new T in 2009?

[Kylan]

My T40p has served long and well but even w/ the 7200 RPM hard drive and 2 GB of RAM it's still easy to bog down when I run multiple applications.

I've been waiting (and waiting) for Lenovo to release a new T-something for quite a while. It's been difficult for me to find rumors about anything or insights about the time cycle they tend toward.

Help before I start looking at MacBook Pros, please!

[Marin85]

Why not taking a look at T400 (or even T500)?

EDIT: BTW, welcome to the forum!

[archer6]

<snip> I've been waiting (and waiting) for Lenovo to release a new T-something for quite a while.
Help before I start looking at MacBook Pros, please!

If only I had a crystal ball....
MacBook Pros? .... YIKES !

[bill bolton]

I've been waiting (and waiting) for Lenovo to release a new T-something for quite a while.

There have been six T series models released since you bought your T40, the most recent one around the middle of 2008.... what have you been waiting (and waiting) for?

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Kylan]

If only I had a crystal ball....
MacBook Pros? .... YIKES !

Okay, I'll admit it. I've already been looking at MacBook Pros. There, I said it. Am I kicked out of the forum?

It seems like the Mac folks do have a crystal ball: http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#MacBook_Pro

This website tells how frequently Apple has historically updated each product and how long it's been since the last update.

Does anything like that exist on the ThinkPad side?

[Kylan]

Why not taking a look at T400 (or even T500)?

EDIT: BTW, welcome to the forum!

Thanks for the welcome! Newbies are hated on some forums so I appreciate that!

I've looked at the T400 and T500 but just wondered if something a little stronger might be nearing release.

[Kylan]

There have been six T series models released since you bought your T40, the most recent one around the middle of 2008.... what have you been waiting (and waiting) for?

Cheers,

Bill B.

Great question, Bill. For several years it seemed like my machine was about as good as anything on the market (since it had the extra fast hard drive and lots of RAM). Then I started holding out for dual core stuff, 64 bit processors, etc... and then I started wondering about the highly anticipated MacBook Pros that came out several months ago. The fact that my wife and I have the same laptops has been convenient, too, and has probably kept me from upgrading as quickly as I would have.

Anyway, the 'next thing' is always going to be better and I need to stop waiting... unless someone in ThinkPad world has insight into Lenovo's rhythm.

[Marin85]

Thanks for the welcome! Newbies are hated on some forums so I appreciate that!

I've looked at the T400 and T500 but just wondered if something a little stronger might be nearing release.

There will be always something slightly stronger I don´t expect new models before September and I don´t think they will be something much more different than the current line, probably only slightly better cpus. Some folks mention that Lenovo is going to put much more powerful graphics in the next ThinkPad releases (not in the same proportion to the state of technology as by now, which has always been graphics from the lower middle range for the "standard" models), I don´t know if this is true though. But if you are not a hardcore gamer, this shouldn´t be a reason to wait IMO. In fact, the current line of ThinKPads is hardware-wise a significant step because of the Montevina platform. Judging by Lenovo product cycle by now, after such a significant step the next release in the ThinkPads line will probably include only relatively minor improvements. So, I would say don´t wait for the next cycle, I believe hardware-wise you will be able to find, within the current ThinkPad line, in any case a model suitable to your needs.

Just my 0.02$

Marin

[archer6]

Okay, I'll admit it. I've already been looking at MacBook Pros. There, I said it. Am I kicked out of the forum?

Uh... well....If you are kicked out, then so am I ....

(psst... I own a new one)

Oh... and I'm a little late on this one but, Welcome To The Forum !!! It's great to have you here.

