Lenovo ThinkPad T500 First Look

by Kevin O'Brien

The T500 Thinkpad is the latest 15.4" refresh of the longstanding T-series out of Lenovo. Combining the latest generation of Intel goodies, ATI Hybrid graphics, and DisplayPort connection this notebook has many new things to offer over the previous ThinkPads. With all these changes taking place, is Lenovo keeping the ThinkPad as well built as we have come to expect, or has some quality slipped through the cracks? Read on to see what we think of the new T500, and how this new model stacks up to the older ThinkPads.

Our ThinkPad T500 specifications:

• Screen: 15.4" 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+ LCD (Matte finish)
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.80GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 6MB Cache)
• Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM
• Storage: 160GB HDD (7200rpm)
• Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
• Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0
• Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 w/ 256MB (hybrid switching)
• Built-in web camera
• Battery: 9-cell (84Wh)
• Dimensions: 14.1" x 10/10.9" x 1.8"
• Weight: 6lbs 7.2oz (w/ 9 cell battery)
• Retail Price: $2,223

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Build and Design

The design of the T500 has changed a bit. The changes are subtle to the untrained eye, but they are there. The right side is now gently sloped similar to what can be found on the older T4x series, where the sides angle inward instead of dropping off flat. First clue about this is the optical drive bezel which sports a nice beveled edge. The rubber feet have also been slightly tweaked, now feeling softer than before, meaning less sliding on your desk surface. Moving past the minor case design changes, the ThinkPad is every bit as conservative (boring) as all of those preceding it. We have the same paint, same durable rubbery texture, and we still have our ThinkPad logo.

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Build quality is very similar to the previous generation T61, with all of its strengths and weaknesses. Fit and finish are great with most parts, but you still have a good amount of battery wiggle in the back, as well as the cheaper feeling plastic LCD lid. The molded plastic panels throughout the notebook feel sturdy, overall feeling much like the previous generation of notebooks. Compared to the pre-Lenovo Thinkpads, the T500 feels leaps and bounds better. Now the T500 is not without its flaws, and the new keyboard definitely falls into the flaws category.

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Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard layout has stayed the same, with only very minor changes in the feel of the key presses. Some of this may be attributed to the differences in keyboard suppliers (NMB, ALPS, and Chicony) though, as my T60 came with the "clickier" Chicony keyboard, whereas the T500 is much quieter. The keyboard strength seems to have changed, with more flex present on the right side of the keyboard. To find the culprit of this flex, I took apart the notebook and inspected the keyboard area.

The T60 keyboard base (left) versus the
T500 keyboard base (right) (view large image)

To my great surprise, I found Lenovo had completely redesigned the keyboard, with weight savings as the primary goal. The old design has a much stronger back-plate, which is removed on the new revision. This cuts weight by 25 percent from the old model, but at the huge disadvantage of tarnishing the long-standing ThinkPad keyboard reputation. As with older models, the liquid drains are still in place, ready to get your notebook out of harm's way if a stray coffee or soda spills all over it.

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The touchpad has grown compared to the T61, expanding to the width of the lower touchpad buttons. With the ThinkPad touchpads always being the runts compared to other notebook designs, this change was very welcomed (even if they did paint scroll arrows on it). The texture is identical to the older touchpad, and sensitivity is just as good.

What still works and what doesn't

Those who have older ThinkPad accessories from the T6x/R6x generation will be happy to know all of the older docking stations are still fully compatible with the new notebooks. I can't say for certain that the older equipment won't be replaced with newer revisions that offer different connections, but at least you won't need to upgrade.

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The optical bay connections have changed from the previous generation, moving more towards a SATA style connector, rendering older drive incompatible. The power connection for use with the UltraBay battery remained the same though.

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Display

The CCFL-backlit display on our T500 looked nearly identical to the display currently shipping with the older 15.4" T61 models. Brightness is much less than the LED-backlit panel found in the new T400, but still good when compared to other notebooks on the market. Backlit evenness is very consistent throughout the display, with no excessive bright or dark areas. Contrast appears to be very nice, and the colors are bright and vivid without looking washed out. Viewing angles rate better than average, but not excellent. Vertical viewing has a nice sweet spot before colors start to wash our or invert, and the horizontal range is better still.

One defect or feature which was thankfully not present in our review model screen panel was a shimmering or dirty white texture. Some of the older matte ThinkPad screens had this problem that annoyed many users, and from what I can tell this screen had none of this in the slightest.

