Buying a T400

Hi everyone,

I'm an Australian who is going to America for 3 months in Dec/Jan/Feb.

I'm planning to buy a T400 when i'm over there since i'm sick of crappy laptops and want some quality

Specs i'm looking at are:

• 
  
  Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9600 (2.8GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)

• 
  
  Genuine Windows Vista Business 64

• 
  
  14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera

• 
  
  ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB

• 
  
  4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

• 
  
  UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)

• 
  
  320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

• 
  
  Intel Turbo Memory 2GB

• 
  
  DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)

• 
  
  Express Card Slot & 7-1 Media Card Reader

• 
  
  Integrated Bluetooth PAN

• 
  
  Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology

• 
  
  Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable

• 
  
  9 cell Li-Ion Battery
  

Questions:
1. I have looked around but i'm still a little confused as to what the "turbo memory" really is. Could someone please explain it, and would it make a great deal of difference to the above system?

2. Is it worth going for the T9600 or stick with the P8700? once again, will it make a great deal of difference?

3. I've been reading about a refresh of this model, most likely January. Does anyone know anything about this, and is this something I should wait for?

4. Does anyone know when these systems will actually start shipping with windows 7?

5. Finally, does this sound like a good setup? i.e. is there any reason why I would get the smart card reader instead of the media card reader, etc?

Really appreciate everyone's help - and my apologies if these questions have already been answered elsewhere.

 

Do you NEED the T9600 or do you just like spending money?

I would get the base RAM config and upgrade the other DIMM/DIMM's yourself.

1. Turbo Memory will not make a difference with 4GB of RAM.

According to Intel, this is what it does, under: performance

A 1066MHz FSB CPU + DDR3 memory already creates those advantages. The platform doesn't really need/benefit from turbo memory, it's already quick.

2. The P8700 is a bit more energy efficient, but I'm not sure I'd take it over a T9600.

3. If your worried about the T400 issues (mushy keyboard compared to T61, flex on the right side, not as 'tight' as you'd expect) then consider the Lenovo X300 or T400s with more modest hardware to keep the price down...

4. google?

5. Do you need a T9600 or P8700 for work/program? Your machine will devalue very quickly and if you're not using that power, it's a waste of cash.

 

I thought the flex issues were fixed on the recent T400 models?

 

I want to congratulate you on everything but the screen size. You picked a great machine!
Renee

 

Fill out the FAQ. I would also consider the Dell Latitude or HP Elitebooks. As per a refresh, all companies will be releasing their new line in Q1 2010. I doubt you will get a laptop in January though, it will be more like end of February before you actually get something in your hand.

 

Thankyou for the responses - regarding the processor, I don't really need it for anything in particular - mainly school work and some *light* gaming (like Team Fortress 2) but that's about it.

The T9600 is just slightly more expensive so i'm debating whether I need it.

Also, I had a macbook 13inch screen and have also had a 15inch and now own a netbook so i'm looking for something in betwee, hence the 14inch choice.

ETA: Like stated, I thought the flex issues were fixed with the last refresh?

 

A few thoughts, make sure you get a machine with IWS. Otherwise you'll have no warranty coverage in Australia. I don't know how you're planning on acquiring this, but CTO machines bought directly from Lenovo do not offer IWS. You'll need to get a pre-configured machine to get IWS. Consult the tabook to see which offer IWS. There's a link in the sticky.

ThinkPads are difficult to find in stores. You'll need a way to pay for it and somewhere to have it shipped to, unless wherever you're staying can do it for you.

 

Interesting, thankyou. Paying for and shipping is not an issue since i'm staying with a friend, though I wasn't aware CTOs didn't have IWS. Might be a spanner in the works :/

 

Correct. All these issues were corrected with the T400 refresh earlier this year. Mine was assembled in 4/09 and I have zero issues with flex.

 

The people still complaining of problems with the latest models probably got a older revision preconfigured model or a outlet item?

 

I would stick to the P8700. The laptop would run cooler, less fan, less heat and more battery life. Unless you are doing something which requires the extra horsepower it just isn't worth it. With laptops heat is very important. considering the numereous laptops with heat issues i have had i was very surprised at how cool the p8400 on t400 runs.

My t400 keyboard flexes a bit but it still is amazing compared to the HP business laptops i have recently used.

Refreshes to the current lineup will probably be i7 mobile based laptops. It would be a major change(then say merom to penryn). It would probably be early next year. The transition time would be a good time to pick up current T400 at really good prices if you don't need the extra-extra horsepower.

(i think)Upgrading the ram on the t400 involves removing the palmrest and the keyboard. It's slightly more taxing then the HP and Dell's wherein it typically is at the back and involves removing one screw.

 

Upgrading the RAM involves removing the palm rest and keyboard? No wonder there is flexing.

 

Thankyou so much everyone for your help!

I've had mixed discussions regarding the P8700 and T9600 and an i7 based machine would probably be way too much for me - I don't use any intensive programs and my current desktop (E8500, GTX260 5gig ram) is probably even too much power for my needs.

I looked at the HP and Dell business models but honestly I dislike both brands so i'm sticking with the Thinkpad.

Once again, really appreciate everyones help.

 

More likely many of them pound on the keyboard like a pissed off 800lb gorilla or have unrealistic expectations.

I have an August 2008 build T400 and use it for hours daily as well as carry it to/from class 2-3 times a week. If I press down hard enough I can make the keyboard flex. Big Fluffy Deal. It doesn't slow down my typing in any way.

I have no cracks or breaks or any other issues. The only thing you can really see (if you look carefully) is some of the most frequently used keys are a little bit "polished" from usage.