The key when it comes to ThinkPads is to look beyond what some feel is "Boring Business Black" and check out how really great these laptops are. Even though I'm sure you know, the keyboard is fabulous and until you actually use one on a day to day basis that is not always so apparent. As a hard core Mobile Computing and Communications enthusiast, I have purchased about every other brand over the last decade while always using a ThinkPad as my main work machine. The only reason for the others is to experience the differences and my constant goal of streamlining what I do. I've yet to find another laptop that is as robust, long lasting, stable, fast, and has the terrific support of the ThinkPad lineup. Just take some time to look around the support section of the Lenovo site:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... eLenovo.do
The depth and breadth of coverage is simply amazing. From the ability to look up exactly what parts your specific ThinkPad is comprised of, to the ongoing driver library, and other resources, it's very hard to find any brand of computer that has better support. I know I certainly have not found one.

Cheers...

[Kylan]

I've yet to find another laptop that is as robust, long lasting, stable, fast, and has the terrific support of the ThinkPad lineup.

Fantastic info. I notice you own a multitude of models. Would you be willing to nominate a model or two based on my desire for power and portability? (For what it's worth I'm probably going to primarily use external screens at home and work so screen size isn't a priority.)

Also if you (or anyone) would field a few of these questions I'd be super appreciative:

1) why isn't the "IntelTurbo Memory hard drive cache" available for the solid state hard drive?

2) is the T400 64 bit?

3) I've read that 32 bit processors can't benefit from more than 4 GB of RAM but that 64 bit processors have virtually unlimited RAM potential. If that's the case what's the difference between solid state hard drives and RAM on a 64 bit machine?

4) where is money best spent on the customization? (For example buying a 320GB @ 7200 RPM hard drive from Newegg.com for $89? Which processor speed? Buying RAM [and how much?] from whom? Etc.)

Fantastic forum! Thanks so much!

[Kylan]

But if you are not a hardcore gamer, this shouldn´t be a reason to wait IMO. In fact, the current line of ThinKPads is hardware-wise a significant step because of the Montevina platform. Judging by Lenovo product cycle by now, after such a significant step the next release in the ThinkPads line will probably include only relatively minor improvements.
Marin

You are giving me some super insight. Thanks so much. I just asked a few questions on this same thread. Would you please consider weighing in on them?

Thanks!

[archer6]

<snip> Would you be willing to nominate a model or two based on my desire for power and portability? (For what it's worth I'm probably going to primarily use external screens at home and work so screen size isn't a priority.)
1) why isn't the "IntelTurbo Memory hard drive cache" available for the solid state hard drive?
2) is the T400 64 bit?
3) I've read that 32 bit processors can't benefit from more than 4 GB of RAM but that 64 bit processors have virtually unlimited RAM potential. If that's the case what's the difference between solid state hard drives and RAM on a 64 bit machine?
4) where is money best spent on the customization? (For example buying a 320GB @ 7200 RPM hard drive from Newegg.com for $89? Which processor speed? Buying RAM [and how much?] from whom? Etc.) <snip>

What type of work do you plan on doing with your new ThinkPad? I favor the T400 for portability and power as there are a lot of choices during the configuration process prior to ordering.

1) Turbo Memory is something that I would avoid. In it's infancy it's performance gains in Vista are very marginal. Does not work for XP Pro.
2) Yes the T400 will run either 32 bit or 64 bit software. However I would first check your software for compatibility if you choose 64 bit.
3) Max Ram: for Windows XP (32bit) is 3GB, Vista (32bit) 4GB.
Vista (64bit) Home 8GB, Vista Home Premium 16GB, Vista Business or Ultimate 128GB
Based on personal experience with two different brands of solid state drives, OCz and Samsung, I don't see enough advantage to justify the cost.
4) Best place to spend money is on memory from an outside supplier, and second to choose a fast 7200 rpm hard drive when configuring your computer. It's much easier than buying from an outside supplier and installing it yourself unless you have the skills and time to do so.

Once you have listed what you want to use your ThinkPad for then we can make further suggestions on configuration.

Cheers...

[Marin85]

To add to what archer6 mentioned to your questions:

(1) Good SSDs are just too fast to be able to utilize Intel TurboCache. The latter can even cause performance degradation of SSDs.