Performance

Our Lenovo ThinkPad T500 came with the Intel T9600 processor, clocking in at 2.8GHz, and jammed packed with 6MB of cache. For graphics, Lenovo included an ATI Radeon 3650 video card with 256MB of GDDR3 memory. This combination proved to be exceptionally fast in the Windows Vista environment, getting very high synthetic benchmark scores. The T500 came through with an impressively low wPrime result of 27 seconds, more than 7,000 in PCMark05, and more than 4,000 in 3DMark06.

A screenshot for the game Portal running
at 1680x1050 resolution. (view large image)

Gaming was not a problem with the T500, handling games such as BioShock at native 1680x1050 resolution at 15-20FPS. If you scaled the resolution back to 1280x800 20-30FPS. Slightly less intensive games like Portal or Half-Life 2 were more manageable with higher frame rates, but this was quite impressive for anon-workstation-class business notebook.

Battery Life

Unlike the T400 which saw a massive jump in battery life over the previous generation 14" notebook as a result of the LED-backlit screen, the T500's battery life was in line with the 15.4" T61. While the 9-cell battery in the T400 gave 7-8 hours of battery life, the same capacity in the T500 barely manages 6 hours. The key differences between each notebook are the screen size, backlit technology, and graphics card model, as all of the other options are identical.

More To Come

That's all for this first look at the new ThinkPad T500. Be sure to keep your eyes open for our full, in-depth review of the T500 in a few days.

 

I was always planning on buying a T series but with the audio ports in front and keyboard loss im not so sure

 

What? Do I hear the sound of a closing casket?

 

What the heck is wrong with them, the new keyboard construction is certainly a downfall.

 

You can buy an old T60/T61 keyboard and (probably) put it into the T400/T500. It would cost about $35.

 

I know this will probably not happen but I hope lenovo will revert to the old keyboard design in future Thinkpads. I don't understand why they redesigned the keyboard to shave off that little bit of weight.

 

If you read the T400 first look you already saw this one. Most of the text was copied and pasted word for word!

 

Thanks for this first look.

I see some DDR3 RAM. Could you please give us the timings as reported by CPU-z and run the SiSoftware Sandra memory bandwidth benchmark, so we get some substance for the ongoing discussion about the benefit of DDR3.

Thanks,

John

 

Timings in CPU-z are all fugly. It is showing up as DDR2, and most is greyed out.

In Sandra, the T500 gets 5576MB/s

 

Thanks very much. That is a useful hike on the normal DDR2-667 (~4400MB/s).

Do you have a Montevina machine with DDR2-800 also sitting in the office so we can have a direct comparison between the Montevina RAM options?

John

PS: Does Sandra understand the memory timings?

 

I can't believe they messed with the keyboard. OMG, that was the ONE thing I was looking forward to, when getting a replacement for my destroyed T42p. This is outrageous!!!

I mean... read every review out there, ALL of them had the "they keyboard is still excellent, the best around" parts in them. Now the reviews will be "the keyboard is not as good as it used to." I'm shocked, really.

I guess I'll have to look at other options now. Or maybe get an X300, or whatever.

 

If you get the T61p the audio ports are on the left side. Seems like they did rearrange the ports a little bit. I don't really think for the better either.

The keyboard is a disappointment too. The only problem I could see with using a T60 keyboard for a T500 keyboard is it is possible the connecting screws are in different locations.
Tim

 

Hey Kevin, since you have a spare older keyboard for the comparison shot, could you pop it into the T500 or 400 and make sure it fits alright?

 

The keyboards are identical in every way except that back panel thickness. It fits perfectly and everything works peachy. I tested it the first night with my T60 keyboard.

 

The decision to modify the keyboard is just...stupid.

 

Probably is going to lose a few sales too. Anyone I talk to that knows about laptops knows of the Thinkpad keyboards.

Not anymore...

 

The additional memory bandwidth should really help smooth out the Vista experience. A 1066Mhz FSB processor with 1066Mhz FSB memory brings the notebook into identical performance with desktop computers now. As icing on the table, DDR3 memory uses approximately 17% less power than DDR2.

 

Yeah. It's one of the most important aspects of a ThinkPad and now they weaken it for...how many grams?

 

Does the T400 share the same keyboard? It certainly is a step down from what it used to be...

