New fully loaded T400 on the way!

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reforminded · #1 Post by **reforminded** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:26 am

Hello All-

I am new to this forum, but I wanted to thank your community very much for how much useful information you put out there. When researching my purchase I spent a considerable amount of time on this site figuring out exactly what I wanted, largely based off of your advice and experiences. So, THANKS!

Two days ago I ordered a new T400 to replace my first generation (in fact first batch shipped) Z60m. The Z60 has been a fantastic machine, with build quality second to none and very strong performance. However, its 1.6 Pentium chip and 60 gb hard drive were starting to limit what I could do, and I was lucky enough to receive a grant to put towards a new machine. With the 25% off sale going on right now, a totally specced T400 was suddenly within my price range so I took the plunge!

After doing a ton of research, this in the spec I decided on:

*Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 (2.53GHz, 1066MHz 6MBL2)
*Vista Ultimate with XP Pro restore disc (still not sold on vista)
*14.1 WXGA+ TFT w/ LED Backlight, Camera (I am wicked psyched for this screen!!!)
*ATI mobility Raedon 3470 with 256MB
*4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory
*160 GB Hard Drive (7200 rpm)
*DVD Recordable 8x Max
*Integrated Bluetooth
*Intel WiFi Link 5300

***Already ordered a T61p NMB keyboard to replace the flimsy one.

After reading all of your advice, I chose the 5300 wireless card for reliability, and the 7200rpm hard drive to help increase the Vista experience. Also, after reading everything written about the LED backed screen on these forums it was clearly the only choice!

Finally, I am incredibly appreciate of the advice given regarding the keyboard. One of the main reasons I first purchased my Lenovo Z60m was because of the sturdy construction, particularly in regards to the keyboard. Very simply, nobody does it better in this department. I was sold on the T400 until I strarted reading about the flexy keyboard, and I was prepared to drop the whole thing. That is, until I discovered the many useful threads regarding compatability. Yesterday I called the IBM parts guys and ordered one of the 42T3143 keyboards (from t61). Just to let you know, I was told that they do not have many left in stock, and the ones on ebay and from secondary sources have shot up to $80 in price.

I can't wait for my machine to arrive and will post a short review after it does.

What do you guys think of the spec? Comments, criticisms, etc.... are welcome.

Thanks,
RM

hart22 · #2 Post by **hart22** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:16 am

It looks like a very nice machine.

Just a few comments:

I believe the flavor of Vista you ordered is 32-bit. Unless they've changed policy currently Lenovo does not ship Ultimate 64-bit pre-installed systems except on the workstation line, such as the W700. When you get your system, windows will report 4 GB of memory installed. However, the OS will only be able to utilize 3 GB of that memory, owing to the 32-bit OS limitation. The report of 4 GB in windows despite 3 GB addressable is a Microsoft implemented reporting change in SP1. If you want to use all of your memory you'd need a 64-bit OS; your Ultimate license key on the bottom of the machine will work for any 64-bit OEM Windows Ultimate DVD.

Also, if you ordered 4GB of RAM from Lenovo I'm estimating you paid around $120 - $150, depending on sales, coupons, etc. Whereas 4 GB of the same high-quality ram can easily be found for around $40 - $50 now at electronics price comparison sites. System RAM is one area where Lenovo makes more money on high margins. If it were me I would save the money by buying RAM (and possibly hard drive) separately, and upgrade the processor with the cash. Although the 160 GB 7200 RPM HD Lenovo offers seems to hit a value sweet point, so that's not as critical as the RAM.

Otherwise, it really is a great machine. Enjoy, and welcome to the forum!

reforminded · #3 Post by **reforminded** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:21 am

Regarding the RAM, I was planning on just buying a 4gb kit from crucial to save money over the OEM lenovo stuff. However, a quick visit to the crucial site showed that the 4gb kit was the same price as upgrading through lenovo ($145) but that does not include shipping, so it would have actually cost more to get the ram from another vendor. I figured this way it is all covered by lenovo's warranty.