(2) and (3): Yes, T400 is 64bit-capable, so you will be able to run 32-bit or 64-bit OS. As of now, T400 can take up to 8 GBs of system memory for the simple reason that nobody has manufactured 204-pin 8GB modules yet. When these appear, T400 will be, with high probability, able to use them too. Now, with a standard windows 32-bit OS you won´t be able to utilize more then 3GB of system memory. If you want to stay 32-bit windows and utilize more than 3 GBs of RAM, you will need some 32-bit Server OS (like Server 2003 or Server 2008). Under 32-bit OS, there is one more limitation, namely the available system memory per application, which is 2 GB. Without going into details, a 64-bit OS doesn´t suffer from any of these limitations. This might be useful for you if you deal a lot with Photoshop or VMware workstation or any other application that can easily run out of memory.

Hope this helps

Marin

[Kylan]

1) Turbo Memory is something that I would avoid. In it's infancy it's performance gains in Vista are very marginal. Does not work for XP Pro.
2) Yes the T400 will run either 32 bit or 64 bit software. However I would first check your software for compatibility if you choose 64 bit.
3) Max Ram: for Windows XP (32bit) is 3GB, Vista (32bit) 4GB.
Vista (64bit) Home 8GB, Vista Home Premium 16GB, Vista Business or Ultimate 128GB
Based on personal experience with two different brands of solid state drives, OCz and Samsung, I don't see enough advantage to justify the cost.
4) Best place to spend money is on memory from an outside supplier, and second to choose a fast 7200 rpm hard drive when configuring your computer. It's much easier than buying from an outside supplier and installing it yourself unless you have the skills and time to do so.

Once you have listed what you want to use your ThinkPad for then we can make further suggestions on configuration.

What an amazing forum! Thank you!

I'm kind of a software mess. I've always got a ton of it installed and often open simultaneously... a little bit of everything from Photoshop to MS Office to browsers to Skype to video editing/rendering/conversion stuff. Oh yeah, and another big variable is that my company obligates me to use PGP Whole Disk Encryption.

The solid state opinion is worth a lot.

Regarding the 32 vs 64 bit issue, I assume that in the customization of the machine it will let me pick what's pre-installed?

So the hard drive isn't as easily accessible in a T400 as it is in my T40p? It's about 60 seconds to swap in it... just undo one screw and pull.

I'm going to be eager to see what you recommend. THANKS AGAIN!

[Kylan]

To add to what archer6 mentioned to your questions:
This might be useful for you if you deal a lot with Photoshop or VMware workstation or any other application that can easily run out of memory.

Hope this helps

It helps a ton. In reality I'm a pretty light Photoshopper...

If I go for 64 bit how can I know which of my existing software will have problems?

Any other recommendations as you see my other post that describes my tendencies?

THANK YOU!

[Marin85]

One for sure, 16bit (=old like windows 95 era) applications won´t work under Vista x64, probably they won´t be even able to install. Regarding everything else, you will have to try it out. Some things will work, others probably won´t. However, this situation has significantly improved after Vista SP1 and the latest compatibility patches. If you have have some particular applications in mind, post them here and judging by their experience, some forum members may be able to tell if some of those applications are compatible or not with Vista x64. Also note that for many applications out there there have been released updates or even newer versions to resolve compatibility issues with Vista (and in particular x64).

