Thinkpads Forum

Hey, I'm new to this forum, so bear with me guys.
I just purchased my first ThinkPad (used) and was wondering if I got a pretty good deal.
The notebook is a T410s
Intel CORE i5 560M 2.66GHz (which is the faster CPU than the 2.4 basic)
160GB 5400 HDD
4GB RAM (2x2gb)
14.1” (1440 x 900)
Intel HD Graphics (integrated graphics I presume)
Built-In Webcam
AC Adapter and stock 6 cell battery.
No fingerprint reader
No card reader
Edit: Win7 Pro COA Sticker (throwing in Linux anyway)
It is nicked/scuffed on two lid corners but other than that, it is in great shape. No cracks. Almost manufacturer refurbished. The keyboard and touchpad--where most signs of wear should be, is practically new. All the stickers are there as well.
The seller is guaranteeing no DOA and working condition.
I got it for $300 out of pocket.
There is another seller on eBay asking $240 on the 2.4GHz (probably a 540M) configuration on a bulk full of T410s, however condition w/ pictures is unknown.

I just realized I'm in the wrong index, if an admin/mod can move this; much appreciated.

Moderator edit: Done.

Welcome to the forum!

COA sticker should be under the battery. Have you checked there?

Also, what's the full model number of that T410, located on the same sticker on the bottom that holds the serial number (don't post that) and the production date?

ajkula66 wrote:COA sticker should be under the battery. Have you checked there?

Also, what's the full model number of that T410, located on the same sticker on the bottom that holds the serial number (don't post that) and the production date?

Well, I haven't received it yet.
What I do know is that it is a 2901-ATU model number, and I was mistaken and it does in fact have a Win7 Pro COA sticker.

That's actually a T410S:

ThinkPad T410s (2901-ATU)

i5-560M(3.20GHz) 2GB RAM 250GB 5400rpm HD 14.1in 1440x900 LCD Intel HD Graphics CDRW/DVDRW 802.11bgn wireless WWAN option Bluetooth 1Gb Ethernet UltraNav Secure Chip Camera 6c Li-Ion Win7 Pro 64

Generally a more desirable machine since it's somewhat lighter, but plagued by 1.8" HDD/SSD format which makes the upgrading more difficult and expensive.

Not a bad deal IMO, regardless.

Well that is unfortunate. I had a 180gb 2.5inch SSD laying around and was hoping to swap hard drives.
Although it is worth what I was paying for, I might just end up reselling it.

The 1.8 inch mechanical drive is also very slow. Half the speed of a mechanical 2.5 inch drive. I couldn't stand it on my T410s and had to get the 1.8 inch SSD.

sir_synthsalot wrote:The 1.8 inch mechanical drive is also very slow. Half the speed of a mechanical 2.5 inch drive. I couldn't stand it on my T410s and had to get the 1.8 inch SSD.

I'm thinking the same thing. I don't understand how and why it was even an option as it was carried over from the T400s.

I'm just curious. If I were to use an HD ultrabay with an SATA 3 SSD, will I get SATA 3 speeds? In other words, does the Ultrabay support SATA III?

I probably will get worse battery run times since both drives are running, won't I?

I actually answered my own question:
I found out the the main drive is SATA II 3GB/s, and it would only make sense for the ultrabay to be also SATA II.
I think what is most disappointing is that SATA II 1.8" SSDs perform on nearly the same level as SATA III 5400rpm HDDs.
I guess that is technology for you. Always advancing, and looking back makes it look disappointing.

Welcome to the forum!

My travel machine is the 2.66GHz i5 T410s with an Intel 160GB X18 SSD. With the SSD, it's a great machine. Actually, even a T400s with an SSD is a great machine, virtually indistinguishable from the T410s in performance for most office-type tasks (yes, I have one of those, too).

So enjoy the machine! Regarding price, I'd say about average, since you can sometimes find them with SSDs around that price. However, most do not have that CPU.

I think the best choice for the T410s is the mSATA SSD with mSATA > 1.8" microSATA adapter. The mSATA SSD's will definitely saturate out that SATA II bus, and the prices keep getting better. The 240GB Crucial M500 mSATA is around $130-140, the adapter is about $10-15 on ebay.

You may choose to keep a second battery in that ultrabay, as these T410s' can sure burn some W/hr.

I think what is most disappointing is that SATA II 1.8" SSDs perform on nearly the same level as SATA III 5400rpm HDDs.

A 1.8 SATA II SSD is still a lot faster than a SATA III HD IMO. Even if max transfer rate of the HD comes close (SSD is still higher though), in real world use you see a big difference since the SSD has low seek time and speed is uniform throughout the drive.

underclocker wrote: My travel machine is the 2.66GHz i5 T410s with an Intel 160GB X18 SSD.
Regarding price, I'd say about average, since you can sometimes find them with SSDs around that price. However, most do not have that CPU.

Yup, there were actually a lot of T410s and even T400s with 128GB SSDs however I've heard that the suppliers of those SSDs (Samsung) didn't support TRIM (or at least did not distribute nor planned to distribute a firmware update).
Instead, I just recently managed to get my hands on an Intel X18-M G2 as well which does support TRIM.

jayton4 wrote:I think the best choice for the T410s is the mSATA SSD with mSATA > 1.8" microSATA adapter. The mSATA SSD's will definitely saturate out that SATA II bus, and the prices keep getting better. The 240GB Crucial M500 mSATA is around $130-140, the adapter is about $10-15 on ebay.

You may choose to keep a second battery in that ultrabay, as these T410s' can sure burn some W/hr.

Very true. I didn't realize that you could use an mSATA to microSATA/uSATA conversion. mSATA drives are much more widespread and affordable. Although I already got my hands on a uSATA drive, I'm just curious of what the adapter looks like because the ones I see on eBay are PCIe based. Is it something like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/mSATA-to-Micro- ... 1271182911