Also, regarding the ram usage, I was told by several people that while vista will only recognize (ie show) 3gb, the computer will still use all 4. Is this incorrect? Can you direct me to a link discussing this?

Thanks a bunch, your feedback is appreciated!
RM

hart22 · #4 Post by **hart22** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:31 am

Ah, my apologies on the RAM prices. I'm still in T6x mode and quoted DDR2 prices rather than DDR3, which your T400 uses.

As for the memory, check here:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=63152

#5 Post by **archer6** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:58 pm

reforminded wrote:Hello All-I am new to this forum,

First of all Welcome to the Forum!

reforminded wrote:Two days ago I ordered a new T400, Already ordered a T61p NMB keyboard to replace the flimsy one.

I have a decades' worth of experience with every model of ThinkPad since the 600, every T-model since the beginning, most others like R's X's, and Z's. The only point being to give you a little background on my point of reference when evaluating new ThinkPads. That said, I just took delivery of my T400 spec'd the same as yours. I must say that I'm both relieved and impressed, as a very hard core ThinkPad User / Advocate / Enthusiast. Since I have used them for so many years under the IBM ThinkPad moniker, it has been a continual concern as to what would happen as the Lenovo take over progressed, and the new models became 100% Lenovo. Well, I'm happy to say that a few very minor issues aside (largely related to personal preference) I'm quite pleased at the Lenovo showing.

I would also like to address the longstanding (for years) "keyboard argument / controversy / debate, or whatever we wish to call it. Needless to say the "ThinkPad keyboard" has been stuff of legends for a very long time. Continually known as the "premier keyboard among all laptops" it's been talked about over and over and over. I have a lot of personal experience with all three vendors that IBM/ now Lenovo have used. NMB being the so called "Best" is something that while I agree for a few years was quite true, as the last four years, they too have had some variables introduced to cause the "perfect keyboard" to be less than, in some cases. Personally I have been as obsessed as anyone on this topic of keyboards, as my ThinkPad is my Only Computer, I do not use a desktop, I'm a software engineer that does a very wide variety of work which results in me spending a minimum of 8 to 12 hours per day on my ThinkPad. Thus as a result when I ordered my new T42 years ago, and more recently my T60 I also ordered one each of the three keyboards that were currently being used. Alps , Chicony & NMB. Thus I had all three to try in both my T42, which I still have, and my T60. Here are my findings:

NMB:
A very good keyboard that tends to be (at least in this forum) the favorite. My Take? Yes it's nice, yes it's quite, yes it's solid, but beyond that I personally prefer a keyboard with a bit more tactile feedback as I find the NMB too quite, and yet that's only my personal preference. Personally I feel the NMB is overrated.

Chicony:
An excellent keyboard that gets lower marks in general from the people in the forum because you can hear it, when you use it. However I find it really great as I touch type at a very rapid rate, and find the audible confirmation of a complete keystroke advantageous. In my opinion this keyboard is underrated.

Alps:
Another very good keyboard, rating somewhere between the two listed above based on my personal preference. That said, in my opinion none of these three is anything less than stellar. None of these is a deal breaker when it comes to the overall evaluation of a new ThinkPad in my personal opinion.

Now to the model at hand, the T400. Like most everyone I've read all the reports, but reserved judgment based on my personal evaluation as that's the bottom line for me. Also it should be said that I only ordered a T400 for the fun of it (not as a replacement), as I'm addicted to ThinkPads and love to try out the different models. Currently my T60 for personal, My T60p for work, are the two default ThinkPads that remain perfect for my needs and based on the long term service that ThinkPads provide, I will be using these for another year. Usually I upgrade at each new model intro. However I passed on the 61 series because the IPS Flexview hi -res displays were no longer available and I have less use for a widescreen, since the 4x3 format is much more beneficial for my needs. I have now been testing the T400 for 7 straight days. It's a very good ThinkPad. I am very impressed with build quality and find no weakness whatsoever in the keyboard. I'm not disputing that it was, or is not present, in some of the machines the testers received, however I can honestly say that mine in rock solid, and I have no intention of changing it out, even though I ordered a second keyboard. In fact my confidence is so high in this original keyboard that I sent the spare back via FedEx yesterday. I have so many spares for my T-series that keeping this one as a spare seemed a waste since I have never had a ThinkPad keyboard fail, get loose, or show any other sign of weakness. It's also important for you to know that I still own every ThinkPad model I've ever purchased. All of which were bought new, and all of which remain like new even with thousands of hours on them. It's my museum of sorts.