Now, regarding SSDs, since you are considering purchasing a T400, which doesn´t suffer from the SATA-150 limitations (see the thread in T6x subforum if interested), in other words it can utilize the full potential of all recent SSDs, having or not a SSDs becomes just a matter of budget. In fact, the slowest part of a computer is the hard drive. For that matter SSDs like the Intel X-25M deliver an incredible performance gain over any mechanical HD. Since you tend to do video converting, a SSD could make your life much easier

[archer6]

<snip> Regarding the 32 vs 64 bit issue, I assume that in the customization of the machine it will let me pick what's pre-installed? So the hard drive isn't as easily accessible in a T400 as it is in my T40p? <snip>

In case you have not seen it, here is the web page that lets you choose a basic system to start with then click on the green "customize & buy button" which takes you to the pages that give you many options, including your choice of pre-loaded operating system:
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/cont ... 24ECD09BA7
Once you review your choices here, you may have more questions as to what might be best for you.
The hard drive is very easy to remove, it's simply a matter of the time to either clone it or do a clean install of the OS, drivers, etc. Before removing the original drive go to Start / ThinkVantage / Create Recovery Media, and it will burn a set of discs or dvd of the OS for your use with the new drive.

Cheers...

[Kylan]

Excellent stuff and I continue to appreciate your willingness to help me!

Several more questions if I may:

1. I've been pretty happy w/ several pieces of ThinkVantage and Access IBM software on my T40p. Will I be able to use the ones that correspond the my new T400 if I zap Vista and install Windows 7 (when it comes out)? How?

2. On the "Mobile Broadband" options... I live abroad at present so I'm not sure if I will/would end up using that. My inclination would be to get it just in case. There are three options mentioned:
A) Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
B) Integrated AT&T Mobile Broadband Card (3G)
C) Integrated Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Card (3G)

So my question is, if I get option A (which is not AT&T or Verizon) what is that? Just the hardware which could later be used for either AT&T or Verizon if I activate one of their services?

3. Is any of this stuff from my T40p going to work w/ the T400?
*docking station
*UltraBay Adapter
*batteries
*power strips

4. My hard drive died several times on my T40p (a buddy of mine calls the hard drives "Death Stars" instead of "Travel Stars"). This has convinced me that they should be shipping the computers w/ install discs. Do they not do that anymore? If not are you saying I can burn them for myself from the hard drive?

Thank you!

[Marin85]

1. Most of the current Lenovo software for Vista works under Win 7 beta without any problems. By the final release, M$ will certainly have solved more backward compatibility issues with Vista and XP application (but most probably not all), so the chance it even higher that the current Lenovo software for Vista will work with the final release of Win 7. But all that is actually secondary as Lenovo will have released their software versions specifically for Win 7 by the time Win 7 has received official release. Even now with Win 7 there is no tweaking or hacking needed to install suitable versions of Lenovo software/drivers. They just install and work

3. AFAIK the ultrabay adapter of your T40 won´t work with T400. I believe the docking station of your T40 won´t work with T400 either.

4. The "DeathStars" are way back in the history. For a long time this hasn´t been an issue with new laptop drives of any brand. With any recent ThinkPad (or even other laptop brand) you can just forget about this problem No, ThinkPads are not shipped with Lenovo recovery CDs by default. One has to purchase them extra, or, if any problem occurs that is covered by the laptop warranty, Lenovo may send them to you at no costs. Otherwise you will have to pay for them. And yes, you should be able to create recocery CDs/DVDs after the first start of the system using Rescue&Recovery (one of the Lenovo applications that come preloaded on the machine).

[archer6]

1) I believe there is no way to know for sure on this, until the final version of Windows 7 is released along with any changes that Lenovo may make to the ThinkVantage set of applications.

2) Option A means that the computer is "ready to have a broadband card installed" thus there is no card in it when shipped. Upon receipt of the computer and your decision to add that feature, you would be required to buy the correct card for your wireless vendor / carrier from Lenovo and install it yourself.

3) No

4a) New Lenovo ThinkPads ship with a "hidden partition" which they call "Rescue & Recovery". It contains the OS and all pre-loaded software related to the OS. So in the event of a crash that you cannot recover from, you are able to press the power button, then press the blue ThinkVantage button near the top of the keyboard, and it will boot into the Rescue & Recovery partition. At that point you can choose to wipe the drive and start fresh. This returns the computer to the "out of box" as new condition.