 

Hi Kevin

in what resolution did you run the 3DMark06?
the notebookcheck gives it an average of 3400.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-3650.8839.0.html
And don't you guys start telling me off that Ncheck is unreliable. I wanna run flight simulator x on it, how else can I tell if I need to strap 6 pounds on my back or just 4.7 for the T400 to have it run smoothly?

the site http://www.yougamers.com/gameometer/10110/ says the flight simulator X recommended config is the nvidia geforce 7900 which does about 3700 3dmark06 points, so that's my scale.

secondly, why is Lenovo saying that this machine weighs 5.8lb with the 6 cell battery? I found out that the 9 cell battery weighs 0.3lb more than the 6 cell, so it should be 6.1, not 6.45 as you have weighed. Any insights?
http://shop.lenovo.com/ISS_Static/merchandising/US/PDFs/t400_and_t500_datasheet.pdf


thanks

 

i think now HP has the best keyboard(business line of course )

 

To get consistent results across the board on all notebooks, every 3DMark06 test is run at 1280x800.

 

Yes, I believe that the T400 and T500 keyboads are one in the same.
The question I have is this, is the keyboard on the T61 built like the T500/400? Or is the back flush like on the T60's ? I just ask this because on my T61, I also notice a lot of flex from the right side of the keyboard (specifically where the arrow keys are).

Thanks !

Mike

 

not to start a mass outrage...but i dont see what the big deal of the keyboard being changed is....i mean its not like its gunna snap in half while typing. That seems kind of extreme to call it a "deal breaker". who knows maybe im the crazy one...

 

The keyboard would not be enough to be a deal breaker for me. However, Thinkpads are, and always have been known for a good solid keyboard. True, while the keyboard is still VERY good, it's not AS good as it once was. I think that, in my own opinion, that technology should IMPROVE with future released laptops, not decline. Lenovo removing this piece from the back of a perfectly adequate keyboard to save what . . . a few ounces, just goes to show that they are in fact trying to cut corners. And, again, I also think that they (Lenovo) are doing a very good job in their new product releases as well. (The new LED screen, far superior battery life, a new 17 inch Thinkpad model, a web cam in the 15.4 inch T model, etc.) So, they are going in the right direction, but also at the same time taking a few steps back. This is the best way I can describe it.
Again, would I NOT buy a new T500 because of this little issue, heck no.

 

On all the new T400/500 forums ive just been reading about people complaining about a slight downgrade in keyboard or moving headphone jacks or verticle usb slots. You are right to point out all of the positives of the new lineup especially the T400. All I see are people talking about how they arent going to buy it for lack of a sturdy keyboard of headeset jacks in front. How about focussing on the good things that are MAJOR improvements over the T61. I would sacrifice any day the older keyboard and headset jacks not being on the side for an exponential battery increase in the T400 and the LED screen that seems to blow away the previous screens. Quit being so negative people! Would you rather have the downgrade keyboard and all that with a crappy screen and worse battery life?

 

Would the keyboard from the R61i fit too (In both the T400/T500)?

 

Hey Kevin, I saw that the 9 cell battery sticks out a bit on the T500, I was wondering if the 6 cell battery sticks out too (like it does in the T400). Shouldn't they have at least one battery option that doesn't stick out?

 

I would agree with that except with the T500 it sounds like there are no improvements other than the CPU/GPU/RAM (which are all expected advances in any new model).. and the keyboard got a bit of a downgrade.

Thinkpads are known to have the best keyboards in notebooks, no comparison. Even if it's still a good keyboard, if its not at the same or higher quality as before people will be disappointed.

 

it's to bad that keyboard got downgraded... still way cheaper than a dell right now...
as of 2008/08/19
WSXGA+
3GB DDR3
320GB HDD
intergated GPU
2.8Ghz
vista ultimate
+ BT + intel wifi 5300 + fingerprint + cam
9cell
1800 CAD.

 

I believe the 6 cell battery will not stick out. On the 15.4" T61 the 6 cell battery does not stick out.
Tim

 

Thanks Tim, now all I need is that trademark Lenovo price drop for the discreet graphics model...

 

From the 1st day Lenovo took over I noticed an acceptable decline in quality I understood from what I read in forums that Lenovo had to streamline little bit to be able to compete with other PC vendors which was understandable & acceptable to me however the Keyboard is red line that shouldn’t be crossed what keeps me buying ThinkPad’s over and over is the Legendary Keyboard! once its gone its no more a ThinkPad my plans for now is to stick with my T61 and when its life cycle is complete I will seriously consider someone else.