Bottom line, I congratulate you on your choice. I see no errors or omissions on the configuration you have selected. Therefore I feel very confident that you will be impressed and very happy with your new T400.

Cheers....

reforminded · #6 Post by **reforminded** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 3:09 pm

Archer--
Thanks for your very detailed reply! I am very happy to know that such a long standing thinkpad addict is so pleased with the computer I just ordered--give me peace of mind knowing I made a good decision. Regarding the keyboard what I am really hoping for it the situation that you just described, wherein the keyboard that comes onthe T400 feels fine and I have no need to swap it out. If for some reason I do, I will have a spare keyboard on hand, but if not I will just throw it up onto the 'bay. I plan of using the stock keyboard for a week to see how it feels for me.

As it is, I have been completely spoiled by my z60m. The build quality of my Z is the best I have ever seen in a laptop--including mac-book pros which everyone seems to think are the best. As I said, my Z was one of the first batch shipped to the US, and even after all this time the hinges are still tight as can be, and the keyboard feels better than most desktop keyboards I have used. I figure that if I really dislike the keyboard on the T400 I could even swap out the one I am typing on now, although I feel it would be a shame to disassemble such a wonderful machine.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, but again, thanks for your input!

Best,
RM

#7 Post by **archer6** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 5:12 pm

reforminded wrote:Archer--
Thanks for your very detailed reply!
Regarding the keyboard what I am really hoping for it the situation that you just described, wherein the keyboard that comes on the T400 feels fine and I have no need to swap it out.

Your very welcome. As far as the keyboard on the T400 here is my take: Lets' remember that when reviewing any new model the person writing the article "must" come up with something to be critical of. It's been my experience after reading hundreds of ThinkPad reviews over the years that they simply pick some aspect of the machine to complain about. I truly believe that like myself you will be amazed at how good this ThinkPad is! When I buy the very same ThinkPad being reviewed I fail to find the fault they have reported. And of _Greater Importance_ is for you to know that I am VERY PICKY! Thus if anyone can find something ever so slighly out of spec or lacking it is me. You know how us OCD engineers are.... It's nearly a sickness really, one that I would love to be able to let go off. I'm the recovering perfectionist that has not recovered one bit.....

Cheers

#8 Post by **archer6** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 5:44 pm

reforminded wrote:I have been completely spoiled by my z60m. The build quality of my Z is the best I have ever seen in a laptop--including mac-book pros which everyone seems to think are the best.

I too have one of the very first Z60m models shipped. As you mention it's a fantastic machine. Since this is a ThinkPad Forum, and my favorite place on the web, I feel it's inappropriate to comment on other brands of laptops, unless the topic comes up. In this particular case since the MacBook Pro is being discussed, I can say first hand after having four of them from the very first shipped to the my newest which is just two months old, that while they are very nice, in no way are they superior to ThinkPads. I have a close personal friend that holds a very high position of many years in the Apple Corp, he introduced me to their very first series of PowerBook laptops years ago. I immediately found them quite nice and have had perhaps 25 (PowerBooks / MacBooks / MacBook Pros) or so in the same time line as my ThinkPad ownership experience. So again the only point (and believe me I'm not bragging, just commenting) is that while nicely built, they are still in a different league than a ThinkPad. I place them as number 2 in quality, even though the design is indeed quite sleek and beautiful. However in my computing world functionality takes precedence over beauty. Finally from a point of reference, I have purchased, tested and evaluated brands such as Toshiba, Sharp, Dell, Quanta, Sager, Voodoo, Samsung, Alienware, Asus, Clevo, Compal, Fujitsu, Acer, Everex, Gateway, Sony, WidowPC, Quanta. At the end of the day, in my humble opinion, there is nothing, absolutely nothing that trumps a ThinkPad. In second place is Apple, after which everything else is an distant third.