4b) When I setup my new ThinkPad the first thing I do is to "Create Recovery Media". This is located (in XP) in the Start Menu / All Programs / ThinkVantage / Create Recovery Media. You must have some Blank CD's ready as it allows you to burn your own set of recovery disks. This is a one time opportunity, as after you burn the disks that option disappears. Now in the event that the drive dies completely, you have your set of recovery disks to use after replacing the drive.

4c) In the event that you forget to burn the Recovery Media, then you may call Lenovo tech support and they will sell you a set of disks for approx $50.00 USD. I have used this option and they are very quick to ship these out, usually within just two days.

Cheers...

[Marin85]

1) I believe there is no way to know for sure on this, until the final version of Windows 7 is released along with any changes that Lenovo may make to the ThinkVantage set of applications.

I don´t think Lenovo will stay with Vista for very long time. In other words, soon or late they will release their applications in versions compatible with Win 7. Currently, using the Vista versions of these applications is just a temporary solution while Win 7 is still in beta.

[archer6]

I don´t think Lenovo will stay with Vista for very long time. In other words, soon or late they will release their applications in versions compatible with Win 7. Currently, using the Vista versions of these applications is just a temporary solution while Win 7 is still in beta.

I agree with you completely. The sooner Microsoft gets Win 7 out the door the better, as long as it's fully ready for release....

Cheers...

[Kylan]

img]http://lh5.ggpht.com/_S4hC4cS1Buo/SbG9S ... arison.jpg[/img]

Again, I'm so appreciative of all your help! Thanks so much.

I just cranked out a comparison of the MacBook Pro and T400 ThinkPad. It's generating some questions for me:

1) Do you know how good the T400's camera is?
2) How favorably do the video processors (?) compare?
3) Do you know what the battery life estimates (let's say for wifi use) are for the 9 and 6 cells?
4) Is there not a LED display available for the T400? Some old articles seem to imply there was at one time?
5) Any general opinions as you look at the description? (Anything you think is a waste of my money? Or anything you'd recommend I go ahead and spend a few more dollars on?)
6) That 20% coupon (USPTHINKBIG) seems great but do you happen to know of anything better?
7) Any comments on shipping times?

Hope you, my kind friends, have a great one!

[Marin85]

First of all, add a pic warning to the thread name and make sure the pic is less than 50k (per forum rules), otherwise turn it into a thumbnail or link.

(2) Notebookckeck has some very extensive comparison of various mobile graphics cards.

(4) Yes, T400 is available with display with LED backlit. Lenovo could be out of stock right now due to high demand, but certainly that option will reappear soon. Check out regularly.

To (5):

(a) WXGA+ is not 1680x1050

(b) If you buy your T400 with 2 GBs of RAM, make sure it´s one module, so the other memory slot is free (if you want to upgrade the memory later by yourself);

(c) I heard that the latest Macbooks are limited to 6 GB addressable memory, but I might be wrong about this. As of now T400 can take up to 8 GB RAM. If someone was to produce a suitable 8 GB module, T400 could probably take even more addressable system memory. (As of now, 8 GB of RAM are installable in the new Macbooks, but they make the system unstable; since the hardware supports 8 GBs of system memory, it´s assumed that the problem comes from some of the Apple firmware/drivers, which in theory could be resolved with updates.)

(d) Macbooks are not very upgrade-friendly. In general, upgrading a Mac (like memory or HD) is in the range from real pain to impossible.



Marin

[archer6]

<snip> I just cranked out a comparison of the MacBook Pro and T400 ThinkPad. It's generating some questions for me:

1) Do you know how good the T400's camera is?
2) How favorably do the video processors (?) compare?
3) Do you know what the battery life estimates (let's say for wifi use) are for the 9 and 6 cells?
4) Is there not a LED display available for the T400? Some old articles seem to imply there was at one time?
5) Any general opinions as you look at the description? (Anything you think is a waste of my money? Or anything you'd recommend I go ahead and spend a few more dollars on?)
6) That 20% coupon (USPTHINKBIG) seems great but do you happen to know of anything better?
7) Any comments on shipping times?

