Is T420s readable in shaded sunlight?

[John H]

I like the 'slim' TPs (with the 'S' suffix) so I'm considering getting a used/refurb T420s for regular use. Is the screen readable while sitting outside under a shade tree?

How's battery life?

Are there other T400-T500 series 'slim' models I should consider?

[jayton4]

The screen sucks, no doubt about it. Outdoors in the shade, it is readable, but leaves a lot to be desired.

Battery life is where the T420s really outshines. With the main battery plus an ultrabay battery, I get close to 5 hours of general usage.

T430s model would be worth considering if you plan on adding an mSATA drive, as the mSATA port on the T430s is SATA III spec Vs. the SATA II spec on the mSATA port for the T420s. There are a couple of other minor differences with the T430s, and then the major change on where and how the keys on the keyboard are arranged.