From a new owner of a t400: A note on build quality

I just received my Lenovo T400 and the thing I was most guarded about in my buying-decision phase was build quality about which I'd heard many negative things. It's very difficult, even in a large city such as where I live, to get hands-on time with a Lenovo. I couldn't find one on display anywhere within 25 miles!

Anyway, we've seen many comments and even a video on Youtube harshly critiquing the T500. I can't speak for the T500 itself, but the T400 is also a recent model, and while it's too soon for me to post a detailed review, I can tell you that the build -- including the keyboard and palmrests -- appears to be very solid, to my mind, as solid as the Thinkpads that carried the IBM name.

For what it's worth. If your concern is build quality, you can check that off your list as a positive, not a negative.

 

What other notebooks have you used? Have you tried the T4x or T6x or Dell Latitude E series? How do you compare it to other models?

 

Yes, the main competition for the T400 is Dell's E6400, which also has very good build quality.

A comparison would be great. There already is somewhat of a comparison here, but it ends with a kid throwing a glass of water on his thinkpad.

 

We have discussed this a bit on here in random tid bits in various threads. The e6400 is probably better value for your dollar, so that comes into play when comparing. I personally don't think too highly of the Latitude E series keyboards...but you can get some great deals in the dell business outlet.

 

Why are the thinkpads from Lenovo so bulky?

All my genuine Thinkpads from IBM like the T41 and T42 are so slim.

 

The e6400 isn't a competitor for the t61p because it has a 14 inch screen - only.
-Renee

 

The question was asked seriously, so I thought I'd give it a try. Thinkpads from Lenovo weigh so much because real components are used including cooling. Relatively, a lot is required to make a thinkpad with reasonable throughput and cooling at the same time.

-Renee

 

I said it was a competitor to the T400...

 

The T400 (and maybe the T500) and the Latitude E6400 are my two main choices. As long as I can customize and use a dock station for connecting to an external LCD monitor, then the rest is which one is 'better' or more likely to contain what I want.

Unforunately, I can't use the 'outlet' angle. There is almost nothing in the outlet stores of either company on the Canadian sites which I would have to use. Well, I believe so.

So, keep the comparisons coming!

It is disappointing to read that the SXGA+ screen w/ LED is not available for the Thinkpads right now. That could be a deal breaker, I don't know yet.

 

In a nutshell, and sticking to facts, the E6400 has the advantages of eSATA and DisplayPort, the T400 has the advantage of switchable graphics. The E6400 is cheaper in most countries I've looked but not all, and coupons/outlet deals change that constantly.

Going beyond facts, I think the E6400 looks a million times classier than the T400, they got the "sexy yet serious" design just right in my opinion.

 

I think the e6400 look better in the dell photos...in person they were pretty meh. Not that that is important considering the D series was pretty plain and plastic looking. Of course you could get the brushed top <.<

 

I use an E6400 daily, and I must say that the bezel looks a little stark in person. Also, the lid flexes WAY too much. With the lid closed, I can easily cause the lid to flex w/ light pressure of an index finger. Aside from the screen and ports, the T400 blows it out of the water IMHO.

 

Really? My lid is pretty sturdy... I expected it to be weaker than the T400's because the laptop itself is slimmer (there's no magic here... thinner usually means weaker) but even so I have tried pressing real hard at the back of the screen and I cannot create ripples.

 

Interesting interpretations and perspectives, guys!

Is the switchable graphics that much of a bonus? Seems so with the option to save/increase battery life.

I don't mind the plain look of either although, honestly, I have not seen either up close. I've only seen them in photos. But, I think the plain jane exterior is acceptable since they are business machines and I want something sturdy over something fancy looking.

Since, I can't find a good deal in an outlet and thus, I rely on the respective (Dell/Lenovo) sites, both the T400 and Dell E6400 are of similar prices depending on which customization options you choose. I guess I'll continue to read the opinions/perspectives since they're really helpful and try to decide which features are most important to me.

 

I think the switchable graphics are more hype than substance, especially on the T400 which is already great on battery life. It's a bigger deal on the T500 because the discrete graphics are at least twice as powerful than in the T400.

The T400/T500 has the better keyboard by far over the E6400.

 

Herrkaputt,

It's no competition in my book unless it has a 15.4 inch screen. If you say, "less than a 15.4 inch screen", it's nullified.

 

I don't think I understand. Both the T400 and the E6400 are 14-inch laptops. Where did that 15-inch comment come from?

 

Well that's easy enough. I won't consider a laptop without a 15.4 inch screen.

 

Well we weren't discussing it really so that's why HerrKaputt was confused. And we don't know your preferences...

 

Why not? Everyone else's preferences are recorded and mine are not without technical merit?

-Renee

 

I am not saying that your preferences and views are not welcome. I am saying that it was not known why you mentioned the t500 (due to your preference for it) when we were mostly comparing the e6400 and the t400. I am just saying we don't automatically know why you commented about it how you did; that's all.

 

Thread starter bought a T400. Inquisitor wants comparisons between a T400 and E6400. A laptop with a 15.4 inch screen is a non-sequitur.