Just as a point of reference I have a new (one week old) Unibody MacBook Pro, so I can offer some comments based on personal experience.
I've used PowerBooks and MacBook Pros as my secondary laptops for years.

1) I don't use the camera
2) Fairly well, not a deal breaker one way or the other.
3) Too soon to know yet as both my MBP and T400 are less than one month old.
4) Yes there is an LED backlight option for the display, however when out of stock, they remove it as a choice from the configuration page.
5) The _Biggest Problem_ with the MacBook Pro is the ultra reflective glossy glass display. With the back light off it's just like a mirror. In use the backlighting must be cranked up high to begin to overcome some of the reflections and at that, it's pretty annoying. I could not use it as my only laptop, as the max I can stand is about an hour or two, and then the glare causes eye strain, and my eyes are 20/20. If not for the glare and reflections this would be a very nice laptop. Not better than a ThinkPad but a very strong second place machine. Nothing beats a ThinkPad based on a decade of personal experience.
6) eCoupons offer a good discount.
7) I just ordered a new W500 and Lenovo delivered it a week early. Shipping times are 9 days currently.

Speaking of pricing. I ordered both my MacBook Pro and my ThinkPad W500 on the same day.
I configured them as close to the same as possible:
Common components: 2.8MHz / 4GB / 7200 rpm hard drive / 512mbVRAM / 15.4" display / 3 yr. warranty

Selling price: MacBook Pro $ 3,123.00 - ThinkPad W500 $ 1,938.00 (prices for computers only, excludes lenovo coupon, tax, shipping)

[Kylan]

1) I don't use the camera

Speaking of pricing. I ordered both my MacBook Pro and my ThinkPad W500 on the same day.
I configured them as close to the same as possible:
Common components: 2.8MHz / 4GB / 7200 rpm hard drive / 512mbVRAM / 15.4" display / 3 yr. warranty

Selling price: MacBook Pro $ 3,123.00 - ThinkPad W500 $ 1,938.00 (prices for computers only, excludes lenovo coupon, tax, shipping)

1) They do have a built in camera, though, right? It says camera in the screen configuration but then it also tries to sell me a camera later in the purchase process.

2) I'm curious why you bought both machines.

3) Did you get 512mbVRAM on the T500? I think it just offered me 256 on my configuration options. Perhaps I'm not understanding something so please help me.

Thank you!

[Marin85]

T500 is available with ATI HD3650 with 256 MB VRAM. If you want 512 MB VRAM, go for W500 or even W700

[Kylan]

1) Turbo Memory is something that I would avoid. In it's infancy it's performance gains in Vista are very marginal. Does not work for XP Pro.

Have you (or anyone) heard/read anything about Turbo Memory regarding Windows 7 (which I assume I'll end up w/ as soon as it's available?

[Kylan]

T500 is available with ATI HD3650 with 256 MB VRAM. If you want 512 MB VRAM, go for W500 or even W700

I configured a W500 to just see. I'd like the extra VRAM but it seems like the machine not only weighs more it costs quite a bit more, too. So... I guess I'll probably stick w/ the T400 theory for now. Thanks for the recommendation, though!

[archer6]

1) They do have a built in camera, though, right? It says camera in the screen configuration but then it also tries to sell me a camera later in the purchase process.
2) I'm curious why you bought both machines.
3) Did you get 512mbVRAM on the T500? I think it just offered me 256 on my configuration options. Perhaps I'm not understanding something so please help me.

1) When choosing the display with the camera, then simply ignore the choice of adding a camera further down the page.
2) Just because I like them both, (call me a laptop addict) ... ...and they are quite different in many ways, such as operating systems. That said, ThinkPads are always my main machines and macs are for a bit of fun.
3) I bought a W500 not a T500. The default W500 config comes with 512mb.