Cheers

NorthMan7 · #9 Post by **NorthMan7** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:43 pm

Archer6, thanks for your detailled overview of Thinkpads. I never had a laptop before, but I am probably the day before ordering a Thinkpad. First I looked to the X200 and switched my choice to T400 for larger and most of all brighter screen. However, after reading about all posts on this forum, I was reluctant to proceed due to the keyboard issue. It is now clear to me that this issue has a strong "serial number" effect. I thus hope to get a "good shape" unit when ordering!

Do someone knows if Lenovo will introduce shortly something new for the T400 product line?

Czechnology · #10 Post by **Czechnology** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:28 am

archer6: I also must thank you, advices from a long time "ThinkPad-er" are of course very helpful. I'm just a three-years-thinkpad-er but still I'm looking to upgrade to a TP again.
Could you please give some comments on the LED-backlit screen? And is the keyboard-light on the display really that blinding?

As of the ports, two things make me unsure:
- the audio ports being in the front mean that when connected to the speakers at home, I will have cables pointing directly to me - a bit uncomfortable; also when the notebook is resting in my lap, there's not always plenty of room for headphones-cable to be in front;
- no TV-out
(my T-43 has audio and S-Video in- and outputs on the left side

#11 Post by **archer6** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 12:19 pm

NorthMan7 wrote:However, after reading about all posts on this forum, I was reluctant to proceed due to the keyboard issue.

Do someone knows if Lenovo will introduce shortly something new for the T400 product line?

See the link below which takes you to another thread, look for my post on that page It's entry number 29, as you count down from the top of the page. It speaks to the keyboard "issue" which is my personal opinion is highly overblown, and being made something it is not.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=66541
I find the T400 an excellent model, period. And it _is_ a new line so there will be no changes for some time. I highly endorse this model.

#12 Post by **archer6** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 12:27 pm

Czechnology wrote:Could you please give some comments on the LED-backlit screen? And is the keyboard-light on the display really that blinding?

I find the backlit screen very even, nice a bright, with good edge to edge illumination, overall it's excellent. The keyboard light is perfect. Brighter and more useful than that on my T60 series and X60s models. (Blinding? It's those negative people again!)

Czechnology wrote:As of the ports, two things make me unsure:
- the audio ports being in the front mean that when connected to the speakers at home, I will have cables pointing directly to me
- no TV-out

Unfortunately I believe that Lenovo took a que from other laptop makers that locate the audio ports along the front edge. I'm with you on this one, and find it a poor location. That said I have found small 90degree adapters that allow me to plug the cables in and have them run parallel to the front edge which solves the problem, other than being a bit unsightly.

Cheers.......

Czechnology · #13 Post by **Czechnology** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:00 pm

archer6 wrote:Blinding? It's those negative people again!

Or maybe you being too positive?

A lot brighter light doesn't have to be a big benefit if you turn it on in a deep darkness. We'll see

#14 Post by **archer6** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:36 pm

Czechnology wrote:Or maybe you being too positive?

I think you have a good point here.... as I do tend to be positive and appreciate good products. Perhaps I've also made a huge mistake as well, considering that this computer is so light and easy to handle, I've given away my flashlights and use the Think-Light instead...

Czechnology · #15 Post by **Czechnology** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:52 pm

I need just to see the keyboard, not an emergency light for car

Anyway, what stresses me the most - the warranty. Because there are not many configurations offered in my country, I'd like to order my laptop from the states (especially now when there's the 33% discount), as I can configure the system myself.
But as far as I know, there's (yet) no IWS for the new models. Does anyone please have some information and/or advices on this? Thanks a lot!

#16 Post by **archer6** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:37 pm

Czechnology wrote:what stresses me the most - the warranty. Because there are not many configurations offered in my country, I'd like to order my laptop from the states (especially now when there's the 33% discount), as I can configure the system myself.
But as far as I know, there's (yet) no IWS for the new models. Does anyone please have some information and/or advices on this? Thanks a lot!

