good as a mac, but they are one tough machine.

 

Okay. Now for two easy ones

1 - What's the "real life" battery time on a 420S (no extra battery in ultrabay)?

2 - does anyone know if the display port delivers audio out? This would be for a display port to HDMI conversion.

 

My own 2 cents.
Have been using my T420s (with Nvidia Optimus) for a month now, here's my comments:

1) Screen - a disappointment, i don't find the contrast, brightness and viewing angles to be a big problem but i still can't get over the 'screen' effect. But as John said, maybe i'll get used to it. However i would pay to replace the screen if there was a better part available. However 1600 x 900 for a 14" does seem to be the perfect resolution for me.

2) Sound - speakers does a satisfactory job for me, have watched a few movies with it and sound is loud enough. But then i'm not an audiophile anyways

3) Battery - i haven't really tested the battery life yet, so no comment. except that i don't like the fact that without the battery in the notebook, it doesn't really lie flat on the table. Not to start any arguments, but i do like to remove the battery when i'm on A/C adapter.

4) Displayport - Would have liked to have HDMI, but bought a cheap display port to HDMI cable in a computer mall in HK (around US$20), worked the first time i plug it in my TV. Audio works perfectly and i really enjoy watching Divx movies on my TV through the notebook

5) Overall Build Quality - i'm satisfied with the overall build quality. While the volume, mute buttons does seem less sturdy then the older Thinkpads, but i guess it's difficult to find another brand with better overall quality.

To summarize, i'm satisfied with it. But it doesn't give me the 'wow' feeling i got when i first bought the X31 which the T420s replaced after 7 years of usage. Like many other posters, i do wish Lenovo could have used a better screen or given us a choice to pay more for an IPS panel.

As long as Lenovo keeps the trackpoint standard (i disable the touchpad), i just don't see any other choice apart from Thinkpads. But that's not to say i'm not tempted by the Macbooks or the new ultra-lights from Asus but at the end of the day, Thinkpad keyboard & trackpoint combo is just something irreplaceable for me.

 

Thanks much for the reply.

Yeah, it seems like the T420S is "almost there", but has room for improvement for sure ...maybe the T430S???

It is surprising as I thing the T420S has got to be the "flagship" of the Lenovo line. Yet they still skimp it seems. Strange.

The MBA 13 return period ends for me this Monday and I have no problems with returns.

I DO LIKE THE MBA! BUT, the biggest detraction is ergonomics. The keyboard and trackpoint of the ThinkPad are already missed. And this is while acknowledgeing that the MBA touchpad is the BEST I have ever used.... but the Trackpoint still beats it.

It's "interesting" but when I use the MBA, it seems like I can never just "rest" my hands on the palmrest and keyboard due to all the back and forth mumbo jumbo.

And while the MBA touchpad is really nice there are still mistaken clicks aplently due to the touch interface. This doesn't happen with the Trackpoint and physical buttons.

The screeen on the MBA is phenomimal ..and I don't use that word often.

It's also crazy light, and the battery just goes and goes (but I'm NOT a power user).

 

The run time will depend on usage, but 5 hours of light usage, probably off line with no wireless or USB devices should be achievable (ie 8W average power consumption). I've seen my T420s get down to 6.5W and predict 11 hours of run time with main + bay batteries, but 8 hours is a realistic time with two batteries which basically splits as 5 hours main battery and 3 hours bay battery).

As for quality, I haven't got any specific comments about build issues and my T420s is approaching 6 months. I suspect that Lenovo would like to offer a better display if only someone made one but 14" options are less abundant than the 13" and 15" sizes. We are waiting to see if the 14" Samsung Series 7 has a better display than the one that Samsung sells to Lenovo.

John

 

Hey guys,

Given my relatively poor eyes and needs for mobility/built quality, I've been looking for a T410s whose lower resolution suits me better than T420s' IMHO. I found a couple of T410S equipped with SSD on Ebay that goes for about 1k CDN in order of preference:

1) new: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280747330331?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

2) refurbished: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190575853618?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

The first choice clearly stands out because it's new, comes with a 3 yr depot warranty and its seller is top rated. What do you gurus here think?

Thanks a lot!

 

The advantage of the T410s display is that the pixels are nearly 10% larger (900 vertical pixels in 7.47" as opposed to 6.86"). I don't count the extra 160 pixels on the width of the T420s display - they are only useful for wide spreadsheets and movies.

Looking at those two T410s options the big differences are (i) Dual graphics (presumably optimus) as opposed to Intel only; (ii) 3 year warranty instead of 1 year and (iii) and 2GB RAM as opposed to 8GB. A lesser difference is Intel 6300 wireless instead of intel 6200. I would tend towards the dual graphics version because of the longer warranty but would budget for upgrading the RAM.

John

 

Ok, it's definitely a driver/software issue. I just reformatted Windows (after installing an Intel x25 G2 SSD) and I did NOT use the standard lenovo/intel wifi drivers.

I installed the Ethernet drivers, plugged it in, and grabbed the Microsoft drivers for the 6300.

Wifi stays on with the lid closed now. Previously, I did not fiddle with any settings from the Intel package drivers, so not sure what could have caused it.

Since I'm fine with Windows managing my wifi, I will simply avoid the intel/lenovo drivers.

On another note, I also got the LTN140KT03401 screen (HWiNFO32) and I find it's ok. My old T60 and X201 didn't have IPS (my old T40 did.. how I miss the screen on that!), so I'm used to it now. It just makes me sad looking at a mac pro/air screen.. so purrty

 

Get one of those then.

 

Trying to gain access to my old T-60 hard drive with an enclosure or by putting it in a slide drive type think on my 420.
How is the best way to access my old IBM hard drive?
If no s;lide drive which is the best hardware to do this?
Thanka

 

If you just want occasional access then a USB 2.0 enclosure is the cheapest solution. If you want frequent access then an UltraBay adaptor means that you can leave the HDD in the computer if you don't need to use the optical drive. I bought a cheapish UltraBay II adaptor and it works fine - no speed problem.

USB 3.0 is another option but the enclosure I bought has a bulky cable and a few people have compatibility problems.

John

 

I just got my T420s today from USPS so I'd like to share some of my quick thoughts after most driver and software updates.

Pros:
- As advertised, much lighter and thinner than my previous 6-LB T61 (15.4' though)
- I am loving the much sharper 1600x900 resolution vs the 1280x800 on my T61
- The sound quality is simply so much superior
- The 16:9 ratio surprisingly doesn't bother me
- USB 3.0 although not essential to me
- Lights on the Caps key, volume and microphone buttons

Cons:
- Graininess of the screen but still perfectly acceptable
- Keyboard keys seem to be harder to press and sink lower, so I'd definitely prefer the feel of the NMB on my T61.
- The location of the ports at the back is somewhat annoying

I've never used any excellent LED/IPS screen for long to begin with but I did notice some graininess right away (as if there was a layer of dust on top).

After all, the LCD is definitely decent by my standards. I'll apply the ICC profile I've seen around here once I have the time.

 

Thanks for your thoughts on the T420s.

One of my original complaints about the T420s was having the ports on the back. I still don't like having the USB ports on the back. It's even more fun because the other two ports on the back are big enough that one can unintentionally insert a USB plug into them. I'm sure that they could have fitted one more USB port on the side, under the one that is provided and then put the one on the back where it would be easier to find.

John