Lenovo ThinkPad T410s Review Discussion

The Lenovo ThinkPad T410s is a refresh of the older T400s, adding the latest Intel Core i5 processors and optional NVIDIA switchable graphics. The T410s is a slimmed down version of the standard 14-inch T-series notebook, with a much thinner body, matching the design of the ThinkPad X301. In this review we find out how well the T410s stacks up against the previous version and if you should consider it for your next notebook.

Read the full content of this Article: Lenovo ThinkPad T410s Review

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I honestly don't see the value of this to a consumer. The ASUS U35Jc would be a much superior choice. In comparison to the ASUS, the price of the T410s is just outrageous.

 

I agree with this as well. There is a lot out there for this price that is "more for your money".

 

It's not aimed at normal consumers though, seeing as it's a business laptop and a class one at that.

 

I feel they are taking two steps forward and one step back. I like that it has esata, displayport but only 4 hours and 11 minutes of run time!? The X100e which has a AMD processor get 4 and a half hours. I know its not comparing apples to apples but going from about 6 hours on the 6 cell on the T400 to about 4 hours now is crazy. I'm disappointed.

And this not considering the problems with the switchable graphics that I have been hearing about on the forum. That it throttles down the performance because of heat issues

 

Just like the T400s series, the biggest flaws are still there: the below average 6-bit TN panels and limited battery choices (with low WHr). As stated above, this notebook targeted towards businesses and IMO of much better build quality than the Asus. Also, switchable graphics is a lot more difficult to implement well in reality (despite it's theoretical benefits) since companies need to coordinate their drivers (ie. Lenovo (ODM) + Intel + ATI/nVidia) in order to get smooth operation.

 

I think part of the allure of this particular model is the rugged build quality mixed with premium finish. It has the magnesium cage and also has nice features like the dual microphone setup and integrated skype. I haven't been the market for a while but I do think that this is one of the rare notebooks with a matte 14 inch screen and 1440*900 resolution. Small, cool, quiet, rugged, quick enough for productivity. Not bad.

 

thanks for the review Kevin, been hoping you guys would cover this. I am in the market for getting a new notebook, looking at the X301 and this. Battery life is essential to me though so that's very disappointing to see so much less than the T400s, seems like the processor would have a lot to do with that. It's really too bad there isn't a higher capacity battery offered, but you can go with the ultra-bay 3-cell battery for +$120.

And yes, for consumers I doubt the T410s makes sense relative to some cheaper offerings from Asus and Acer in this thin and light 14" range, but the durability, finish and keyboard on the T410s will be superior and the built-in ThinkPad software also more business oriented.

 

Nice review. The allure of this notebook seems to be the high resolution 14" screen in a thin-and-light package . . . and that's about it. The price is quite steep and the battery life is below expectations. I think I'd pass on this in favor of a Dell E6410 or HP 8440p.

The DisplayPort specification includes both audio and video:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort
Did you test to see whether the T410s supported it? It should have shown up in the device manager as an audio device (I think).

 

Yes, excellent review indeed !
I'm glad I went with my X301 back last November. Last of it's kind. I ALMOST went with the T400s, but went with my gut and got the X301 instead (I wanted the BEST laptop for portability, since my T61 is my daily driver for my desktop replacement lappy, the X301 is solely used for on the go / vacation / travel ).

The T410s is just as nice, with added horsepower, same thin housing, etc. When my T61 dies on me 3-4 years from now, I definitely plan on replacing it with another thin form factor Thinkpad (probably the T450s or something by then )

 

The T410s' DP should support audio over it. I believe users in the Thinkpad forum have tested it.

 

Checked for it as I wrote that section. Only one audio device was visible for output (speakers) where most HDMI systems will have digital audio out.

 

I have the same T410s as the reviewer, except for the SSD: mine is a smaller 128-gb Samsung.

It's a fast machine, light and OK to carry. Battery life is not so bad considering it's a 6-cell only - plus it's easy to plug in another 3-cell. I also like the hard disk bay, extremely useful.

However I am a bit disappointed with this laptop. As mentioned the screen definitely is sub-par. Also the switching software between graphics cards (Intel / discrete) is clumsy and not too reliable: twice the screen turned black and I had to reboot. (Windows 7 also had 2 unexplained BSoD in a month). The size (1.8") of the main disk is a limitation, too.

All in all I'd probably not buy the laptop again. I'd rather get a plain T410 for work + a second-hand X series for portability.

 

Great review!
I have a T410s with integrated graphics and the 250 gig HD.
I was also a bit disappointed with the screen until I used my eye-one display 2 calibrator to create a monitor profile. It calibrated quite nicely and now the whites are white and the blacks are black and the colors although less vibrant are more realistic. The viewing angles are still poor but that does not affect me, other than to enhance my privacy.
Battery life is a trade off when you want thin and light. I didn't want the added depth and weight of a battery that stuck out the back, and I prefer my ports on the back also. I purchased the ultra bay battery and while I am glad I have it I rarely need to use it.
My reason for choosing this laptop was the ThinkPad keyboard, track point, durability, finger print reader, and all the computing power I need, all in a form factor that is comfortable to use and to carry. I have owned both X and T series ThinkPads and I find this one to be (for my needs) the best of both worlds.
So far it has been rock solid with Windows 7 64 bit. And plenty capable for a non-gamer like me.

 

How is ASUS U35Jc a "much superior choice" when for the same weight, it doesn't have an optical drive, it has a reflective screen that's impossible to see in sunlight, and no ThinkLight?

 

Plus a lower res screen vs the T410 1440x900 optional res screen.