I can certainly appreciate this challenge, and wish that I had an answer for you. There is a company called Euclid Computers, that I have dealt with several times, they are an authorized Lenovo reseller and have many models and configurations in stock. Often I buy from them when the wait from Lenovo is predicted to be months. They are very reliable, honest, and run a good business. I do not work for them, I'm simply a satisfied customer. The issue is if they will ship to you, and if that cost is prohibitive or not. This may be something that you may be aware of. They also have a toll free phone number for you to call. Here is the link to their site.
http://www.euclidcomputers.com/device/laptop

Good Luck!

reforminded · #17 Post by **reforminded** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:22 pm

To bring this thread back on the topic of the laptop that I just ordered, I have a question for any of you who have also ordered one with the LED backlit screen. What part number was on your order for the screen? Mine is 42X6321. I only ask because in the description it does not mention the LED, only that it is a 14.1 WXGA+ TFT a/camera. Can anyone who had recieved their T400 with the LED screen verify the part number for me?

Thanks,
RM

lew2 · #18 Post by **lew2** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:26 pm

reforminded wrote:What part number was on your order for the screen? Mine is 42X6321. I only ask because in the description it does not mention the LED, only that it is a 14.1 WXGA+ TFT a/camera. Can anyone who had recieved their T400 with the LED screen verify the part number for me?

You can rest easy. I received my T400 with WXGA+ LED w/ Camera and my order confirmation showed the same part number.

-- Lew

#19 Post by **archer6** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:48 pm

reforminded wrote:I have a question for any of you who have also ordered one with the LED backlit screen. What part number was on your order for the screen? Mine is 42X6321. I only ask because in the description it does not mention the LED, only that it is a 14.1 WXGA+ TFT a/camera. Can anyone who had recieved their T400 with the LED screen verify the part number for me?

I have received my T400 and it has the LED backlight. The correct and only part number is: 42T0498.
According to the info you have supplied you do NOT have the LED backlight display.
---------------------------------
Edit:
After reading the post above, I'm not sure what to tell you, as perhaps there was a batch with that part number, I looked up that number just now on the Lenovo parts lookup and it shows discontinued. My brother just received his T400 / LED backlight model two days ago, I just called him and his has the same number as mine listed above. So who knows what you are going to get? I do know from recent parts orders that I have placed since Lenovo has completely taken over, that there has been errors on the web site. I've ordered various parts and in about 70% of the orders (more than 10) I've placed, the parts were incorrect and I waited months before they could get it sorted out and then the parts that I received were correct, but the numbers did not match what was on the site. So who knows.

Good luck to you, I wish you the best!

reforminded · #20 Post by **reforminded** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 5:18 pm

I just searched the Parts website and 42X6321 does not even come up in the database, so I am guessing it is a new part number.

lew2 · #21 Post by **lew2** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:51 pm

I think that may be some sort of pseudo part number for the display which is later changed to the real part # when the system is built -- remember the LG and Samsung panels have two different part #'s and which will be put into the system is not determinable at the time or order. Thus I believe it is a "placeholder" part #.

When I look up my system on Lenovo, the part # for the panel now shows 42T0497 -- common enough for the build part # to be one less than the FRU part # of 42T0498.

I think we're on the verge over analyzing this just a little bit. If the system doesn't have what you ordered when you get it, make a ruckus and refuse the charge on your credit card.

reforminded · #22 Post by **reforminded** » Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:31 pm

lew2 wrote:I think that may be some sort of pseudo part number for the display which is later changed to the real part # when the system is built -- remember the LG and Samsung panels have two different part #'s and which will be put into the system is not determinable at the time or order. Thus I believe it is a "placeholder" part #.

When I look up my system on Lenovo, the part # for the panel now shows 42T0497 -- common enough for the build part # to be one less than the FRU part # of 42T0498.

I think we're on the verge over analyzing this just a little bit. If the system doesn't have what you ordered when you get it, make a ruckus and refuse the charge on your credit card.