 

The only reason, for me, to buy a thinkpad over other computers is the keyboard. That's it.

 

Any chance we can get a video of the flexing?

Just to see how bad really is.

I'd appreciate it!

I was about to buy a T500, just this afternoon, luckily I entered NBR before anything

 

A video is a good idea, many people take "flexes" as really bad. Maybe it's not as bad after all.

 

Why is it so hard to just drop in a T60/61 keyboard off of ebay? All notebooks have some defect or design flaw and they are usually permanent. The zealotry here is amazing over a $35, user-replaceable part. It makes me wonder what some of you do with your laptops that you'll buy or stick with a less capable laptop because you can flex a keyboard if you press really hard. Do you use them as elbow rests, ottoman or coasters for really heavy mugs?

I for one will be happily typing on my flexy keyboard and putting those Ghz and GB to work. My thinkpad will be doing things that computers do well, like computing things, not serving as a pot holder for my stock pot.

 

LOL. Well said. I think the outrage went overboard. At least, wait for some other reviews and *opinion* before screaming. Or better, try the laptop yourself.

 

If it's only for the GHz and the GB I'd rather buy an Acer or Toshiba..

 

Ok, you go ahead and type on your flexy keyboard.

 

I couldn't help have a good chuckle as I read the posts. It's as if our favourite actor decided to stop acting and make light bulbs. hehehe..

I'm quite happy that I got my T61p. I was afraid that the T500 or T400 would be many times better that I'd have 'buyer's regret', but, not so much now.

I don't really understand why they took the effort to cut out the holes, because wouldn't you need an extra manufacturing step to cut the holes as compared to just one single(ish) sheet of metal? And as for the reason of 'saving weight', it's not as if there was a sudden restriction on weight of laptops, or weight affected performance. Maybe in the future they'll offer a plausible explaination. I'm sure they did it for reasons other than costs (please please don't let it be cost! please please!!)

Then again, the hybrid ATi sounds really cool, and the LED lighting will do well for the battery life. I think only in the next model of thinkpads will we see real gusto in the LED thing as this is the first time Lenovo have done it. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.)

As for the audio jacks, I can't be bother with those things. I am, however, bothered with the mention of the new HD connection. This means people will have a *slight* migrating harddrives from the Txx to the Txxx

 

Well IMO, for the keyboard to flex more, it means that either, the sheet is (much?) thinner or that the metal/alloy used is less strong (cheaper).
So making holes instead of using a single sheet would not really make the manufacturing more expensive as the costs have already been cut before.

I think it's more a matter of price than a matter of weight, but THEY only know the reason for their action haha

 

Sigh.. It's times like these that I'm really ashamed of my Chinese heritage. The china businessmen are always trying to cut corners

 

Hmm...while the T500 battery life hasn't improved as much as the T400, it still looks much better than the T61p. My brother can't even get 4 hours with his 9-cell.

 

I love everything about it eXcept.... the gpu.

They should have put a ATI 4800 series in that baby.

 

If he disables the GPU driver I'm sure he can get more battery life out of it.

 

I just ordered a T61 14" T8100 and X3100 on Monday to take advantage of EPP offer. To my surprise I noticed that T61 14" model disappeared from the website on Tuesday and I could order a T400 for about $25 more with similar config but with P8400 and Intel 4500MHD. :confused2: I have been contemplating cancelling the order and getting the newer one but after reading the comments here, I am going to stick with my current order.

On a side note, what are the typical ship times for T61? I ordered on Monday and the status has been "In process" since then.

 

My T61 took about a week or a *little* more to get to my door, from the time I ordered it.

 

Well,

I think we have heard enough about the keyboard. I agree it is important but also believe that there are more important features on notebook to discuss...

What I am personally concerned of is the brightness of the screen...I would like to buy T500 but am disappointed about the LED backlight missing - does anybody know whether lenovo is planning to make LED on 1680x1050 any soon?

Also can someone comment on the difference between the T400 LED and T500 non LED brightness difference? Is it big big difference - 10%, 30% or how much?

 

Wrong- when discussing a thinkpad notebook the most important feature was/is the keyboard- which they have downgraded...truly disappointing...hopefully they aren't using this "lighter" keyboard on the W series as well...