Lenovo has added another ThinkPad, the T400s, to their venerable T series of notebook computers. As the designation suggests, the T400s is a heavily redesigned version of the current T400 notebook, focused on reducing its size and heft while still keeping to the traditional semi-rugged ThinkPad design.Some may begin to draw parallels between the T400s and X300/X301. However, the T400s is far from underpowered. Customers have a choice between a 2.4 GHz and 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo processor and can have 8 GB of RAM installed for use. They can also choose to install a Blu ray recordable optical drive, despite the fact that it is a business oriented notebook. However, many may be disappointed by the lack of a dedicated GPU on the T400s and have to make do with the Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics. Or else they would have to deal with low battery life and heat issues which are common with most dedicated GPUs. Lenovo has finally decided to include an eSATA port, something which has been missing from their previous notebooks.
The T400s also introduces several cosmetic changes over the T400. First up is the keyboard. For those of you who do not know much about the ThinkPad line, they are known to have one of the best keyboards ever made on a notebook computer. However, some may notice that the keyboard layout on the T400s is slightly different from earlier designs. It features redesigned volume controls up top and larger 'Escape' and 'Delete' keys. According to Lenovo, these keys are usually used more times than other function keys, and hence saw it fit to increase their size. Also, the touchpad has a new texture to it and supports multi-touch. Another change that is apparent is the centered screen. Lenovo is notorious for designing notebooks with off-centered screens which frustrates many users.
The base model costs $1,599 and comes with a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM and a 120 GB 5400RPM HDD. While the price might be a little steep, do realise that you're paying for an extremely compact and well built notebook. You can also check out Notebookreview.com's review of the T400s.
I have a T400 and I had to say it's pretty annoying at first. But after a while you will get used to it -- you will just have problems using other laptops
Wrong. It is what it is. Been using Thinkpads for 15 years. Beautiful.
Went to Gateway/Dell for a period - what a mistake!
+1 only for the complete design :p Lenovo's laptops are great products, only their design is kind of...uh, mid ninties :p
http://www.thinkwiki.org/images/0/0a/ThinkPad755.jpg
None sense, this is a workhorse, rugged and has (as the article mentions) prolly the best keyboard layout.
As for the Fn key, that is the least of my concern, I hate using Toshiba/Dell/HP keyboards that completely mess up the INS Home, PgUp, Delete, End, PgDn key comination, it is meant to be 3 x 2 (horiz) not 2 x 3 (vert).
Finally a centered screen, hopefully they figured out a way to make the wireless perform just as well with a centered screen.
I am hoping to see a revised T400 (T401?) with dedicated graphics (and HD video acceleration) around the corner.
My z61t is about 2 1/2 years old and still looks almost new, try that with a DELL.
http://www.thinkwiki.org/images/0/0a/ThinkPad755.jpg
But it works. No need for fancy glossy crap.
It's longer than that. But I don't see any problems with Lenovo designs. They're not flashy, they're not the latest -- but they retain a long tradition of honest-to-earth, excellent quality, and subtle beauty that none other is able to achieve. The fact that I have a T400 and I am proud that it is not like any other laptop. You can tell that it is a Thinkpad from a distance and this design is so simple and long lasting that it doesn't fade out after a couple years. The more you look at it and use it, the more you would like it. Plus, it's the ultimate sleeper laptop. Macbooks and Dell XPS's gets stolen all the time at the university. Then there's those times when people asked me 'what Pentium' my T400 has
This probably coming from someone that uses a Mac or a glossy white laptop.
+1 1999 called
+1 1999 called
1999? Dude, they have had the same look for longer than that - and you know what - it works.
Maybe the T400....the T400S is new.
And you know what, pick up an old Thinkpad (late 90's) and it will still work, it's supported and you can still get parts for it. Try that with an old PowerBook.
Not a winner in my book, not even close. Just too much for the features this time out... I'd take a Dell E6400 maxed out to the brim with dedicated graphics too and get close in price, especially from the Dell Outlet.
Nope, the one he's referring to is called a "Lugable".
It's called an eraser head. And I love the thing.
My ThinkPad x200 doesn't have a trackpad at all; it only has a trackpoint. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think it's fantastic! I find it's far more convenient being placed in the middle of the keyboard.
i hated at first too but once you get used to it and will never want to go back to use touchpad.
For sure - it's the best. My wife even prefers it over the touchpad (this coming from a Mac user). My only problem with the Thinkpads in the past few years is that they included that crappy touchpad.
Duh! Get an x300 to blow the MacBook Air away.
they are awesome computers, it's a tool for business, you dont buy a Lenovo for aesthetics. people who are spending this kind of money obviously know what they are getting. i actually prefer the spartan, yet incredibly efficient, useful and durable design.
Leon
The only problem that I have with the T400 (not s model) is that it doesn't support DVI on the docking station (whereas the T60/61 did).
Great products, and how many other laptops have a nifty keyboard light?
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