Gotcha. But just to confirm, on your initial order confirmation the screen was listed as "42X6321"?
Thanks,
RM

lew2 · #23 Post by **lew2** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:50 am

Yes, it was listed as:

Qty Component Description Cost
1 42X6321 SBB 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, W/ CAMERA $0.00

reforminded · #24 Post by **reforminded** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:16 am

lew2 wrote:Yes, it was listed as:

Qty Component Description Cost
1 42X6321 SBB 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, W/ CAMERA $0.00

Thanks for the reply! Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

RM

Czechnology · #25 Post by **Czechnology** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:22 am

So, it seems that my T400 won't be coming on the way, since Lenovo doesn't accept foreign credit cards

Would PayPal make a difference?

#26 Post by **archer6** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:17 pm

lew2 wrote:I think we're on the verge over analyzing this just a little bit. If the system doesn't have what you ordered when you get it, make a ruckus and refuse the charge on your credit card.

I agree. I know I'm certainly guilty of over analyzing from time to time, especially when one is trying to be certain. It still baffles me, but I'm going to let it go. As mine was numbered completely different as was my brothers (same as mine) and our orders are the same as the OP here.

reforminded · #27 Post by **reforminded** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:25 am

My estimated ship date is october 2nd! Man am I excited. I am already a little worried I will miss my rock-solid and trustworthy Z60 though. Archer--did you ever own a Z? How does the T400 compare?

#28 Post by **archer6** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:06 pm

reforminded wrote:My estimated ship date is october 2nd! Man am I excited. I am already a little worried I will miss my rock-solid and trustworthy Z60 though. Archer--did you ever own a Z? How does the T400 compare?

Ironically, and quite luckily, in March of 2006 (during the 60 series days), I heard a rumor from a very good source within IBM / Lenovo that the upcoming 61 series and those that followed would be of a slightly different form factor. So I decided to hedge my bet, pull out all the stops and replace every ThinkPad I had, with the ones that were most appealing and useful to me. Thus I purchased one each: T60p / T60 / Z60m / R60 / X60s and I'm certainly glad I did, as each of these are ideal for my needs. They are fast, run cool, and all have centered LCD displays surrounded by very thin bezels.

The biggest complaint I have about the newer models is the massive bezels that surround the offset (to the right) LCD panels. It really bothers me, however it's only because I'm really picky as I could see the average person not even noticing, or being bothered. As far as the Z60m vs T400 / T500 models, I must say the newer ones are not as robust. Not bad and indeed lighter which is a nice benefit, but it all comes down to our own preferences. Personally I've never been sensitive to the weight of a ThinkPad as I prefer the solid build quality. Will you miss your Z compared to the new ThinkPad? I think you will find the newer features and light weight quite compelling and most likely you will be very happy. Offset not withstanding, I find my T400 just fine.

Cheers

ian12345 · #29 Post by **ian12345** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:01 pm

hart22 wrote:It looks like a very nice machine.

Just a few comments:

I believe the flavor of Vista you ordered is 32-bit. Unless they've changed policy currently Lenovo does not ship Ultimate 64-bit pre-installed systems except on the workstation line, such as the W700. When you get your system, windows will report 4 GB of memory installed. However, the OS will only be able to utilize 3 GB of that memory, owing to the 32-bit OS limitation. The report of 4 GB in windows despite 3 GB addressable is a Microsoft implemented reporting change in SP1. If you want to use all of your memory you'd need a 64-bit OS; your Ultimate license key on the bottom of the machine will work for any 64-bit OEM Windows Ultimate DVD.

!

Just curious but how come they won't ship the 64 bit version?

reforminded · #30 Post by **reforminded** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:33 am

Sweet! I just got shipping notification--a whole week early!

now the waiting game begins....oh how I hate the waiting game.

New fully loaded T400 on the way!

New fully loaded T400 on the way!

RAM

Re: New fully loaded T400 on the way!

reply

Re: reply

Re: reply

Back on topic

Re: Back on topic

Re: Back on topic

Shipped!

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